189. Stab-Proof Clothing

In addition to discussing the price of the stab-resistant suits, carriages, and lighting equipment as agreed upon the day before, the gathered lords also intended to purchase a batch of pens, paper, and soap.

After all, buying from the usual merchants was far too expensive—they were notorious for their greed! Even for noble families with centuries of wealth and heritage, saving coin where possible was simply good sense.

"Welcome to the Eastern Store, my lords! I hope today's visit will be to your satisfaction!"

Jason Liu stepped forward from the shop with a bright smile, his expression warm and sincere as he greeted his guests. To him, this group of tall and imposing northern lords looked like walking mountains of gold, and he had no intention of letting such an opportunity slip through his fingers.

"Lord East, we're here as we discussed yesterday. Hurry up and show me that stab-proof suit you gifted Lord Eddard!"

A loud, booming voice cut through the chatter. Jon Umber, pushed aside the lesser nobles and knights with ease, his massive frame clearing a path as he strode toward Jason Liu. "You should have more of those, right? That kind of stab-proof clothing, as strong as iron armor but much lighter?"

Standing before the towering Greatjon Umber—who stood well over two meters tall—Jason Liu suddenly felt very small. He had to crane his neck to meet the man's gaze, doing his best to maintain his friendly demeanor.

"Of course, Lord Umber! I assure all the noble lords here that there are enough for each of you to buy at least one or two sets. Aside from the colors being different from the ones given to Lord Stark, the stab-proof suits are exactly the same!"

"Step aside, Lord Umber, or better yet, have Master Jason instruct his men to bring out the goods already! Everyone's waiting!"

Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold, stepped forward and clapped Jon Umber on the shoulder impatiently.

The Karstarks, said to be distant kin to the Starks of Winterfell, held great influence in the North. Count Rickard Karstark himself was an imposing figure, his long white beard giving him a noble yet battle-hardened appearance. He was every bit the fierce northern warrior, a man who had seen many battles and commanded great respect.

"Hah! You're more impatient than I am, Lord Rickard!" the Greatjon bellowed with laughter as he stepped aside.

As Jon Umber moved back, Jason Liu finally felt relief. The oppressive presence of the massive lord had made him feel like a mere child standing before a giant.

At just 1.77 meters tall, Jason Liu felt dwarfed among these Northmen, many of whom were built like warriors straight out of legend. And while he tried to hide it, the raw, battle-hardened aura of men like Jon Umber unsettled him. He had grown up in a time of peace, not in a world where drinking, fighting, and bloodshed were part of daily life.

Not wanting to stay too close to these wild northern lords, Jason subtly moved away from Jon Umber and Lord Rickard. He positioned himself next to the more mild-mannered Lord Serwyn and the famously rotund Lord Wyman.

Lord Wyman, a massive man known for his love of food, particularly eels, was often called "the Fat Eel" behind his back. But no one dared to say it to his face.

Seeing Jason step closer to him, Lord Wyman's round face broke into a warm smile. "Master Jason, if you ever find yourself near White Harbor, do come visit. The Manderly family would be honored to host you."

Jason glanced at the influential Lord of White Harbor, unsure why he was receiving such an invitation, but he responded with an equally friendly smile. "White Harbor is the wealthiest city in the North. Under the rule of House Manderly, it prospers just as much as Oldtown in the South. If I have the opportunity, I will certainly pay a visit."

Hearing his city compared to Oldtown, one of Westeros's greatest ports, Lord Wyman's round face flushed with pleasure. "Ha! You flatter me, Master Jason. Oldtown is the most prosperous city in the Reach, and even the Citadel is located there. My White Harbor cannot compare to such greatness!"

Jason chuckled. "At least you know the truth. The North is too poor to rival the great cities of the South."

Before long, Jason's assistants emerged from the store, carrying more than twenty sets of the stab-proof suits. They lined up behind Jason, presenting the goods to the eager northern lords.

At the sight of the lightweight armor, all conversation stopped. The gathered lords and knights turned their full attention to the stab-proof clothing, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. If possible, they would have grabbed every single set for themselves.

Even Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort, who usually remained cold and unreadable, had a glint of desire in his pale, calculating eyes.

Good weapons were valuable, but excellent armor was priceless.

And these stab-proof suits weren't just protective—they were light, allowing for easy movement without sacrificing defense. Simply put, they were perfect.

Jason Liu watched their eager faces and, with a satisfied smile, finally spoke. "Due to limited supply, each lord present may purchase a maximum of two sets. The price is 50 gold dragons per set."

He had carefully considered the pricing. In Westeros, a standard suit of iron armor typically cost just 1 gold dragon. By pricing his stab-proof suits at 50 times that amount, Jason was already making an immense profit.

However, he didn't want to overreach. The stab-proof suits were only a means to an end. His true goal was to make fortunes selling carriages and solar-powered lighting—luxuries that would be irresistible to the noble class.

First, he would let them taste a small benefit. Then, when they felt comfortable and satisfied, he would reap his real rewards.

"I'll take two sets!" Jon Umber's booming voice rang out again. He turned to his son, and ordered, "Bring the coin purse and pay the man!"

His son, though still a giant of a man by normal standards, obeyed his father immediately. He hastily unfastened the heavy coin purse from his belt, ready to make the purchase. The Umber father and son had come prepared, bringing all the gold dragons they had.

Jason Liu's plan was working perfectly. These northern lords were ready to empty their purses, and soon, his real business would begin

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