Chapter 5

"Tomorrow, I will go speak with Robert. We cannot waste the dwindling treasury on this ridiculous tournament," Ned said, somewhat resigned. Originally, the purpose of the tournament was to help the king select the best knights from across the realm. However, under Robert, it had become an entertainment spectacle, with the prize money alone totaling fifty thousand—a damn fortune.

Ned then dismissed the small council meeting and sat alone in the great hall, looking troubled.

The news he received from Robert was that Jon Arryn had at least five more years to live, yet he had suddenly died from exhaustion. Even a fool could see that King's Landing was currently unstable. Robert also sensed that the Lannister family and their hidden masters were trying to stir up trouble across the Seven Kingdoms.

Meanwhile, Theon, who was accompanying Joffrey, had arranged a side chamber not far from Joffrey's quarters.

Theon lay on the bed, gazing out at the sea through the window.

One couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the Red Keep. Situated by the sea, it enjoyed a daily sea breeze!

What was this?

A seaside villa, and a very large one at that!

"Now just waiting for King's Landing to descend into chaos," Theon said, stroking his Valyrian steel sword.

Every time the sword's edge cut his fingers, the pain served as a reminder that this was not just a grand dream. The immortality meant he wouldn't die, but he still experienced sensations, and the enhancement of his senses made him even more sensitive to pain.

This excited Theon. He feared that after becoming immune to death, he might gradually lose his feelings and emotions.

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock at the door, and a guard entered, "Ser Theon, Prince Joffrey requests your presence. Please follow me."

Theon sheathed the sea serpent sword into his custom scabbard and signaled for the guard to lead the way.

Navigating through the winding corridors, Theon finally reached his destination.

It was an open space with about thirty people standing in the center.

"Theon, pick a team of ten from this group. I'm about to turn fourteen, and Father has allowed me to have my own squad," Joffrey's voice was tinged with excitement.

Theon's eyes narrowed. It seemed this was Robert's way of protecting his son. Robert had clearly sensed that the atmosphere in King's Landing was off. Unfortunately, Robert never realized that the whirlpool of chaos would begin with his own "son."

"You pick ten, and Sandor will pick ten as well."

Hearing Joffrey's words, Theon noticed the Hound not far off.

Theon then selected ten men casually. These men were unimportant, likely Robert's loyal elite from the Stormlands.

The Hound also selected ten people indiscriminately, simply not caring.

.....

In the North.

Tyrion said firmly, "The mind, like a sword, needs constant sharpening to become sharper."

Hearing Tyrion's words, Jon nodded vaguely, not very engaged.

Tyrion noticed Jon's indifference but chose not to comment further. Those with great combat skills often overlooked the importance of wisdom, and for a dwarf, wisdom was especially crucial.

The group then got up and continued their journey, finally arriving at the base of the Wall.

Looking up at the nearly two hundred meter high and four hundred mile long majestic wall, Tyrion questioned for the first time if this structure was really just for repelling wildlings.

Banyan turned around and said softly to Jon and his companions, "Welcome to the Wall!"

"Perhaps some monsters do exist. Do we really need such a structure to defend against wildlings?" Tyrion muttered to himself.