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Chapter 19: The plot progresses.
🕑 Added 2024-07-15 04:49:04 +0000 UTCCasterly Rock
Tyrion Lannister
Walking toward the solar, Tyrion wondered why his father had summoned him to his office when most days he didn't even want to see him. Knocking on the solar's door, Tyrion waited until his father called him in five minutes later, making him wait knowing that his deformed body suffered if he stood too long. He did not doubt that his father had done it on purpose to make him suffer. Tywin was like that, a cruel man capable of anything to achieve his goals.
Tyrion knew that both his father and Cersei partly blamed him for their mother's death, and the other significant part was due to his physical appearance. But that didn't mean he lacked affection within the family. His aunt Genna and his brother Jaime had been the only ones to support and love him within the castle.
"Come in," Tywin Lannister's voice echoed inside the solar. Tyrion took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Talking to his father had always been stressful. Opening the solar's door, Tyrion was surprised to see not only his father inside, which meant the conversation would be important for the family.
Inside the solar, Tywin sat in the main chair of the room, his aunt Genna, his uncle Kevan, and Maester Creylen were discussing the contents of a letter. Tywin, with his usual serious gaze, began to speak. "Tyrion, the time has come for you to be useful to our family instead of wasting your time with whores or drinking," he said, looking at Tyrion with a mixture of disdain and dislike. "It is an important task for House Lannister and the realm. You will be responsible for going North and conducting an audit on behalf of the realm."
Tyrion raised an eyebrow incredulously. "An audit, father? In the North?"
Genna Lannister, one of the few who treated Tyrion with respect and affection, intervened gently. "It is a crucial task, Tyrion. Given the current situation in the realm, we must secure our interests."
Kevan added gravely, "The small council in King's Landing has decided to send an audit to investigate the changes in the North. The king is not entirely sold on the idea, thanks to his friendship with Lord Stark, but the recent economic growth of the North jeopardizes the status quo of the Seven Kingdoms." He paused and continued, "In addition to this, you have another task from our family, Tyrion."
Tywin took over, his voice commanding the attention of everyone present. "I want you to spy on Winterfell and the Starks. Somehow, they managed to rid themselves of all our spies in the North. I have not received reports for over a year, and the only house that accepted my bribes seems to have been destroyed. I want you to find out the source of the changes in the North and, if possible, obtain the recipe for the new products they are importing."
Kevan nodded solemnly. "We need precise control over the other realms. When Robert Baratheon dies, our house will be next in line for power, and we cannot risk everything we have achieved so far."
Tyrion looked at each of those present, noting the seriousness on their faces. He understood that this opportunity would be one of the few in his life to earn his father's appreciation. But he couldn't deny the shiver of fear that ran through him.
Addressing his father, Tyrion asked, "If the North has been able to dispose of all spies from the other realms, how will I manage to do this? And even if I can, how will I return alive if they find out?"
Tywin frowned. "They wouldn't dare harm you, you are a Lannister and the small council is sending you. You just need to ensure they don't catch you meddling in their house's affairs," Tywin said disinterestedly.
Tyrion couldn't deny the pain he felt at his father's lack of concern for his life, but he had always known he meant nothing to his father.
"Understood, Father. I will retire to prepare for my journey," Tyrion said with a defeated air.
"Be very careful, Tyrion. Some people would be saddened if anything happened to you," Genna Lannister said with an understanding smile.
"Thank you, aunt. I hope to return with good news. I will depart at dawn for King's Landing to join the rest of the audit group," Tyrion said as he rose from his seat and limped towards the exit.
"Don't fail me, Tyrion," Tywin said with finality.
The Dreadfort
Robb Stark
Two weeks had passed since Smalljon Umber had left the Dreadfort, and while waiting for his response, I kept busy with the logistics of maintaining a large group of blacksmiths in a new village.
The expenses incurred so far had been astronomical, and there was no way the original North's history could sustain this expenditure. However, with the profits we had gained from vodka and its variants, we could manage this expense for some time. Additionally, the profits we would gain from other products would improve the situation.
Preparing for war was very complicated, even more so in a medieval era like the one I found myself in. The area that encompassed the North was much larger than the rest of the kingdoms, so communication between houses was slow, and there was no way to improve communications with my powers or knowledge of the future. Because of that, I had to wait weeks if not months to receive news of important events in other houses, not to mention the other kingdoms.
Noticing with my insects that Jon was heading toward my new solar, I waited for him to get close to the door to tell him to come in.
"Come in," I said before he could even knock.
"What message do you bring now, Jon?" I asked with a smile.
"Someday you'll tell me how you know how it's possible that you know it's me," Jon said with a laugh.
"I've already told you, little brother. When we return to Winterfell, I'll tell you about this," I said enigmatically.
"Aye, I can't wait," he said with a deadpan.
"So, Jon. What does the message say?" I asked quickly.
"It's a message from Last Hearth, Robb. Smalljon left his home four days ago. He should be coming today or at the latest tomorrow," Jon said.
"Very good news, Jon. Is that all?" I asked.
"No, it also says that Smalljon brings urgent news, but he will explain when he arrives," Jon said with a puzzled look.
"Hmm, it must be something very important for them not to write it down," I said, rubbing my chin.
"Don't do that, Robb. You don't even have a beard," Jon joked.
"Shut up haha," I laughed with him.
"Let's go to the village to check on the progress they've made in this time," I told him as I got up to go together.
As we walked through the corridors of the castle, I thought about everything I had managed to accomplish in this short time in Westeros. The North was at peace; the bandits no longer acted for fear of the new policy against them; there were no longer spies or traitors. I knew my progress had been excellent, but my story was just beginning. The real problems would start with the war for the throne, and then the war against the dead. I couldn't give up, no matter how scared I was of what might happen. My connections with the rest of the North had become much stronger in this short time, but I would do everything in my power to keep my loved ones safe.
While watching the former guards and workers working in the village, I noticed a commotion on the edge of my power, a group galloping quickly toward the village entrance, and the guards preparing to welcome them.
Turning to Jon, I put a hand on his shoulder as I began to push him.
"It seems Smalljon has returned already. Let's go greet him," I said as I guided him toward the commotion.
Arriving at the village entrance, I put a smile on my face as the guards welcomed Smalljon and his group.
"Welcome back, Smalljon," I said as I hugged him.
"Thank you, Robb, but I'm afraid I bring bad news," Smalljon said, furrowing his brow.
Looking at him seriously, I asked, "What happened? It must be something serious for you to look like this."
"The king will send a group to investigate the changes in the North. Maester Luwin sent a raven to Last Hearth saying he received the news from a raven from King's Landing," Smalljon said with a displeased face.
"Damn... do we know who will lead it?" I asked.
"Tyrion Lannister, Jon. I've heard about his intelligence and political acumen. It won't be easy to keep this secret," Smalljon said, shaking his head.
"Hah, I can work with this," I replied with a smile before continuing, "Jon, get ready for the journey back to Winterfell. Smalljon, you'll stay in charge of continuing our work here. Keep me informed; I trust you'll do a good job, and if you need help, don't hesitate to write to Lord Karstark."
"Understood, Robb. I won't let you down," Smalljon said, shaking my hand.
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