Chapter 71: Not me!
After Robert decided on the time of the duel, he instructed everyone to continue with the proceedings as he sought some rest. Approaching Damian, he expressed, "That was unnecessary, Damian... but I can understand why you would want that. Still, it's risky. Lord Drumm is an experienced and hardy warrior, and you accepted his condition to fight you with his Valyrian sword as well."
Eddard, standing by Damian's side, chimed in, "Doesn't matter. I will provide Ice to Damian so he is not at a disadvantage."
"Thank you, but there's no need for that, brother. I'm confident in facing him with my sword. Winning a Valyrian sword with a steel sword would be seen as more deserving than using another Valyrian sword," Damian replied.
"You sure?" Robert asked.
"You won't be disappointed, your grace. I promise," Damian assured.
"Good lad, keep it well, or I'll have to place another Ironborn to rule this island," the king said, tapping Damian's shoulder before turning his attention to the grieving boy, the misty-eyed woman, and the red-eyed girl standing near the headless body of Balon Greyjoy, casting glares full of hatred at Damian the entire time.
"I had hoped to wed you to the Greyjoy girl to lend you more credibility, but it seems that wouldn't do, with you killing her father. By the look of it, she might very well kill you in your bed," Robert sighed and signalled the soldiers to take the family away.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding that I need to address. I didn't kill Balon," Damian proclaimed in a clear and resonant voice, causing some people, including Lord Tywin, to halt their departure. Even the Ironborn prisoners like Lord Drumm and the others paused upon hearing Damian's claim, as they had assumed it to be King Robert himself who had killed Balon.
Damian turned to look into Asha's eyes, stating, "I didn't kill Balon Greyjoy. He was already dead when I arrived in this hall. Instead, I found Dagmar Cleftjaw sitting on the Seastone Chair. He claimed to have killed his lord to stop this foolish war and save the lives of the Ironmen soldiers from being thrown away."
"Though it was evident that saving lives wasn't the true motive behind his actions. He must have seen us breaking through Pyke's gate and got scared, realizing they had lost the battle and the war. So, to save his own skin, he beheaded Balon Greyjoy in front of his court, you can ask them." But no one did because they already believed what Damian had said. This wasn't something he could hide unless he had killed Balon's court advisors but he did not as they were still here in the hall in chains.
"Liar! Uncle Dagmar would never hurt my father!" Asha screamed, she clearly didn't believe it to his Dagmar who used to tell her jokes.
Lord Tywin seemed to dismiss the girl's outburst, directing his question, " And where is the Master at Arms of House Greyjoy, Ser Swift Wolf?"
Damian proceeded to recount the events that unfolded inside the hall upon his arrival, detailing how Dagmar expressed a desire to switch sides, and when denied, attempted to escape through a window facing the sea.
"So, Cleftjaw is dead?" Robert inquired.
"He is most likely dead, Your Grace. My soldiers didn't witness him resurfacing. However, given the formidable and dangerous nature of Cleftjaw, being an Ironborn, it's conceivable that he could survive the fall and swim to safety with one arm. Hence, I've instructed my men to keep a vigilant lookout, just in case," Damian explained.
Asha found herself at a loss, unsure of what to believe or how to feel about Damian's revelations. However, before she could delve further into her thoughts, Robert instructed that they be taken back to their previous chambers for now. The final decision on their fate would be made after the duel.
"I might have pardoned him even if he had done this the moment we stepped onto the island. But Cleftjaw chose to act when everything was already lost for them, so there was no reason for me to pardon him. It's good that you didn't accept his surrender; men like him are worse than pigs and should be killed where they stand," Robert remarked. The words seemed to hit a nerve with Lord Tywin, who turned and left, a vision that Damian could unmistakably discern.
Nevertheless, Damian soon followed Lord Tywin's exit, departing alongside King Robert and Ned. He excused himself to oversee the aftermath of the war, tending to the injured and ensuring a proper funeral for the fallen. Robert delegated Pyke's security to both the Starks and Lannisters, along with the Royal army from King's Landing. To safeguard the treasury of House Greyjoy from potential looting, Robert entrusted Damian to station his men at the gates, considering he would become its owner unless the outcome of the duel took an unexpected turn.
Damian assigned the duty to Raymond, who was informed by Arslen about his scheduled meeting with Lady Maege. To Damian's surprise, Dacey's mother turned out to be more straightforward than expected. Nevertheless, he granted Arslen the liberty to enjoy the night with the She-bear. His experiences with Selena in bed reaffirmed that his summons were indeed humans with feelings. Acknowledging this, Damian allowed them the freedom to lead their lives beyond their obligations to him. With Selena likely to be by his side that night, Raymond, having no other engagements, accepted the duty without objection.
Later, Damian reviewed the toll the battle had taken. The casualty count stood at 17, excluding the Mormonts who fought alongside him. The Mormonts suffered higher casualties, primarily because Damian's summons exhibited superior skills and teamwork. Concerns lingered as nine men faced critical injuries, with three marked for a lifetime of disability. Others sustained varying degrees of injuries, including Jory, who sported a black eye and a deep cut on his shoulder. The chainmail had likely saved his arm, preventing a more severe outcome at the hands of the Ironborn.
Damian told them to rest and delegated enough men to look after the injured soldiers.
Just as he was about to make his way to the room assigned to him in the great keep, which surprisingly belonged to Rodrik Greyjoy, the firstborn son of Balon who perished in the rebellion, Lady Dacey awaited him at the castle's Great Keep gate.
"Can I borrow Lady Selena for a moment, Ser Damian? I need her help with something," Lady Dacey requested, emphasizing his recent knighthood.
"Be my guest, Lady Dacey. I was heading to the room allocated to me; a big day awaits me tomorrow, so good night," Damian replied and took his leave. He wasn't joking; he was genuinely tired. Damian sought a good night's rest to recover and prepare for the challenges awaiting him on the morrow. Nevertheless, sating his thirst for his little knight might have contributed to a better sleep. Regardless, Selena could join him in his room afterwards and let his cock see some action as well.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chapters until 93 are already posted on my Patre_n page. If you want to have early access to this novel and "One Piece: Incubus Bloodline System" then visit the link p_atre_n.com/Axelwheel. Your support there helps me make a living out of my hobby and motivates me to write more. Even if it is the lowest Tier, please consider joining. Also, a big thank you to all my old and new patrons who subscribed to my page.
Check it out.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone