180. Magic? No, It's Science

With Lord Eddard Stark's permission, Jason Liu instructed Barron and the other workers to dismantle a set of solar panels, positioning them to face south. They carefully ran the wires into one of the castle's rooms, setting up everything as instructed.

While Barron and his men worked, Jason Liu turned to explain the process to the gathered nobles. "As I mentioned before, this is called 'electricity.' These glass solar panels absorb sunlight, generate power, and then transfer that power through wires into this battery."

He gestured toward the gel battery that one of his workers had already wired up. "The electricity is stored here, and when needed, it can be released at night. The power travels through the wires to this energy-saving lamp, which will light up the room. Watch this--"

Jason signaled Barron, who held the wired lamp. Then, Jason flicked the switch.

The dimly lit castle room was suddenly bathed in bright white light, far brighter than any candle or oil lamp.

A wave of gasps swept through the northern nobles standing behind Jason. He could hear their shocked whispers and couldn't help but smirk.

Haha, just look at them. A bunch of medieval nobles witnessing modern technology for the first time!

"It's so bright! This lamp is much better than a candle!" Lady Barbette gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment.

"This is like the magic from old legends..." murmured Earl Horwood, stroking his beard while staring at the glowing lamp in disbelief.

Even Roose Bolton, known for his cold demeanor, couldn't hide the flicker of shock in his pale eyes.

The northern lords couldn't comprehend how sunlight hitting a black glass panel could somehow power a lamp inside a castle. To them, it was nothing short of sorcery.

Is this mysterious 'electricity' what the people of the Cai Empire call magic? they wondered.

Jason noticed the way they were looking at him now—there was a trace of awe in their eyes.

In Westeros, where superstition ran deep, people still feared and respected those who dabbled in alchemy, wildfire, and other mysterious arts. They regarded all things they did not understand with a mixture of reverence and caution.

"No," Jason corrected them firmly. "This is not magic. It's a natural phenomenon, just like thunder and lightning during a storm. Electricity is the same as the lightning you see in the sky."

He had no intention of being mistaken for a sorcerer. Magic wielders in Westeros were often met with fear, suspicion, or outright hostility. The last thing he needed was to be branded as a dangerous wizard.

After repeated explanations, the northern lords finally started to relax. As long as it wasn't magic, they were willing to accept it.

"Lord Stark," Jason continued, "I have brought five sets of these energy-saving lamps, a total of fifteen in all. If you permit, my men can install them throughout the castle today. They will provide bright, smokeless light at night."

Eddard Stark exchanged glances with his wife, Lady Catelyn. After a moment, he nodded. "Then I will leave it to you, Lord East. We deeply appreciate the gifts you have brought to House Stark. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Lord Stark. I will keep that in mind," Jason replied with a polite smile.

Of course, he had his own requests, but he wasn't going to bring them up now. That would make him seem greedy and impatient. No, negotiations were best done in private, away from prying eyes and ears.

For now, he was satisfied with impressing them.

The northern lords were thrilled by the display of technology. For them, entertainment was scarce in these times, and witnessing such marvels gave them something to talk about. They would soon boast to other lords about the 'magic' brought by the young Earl of Spark City.

That was the life of Westerosi nobles—attend banquets, feast and drink, and outshine each other with stories of grandeur.

Jason didn't care about their social games. His focus remained on business. He was here to sell his wagons and solar lighting.

However, some of the northern lords were also interested in the stab-resistant suits he had brought. He considered selling them a few sets at a high price—but only a few. He had no intention of letting these nobles get their hands on too many of his protective gear. That was something he wanted exclusively for his own men.

As the day wore on, it was time for the grand luncheon. Everyone made their way to the great hall of Winterfell.

Compared to Jason Liu's small castle, Winterfell's hall was massive. Covering an area of about a thousand square meters, it could accommodate hundreds of people at once.

Banners of the great northern houses adorned the stone walls. The direwolf sigil of House Stark dominated the center, flanked by the battle axe of House Cerwyn, the skinned man of House Bolton, the merman of House Manderly, the black bear of House Mormont, and many more.

Among them, Jason's Starfire banner was also displayed, a clear sign that House East was recognized and included in this prestigious gathering.

Long tables stretched across the hall. The largest one in the center was reserved for the most important guests—Duke Eddard Stark and his closest vassals. Jason Liu was invited to sit at this main table due to his unique status as a foreign noble and guest.

At the head of the table sat Lord Eddard Stark, Duke of Winterfell and Warden of the North. To his left and right were Rickard Karstark of Karhold and Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort.

Jason was seated further down, next to Lord Glover of Deepwood Motte and Lord Tallhart of Torrhen's Square.

Lady Catelyn Stark sat at a separate table with the Stark children, where she hosted other noble ladies, including Lady Mormont and her daughter, Dacey.

Robb Stark, heir to Winterfell, was tasked with entertaining the young heirs of the northern houses.

Elsewhere in the hall, scholars, knights, and guards from various houses took their seats.

The tables were covered with roasted meats, fresh bread, and steaming dishes, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of a northern feast.

Once the food was served, there was no need for business talk. The noble lords, who had initially been reserved, soon let loose. They raised their massive goblets, toasting each other heartily.

As expected, Lord Eddard Stark was the most popular target for toasts, with many of his bannermen lifting their drinks in his honor.

Jason took a sip of his own wine, watching with amusement.

This was Westeros—where alliances were strengthened, and deals were made over feasts and ale.

And Jason Liu was here to make the most of it.

------------------

For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse