章節 22: Chapter 22: The first day.
As we walked towards the dining hall, I observed the delegation that had entered the castle with great interest. Most of Tyrion's companions were important figures from King's Landing, yet they were not featured in the series.
Lady Elyse Harroway, a young woman in her thirties, presented herself with a perfect demeanor, as a lady should. She was responsible for handling dignitaries from outside King's Landing, receiving and treating them with the respect they deserved.
"You wouldn't believe what happened next," Lady Harroway said with a laugh, delicately covering her mouth with one hand. "Lord Hallish slipped as he exited the office, and he was so embarrassed that he didn't return to continue with his complaints."
The rest of the group laughed at her story, breaking the tension that had been building as we walked in silence. The rest of the delegation began conversations with various people from Winterfell, from guards to servants and my family.
Tyrion remained in conversation with my father, engrossed as they discussed the history of the castle.
"Is it true about the battle against the Red Kings where Winterfell held out for six months with only five hundred men?" Tyrion asked with curiosity.
My father, with a furrowed brow, nodded. "Difficult times, according to the writings I've read, but yes, our castle can defend itself with very few people."
"Impressive, and the castle's temperature is warmer," Tyrion commented as he removed his cloak and handed it to a servant. "It's incredible how the founder of House Stark managed to build this castle. Supposedly, hot water runs through its walls to prevent them from freezing. It's a marvel of construction; there must have truly been magic in the Age of Heroes."
"It's a shame that magic disappeared, isn't it, Lord Stark?" he asked.
My father paused for a moment, contemplating. "Yes, it is. The things that could be accomplished if magic still existed would change the world as we know it."
"You don't disdain magic here, Lord Stark?" Tyrion inquired.
"No," my father replied after a moment of silence. "During your stay in the North, you'll see how different it is compared to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, Lord Tyrion."
"I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Honestly, the hospitality we've received so far is better than that of many houses in the South," Tyrion remarked with a wry smile. "No one has insulted me or looked down on me because of my appearance. You get good at noticing such things when they happen often."
"Rumors of your intelligence have reached us, milord. And as I mentioned, many things are different here in the North. There are always bad people, but I hope you won't encounter any unpleasant situations within the castle. All residents have been instructed on how to treat dignitaries, so they will treat you with respect," my father said seriously.
As we arrived at the dining hall, all the important guests took their seats at the main table. Jon remained with Sansa and my other siblings to watch over them at the lower tables. My father, mother, Tyrion, Lady Elyse, the Kingsguard who had yet to remove his helmet, and I sat at the head table.
"I hope you enjoy this banquet prepared in your honor, my lords," my father said, raising a glass of vodka for a toast.
"As I said outside, it is an honor to be here, Lord Stark," Tyrion replied, and Lady Elyse nodded beside him.
The music started, and the atmosphere became lively as everyone chatted, ate, and drank. Lord Manderly, in particular, seemed quite cheerful. Due to his weight, he rarely came to Winterfell when he could avoid it. Enjoying his food and drink to the fullest, since his wife Donella was not present to deny him more.
After the banquet, my father stood up and addressed the rest of the guests.
"Rooms have been prepared, and your belongings have already been delivered to each room. Please follow the servants; they will guide you to your chambers," my father said with a serious tone.
"Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse, and your guard, please accompany us to my solar. We will continue your purpose for coming to the North there," my father concluded, turning to walk towards his solar.
Seeking Jon's eyes, I nodded at him, and Jon got up, taking the rest of my siblings to continue their day as usual.
Standing up, I addressed the most important members of the delegation for the first time.
"Lord Tyrion, Lady Elyse, please follow me," I said with a smile.
We began to walk towards my father's study at a calm pace, initiating a small conversation.
"Lord Tyrion, what do you think of the North from what little you've seen?"
"Well, it's certainly different from what the rumors say in the South, Lord Robb," Tyrion replied with a chuckle.
"That we're barbaric and uncultured?" I quipped back, joining in the light-hearted exchange.
"It seems you're familiar with the South, my lord?" Lady Elyse interjected.
"Just rumors from my travels, same as you both," I smiled.
"Hah, I like you," Tyrion remarked.
"I thought you might be more proud, with the fame you've garnered," he continued.
"We're built differently in the North, Lord Tyrion," I said with a smile, before becoming serious. "Life is hard here; we don't have time for pompous things like the stories they tell about us."
"I hope to learn more during my time here," Tyrion remarked thoughtfully.
"And how long will that be, my lord?" I inquired.
"As long as necessary, Lord Robb. This is the first time the crown has tasked me with something like this, and I won't fail them," Tyrion replied seriously.
"Many people aren't pleased with the crown's decision," I added, my voice impassive.
"I can imagine, Lord Robb. I know how my father would react if they did something like this to him," Tyrion chuckled.
"And what do you think about it?" He asked finally.
"I'm not happy about it, Lord Tyrion. But I understand why they're doing it," I said, furrowing my brow.
"We've arrived at my father's study," I announced.
I knocked on the door, waiting for my father to invite us in. Inside the study, the maester and my father were waiting for us.
"Please, have a seat," my father offered. "I hope the banquet was to your liking, my lords."
Tyrion nodded with a smile. "It was, my lord. It's a pity this is my first time visiting your home under these circumstances, but I hope we all end up satisfied once this is over."
"The crown is concerned about the recent changes in the North, and we've only received rumors, so they decided to send this delegation to investigate further. As a delegation sent by the crown, we're here to look into these matters and ensure that the peace and stability of the Seven Kingdoms are not compromised," Tyrion said respectfully.
Lady Elyse spoke up in a calm voice, "Lord Stark, you need to understand that the recent actions of the North have raised some concerns at the small council. However, let us assure you that our interest is more in understanding than confrontation. We would like to discuss openly how we can collaborate for the mutual benefit of our regions."
My father nodded briefly. "I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your diplomatic approach. The North has prospered greatly in recent years, it's true. We've invested in our infrastructure and strengthened trade with various goods originating from our area."
Ser Arys Oakheart spoke gravely, "My lord, I have been sent by the king himself to provide leadership in the defense of the delegation and to return with objective knowledge to report back to the king accurately. Our purpose is to ensure that the interests of the realm are protected everywhere."
"Understood, Ser Oakheart. And I hope you will return to the capital with the necessary knowledge to make your reports. Please understand that you'll only receive answers regarding matters relevant to your investigation, nothing more," my father said seriously.
"There will be a couple of rules for you to continue your duty. First, give the necessary respect to the Northern workers; I don't want to hear that you've used dishonorable methods to obtain information. Second, you can investigate anything related to your duty, but I don't want to find out that you came with ill intentions to uncover secrets of my house that have nothing to do with this," he continued, with a furrowed brow.
"Please don't doubt that, my lord," Tyrion said, trying to ease the tension in the room. "We will fulfill our duty and nothing more, aside from enjoying what the North provides," he continued with a smile.
"I hope you stick to that, Lord Tyrion. Now, the maester will guide you to your chambers. We can continue this when you've rested from your arduous journey," my father concluded decisively.
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