Chapter 26: Parting Ways.

I apologize for the lack of chapters this week; it has been a horrible week for me and has only become more complicated. I returned to the city where I study this past Sunday, and due to various reasons, I will have to find a new house and deal with all of that. It's been stressful, and I haven't been able to write because of it. I hope you understand, and I will try to write when I can and am less stressed.

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Three weeks later.

"I want to thank you for being so accommodating with this investigation, my lords," Tyrion said as he addressed the rest of the people gathered in Ned Stark's solar.

Lady Elyse nodded, "You have been very helpful in our investigation, and we return to King's Landing pleased with the news we bring," she said with a smile.

"Before we retire to rest before our departure to the capital, I would like to discuss a few specific points," clarified Tyrion as he opened a journal where he had noted many of his findings during his time in Winterfell.

"Firstly, we understand that we cannot disrupt your production of various goods you are selling, but I want you to know that the Master of Coin can and likely will increase the taxes levied on the North," Tyrion said uncomfortably. "I don't believe I can influence his decision, as he is in charge of such matters and I merely provide him with the information we have gathered."

From that moment, I decided to eliminate Peter Baelish when I had the chance. It was a pity that even if I did it now, the tax hike would be implemented by whoever replaced him. The North's profits had been monumental, and anyone focusing on that would not doubt taking a part for the crown and/or themselves.

My father took a breath to calm himself before responding. "I am not happy about this. For the first time in decades, the North prospers, and now a portion of what should benefit our people will go to the crown just because? My people have worked hard to achieve the prosperity we have now. Punishing their success with more taxes would be unjust."

The maester also frowned, understanding why they would do so, but that didn't mean he could do anything to change it.

"I know, I know, Lord Stark. Believe me, if it were up to me, this wouldn't change, but Lord Baelish seeks any way to keep the realm afloat. From the Iron Throne's perspective, it's difficult to ignore the North's economic growth. It seems... unusual. Especially from a region known for its austerity," Lady Elyse intervened.

"The North's prosperity is not the concern of the Iron Throne," my father said after sighing. "We have remained loyal and fulfilled our obligations. Increasing taxes now will only sow resentment among my people."

Tyrion nodded slightly. "And yet, the South is uneasy, Lord Stark. The Tyrells, the Redwynes, and even the Martells have noticed a drop in their sales due to the North's self-sufficiency." Taking a deep breath, he continued, "This causes imbalance, and as you know well, Lord Stark, imbalances in the realm can lead to greater problems in the future."

My father crossed his arms with a furrowed brow. "And what solution do you propose, Lord Tyrion? Imposing more burdens on those who cannot bear them? This will only lead to ruin and discontent."

Lady Elyse interjected thoughtfully, "I am not so insensitive as to not understand that, Lord Stark. Perhaps there is a way to reach an agreement." After a minute of silence, gently tapping the table, she continued, "We could negotiate certain compromises. The North could resume some purchases of Southern products, enough to appease the Southern nobles without causing too much burden to the Northerners."

My father grunted, "And why should we spend our gold on things we do not need, my lady?"

"It's just an idea, Lord Stark. If you have a better one, please share it," Lady Elyse said.

My father and the maester exchanged a glance with me while Tyrion and Elyse talked among themselves, and honestly, it was hard for me to hide my smile at this turn of events. I subtly nodded to indicate my approval.

My father took a deep breath and furrowed his brow, though I noticed it was acted. "I apologize for raising my voice, Lady Elyse. You are right, that could be a starting point. But I insist that any increase in demands from the South must be minimal and must not affect the quality of life of my people."

Tyrion smiled and nodded, "I promise you, Lord Stark. I will do everything in my power to ensure that. I do not want more conflicts, and I do not want the North to turn against the Iron Throne. I am here to negotiate peace, not to impose tyranny."

My father nodded. "Very well, Lord Tyrion. For the sake of the realm, I will find a way to cooperate. But remember, the loyalty of the North is not bought with coins or taxes but with justice and respect. Most Northern lords will be displeased with this decision, but I will ensure they do not cause trouble."

"Now I want to talk about my condition," my father continued. "The North will no longer tolerate the Ironborn raiding our coasts or our merchant ships. If the crown does not move to stop them, they will face Northern justice."

Lady Elyse interjected slowly, "The crown won't like that, my lord."

"It's not my problem, Lady Elyse. As the guardian of the North, I have every right to defend my people. Therefore, when you return to the capital, do everything you can to stop them. Meanwhile, if they attack us, we will defend ourselves mercilessly; the protection of our shipments will increase, and we will kill any pirate who attacks us," my father said with a tone that brooked no doubt.

"We have a responsibility to our people, Lady Elyse. Just as Jon Arryn or Tywin Lannister would defend their lands if this happened to them, the North will defend itself and even preemptively strike if necessary," I spoke for the first time in this conversation.

"Yes, I understand, Robb. But it's not that simple... sigh, I promise to do everything in my power to convey your message," Lady Elyse said with a hint of regret.

Tyrion raised his wine cup, saying, "To justice and respect, then. May our negotiations bring peace and prosperity to all."

Next day.

The sun was just beginning to rise, and my family and I were bidding farewell to the Crown delegation. These three weeks had been complicated, but thank the gods, we managed to achieve our goals without losing more than we had planned.

The horses were already saddled, and the carriage loaded with scrolls containing the information they had gathered during their stay, of which I had already made copies and we would read slowly among my father, the maester, and Ser Rodrick after they departed.

"We have concluded our investigation and will head directly to the capital. We greatly appreciate the hospitality you have provided," Tyrion said respectfully.

My sisters and my mother made courtesy gestures; thanks to my intervention, Arya was a bit more controlled in this life, as she did not have to hide or reveal herself to do what she wanted, and Sansa was less stuck-up thanks to the change of the septa, so both had behaved properly during this time.

My father replied briefly, "We are glad to have been good hosts. I hope you have found what you were looking for and that this brings understanding and peace between our lands. We will not forget what was agreed upon, and I hope you will fulfill your promises."

"That will be the first thing we do upon arrival, Lord Stark. Trust us," Lady Elyse replied with a smile.

"My greatest responsibility is the welfare of my people. Anything we can do to maintain peace, we will do, as long as it does not negatively impact my population. As I said yesterday, I will speak with the rest of the lords; they won't be happy, but they won't cause trouble either," my father said firmly.

The delegation began to mount their horses and started to leave Winterfell. But the last to leave approached my family.

The Kingsguard knight rode towards me with a small smile. "I look forward to hearing more songs about you, Lord Robb. You have great potential and I am sure you will be one of the finest warriors of our lands. Be humble, and you will go far."

"Thank you for your lessons, Ser. I hope to make a mark on the Seven Kingdoms," I said seriously.

"I have no doubt you will, young Robb. I can't wait to tell Ser Barristan about the gem you are," he said with a hearty laugh.

"Have a safe journey, and take the opportunity to rest while you are in the North. I'm sure there are no more bandits here," I mentioned with a slight smile.

"And all thanks to you, right? Haha," the knight said as he departed with the rest of the caravan.

With one final farewell, the delegation departed, leaving Winterfell behind. As they withdrew, only Jon, my father, and I remained in the courtyard.

"You handled the delegation splendidly, Robb. I am very proud of you, as I am of you, Jon," my father said seriously. "It's not easy to deal with Southerners, especially people as intelligent as Tyrion and Lady Elyse."

"I knew it was important to show them that the North is not a threat to the realm, Father. But we must not appear weak either. For now, we just

need to maintain our prosperity and continue strengthening our defenses in case the situation changes," I replied, while Jon nodded in agreement.

My father placed a hand on our shoulders. "And we will, my sons. The future of the North is in good hands with you both, but we must prepare for the future. If there's one thing I know about the South, it's that they don't always play fair."

"We will be ready, Father," Jon said seriously.

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