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The many ravens released by Winterfell soon reached the rookeries of the nobles across the North, completing their task of delivering letters.

White Harbor, House Manderly, New Castle study, Count Wyman stared at the letter in his hand, so shocked that his double chin and wide mouth remained agape for a long time.

"Scholar Theomer, is this letter real? Lord Robb not only eliminated most of House Bolton's army but also captured Dreadfort, a castle that has never been conquered?"

Hearing his lord's question, Scholar Theomer offered a wry smile and replied, "Lord Wyman, I had the same reaction as you when I saw the letter.

However, there have been various rumors circulating for some time now. Some claimed to be deserters from House Bolton, pursued by House Stark's cavalry at the time.

There were rumors that House Bolton's Ironstone Town was occupied by House Stark. There were also reports of Dreadfort engulfed in flames."

The elderly Scholar Theomer paused slightly, took a breath, and continued, "These numerous rumors, coupled with this letter bearing the lord's seal, make me believe this matter is likely true!"

"Incredible, Lord Robb is truly incredible! As expected, the cub of a fierce wolf cannot be a docile dog."

Count Wyman was quite emotional, his hands constantly making small movements as he spoke. He seemed to recall something and continued to ask Scholar Theomer, "Is that shipment of Myrish Ointment due to arrive soon?"

"Yes, judging by the timing, it should arrive in White Harbor within these two days."

"Excellent. Wasn't our White Harbor's caravan recently raided? Perfect, I'll personally take this batch of Myrish Ointment to Winterfell."

"Lord Wyman, I will make your travel arrangements immediately."

"Mm, while I am away, have Wylis handle matters in White Harbor. Please teach him well."

"As you command!"

Due to the communication difficulties and isolation in the North, communication relied almost entirely on ravens.

Therefore, when the raven letters from Winterfell were first received, most of the Northern noble houses dared not believe the contents.

However, the letter bore the lord's seal of House Stark. Most houses, adopting a skeptical attitude, either went in person or sent representatives to travel towards Winterfell.

Westerlands, Casterly Rock.

Casterly Rock was a tall and magnificent stone castle, located on the western coast of the continent of Westeros, overlooking the bustling Lannisport and the vast Sunset Sea opposite.

The castle was carved from a massive rock, and the walls and other structures built upon it further enhanced its defensive capabilities.

Of course, precisely because of the castle's overall rock structure, dealing with human waste and refuse became very troublesome.

However, under the ingenious redesign by the clever Tyrion, a well-planned clearing system that directed waste directly into the sea had relieved the Lannisters of this worry for years.

Like Dreadfort in the North, Casterly Rock had never been forcibly captured by enemies in historical records.

At this moment, in the castle's stone garden, Tywin Lannister, the Warden of the West, maintaining his elegant demeanor, was comfortably leaning back in his chair, savoring golden wine from the Arbor, his eyes appreciating the beautiful sunset.

Kevan Lannister, in his fifties, dressed in a golden noble's attire embroidered with the lion sigil, approached him briskly, holding a raven letter.

"What bad news is it this time?"

Tywin, who knew his brother very well, spoke directly upon seeing the expression on his face.

"A raven from our informant states that the Northern wolf cub has captured Dreadfort and taken Roose Bolton prisoner to Winterfell.

He intends to install Roose's bastard, Ramsay Snow, as the new Lord of Dreadfort."

Having served as his brother's deputy for many years, Kevan naturally knew which matters were important and immediately delivered the bombshell news.

"What? How long has it been? Roose Bolton was defeated so quickly? Captured by a mere whelp?"

Upon hearing the news, Tywin, who had been relaxed, immediately sat up straight. The sudden movement caused a significant amount of the expensive wine to spill from his goblet.

"Yes, we all underestimated that wolf cub. The informant said that his tactical plans were completely seen through by the cub, and every step was calculated to counter Roose."

"Alas, this is troublesome. From now on, the North will become a solid block, and it will be difficult for us to interfere."

"Those barbarians in the North rarely come south, why do you concern yourself with them?"

Kevan asked with some confusion upon hearing Tywin's sigh.

"House Stark is a staunch supporter of Baratheon, and if in the future..."

Tywin put down his wine goblet and looked at the setting sun gradually disappearing below the horizon, saying in a low voice.

"In the future, what?"

"Nothing, you will know in time."

"Mm."

Kevan, who had always admired his brother, never asked further questions when Tywin was unwilling to speak.

He remembered his own question upon seeing the raven letter and changed the subject, asking, "Weren't the informants we painstakingly placed there removed by that wolf cub? Where did such detailed information come from now?"

"Cersei and Jaime accompanied the King to Winterfell before. This informant was their doing. They are quite useful and have reported much secret information about Winterfell to me."

Speaking of his children, a slight smile appeared on Tywin's face. It was evident that he was very pleased with their efforts in placing this informant.

"A worthy feat for our excellent Lannister twins!

Oh, and the spy's letter mentioned that the wolf cub was trying to recruit Tyrion in Winterfell. Tyrion didn't agree, but he did send him a drawing for riding gear."

Kevan praised casually before continuing his report.

"Recruit him? Does the wolf cub want to plant a spy among our Lannisters?

Tyrion would never agree. Although I've never considered him a Lannister, I have to admit, he has a Lannister's sharp mind."

"So, what should we do next?"

"Send more men to the nobles in the North to gauge their reactions. Count Wyman of White Harbor is a shrewd businessman; I think we can strike a deal with him.

Then, send a letter to Cersei, telling her to teach Joffrey more and to gain control of House Stark's eldest daughter soon."

In King's Landing, the Small Council had just concluded. Several ministers bowed to Eddard, who presided over the meeting, and took their leave.

As Eddard also rose to depart, Archmaester Pycelle, who had not yet left, called out to him.

"Ed... Lord Eddard, I almost forgot. There's a raven letter for you from Winterfell."

The elderly Archmaester finished speaking slowly and haltingly, then tremblingly retrieved the letter from his robes.

"Thank you, Archmaester Pycelle."

Eddard thanked him, took the letter, and unfolded it. As he read, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

"Lord Eddard, your son is truly valiant in battle. Congratulations!"

Archmaester Pycelle, who had clearly read the letter beforehand, offered his compliments to Eddard.

Hearing this, Eddard folded the raven letter, turned his gaze northward, and shook his head, uttering a meaningful sentence: "Among the wolves, the one that attacks first is indeed the bravest, but also the most likely to die."

Sam, with his bulging belly and comically jaunty walk, strode through Black Castle with a smile.

When he saw Jon, who was cleaning with a cold expression, he immediately said, "Jon, there's a raven letter saying your brother led a large army to capture Dreadfort and took Count Roose alive."

"Robb won the battle? What else did the letter say?"

Upon hearing Sam's words, Jon's face lit up with joy as he asked.

"Nothing else significant. It seems they just want Black Castle to strengthen its defenses, saying a Wildling army is gathering outside the Wall."

After relaying the contents of the letter, Sam asked Jon with a simple, honest expression, "Jon, I heard your brother is called the Young Wolf Lord. Can you tell me what kind of person he is?"

Hearing Sam's question, Jon recalled Robb as he was when he left Winterfell and replied, "Actually, I don't know what kind of person he's become now. But in my heart, he's a good brother who protects his family and his home!"