"Listen up, everyone," said Wright. "These products concern each of your islands—Tyrosh alone cannot meet the production demand.
"Ashara Dayne and Andrew Estermont, your islands, Gemstone Isle and Green Trutle Hall, have relatively flat terrain. Focus entirely on growing fruit trees. The winery in Tyrosh will purchase all the fruit you produce over the next ten years, no matter how much."
"Understood." The two had secured a stable industry while still having room for other ventures.
Wright continued, "Garlan Tyrell and Hobber Redwyne, Bloodstone Port and Torture's Deep will serve as ship repair and supply stations. Besides producing sails and ship nails, you must establish precision workshops. All orders for lightweight waterproof fabric for umbrellas and small metal components will go to you, and there will be more products in the future."
"As you command, Lord Wright."
"Aurane Velaryon and Gunthor Hightower, Seagull Island and Crabkeep will focus primarily on shipbuilding."
Aurane Velaryon asked, "Lord Wright, we have sails and ship nails, but high-quality lumber for shipbuilding is hard to come by."
"Buy it?!" Wright scoffed. "I assigned shipbuilding to you because your lands are close to the Disputed Lands. And why are they called the Disputed Lands? Because no one owns them! Send men ashore to cut down trees—whoever claims them first owns them. If anyone dares challenge you, draw your swords and cut them down! If you can't win, come to me."
"As you command, Lord Wright."
"However," Wright added, "when selling ships to the other lords of the Stepstones, you must lower the price."
"Of course," Aurane Velaryon nodded. "We're all part of this archipelago, and the wood costs us nothing. We'll keep prices low, but let's keep that information from outsiders."
"Agreed, no problem!"
"Haha! If you need men for logging, we have plenty. What we lack are ships."
Wright signaled for silence. "I'm not done. Allard Seaworth, your Stormport and Tyrosh are both natural deep-water harbors, ideal for large ships. You should construct numerous warehouses for rental or engage in entrepôt trade yourself."
"As you command."
"Balon Swann and Dickon Tarly, your lands are the smallest and mountainous. Apart from growing vegetables to sustain your people, plant grass for grazing and raise goats and rabbits. Sell the rabbit meat yourselves, but process the pelts before selling them to me. As for the goats—you know how much Odahviing eats. Right now, livestock farming is underdeveloped. Most of the larger animals on the islands near Tyrosh have been eaten to extinction. Only rats remain."
"As you command."
"We cannot blindly develop multiple industries at once," Wright continued. "First, we must establish large-scale, standardized production in a single sector. This ensures that our products pass the Citadel's grading system and that certified craftsmen have legal protections. That way, even if competitors try to copy us, our cost advantage will keep us dominant. Once we have a pillar industry, we can expand into other fields.
"You may build inns based on the number of merchant visitors, but you must guarantee guest rights. If possible, separate dining from lodging. I have already negotiated with the Citadel—they will construct a clock tower and a ravenry on each island. Resident maesters will continue to follow the old rules: their living expenses remain the responsibility of the local lords.
"Beyond this, I don't care what others do, but anyone engaging in entrepôt trade here must form a commercial alliance with the Stepstones' lords. Otherwise, if I import a large shipment and you do the same without knowing, we'll be forced to slash prices, hurting both of us."
Wright spoke until his mouth was dry and took a long drink of water.
"That's all for economic affairs. Now, let's discuss other matters. Every island must have land patrols to prevent unauthorized landings. Any pirates or fugitives you capture, you may claim the bounty yourselves. I won't tax this income—it stays with you.
"As for naval security, the northern and southern seas differ in threat levels. The south has two allied forces for now, making it temporarily safe. Prioritize patrolling and eliminating northern pirates, while the southern waters should focus on coastal defense. I will personally conduct unscheduled sweeps of the Smoking Sea to hunt hidden pirates.
"Lys no longer has a navy, and the Volantene fleet is temporarily our ally. Strengthen communication between our fleets."
"Build more reservoirs, plant more fruit trees. If you don't plant fruit trees, then at least use the open spaces to grow palm and coconut trees."
Garlan Tyrell jotted down notes in his small notebook. When Wright fell silent, he asked, "Is there anything else to instruct us on?"
"Build more latrines, assign more people to clean the streets—make sure the environment is kept in order!" Wright commanded. "From now on, I will hold a development conference like this every five years so we can grow together and prosper as one. Also, you are not just the lords of your respective islands—you all hold positions in Tyrosh as well. In a few days, merchants from all over will be arriving, and I will train you on how to get them to establish their businesses in your lands."
A few days later, nobles from the Seven Kingdoms, Volantis, Lys, and a handful from Myr and Pentos gathered in Tyrosh.
As soon as the ships docked and the nobles stepped ashore, each well-dressed guest—man or woman—was greeted by several elaborately dressed dancing girls. Tyrosh's warm climate meant the dancers gently removed the guests' outer garments, carrying them in their hands while whispering soft, pleasant words. Throughout the city, officials stood before ruined sites, enthusiastically explaining future development plans.
The guests were then led by the dancers to various inns to sample Tyroshi delicacies, and in the evening, those who were interested could spend the night enjoying the city's entertainment venues.
After a full day of warm hospitality, the dancers returned the next morning, claiming to have a special opportunity—an exclusive chance to meet Tyrosh's governor, Wright. With an air of mystery and flattery, they led the nobles and merchants into the largest warehouse on the island.
Inside, rows of tightly packed chairs had been arranged, but no tables were provided. All seats faced a raised stage at one end of the warehouse. The dancers made sure everyone was seated before slipping out to collect their reward from Andrew Estermont's men.
The warehouse was massive, but the guests were packed in close. The heat was stifling, and though the windows and doors stood wide open, no one wanted to leave—they were all waiting for the Lord of Tyrosh to appear.
"Silence! His Grace, the Lord of Tyrosh, arrives!" a guard announced.
The room fell quiet.
At the center of the stage, several large wooden screens had been set up. Nearby candles were suddenly snuffed out, casting the warehouse into dimness. A tall figure swiftly stepped onto the stage and addressed the crowd:
"I am the Lord of Tyrosh."
Behind him, two attendants pushed aside the first screen. The wooden frame of the screen was stretched with white gauze, and as the attendants lit the candelabras behind it, the cloth illuminated, revealing intricate illustrations of Tyrosh's finest products.
Wright stood beside the screen, dressed in blue trousers and a fitted black shirt, his long sleeves rolled up to his wrists.
"I am delighted to welcome you all," he declared. "Today, I will introduce to the people of both continents the most revolutionary products to ever change your daily lives!"