After Lord Selwyn tasted the beer, old Bayver winked at Claude.
Claude understood and nodded with a smile.
Old Bayver eagerly scooped a ladle, inhaled the aroma deeply, and took a careful sip.
Surprise immediately spread across his face.
He closed his eyes, savoring the taste for several seconds before exclaiming:
"Lord Galladon, you are incredible! I never imagined ale could taste like this!"
"I've lived half my life in vain…"
He was thoroughly convinced.
"Old Bayver, how would you rate this ale?" Selwyn asked.
"My lord, this cannot even be compared to ordinary ale. It rivals fine wines. The malt aroma alone is astonishing!"
Selwyn smiled.
Claude, who rarely drank, tried a small sip as well. His expression shifted with surprise.
The flavor lingered warmly in the mouth and stomach, leaving a rich aftertaste that was difficult to forget.
"Father, what do you think?" Galladon asked with a smile.
"This batch isn't even fully refined. The fermentation time was short. With more optimization, the flavor will improve further."
"This alone opens a new path for Tarth Island's wealth."
"And its profit potential will likely surpass toothbrushes and toothpaste."
Selwyn felt deeply moved.
He had underestimated his son again.
Time and time again, Galladon accomplished what seemed impossible.
"This wine deserves a new name," Selwyn said seriously.
Galladon smiled. "Let's call it beer."
"Beer? Very well."
Though calling it beer seemed modest, the quality would elevate the name itself.
Improvements and Monopoly
Galladon then handed Selwyn a parchment filled with notes.
It detailed improvements:
Experimenting with barley malt mixed with wheat malt
Adding black malt, oats, or corn
Developing white beer, golden beer, dark beer
Testing when to add snakevine flowers—at the beginning, middle, end, or during fermentation
Studying optimal fermentation temperature and duration
Determining how to maximize foam and flavor balance
Selwyn read carefully, nodding repeatedly.
He understood alcohol profits very well.
The wealth of House Redwyne was proof enough of how powerful a wine monopoly could be.
Tarth Island's location was even more advantageous.
If the beer trade was managed well, House Tarth would undergo a transformation.
They also discussed strict confidentiality.
The toothbrush monopoly had already proven how profitable exclusivity could be.
When it came to family interests, Selwyn would not be careless.
"Focus on Harrenhal," Selwyn said. "I will oversee the rest."
Preparing for Departure
That evening, Galladon sorted the necessities for tomorrow's journey.
"My lord, will I accompany you to Harrenhal?" asked a tall, fair-skinned girl with chestnut hair.
She was his personal maid—Carina.
Carina was nineteen, nearly 1.7 meters tall, with delicate features and fair skin from years indoors. Her chestnut hair was tied into a ponytail, and her demeanor was gentle.
Her beauty alone would allow her to marry well on Tarth Island.
"Of course," Galladon replied with a smile. "There are clothes and items to transport. You can ride in the carriage."
In truth, he simply preferred Carina handling his personal matters rather than Pique or Harrison.
The journey would last at least half a month—possibly longer.
He was accustomed to her care.
"That's great!" Carina's eyes brightened.
She had never left Tarth Island before.
Galladon had told her the Harrenhal Tourney would be the grandest in decades. She longed to see it.
That night, she carefully packed the gifts multiple times before finally finishing.
It was late when Galladon lay down to rest.
"My lord, please sleep well…" Carina said softly, preparing to extinguish the candles.
But Galladon patted the space beside him.
"Sleep here tonight."
Carina's face flushed red.
"Yes…"
She blew out the candles and lay quietly beside him in the darkness.
Soon, Galladon felt her hair brush against his cheek.
He wrapped an arm around her slender body.
Tomorrow, they will depart for Harrenhal.
(End of Chapter 24)
A/N:
Read ahead on Patreon, 7 advance chapters available, with the first 2 free at
Patreon.com/Coolizup