Chapter 13. Eddard.

298 AC

After dealing with some paperwork Ned starts reading some notes brought by the same servant that deliver him the first note. "M'lord, watch your steps" frowning he burns the note.

During his first week, he try his best to deal with all the previous mess that the King made and now he had to deal with all the upcoming tourney for his honor which he hate. But thanks to this tourney he tries to create an opportunity for the treasury from the incoming lords and people by creating small entertainment and also lodging for lords and rich people and also for those who can afford some. He also uses his title as Hand known as the second power after the King leading a group of guards he selected to maintain order at the flea bottom and conscript those who live in that area to construct and renovate the area using the woods of Kingswood forest.

Thanks to his effort and paying the men and women and children with food half of the place have been renovated. Well at the front where the road was while the back was still in construction which needed a month or so. The small folks from the flea bottom work happily just for feeding themselves. Ned also promises that after they renovate the area he will introduce new opportunities so that they can have a better or easy life. With those promises and the possibility of leaving a beggar's life for them and their children, the small folks double their efforts in following his orders.

But, as this was happening he was able to sniff out dark places that use children as gladiators and also those who conspire to overthrow the King, and the Military Faith. Ned by the subtle influence of his brother didn't think otherwise and eradicate all the faith military but bury the news. But he had a feeling that he was found out which brings him back to the note.

"Ah? How come this faith hasn't died yet? It was already abolished many many ages ago by King Jaeharys" scratching his forehead he look at the ashes of the note he burn. If he guesses correctly it must be them or mayhaps his fellow castle residents use this opportunity to suppress him or deal with him.

"Everything alright, m'lord?" Jory asks standing in front of him.

"Aye, seem so. Jory, I need you to sharpen your swords and our guards. I need to do my best to help Robert before I leave him. Also, (taratara raoi)" he uses a foreign language in the last part preventing anyone from knowing. It was a language or a code his brother introduce to him and his closest guards.

"I'll do that, m'lord"

***

It has been months and all the constructions around the lower society have mostly been completed. Taking advantage of the influx of people Eddard opened several lodging and tavern renting them to businessmen with a total of 90 dragon coins per week. With many people and a tavern and hostel, it was bound to earn a lot of money.

Thanks to his request for hosting the tourney for the second month of his arrival he was able to prepare everything to earn as much as he can.

"Renly, I need your guards to patrol the premises and maintain peace. Do what need to be done to stop any further crimes from happening" pausing Eddard continue, "also take your men and don't trust the Lannisters men for the job. I need you and only you to do the job"

"Yes, Lord Hand. I'll see to it" Renly the King's Brother and also the one responsible for maintaining peace in Kings Landing.

Watching Renly walks out to carry his duty Ned sigh. Thankfully all his brother's spies have been more helpful. He always thought that he would die but his brother's men always added vaccines to every drink that was delivered to him or in toxic drinks there's a note.

The door opens to his solar as Petyr walks in. "Greetings Lord Hand. How's your stay treating you?"

"Uh, Petyr. Same, peace and full of possibilities" answered Ned, "I hope that with money brought in for the past months will be enough to clear 270-something gold dragon from those loans. I would also love to check your ledger to see what causes a huge amount of debt"

"Ahaha, you must be jesting Lord Hand. In case you confuse it seems it's my job to count coins" Petyr secretly cusses.

"As Lord Hand, it is my job to know the expenses the King spent. I also require any amount of expenses for the past years when King Robert started as King" looking at him in the eyes Ned saw that Petyr was restless. "Is there something wrong with my request?"

Smiling bashfully Petyr answered, "As you wish Lord Hand" turning around Petyr frowned and have a dark expression while planning something dark in his mind.

Ned watch as Petyr walks out and started to think about what he needed to do to face any attacks from little finger. He also started to worry about his friend's successor or heir. During his finding, finds out that the Queen's children were in fact bastards and none of them was Robert's son.

"Jory, come in for a second" the door opens as Jory walks in.

"M'lord? Need something?"

"Aye, how's the transportation of our young smith and his family?"

"Aye, words from Lord Manderly they were taken to Moat Cailin smithing shops as new apprentices and tailors"

"That's good news. How preparation for the upcoming tourney?"

"Don't worry m'lord everything's progressing in a good direction. I estimate that it will be done in two more days then the tourney can start whenever you are ready or your plans were finished"

"That's good news. If the constructions and security were good mayhaps we can start the tourney ahead of schedule. How's the farmland around Hayford village?"

"It developing well. Kings Landing now has its money maker thanks to you my lord, but...." Sighing Jory asks, "is it really alright in developing Kings Landing, m'lord?"

"No, but I need to clear my friend's name of this debt. It will stain his reputation as King" shaking his head Ned sighed.

"Lord Hand, Master of coins needs an audience" a guard announces outside the door.

"Enough for today. Call in the little finger and please check him before letting him in, Jory"

"Aye, m'lord" walking out Jory carried out his inspecting and then allowed Petyr in.