The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Aoto spent a lot of time with the Uchiha in this outing in the Westeros. He and others used magic to make the pace better. The castle had been run down and Loki with his time magic restored the castle to its former glory and with other forms of magic they renovated the castle in a much more grander, better and secured way. 

Lyanna was particularly very excited seeing the magic and vowed to learn once she grew up. The system had told him once that Lyanna too had high talent of magic like her brother Sasuke, so he was happy to teach her in the future and Loki even showed her some tricks.

Lyanna loved it and had started parading around showing everyone what Loki had taught her, which was making the birds around come to her and give her love. Everyone was amused by it and patted Lyanna for learning this tricks. Only the old people could tell that this small trick could be extremely helpful in assassinations and scouting.

Fugaku was very happy that Lyanna had shown interest in the library and was grateful that Aoto had been open minded of teaching her magic. He wanted to learn too but he dare not ask for it because he remembered how Aoto dealt with the two old people who had forcibly tried to take away knowledge from Naruto.

Aoto and the rest stayed with the Uchihas and had a small vacation. Of course, what good a vacation would be if there was no incident. After 2 days of making the place better and livable, they were visited by some guests. 

It had to be understood that when the Uchihas landed at the Bronzegate and took over the castle, there were some people living in the town. It was of miniscule amount but it was there and their words had spread around. 

That day, an envoy from a nearby House, draped in fine Westerosi attire, approached the Uchiha residence. The envoy, a representative of House Thorne, bore a stern countenance and a parchment in hand. With a practiced bow, he introduced himself as Ser Harlan, a loyal servant of House Thorne.

"Good day, Lord Uchiha. We've heard of your recent arrival, and House Thorne extends its greetings to your esteemed family. However, the privilege of residing in Bronzegate comes with certain responsibilities," Ser Harlan declared, his eyes flickering with a hint of authority. There were pleasantries which were exchanged in the beginning 

"We have been given this land under the proper documented orders of Ser Ned Stark of Winterfell and Hand to the King, himself. I am sorry but to what do we owe the responsibilities." Fugaku said as someone brought him a parchment of paper. 

Both exchanged paper as Ser Harlan had brought his demands to Fugaku too. With a flourish, the envoy unfolded the parchment, revealing a list of fees and tributes that the Uchihas were expected to pay to House Thorne for the privilege of settling in Bronzegate. The amounts were substantial, and the terms were presented with an air of non-negotiability. 

And Ser Harlan, was not expecting that the Hand of the King had actually used a seal in the documents. The Houses nearby were actually informed from before and it was the Lannisters, who had come and asked them to be the intermediary. Their houses were not even close and there was quite a distance, but Lannisters assured their House that they could use any excuse and get money out of them. 

How could House Thorne give up the chance and thus showed up at the doorstep of the Uchihas. But now that he saw the parchment, he was a bit surprised but he didn't want to back down, especially when the Lannisters had given them their backing. He wanted to double down and Fugaku could see the different expressions on the face of the envoy. He knew that he would have to speak here. 

After a moment of contemplative silence, he finally spoke. "House Thorne, we appreciate the traditions of this land and respect the laws that govern it. However, our clan is not one to be easily burdened by the weight of gold. We come from a land where strength and honor hold greater value than mere currency."

Ser Harlan, taken aback by the dignified response, adjusted his stance. "Lord Uchiha, these fees are customary, and all residents of Bronzegate contribute to the prosperity of the region. Surely, your esteemed family can understand the importance of such contributions."

Fugaku nodded slowly. "We understand the ways of Westeros, Ser Harlan. But make no mistake – the Uchihas bring strength, discipline, and a unique set of skills to Bronzegate. We do not seek conflict, but we will not yield easily to the demands placed upon us. Especially not when we have the actual orders of the Hand of the King himself."

The envoy, recognizing the firm resolve in Fugaku's eyes, took a step back recognizing that he was in enemy's territory. "I shall convey your message to House Thorne, Lord Uchiha. May this be the beginning of a harmonious coexistence between our houses."

With a courteous nod, Fugaku bid farewell to Ser Harlan, watching as the envoy retreated from the Uchiha residence. When the envoy left, he didn't notice that a hawk high above was following him and also a very beautiful butterfly that struck on the back of the envoy. 

"I am surprised that you have learnt the local language that early and fast." Aoto as she came out of the mirror dimension. He had seen and heard everything through there.

"It's not that difficult to be honest and your books helped a lot." Fugaku said. Since their language differed by a lot, Aoto had provided them language books which was now being taught to everyone. 

"What do you want to do about him?" Aoto asked. 

"Want to follow for now and see where he is getting all the juice from." Fugaku said. 

"Its probably the Lannisters." Arya didn't hide her hatred for them at all.