Game Of Thrones : Merchant of Two Worlds

"I'm truly glad to hear your wise comment," Jason Liu said with a pleased smile. "Rather than learning from those old-fashioned men obsessed with tradition, I believe that our own ideas are the ladder to progress. Innovation, not blind adherence, drives true advancement in medicine. Otherwise, we'll just keep going in circles."

On Bachelor Qyburn's weathered face, the smile that bloomed this time was completely sincere. In all his years in Westeros, it was rare—almost impossible—to find someone who not only understood but encouraged his so-called "crazy" ideas. It filled him with real joy.

"Nothing gives me greater joy than your approval, my lord!" Qyburn said, visibly moved.

Excited, the old scholar spoke up eagerly, "I wish to study and expand my knowledge in the hospital you've built, using the medical wisdom you've brought. Please, grant me the opportunity to work there!"

"Of course," Jason nodded. "And to make sure you can swiftly apply your theoretical knowledge to real patients, I recommend you work at the logging yard south of Winterfell. Over four thousand laborers work there, and every day brings a flood of injuries and ailments. You'll have more than enough 'samples' to treat and observe."

Jason was quite pleased with his plan to send Bachelor Qyburn to oversee the hospital at Lumberyard . The need for a seasoned and skilled doctor there was urgent. And in all of Westeros, who was more suited than Qyburn?

Qyburn hesitated for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed. "This logging camp of yours—does it have access to the same medical supplies you brought from your mines?"

Jason's grin widened, "Absolutely. You'll have the exact same resources Boris received."

How could it be otherwise? Jason had personally translated the materials—hundreds of medical texts compiled from the modern internet. He'd even paid to download complete volumes that included widely-used treatment protocols and Western surgical procedures. Compared to the mysterious fields of neurology or psychology, Western surgery was practical, direct, and far more applicable to a place like Westeros.

Even this collection alone was enough to keep Boris and now Qyburn—and perhaps every maester in the Citadel—studying for years.

"In that case, I accept your offer wholeheartedly!" Qyburn said, raising his cup. "Thank you, my lord! It's an honor to serve under your banner."

Jason raised his own cup in return, his smile satisfied. "Welcome , Bachelor Qyburn."

This time, Qyburn didn't object to the use of the word "bachelor." The knowledge he held now was leagues ahead of those stagnant, stubborn old men at the Citadel. He had nothing to prove to them anymore.

Meanwhile, Boris couldn't help but feel a little discontent. Jason Liu had just welcomed a man expelled from the Citadel, someone deemed unworthy of the title "bachelor." Yet Boris himself was still awaiting recognition and formal approval from the Citadel to be granted his own title. Still, he could do nothing to oppose Jason's decision. Qyburn was here to stay.

Later, Jason introduced Qyburn to his trusted inner circle. First were his four personal guards, then Lena and Martha from the Easter Store. Finally, he instructed Boris to assign two of his five apprentices—Camilla and a promising young boy—to serve as Qyburn's assistants.

When a new batch of modern medicines was sent from Easter Hospital to the Lumberyard clinic, Boris's heart ached. Watching the valuable stock being transferred elsewhere felt like losing a treasure chest.

Jason and Qyburn rode to the lumberyard together, accompanied by guards.

"Incredible," Qyburn muttered as the carriage glided along smoothly. "It feels like we're not even touching the road."

The old scholar looked astonished, marveling again at the advanced technology, Jason couldn't help but smile with pride.

"Trust me, Bachelor," he said, "You'll see many more wonders like this in the future."

Qyburn's eyes sparkled. He glanced at Jason and nodded slowly, a smile on his lips. In his mind, he was already imagining the vast possibilities. Jason Easter wasn't just another noble—he was a rare lord who truly valued science and knowledge. Qyburn had no doubt that research funds would never be a problem under Jason's patronage.

For a research fanatic like Qyburn, nothing mattered more than having a place to experiment, access to materials, and someone willing to back his efforts. He didn't care who he served—so long as he could explore the mysteries of the world.

Their carriage soon rumbled through the main gates of the lumberyard. The guards rushed ahead to alert the local leaders—Jon, McCann, Bud, and Captain Marb.

When Jason, Qyburn, and the two young assistants dismounted, the four men were already waiting to greet them.

"Sir!" the four men saluted respectfully.

Jason nodded in acknowledgment. "This is Bachelor Qyburn," he introduced. "He'll be in charge of the Lumberyard Hospital. I expect you all to cooperate fully with his research needs. If we come across any prisoners convicted of serious crimes, after trial, hand them over to the bachelor."

Jon and the others bowed and gave their greetings.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Qyburn said kindly, his wrinkled face lit with a warm grandfatherly smile. "I look forward to working with you."

Jon, however, looked puzzled. "My lord," he asked, "did I hear correctly? You want us to give felons to Bachelor Qyburn?"

Jason and Qyburn exchanged a knowing glance. Jason cleared his throat.

"You see, Jon," he began, "medical progress often depends on testing. New drugs, treatments, procedures—they all need to be tried before they're proven effective. Of course, these tests come with risks. We can't use innocent people. That would be immoral."

He paused, then continued in a calm tone, "But if we use those who have committed grave crimes—those who are already sentenced—they can atone for their sins by contributing to something meaningful. Their sacrifice might help cure others in the future."

Jason looked around at the four men, gauging their reactions. "So, what do you think of this approach?"

He wanted to know which of them might still cling to outdated notions of virtue—and who was ready to walk with him into the future.

"This is brilliant, my lord!" McCann said, nodding earnestly. "A perfect way to turn punishment into progress."

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