The Time is Ripe

"Lord Wyman speaks the truth. There are many inconsistencies in this matter.

The first caravan that suffered misfortune claimed there were about a hundred Bolton riders. But as the attacks on merchant caravans continued, the direct merchant families of the noble houses began adding more cavalry guards.

Even Kahoh City sent three hundred cavalry to escort their caravans, yet they were still plundered.

Could that Ramsay, with his renegade cavalry, really have taken down all these caravans?"

Scholar Theomer nodded, adding to Earl Wyman's words as he explained the problems he had observed.

"Of course, it's impossible for that bastard to have done it with his renegade cavalry. Besides that leech lord, who else could it be?"

Earl Wyman spoke without hesitation, shaking his head as if unwilling to discuss the topic further.

"Scholar Theomer, about the Miel ointment that the Young Wolf Lord asked us to purchase for him earlier, what's the status?"

"We've contacted a familiar salt-trading merchant ship. They've agreed to transport a special shipment of ointment, but we need to pay a deposit of 200 gold dragons first.

Lord Robb hasn't responded regarding when the deposit and payment will be made."

Scholar Theomer reported the latest situation, looking at Earl Wyman at the end, awaiting his reply.

Earl Wyman spun the gemstone ring on his finger a few more times before speaking, "Since the Young Wolf Lord specifically wrote to inquire, he must really need this batch of ointment.

We'll pay these 200 gold dragons for him first and have them bring the ointment back as quickly as possible."

"Yes! My lord."

"Inform Winterfell of this matter via raven. Oh, and increase the price of the ointment by fifty percent, considering it's an expedited shipment and for the interest."

Scholar Theomer nodded at Earl Wyman, saying with admiration, "We help Lord Robb, making him indebted to us, and we also make a profit. Truly worthy of you, Lord Wyman!"

Earl Wyman's plump face broke into a smile. He waved his hand, urging Scholar Theomer to hurry and handle the task, then closed his eyes to contemplate the potential future situations in the North.

In a small, not-so-dense forest between the White Blade River and the Sheep's Head Mountains, a group of over a thousand Bolton soldiers were setting up camp.

"Father, those four Winterfell cavalry sent by the little wolf cub to supervise me, should we capture them?"

Ramsay stood behind Roose Bolton, bowing slightly in respect as he asked.

"Just keep an eye on them. You can't afford to fall out with that little wolf cub yet."

Roose gazed northwestward beyond the forest, as if seeing Winterfell. He continued, "You did very well this time by not directly refusing his plan to have you plunder Northern caravans and then frame the Bolton family.

Instead, you quietly informed me, allowing us to follow his plan and implement one that benefits us."

"Of course, Father. The Bolton family is my foundation. Without the Bolton family, I'm just another bastard easily found anywhere in the North.

However, all the Northern nobles now know that it's our Bolton family plundering them. Our situation will be very difficult going forward!"

Ramsay said, smiling broadly as he expressed his loyalty to his father.

"Who said it was us plundering the caravans? In a while, the Northern nobles will know.

It was your Lord Robb, whom they are loyal to, who forced you to carry out the plundering and frame our Bolton family.

Those four Winterfell soldiers are the proof."

"Father, what if those four refuse to testify?"

Hearing Ramsay's words, Roose suddenly turned to look at his son and said softly, "Few people have secrets when they are naked, but those who are flayed have no secrets. I believe they will tell the truth!"

"Yes, they definitely will, Father!"

Ramsay knew the power of their ancestral flaying techniques well. He nodded in agreement and continued, "But this way, we'll be directly falling out with Winterfell.

Lord Eddard is currently Hand of the King in King's Landing. If he returns..."

"Does our Bolton family fear their Stark family? Twice, the 'Red Kings' have entered Winterfell and flayed quite a few Starks.

Besides, Eddard Stark won't get out of his troubles in King's Landing that easily."

Roose harbored considerable ambition and was deeply calculating. Although he used minor tricks in private, he had always shown considerable loyalty to Eddard.

The reason he was personally involved this time could be considered seizing the opportune moment of transition in Winterfell's leadership, along with an unexpected secret letter from the lord of the Westerlands.

It made Roose feel that he could try to stir up chaos in the North first, allowing him to profit from it.

"By the way, has all the loot from the recent plundering been transported back? And what did you tell the little wolf cub?"

"It's all been sent back to the Dreadfort, Father.

I told him that due to insufficient manpower, the loot is temporarily hidden in a secure location. I even took that Sam to see it. Of course, except for one box of goods specifically shown to him, the rest were empty boxes."

"Very good. The loot from this plundering is enough for us to recruit several thousand infantry, or train a thousand elite cavalry.

They will grow weaker, and we will grow stronger. I believe it won't be long before the Bolton family once again rules the North.

At that time, I will bestow upon you the surname Bolton. Since Domeric has unfortunately passed away, you will be my heir!"

"I look forward to that day, Father!"

"Alright, besides the men you have with you, I'll leave you another three hundred cavalry. There should be fewer caravans to plunder from now on. Tomorrow, I will return to the Dreadfort to handle the loot."

The Great Hall of Winterfell, a piece of paper written in Chinese characters was placed before Robb.

On it were written words such as Lannister, Bolton, Frey, and the Three-Eyed Crow.

Seemingly at a loss, Robb shook his head and picked up a dagger beside him to fiddle with.

Although this dagger looked plain and unadorned, it was forged from lost Valyrian steel and had a dragonbone hilt.

For Robb, this dragonbone dagger was purely delivered by Littlefinger's courier.

When the assassin carrying the dragonbone dagger sneaked into the main keep of Winterfell under the cover of night, he was met by Bloodwind and his wolves.

Upon learning that Bran had been assassinated, Catelyn was extremely enraged and immediately wanted to go to King's Landing to find Eddard.

Robb naturally could not let her fall into the vortex of King's Landing again. After analyzing the pros and cons, Robb promised to find the mastermind behind it, dispelling her idea.

But she was still worried and finally entrusted Ser Rodrik to go to King's Landing to tell her husband Eddard about the matter.

"Lord Robb, today there are more ravens from various noble families accusing the Bolton family of attacking Northern merchant caravans.

If this matter is not resolved quickly, not only them, but even the commoners below will start to get restless. After all, much of the North's supplies are provided by these caravans."

Maester Luwin, holding a handful of raven letters, finally couldn't bear it any longer and asked Robb, who was engrossed in playing with the dagger.

"Mm, I know, Master Luwin. Is there anything else?"

Robb replied with a perfunctory nod without even looking up.

Seeing his reaction whenever the Bolton family was mentioned, Maester Luwin, who was used to it, shook his head and continued, "A letter from White Harbor states that Lord Wyman has paid the deposit of 300 gold dragons for the purchase of Myr's ointment on our behalf.

Lord Eddard has officially taken office as Hand of the King and is in charge of the small council. King's Landing is holding its customary tournament to celebrate..."

"Robb, House Karstark, Earl Rickard has arrived with several hundred cavalry!"

Just as Maester Luwin was reporting various trivial matters, Theon rushed into the Great Hall, shouting loudly.

Clang!

Robb, who had been studying the dragonbone dagger, heard Theon's shout. His fingers suddenly moved nimbly, flipping the dragonbone dagger a few times before gripping it in his palm. He then fiercely stabbed it towards the two Chinese characters 'Bolton' written on the paper in front of him.

Looking up, Robb murmured with burning eyes, "The time is finally ripe!"

The promised extra updates have been completed. I kindly ask readers to take a small amount of time each day to vote and follow this book. Thank you for your support!