51. Jon the Harder

The idea of introducing kotatsu (heated tables) to Westeros all depended on whether the merchants could sell them well.

Jason Liu was optimistic about Odover, a merchant from the Westerlands he'd done business with before. He hoped that Odover could quickly sell the pens and paper, return to buy more, and perhaps bring in some money for Jason.

Back in his room, Jason found it already stocked with food and 40 sets of work clothes. He had given strict instructions that no one was allowed to enter his room without permission.

After stepping out, he called for Martha, Lena, and Susan from the store downstairs to help carry the food and work clothes. Jason also heard that Jon Snow had been busy training the five McCann brothers. He sent Bella to call them over so they could collect the black uniforms.

Soon after, Bella returned with Jon and the McCanns.

"Sir," McCann and the others saluted Jason. Jon hesitated, then bowed his head, saying, "Master Jason."

Jason greeted Jon with a casual question, "Weren't you training with Ser Rodrik today?"

Jon explained, "Ser Rodrik took the guards to a village near the Wolfswood. They say it was attacked by wolves last night." He then took a sip of tea that Venissa had brought him and thanked her.

Jason nodded, not surprised. Villages near Winterfell often faced attacks from wild animals, and the Starks were quick to send help to protect their people.

Shifting focus, Jason handed out the 40 sets of black uniforms, telling everyone to pick two. Lena and the others were excited to get these clothes from Jason's homeland, which looked similar to what he wore. The women quickly went to their rooms to change into their new outfits, while the McCann brothers, sweaty from training, took showers first before putting on the black uniforms.

Even Jon was convinced to take a shower and change.

When they all returned in their neat, black work clothes, Jason felt a small sense of accomplishment as their leader.

"This is so comfortable! These clothes are really nice!" someone commented.

"What kind of fabric is this? The stitching is so tight—it must've been made by skilled workers," another added.

"I love how strong it feels! No more worrying about tearing them!"

"They're so light—way better than those heavy wool sweaters," one of the women said.

"And just as warm!" another chimed in.

The group was abuzz with excitement, enjoying the modern clothes. Even the McCanns, Jon, and the three Barlow brothers were smiling.

Jon, curious about the fabric, remarked, "Master Jason, these clothes must be expensive. I feel bad accepting this gift."

Jason waved him off, saying, "Don't worry, Jon. It's nothing for me. Besides, you've been training the McCanns for free. It's just a small gift."

"Thank you, Master Jason," Jon said, feeling touched. He rarely received gifts growing up, especially something so valuable.

The difference between these modern clothes and Westeros's linen was huge. In terms of comfort, durability, and strength, modern textiles far surpassed anything in Westeros—even the finest silks.

At noon, Jason invited Jon to stay for lunch and suggested he could come by for meals every day. They could chat and even discuss swordsmanship.

Since Jon had refused to accept payment for teaching swordsmanship, Jason wanted to take care of him in other ways. He knew that Jon appreciated the respect and friendship he found here, something he didn't often get in Winterfell, where people looked down on him.

Recently, Lena had told Jason about a rumor in Winterfell. People were saying that Lord Eddard might give Jon a piece of land when he came of age next year. This rumor was making Jon's life in Winterfell even more difficult, especially with Lady Catelyn growing increasingly hostile.

Jason sighed at the thought. He wanted to help Jon more but wasn't sure how. He even considered inviting Jon to move in with him, but Jon declined, not wanting to trouble Jason, though he did promise to come by every day for meals and company.

That evening, after dinner, Jon walked back to Winterfell wearing his new black uniform. Along the way, people stared at him in surprise.

Within two days, everyone in Winterfell knew that Jon Snow, the illegitimate son of Lord Eddard, had been hired by Jason Liu to teach swordsmanship to his guards. It caused quite a stir.

Many wondered why Jason, a lord from the East, would hire Jon, a lowly bastard. Some thought it was simply because Jason was kind-hearted and took pity on Jon's difficult situation.

And it was a difficult situation.

With both Robb and Jon nearing adulthood, people were worried that Lord Eddard might make Jon a noble and give him land that should rightfully go to Robb. Lady Catelyn, in particular, was deeply concerned. She had always viewed Jon as a curse sent by the gods to punish her and feared he might take away what belonged to her children.

As a result, Jon's time in Winterfell grew harder by the day. Even Lord Eddard had noticed the tense atmosphere and had reassured Catelyn that he would never give Jon any of Robb's inheritance, though rumors continued to swirl around the castle.

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