In present-day Volantis, the Red Dragon reigned supreme, with the Tiger and Elephant factions complementing each other. Wright had gained complete control over the city, making it much easier to mobilize its armies once again.
For now, he chose not to alter the political system—Volantis was only suitable for self-governance at the moment. Wright made just one demand of the three Triarchs: within five years, they were to abolish slavery completely and convert all slaves into free citizens.
The news was met with heavy resistance from the nobility at the highest levels of power, prompting Wright to don his black bodysuit and bring out his chalkboard once again.
"Slaves make money for the nobility. They handle their masters' food, daily needs, and reproduction. If they become free citizens, they will still make you money. At first glance, your earnings might seem to decrease, but factor in the cost of their living expenses, then add the head tax revenue. On top of that, free citizens have significantly higher productivity. If you do the math, the money they earn will still end up in your pockets!"
(Details omitted.)
After Wright finished his economic breakdown, the Volantene nobles unanimously shifted to support his plan. After discussions, they decided on a new policy: slaves who worked diligently for two years and performed well could buy their freedom and become citizens. With three cycles of this policy, slavery would be fully abolished within five years. Furthermore, they planned to widely publicize the nobility's "great deeds" in making this happen.
By the time these matters were settled and Wright set sail back to Tyrosh, it was already June of AC 301.
Of all the cities in the world, Wright was certain that Tyrosh was the cleanest. Even Volantis, adorned with flowers everywhere, still reeked of animal dung, while Tyrosh, lacking horses and large livestock, was free from such filth.
There was no welcoming ceremony at the port. The castle, perched on the highest cliffs of the island, now featured a newly completed hoist designed by Gendry. Instead of docking at the main harbor, the ship stopped at a small floating pier beneath the castle, where they could ascend using the lift.
Four massive metal beams extended from the castle, supporting a room housing a sturdy capstan. Through a series of interlocking gears, the capstan could be turned manually, pulling up four thick iron chains that wound around pulleys mounted on the beams. These chains lifted a large wooden platform, about ten square meters in size.
"Lord Wright, we won't be going up!" Ser Balon Swann smiled, firmly declining Wright's invitation to step onto the hoist.
"Then your escort duty ends here. All personal guards and navy crew aboard the ship are granted three days' leave!" Wright tapped the iron chains with his dagger, signaling the castle attendants to begin operating the capstan.
Seated atop a crate, Wright watched as the sea gradually receded beneath him. "What's there to be afraid of? It's just an open-air lift a few dozen meters high."
Back on the ship, Balon craned his neck to watch as Wright disappeared into the castle, then turned to Aurane. "That really is terrifying. The sailors say only reckless mages dare use it."
"It was built for hauling cargo in the first place!" Aurane, having spent two months away from home, was eager to rest. He planned to head straight for the city's taverns for a hearty round of drinks.
"This one's on me!" Balon clapped Aurane's shoulder.
During the Dragon Cult's battles, they had followed Aurane's advice—staying out of the limelight and avoiding the frontlines. That was Volantis's fight, after all, and the Tyroshi forces were there only to support. As a result, they earned favor not only within the Dragon Cult but also among Volantene nobility. Balon, who had initially been assigned to remain by Wright's side, now felt particularly grateful to Aurane.
Wright returned alone to the castle and inspected the newly built hoist. Satisfied with its quality, he praised the craftsmen and reminded them to keep the chains well-oiled and waterproofed.
The castle was bustling with activity that day. As Wright made his way through the military barracks and into the great hall, he saw groups of people gathered in casual conversation.
"Lord Wright! Greetings!"
"Lord Wright has returned!"
Wright turned toward the ones greeting him—strangers, yet unmistakably Dornish based on their attire. He asked, "Has the war in Dorne ended?"
"It has," one of them confirmed, offering no further details.
Wright glanced toward his bedchamber.
"We arrived in Tyrosh with Nymeria," the man added.
"I see. Make yourselves comfortable. I'll have the cooks prepare a feast for you." Wright summoned a steward and gave instructions.
"Thank you, Lord Wright, but the banquet has already been arranged."
"Oh. The sun is still high—I have matters to attend to at the magic academy first."
The hallways and corridors were crowded, and the way the Dornish women in particular looked at him felt… strange. A sense of unease crept into Wright's mind. Using magic, he scanned his bedchamber—detecting over a dozen life signatures inside. Confirming there was no immediate danger, he quickly found an excuse and slipped out of the castle.
Arriving at the magic school in the inner city, it was just as lively here.
Boom! Bang!
As they rounded the newly constructed testing wall, flashes of colorful magic exploded.
"Is this a wand?" Wright asked as he noticed a white metallic rod in Qyburn's hand, walking over to him.
"Haha, Lord Wright, you're back!" Qyburn handed the rod to Wright and continued, "This is the fifth generation we've developed. It's essentially the definition of what a wand is."
Wright activated his magic detection and tried channeling a small amount of mana into the wand.
Qyburn continued, "You know, my main focus is conjuring magic. Using magic from other schools drains a lot of mana, so this wand is embedded with transformation magic, Light Spell!"
"Light Spell?" Wright asked, sizing up Qyburn from head to toe.
Once a disheveled figure, Qyburn had changed his ways under the constant nagging of Malora Hightower. Now, wherever he went, he wore a pristine white robe, embroidered with metallic threads. His long white hair and beard added to the overall appearance, and with a white wand in hand, anyone would immediately assume he was a powerful mage.
Wright: "Why don't you add some destruction magic into the wand?"
"I just like summoning things. It's convenient, no need to fight them myself," Qyburn reasoned.
Wright handed the wand back to him. "You guys keep testing it. Where's the book on the manufacturing process and principles?"
"It's all been recorded. Lord Renly is in the library organizing it," Qyburn said, blowing on his white beard. A bright light orb shot out from the top of his wand.
Most of the mages were in the library. A huge problem had been solved by their combined efforts, and the names of the more than a hundred mages who participated would be immortalized in history. As a result, the manuscripts and books had to be handled with extreme care.
Not wanting to disturb them, Wright left quietly, feeling a bit bored, and returned to the castle alone.
Upon his return, a maid rushed over. "Lord, Lady Tyene is looking for you!"
Wright opened the bedroom door to find the three children had already been taken away, and the others were nowhere to be seen. Only Tyene and Margaery sat on the sofa.
Wright jogged over and put an arm around one of their waists. "Where's Nymeria?"
"Watch out!" Tyene jabbed her finger at Wright's side.
"What's going on?"
Just as Wright was about to ask, the door to the bedroom closet was kicked open with a bang.
Nymeria, dressed in tight black leather armor, had her black hair flowing down her back, and she held a thick riding whip in her hand.
Crack! The whip cracked loudly in the air, and Nymeria pointed to the large bed. "Wright! Are you going up yourself, or do I need to whip you onto it?"
"That's a thick whip. It could kill someone!"
"Your skin's tough; you need something like this," Nymeria replied.
Wright wasn't fond of this at all. "Don't do this, Nymeria!"
Nymeria walked up to Wright, stepping a foot on his stomach. Crack! A whip cracked across his chest. Wright quickly grabbed his vital areas.
Nymeria stood above him, speaking in a tone of disdain. "Call me the Dawn Queen!"