Chapter 16. The Plot

It wasn't until the large-bellied King Robert finally passed out drunk on the long table, with loud snores echoing through the hall, that the dull banquet hosted by the Stark family finally ended.

The servants carried the drunken lords back to their rooms, while the others who could still move made their way to their rooms. Those too intoxicated to walk simply collapsed and slept where they were.

When Robb returned to his room with Bloodwind, he found Theon waiting for him. After Robb let him inside, Theon immediately reported the incident where he had been discovered while tailing someone that day.

Back when he was with the Mountain Clans, even the most cunning prey couldn't escape his tracking.

"Theon, starting tomorrow, have Owen follow Jaime Lannister," Robb said after a moment of contemplation.

"Then, select a few clever members of the Wolfguards and have them spread word around the villages near Winterfell that there have been sightings of direwolves in the Wolfswood."

"I understand. Once it's done, I'll report back to you," Theon replied, nodding in agreement, without saying anything unnecessary.

After spending so much time with Robb, he knew that if Robb wanted to tell him something, he would do so voluntarily. Asking more would be pointless.

"How is the other task progressing?" Robb asked.

"The goods have already been handed over to us and are currently in transit. As for the schedule, the rotations in the main keep have been arranged."

"Good. Get some rest. I'll see you at the training yard in the morning."

"Good night."

***

Cersei swirled her wine glass, glancing disdainfully at Tyrion sitting across the table, before turning to Jaime and saying, "The Stark family has produced an outstanding new generation. I've already reported this to Father. What are your thoughts?"

"Birds in flight are often the ones shot first. Geniuses tend to die young. I think it would be perfectly normal for something to happen to this Young Wolf," Jaime responded casually, as if only half-engaged in the conversation.

For him, the "Young Wolf" was of no concern at all. He only spoke to humor Cersei.

Cersei, however, agreed with Jaime's words. She rubbed her wine glass against her red lips, mulling over the idea. "So, what kind of accident would be considered appropriate?" she mused.

"Hah! Plotting to kill the master's son while living in the master's house. You two are certainly Lannisters through and through, just like Father," Tyrion sneered, his mocking words cutting through the conversation.

"Can you ever say something nice?" Cersei shot back, putting her wine glass down and biting her lip. "Since you're enjoying the benefits of being a Lannister, you should fulfill your obligations and responsibilities."

"I can say nice things. The women from the south to the north have all heard my sweet words! Isn't that right, Jaime?"

Tyrion smiled at Jaime before turning serious and addressing Cersei. "Benefits? I've spent years cleaning up the endless heaps of shit at Casterly Rock, ensuring that the Lannisters can live in cleanliness for decades. Don't tell me I haven't repaid you for the 'benefits' given to a dwarf like me."

"And to Father, I don't even bear the Lannister name. So spare me the talk of family obligations."

With that, Tyrion slammed his wine cup onto the table, leaped from his chair, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Jaime reached out, as if to stop him, but as he watched Tyrion's retreating figure, he found himself at a loss for words.

Cersei, on the other hand, glared at the closed door, biting her lip in anger.

***

At dawn the next day, Robb arrived at the entrance of the training yard, right on time.

All of the Wolfguards, including the heavily intoxicated Smalljon from the night before, were already standing in proper formation.

Robb nodded slightly in approval and stepped forward to lead them in their daily routine.

As the sun slowly rose, the quiet Winterfell began to awaken.

The people of Winterfell were already accustomed to Robb and his men's training. It was only the visitors from King's Landing who found it remarkable, for at that moment, Robb was leading the Wolfguards through basic formation drills.

On the corridor outside the training yard, Joffrey strolled leisurely in a luxurious coat. His golden hair shimmered under the sunlight, and with his handsome face inherited from his parents, he truly looked like a fine young man.

Many maids in Winterfell secretly sent Joffrey flirtatious glances, hoping to win his favor.

Though Joffrey wasn't particularly interested in women, he enjoyed the attention.

As he walked with the Hound and his other guards to the training yard, he immediately noticed Robb and his men in formation drills, which seemed like child's play to him.

Unable to suppress his laughter, Joffrey clapped his hands and shouted mockingly, "Hahaha, look at how neat they are! So tidy! This kind of training is fantastic! No one gets hurt. Unlike the warriors of King's Landing, who train with real swords and real spears. They bleed, and sometimes people even die."

The Wolfguards could easily detect the sarcasm in his words. Although they had initially been skeptical of this training method themselves, they had followed Robb's orders without complaint.

After experiencing actual combat, they realized the benefits of formation drills. Small unit tactics with precise coordination were far more effective than chaotic melee battles, and their survival chances increased significantly.

So, despite Joffrey's mockery, they maintained their perfect formation, knowing the value of their training, and continued until Robb gave the order to rest.

Robb ignored Joffrey entirely, leading his men through the regular drills without reacting to the taunts.

"Dog, have you ever seen such a dainty little army in King's Landing that trains like this?"

Seeing that Robb didn't respond, Joffrey grew more enthusiastic and turned his head to loudly ask the Hound behind him.

"Never, my Prince," the Hound replied in his deep voice, his iron dog-head helmet adding weight to his words.

"Hahaha, from Westeros to Essos, I bet there's no training like this anywhere. A real army of pansies!"

"Pfft!"

"Heh heh heh!"

Joffrey had just finished his sneering remark when his guards, except for the Hound, couldn't hold back their laughter.

Robb, now leading his men across the yard and facing Joffrey's group, suddenly stopped.

He drew the blunt training sword from his waist, pointed it forward, and shouted, "Draw swords! Charge!"

Clang! …

All the Wolfguards members drew their blunt swords simultaneously, following Robb, maintaining their formation as they charged at Joffrey's group.

Their eyes were filled with murderous intent, as though the people in front of them were the same detestable Wildlings they had fought before.

Clang! Clank! …

Seeing Robb and his men charging, the Hound instantly lowered his iron dog-head helmet, standing protectively in front of Joffrey. He drew his long sword, bending his knees slightly into a combat stance.

The other guards' laughter stopped abruptly. After seeing the Hound's reaction, they quickly drew their swords and moved to protect Joffrey.

Joffrey, shielded by his guards, turned pale. His previous cold stare with Robb made him feel as though Robb wasn't joking; he genuinely wanted to kill him.

"Protect me! Damn it, let's go! Get out of here, now!"

...

Release schedule: 2ch/d

Timezone: GMT - 4

1st Chapter: 

Europe: 18:00 pm

USA:12:00pm-noon

…

2nd Chapter

Europe: 21:00pm

USA: 15:00pm