Recruitment

"Theon, get up, it's time for training!"

In the great hall, Owen, fully dressed and spirited, splashed a pitcher of icy cold water onto Theon's face.

"I greet your moth—"

Theon, who had been sleeping on the long table, dreaming of his harem, jolted awake from the cold water, muttering a polite greeting in a daze.

"Lord Robb has already gone to the training grounds. You know the penalty for being late! Everyone else has left, and I'm the one who woke you up. Shouldn't you thank me?"

Owen watched Theon bounce around like a monkey, shaking off the cold water, a smile spreading across his face despite his serious expression.

Hearing this, Theon looked around the great hall.

He saw many servants cleaning up the incredibly messy great hall. Indeed, only the two of them, officers of Winterfell, remained.

"Thank you, Owen. Let's hurry! I don't want to do that embarrassing and uncomfortable frog jump around the training grounds like last time.

But why does my right cheek hurt so much!"

Theon quickly called to Owen and walked out of the great hall. At the same time, he moved his tongue back and forth against his aching right cheek, asking Owen.

"You really don't remember anything from last night? You were too happy yesterday and dragged Robb to find Rosie the redhead, saying you wanted to have some fun.

Then, Lady Catelyn gave you a 'gentle massage' on your right cheek as a reward! Hahaha!"

Owen, who had been serious, couldn't help but burst into laughter as he recalled Theon getting slapped in the face last night.

"You hit me that hard when you knew I was drunk?

Ow, stop laughing and let's go!"

Knowing he had been hit by Catelyn, Theon mumbled, touching his right cheek, then rolled his eyes and dragged the still-laughing Owen towards the training grounds.

The soldiers' training in Winterfell proceeded normally today, unaffected in the slightest by yesterday's revelry.

The prisoners of war and the wounded had been properly settled in batches by the mid-level officials of Winterfell yesterday.

The spoils of war, military achievements, and compensation for the fallen were still being tallied and would likely take a few more days to be finalized.

After the morning training, Robb immediately rushed to the council hall to deal with the territory's affairs that had piled up for over half a month.

"Master Luwin, that's about it for today. Send raven letters to all the nobles in the North in my name, asking them to come to Winterfell to collect their plundered goods.

At the same time, post a notice at the gates of Winterfell stating that anyone who can prove they are the rightful owner of the goods from the plundered merchant caravans can come and claim them."

After spending most of the day processing the backlog of political affairs, Robb issued his orders to Maester Luwin beside him.

"Yes, I'll do it right away!"

Maester Luwin nodded in response and turned to head to the rookery.

As Robb was discussing with Daisy, who was still fulfilling her duties as a personal guard, whether Brandon had shown any recent abnormalities, a guard from the council hall came to report.

"Lord Robb, the Imp from House Lannister has arrived at the Winter Town market and is heading towards the red-light district.

Lord Theon is following them and has asked if you want them apprehended."

A soldier in armor entered the council hall and immediately reported to Robb.

Knowing Tyrion's character, Robb shook his head and said, "Tell Theon to invite them over, uh, politely invite them!"

"Yes, sir!"

The soldier acknowledged the order and turned to leave. Not long after, the Imp and his three companions were politely invited by Theon.

"Haha, I just went to take a piss on the Wall, and when I returned, it felt like a long time had passed.

Winterfell has changed so much, don't you agree, Young Wolf Lord!"

As soon as Tyrion saw Robb, he teased him with a playful grin.

"Imp, you'd better be respectful to the Lord! Otherwise..."

Hearing his tone, Theon frowned and warned him.

Tyrion's lips curved into a smile, and he replied fearlessly, "Otherwise what? Chop me into smaller pieces for your master?"

"You!"

"Enough, Theon."

It had to be said that Tyrion, with his dissolute appearance, had already maxed out his Talk no Jutsu and mockery skills.

Seeing that Theon was easily provoked by Tyrion, Robb raised his hand to stop them from continuing.

"Tyrion Lannister, I found a secret letter from a high-ranking official in the West during the search of House Bolton's belongings.

Are you interested in seeing it?"

"Ah, hearing you say that, I don't even need to see the letter to know that the writer must be my father, who loves to scheme everywhere.

He probably thought that since Lord Eddard went to King's Landing and you had just taken over Winterfell, he would instigate House Bolton to cause you some trouble.

But who knew you would directly defeat and capture Roose Bolton."

Tyrion, as expected of a smart person, understood immediately. However, he blurted it out directly in front of everyone without any reservation.

Seeing such an interesting Tyrion, Robb's interest was immediately piqued. He tossed aside his original prepared speech and spoke directly, "Tyrion, your debauchery is merely a facade you've put up due to your family's discrimination.

Of course, you like this facade and enjoy it.

But you are actually a wise, kind-hearted individual masquerading as wicked!"

"Wow! Lord Robb, your assessment leaves me speechless. I had no idea I was such a great person!"

As soon as Robb finished speaking, Tyrion responded with exaggerated cheerfulness, his tone playful.

However, the slight panic in his eyes indicated that Robb's words had indeed had an impact.

"Tyrion, join House Stark! I'll make you my second-in-command and give you a platform to fully utilize your talents.

No one but me will be able to command you.

You're smart enough to tell if my invitation is sincere!"

Seeing Tyrion caught off guard by his words, Robb pressed on, speaking loudly.

As soon as his voice fell silent, the entire council hall fell into a hush.

No one had expected Robb and Tyrion to discuss such an important matter in this setting.

Tyrion could feel the sincerity in Robb's words. Thus, the usually eloquent and silver-tongued Tyrion could only stand dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.

Behind him, two guards clad in Lannister armor, bearing the roaring lion crest, exchanged a silent glance.

They felt that after hearing such words today, they wouldn't be leaving this council hall alive.

But they weren't willing to go down without a fight. They both understood the meaning of a desperate struggle from each other's eyes.

Meanwhile, Yoren, the Night's Watch 'raven' who had been a silent observer, watched the unfolding drama with a meaningful expression.

Just as the two Lannister guards' hands slowly reached for the hilts of their swords, Tyrion, his mind finally catching up, let out a loud laugh. "Lord Robb, as you said, I am merely a dwarf discriminated against by the Lannisters.

Whatever your intentions may be, I implore you, do not waste so much effort on me. It's not worth it!"

"Tyrion, remember my words today. I will be your best choice when you are at your lowest!

Oh, and you can stay in the guest room in the main keep tonight! The same room you stayed in last time, is that alright?"

"No need to trouble you this time. The ladies outside the city must be missing my silver stags, and, well, the little lion. Haha!"

After saying this, Tyrion bowed and took his leave. As he turned around, his face was as dark as water.

The two Lannister guards behind him, visibly relieved, followed him out.

Yoren of the Night's Watch also bowed to Robb and, without saying a word from beginning to end, turned and walked out.