If A Song of Ice and Fire were turned into a role-playing ga, Margaery would be one of those characters with almost no combat ability but exceptionally high charm and intelligence. On top of that, she'd have a passive skill acquired through years of training under the Queen of Thorns—she's resolute and completely immune to nonsense.
Aegor was good at presenting facts, weaving together truths and half-truths in a way that could easily mislead others. But the real reason he was so persuasive wasn't just his silver tongue—it was that, most of the ti, what he said was actually true. More importantly, the things he urged others to do were rarely harmful to them.
But haggling? That was another matter entirely. In a negotiation, truth and falsehood blurred, right and wrong ceased to matter. And in this case, they weren't even trading a physical item. How was he supposed to convince a woman as intelligent and sharp-minded as himself that paying an extra 4,500 gold dragons was in her best interest?
If fooling Robert Baratheon had a difficulty rating of 5, coaxing Eddard Stark was a 7, and persuading Tyrion Lannister to join a cause was a solid 9, then getting Margaery Tyrell to willingly part with an extra 4,500 gold dragons was a 90.
It was an impossible task. Not because the Little Rose was stingy, but because neither Aegor nor the fledgling industry of the Night's Watch had the leverage to make the Tyrells pay a premium for their friendship.
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If Aegor had been in Margaery's position, he wouldn't have agreed with himself either. Pushing too hard in this kind of situation was like trying to wrestle a shadow—no matter how forceful his argunt, it t only empty air. He tried to emphasize the true value of the technology, but Margaery played dumb. He attempted to take a more circuitous approach, but this girl was even better at feigned ignorance and roundabout reasoning than he was. Whether it was her ability to talk in circles or the sophistication of her tactics, Aegor was completely outmatched by a girl ten years his junior.
Under normal circumstances, when negotiating a price, both sides would make concessions—a little from her, a little from him—gradually closing the gap. But after all this back-and-forth, they were still at an impasse. Margaery pouted pitifully, and Aegor was so irritated his skin crawled.
If not for the money, he would've found an excuse to leave and sought out so peace and quiet elsewhere.
...
"Master, you promised to accept my challenge!" Arya burst in, her face flushed from warming up. She pushed the door open, sword in hand, and urged Aegor impatiently. "Can you hurry up? It's almost lunchti!"
"Wait a mont! I'm almost done!" Aegor gritted his teeth and played his last card. "Since Lady Margaery refuses to budge, then fine, five hundred gold dragons it is. But at that price, all you're getting is the written principles of papermaking. I'll have Nina compile the docunts and send them to you. This deal ends here!"
"In that case, let's go with your plan," Margaery said, her eyes flashing with amusent at Aegor's exasperation. But almost imdiately, she feigned panic, her tone turning apologetic. "The technology itself is worth five hundred gold dragons, I agree. But the managent and operational thods? Another five hundred. And personnel support and guidance? Five hundred more. That brings us to a total of fifteen hundred. Master Aegor, what do you think of that?"
Damn it. She'd been waiting for him to say this all along.
As Margaery shot him a barely concealed look of provocation, realization dawned on Aegor, this negotiation wasn't about saving Highgarden a few hundred or a thousand gold dragons. It was a ga, a way for her to get back at him for his previous coldness and excessive caution.
Against an opponent like this, there were only two effective strategies, either put a knife to her throat, or wait until the balance of power shifted in his favor and force her hand. Trying to out-talk her was a waste of ti.
Won were truly impossible to deal with. At least Margaery wasn't Cersei, she wouldn't want him dead. Aegor sighed inwardly and made one final attempt. "Add another five hundred not because the technology is worth that much, but because the Night's Watch is a profit-driven organization. As Chief Logistics Officer, my job is to make money for the Watch. We're expanding, and there will be more opportunities for cooperation in the future. If we make a profit this ti, we can work together again down the line. Given that, can Lady Margaery understand and accept my terms?"
"Your Excellency is so sincere, how could I possibly refuse?" she said with a charming smile. "Two thousand it is. The extra five hundred gold dragons will be a donation from the Reach to the defenders of the Wall."
She had clearly negotiated a much lower price, yet she frad it as a donation.
Perhaps influenced by Arya's presence, she suddenly beca easier to deal with. "I'll have my n deliver the gold this afternoon. As for the personnel and materials I need, please have them ready as soon as possible. I plan to leave King's Landing in a few days, and I'd like to take them with ."
Aegor let out a long breath. Dealing with a woman like Margaery was exhausting, but at least the final price was within his expectations. He had no illusions about breaking into the Highgarden market, but cashing out quickly was still a good strategy. With his modern knowledge and perspective, making money from capital was hardly a challenge.
"Nina, take note and arrange everything as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir!"
The negotiation had lasted so long that the drink Nina had brought in was nearly finished, shared between Aegor and Margaery. Once the price was settled, neither wasted ti on unnecessary details. They swiftly finalized the agreent, Aegor would select a skilled technical team from the best workers, provide them with brief training, and send them to Highgarden in about ten days. The Tyrells would cover their food, lodging, wages, and bonuses until they completed their mission in the Riverlands.
"Well, I think that's fair," Oberyn Martell remarked lazily. He had sat through the entire negotiation without a word, letting Margaery haggle while he paid the full two thousand gold dragons without so much as blinking. He looked every bit the magnanimous prince.
Though the second workshop wasn't operational yet, Tyrion had already arranged for workers and line supervisors to begin training. Now, those waiting idly in the industrial park finally had work to do.
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It had been a grueling battle of wits, but at least it ended in a victory for all. With the negotiations settled, it was ti to part ways and go ho for lunch.
But just as Aegor thought he could relax, Margaery's gaze shifted. Within half a second, she dropped her bargaining act and turned her attention to Arya, who sat nearby, sword in hand, eyes locked on Aegor with burning anticipation. The girl was clearly waiting for him to finish business so she could challenge him to a duel.
She spoke softly, her tone tentative. "Is this… Lady Arya Stark?"
"Yeah." Arya had been practicing swordplay in the office for over three months now. Countless visitors to the Night's Watch had seen her at it, so she was used to being recognized. She glanced at Margaery and replied expressionlessly, "Hello."
"I'm Margaery Tyrell. I never expected to et you here, Lady Stark!" Margaery was unbothered by Arya's indifference and introduced herself cheerfully. "Are you practicing swordplay?"
"Yes…" Arya blinked. She was accustod to the surprised looks people gave when they saw a girl wielding a sword, so she deliberately added, "My father allows it!"
"Oh, gods, you're so lucky. I've wanted to practice swordplay since I was a child, but my father would never allow it—just because I'm a girl!" Margaery sighed in exaggerated envy before quickly switching to an annoyed pout. "I've dread countless tis of myself dancing under the moonlight, sword in hand, my skirts swirling… But in reality, I've barely touched a blade a handful of tis."
Arya was clever, but she was no match for the Rose's charm. It was the first ti she had t another girl who not only didn't question her for practicing swordplay but actually envied her for it. Imdiately, she found Margaery not only beautiful but also kind and likable. "You could practice in secret. Your family is in Highgarden, and you're in King's Landing. How would they know what you're doing?"
"But my family's guards are with —they keep a close watch."
"You can co here. My master and I will cover for you. Just say you're here to practice needlework with !" Arya's eyes lit up as she quickly ca up with a plan, not sparing a thought for the actual owner of the place. "Let my master stop your guards at the door, and we'll practice swordplay in the backyard. I'll teach you!"
"Really?!" Margaery turned to Aegor with an expression so hopeful that even he couldn't tell if it was genuine or not. She blinked up at him and pleaded sweetly, "If it's too much trouble, I'm happy to pay for the space and the lessons…"
Arya jumped up, grabbing Aegor's sleeve. "Master, you're the best, I know you'll say yes!"
(To be continued.)
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