Kent finished speaking with a smug expression before quickly running out of the room.
Jason Liu burst into laughter. He had indeed chosen the right person—Kent was sharp and quick-witted, even if he had a tendency to be a little too smooth-tongued at times.
As Kent moved through the halls of Winterfell Castle, he stopped to ask the castle servants where he could find Lord Eddard's captain of the guard, Ser Jory Cassel. One of Lord Eddard's attendants informed him that Ser Jory was currently on duty outside the Lord's study.
Nodding in thanks, Kent followed the directions given and soon arrived at the study on the second floor of the castle.
Standing outside the study were Ser Jory Cassel and two guards, stationed there to ensure the security of their lord.
As Kent approached, the three men immediately took notice of him. Ser Jory instinctively rested his right hand on the hilt of his sword, his voice steady and authoritative as he called out, "Stop! Who are you? This is Lord Eddard's study. You cannot enter without permission."
Noticing Ser Jory's hand on his weapon, Kent quickly halted in his tracks, startled by the reaction. Holding up his hands slightly in a gesture of peace, he explained from a safe distance, "Ser Jory, I am Kent, a bodyguard of Lord Jason East. My lord wishes to know if Lord Eddard is available tonight, as he has an important matter to discuss."
Hearing Kent's explanation, Ser Jory's tense expression eased. He recognized the young man as one of the knights serving the Earl of Starfire City, the same one who had made quite the impression in Winterfell earlier that day.
With a nod, Ser Jory responded, "Sir Kent, Lord Eddard is currently handling affairs in his study. I will inform him of your request. Please wait here."
Being addressed as "Sir Kent" by the captain of Lord Stark's guard filled the young knight with excitement. His face flushed slightly, half with pride and half with embarrassment, as he quickly responded, "Thank you very much, Ser Jory."
Ser Jory gave a brief order to the two guards outside the study before knocking on the door. After hearing a response from inside, he stepped in.
Inside the study, Lord Eddard Stark sat at his desk, reviewing accounts. The paper he used was the high-quality white paper purchased from Jason East's store, far superior to the traditional parchment. Along with it, he used one of the gel pens from the same shop, making note-taking much easier.
This new paper and writing instrument had become essential tools in Winterfell, now commonly used for managing daily affairs and drafting important documents.
The ongoing harvest celebration was more than just a gathering of lords; it was also a time when the various fiefs in the North paid their taxes to Winterfell. These tax records, detailing the quantities of wheat, oats, cattle, sheep, horses, and coin collected, required Eddard's personal review.
He had spent the entire afternoon sobering up from the earlier feast and had since been poring over these accounts for hours.
Looking up as Ser Jory entered, Eddard set aside the thick ledger and rubbed his forehead, feeling the strain of the long day. "What is it, Jory?" he asked.
Bowing respectfully, Ser Jory replied, "My lord, Earl Jason East has sent a messenger to ask if you are available tonight. He wishes to discuss an important matter with you."
Eddard raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, tapping a finger in thought. Then he nodded. "Tell Lord Jason that I am available. He may come directly to the study—I will wait for him here."
"Yes, my lord." Ser Jory bowed again before leaving the study to relay the message to Kent.
Kent thanked Ser Jory once more before hurrying off to inform Jason Liu.
Eddard sighed and closed the ledger, setting it on his desk before rising to stretch. He walked over to the window and glanced toward the brightly lit rooms nearby, a small smile forming on his lips.
Those rooms belonged to Robb, Bran, Sansa, Arya, and Rickon. Earlier that day, Jason East's men had installed a strange new lighting device in the children's chambers, something Jason had called "solar lights."
Now, at night, their rooms shone brightly—just like his own bedroom and study.
Eddard's gaze drifted upward to the ceiling, where one such device, an "energy-saving lamp," illuminated his study. The brightness far exceeded that of the handful of candles he had previously relied on, and unlike burning candles or lamp oil, these lights produced no smoke or odor. It was truly a remarkable innovation.
He often found himself wondering just how many more incredible creations Jason East had brought from his distant homeland.
Tonight's meeting was unexpected. Eddard had assumed that Jason, after being heavily plied with wine by several Northern lords during the feast, would spend the evening recovering from his drunken state.
Yet here he was, already awake and seemingly in good condition, requesting an audience.
It was just as well—Eddard had plenty he wished to discuss with the young lord.
One matter, in particular, weighed heavily on his mind: Jon.
Eddard wanted to get a better measure of Jason Liu. Their earlier conversation had been brief, with many others present. He had yet to properly assess the man.
His first impression of Jason was favorable, but he knew better than to judge a man solely on appearances.
Jon's true parentage was a dangerous secret, one that could shake the realm if revealed. Eddard had gone to great lengths to ensure that the boy lived a peaceful life, free from the burdens of his bloodline.
He hoped that Jon could grow up, marry, and raise children under his assumed identity, continuing Lyanna's bloodline in peace.
The thought of his beloved sister caused a pang of sorrow to grip his heart. Memories flooded back—memories of that fateful night at the Tower of Joy, of Lyanna lying in a pool of blood, clutching his hand, her voice weak as she entrusted her newborn son to him...
A sudden knock at the door jolted Eddard from his thoughts.
He quickly composed himself, pushing aside his grief and assuming the stern, dignified expression of the Warden of the North.
"Come in," he called.
The door opened, and Ser Jory stepped aside, gesturing for Jason Liu to enter. "Lord East, please come in. Lord Eddard is waiting for you."
"Thank you, Ser." Jason nodded in appreciation before stepping into the study, ready to speak with the Lord of Winterfell.
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