In the afternoon, Jason Liu arrived at Winterfell with a map of the North. As his servants led him to the small parlor, he was surprised to find not only Lady Catelyn and Chief Steward Bernard present but also Sansa and Arya, the two young daughters of the Stark family.
"Lady Catelyn, Miss Sansa, Miss Arya, Steward Bernard," Jason Liu greeted them with a polite smile, though he was a little puzzled about why the two young Stark girls were there.
"Lord Jason," Bernard gave a respectful bow.
Lady Catelyn nodded in acknowledgment. "Mr. Jason, thank you for coming all this way. I appreciate your time."
Sansa, ever the proper lady, blushed slightly. She held the sides of her blue dress and curtsied gracefully. "Good day, Mr. Jason."
Arya, in contrast, clumsily mimicked her sister's curtsy. Her form was far from perfect, making it clear she hadn't practiced much. Still, she greeted him with a bright smile. "Lord Jason!"
Catelyn gave Arya a subtle but firm look, warning her to behave. Then, with a warm smile, she invited Jason to take a seat.
Jason sat at the round table, while Bernard stood behind Lady Catelyn with a composed and attentive demeanor. Sansa and Arya sat beside their mother, with Sansa maintaining a polite and quiet smile. Arya, however, looked restless, shifting in her seat and glancing around the room. If she didn't have a reason to be here, she would have likely run off already—listening to boring discussions wasn't something she enjoyed.
"Yesterday, my husband mentioned that you plan to build a lumber mill outside the Wolfswood and purchase trees from Winterfell," Lady Catelyn got straight to the point while keeping Arya, who was fidgeting beside her, in check.
Selling timber was no small matter. If this deal went through, Winterfell would have a steady source of income in the future. Catelyn fully understood the importance of this business opportunity.
"Yes, Lady Catelyn. I discussed this matter with Lord Eddard yesterday," Jason confirmed. "We agreed that trees with a diameter of 30 to 50 centimeters will be purchased for one silver stag each, and any tree over 50 centimeters will be worth two silver stags."
Repeating the terms he had discussed with Lord Stark, Jason ensured there was no misunderstanding.
Hearing this directly from Jason Liu, Lady Catelyn felt more at ease. A pleased smile formed on her face. "That sounds acceptable, Lord Jason. On behalf of Winterfell, I agree to your offer. However, have you decided where you will build the lumber mill?"
"Yes, my lady, that is actually why I came to see you today."
Jason unfolded the map of the North and spread it across the table. He pointed to a location less than ten kilometers south of Winterfell, along the Kingsroad. "I intend to build the lumber mill here, on the western bank of this river tributary. It's a flat, open wasteland near the Wolfswood."
Bernard leaned in, bending slightly to examine the location closely. Lady Catelyn followed suit, studying the marked spot on the map. However, not being intimately familiar with every piece of land around Winterfell, she glanced at Bernard with a questioning look.
Understanding her unspoken inquiry, Bernard nodded. "That area is indeed a flat wasteland, my lady. It is quite suitable for constructing the lumber mill."
Catelyn was reassured by Bernard's confirmation. If the land was of no real value, there was no reason not to let Jason use it.
"Very well, Lord Jason. You may establish your lumber mill there. If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Lady Catelyn."
Jason wasn't surprised by her agreement. After all, it was merely an unused piece of land.
"Additionally, the construction of the lumber mill, as well as future logging and transportation, will require a significant workforce. I would like permission to recruit workers from the villages near Winterfell."
Catelyn thought for a moment before looking at Bernard again. Then she spoke carefully. "That should be fine, but you must ensure that this does not interfere with the farmers' planting and harvesting seasons. During their free time, they may work at your lumber mill."
In the harsh North, food production was of utmost importance, and she could not allow anything to disrupt it.
"I completely understand, my lady. I assure you that farm work will not be affected," Jason promised earnestly.
"Good."
"This afternoon, I plan to visit the chosen site myself. Steward Bernard, would you be available to accompany me?" Jason turned to the older man.
"Of course, Lord Jason. I would be happy to show you the land personally," Bernard responded immediately.
"Excellent. That settles the matter of the lumber mill."
Catelyn smiled but then hesitated slightly, as if unsure about what to say next. Finally, she spoke with a bit of reluctance. "Lord Jason, if I may take up a little more of your time—"
Before she could finish, Arya excitedly jumped up from her seat and pulled something from her pocket. "Mr. Jason, what is this black stuff? How do we use it?"
She held out a small box in her hand, looking at him curiously.
Jason glanced at the box and immediately recognized it—it was a charcoal face mask. No wonder they were confused.
Seeing that the business discussion had concluded, Bernard took the opportunity to excuse himself. "Lady Catelyn, Lord Jason, if you will allow me, I shall make the necessary arrangements for our afternoon visit to the site. I will meet Lord Jason at his store later."
Jason nodded, giving his approval, and watched as Bernard left the room.
Now, he turned his attention back to Catelyn and her daughters.
"Lady Catelyn, Miss Sansa, Miss Arya, this is a skincare product from my homeland called a 'face mask.' You apply it to your face at night before bed, leave it on for a few minutes, and then remove it. It helps keep the skin smooth, hydrated, and glowing."
Jason adjusted his explanation slightly to make it easier for them to understand.
As expected, the moment he mentioned it could make their skin look better, both Sansa and Catelyn became more interested. Arya, on the other hand, seemed a bit skeptical.
"Really? That sounds strange," Arya said, tilting her head.
Sansa, however, looked intrigued. "That sounds wonderful! Is it popular where you come from, Mr. Jason?"
Jason nodded. "Yes, it is quite popular, especially among ladies."
Lady Catelyn examined the box with renewed interest, clearly considering whether she should try it. Jason could see the curiosity in her expression, and he knew that once they tried it, they would likely enjoy the results.
Women, no matter their station, always had a desire to maintain their beauty.
With that thought, Jason leaned back slightly, prepared for the inevitable questions that would follow.
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