Opportunity

Suleiman chewed on the hard, dry black bread, his gaze sweeping over Lushen and Roslyn.

Why was he so eager to change Lushen and Roslyn? Because he wasn't thinking only about the present, but about laying the foundations for his future.

He needed the two of them to be able to stand on their own in the future.

Although he was a noble of Westeros, his status was too low, and his family had no standing to speak of.

There was absolutely no way he could win the support of Westeros's ancient, storied noble houses. But perhaps he could try another path!

While the three of them ate in silence, a guard from Deddings Town hurried over and came straight to Suleiman.

"Ser Suleiman." "Lady Roslin requests your presence." The guard bowed, his tone respectful.

Suleiman struggled to swallow the black bread in his mouth, wondering if Lady Roslin was about to offer him a generous handout.

He stood up, and Lushen and Roslyn immediately followed. The three of them went with the guard deeper into the castle.

The castle's passageways were narrow and winding, and the flags of House Deddings hung from the walls on either side.

Guards stood on both sides of the entrance to the Lord's Hall. The doors were slowly pushed open.

A row of soldiers stood on each side of the Lord's Hall. Fire still burned in the hearth, but it did nothing to dispel the solemn atmosphere.

Lady Roslin sat high in the lord's seat, no longer showing yesterday's affection. Maester Walder stood beside her.

Suleiman knew he was in trouble the moment he saw the scene. Such formality, such solemnity—it certainly wasn't a generous handout!

Suleiman could only steel himself and step forward, bowing slightly. He had no idea what was going on.

"Ser Suleiman." Lady Roslin raised a hand in greeting, her voice no longer gentle as it had been yesterday.

"Deddings Town is now facing a grave threat."

"The Wildlings of the Mountain Clans have descended from the mountains."

"They broke through the mountain defenses and have been burning and pillaging their way across my family's lands!"

"The Mountain Clans?" Suleiman furrowed his brow. The name sounded familiar. Wasn't this part of the Imp's story...?

Maester Walder spoke up beside her. "According to the ravens, several clans—the Black Ears, the Burned Men, and the Stone Crows—have joined forces. They may number more than a thousand, perhaps even more."

More than a thousand, perhaps even more. Suleiman's left eyelid twitched wildly. Why were they telling him all this? He had a very bad feeling about it.

Lady Roslin continued, looking at Suleiman.

"Deddings Town has only a little over four hundred soldiers. They absolutely cannot leave the town!"

"There are no nobles left in the city who can lead troops."

Suleiman broke the silence and looked up at Lady Roslin.

"Lady Roslin, you didn't summon me just to tell me this bad news."

Better to face fear than run from it.

A trace of appreciation flashed in Lady Roslin's eyes.

Lady Roslin rose from her seat and stood straight, then walked down the steps.

"That's right, Ser Suleiman."

"I need someone who can lead troops, but there are no nobles left in the city who can do so."

Suleiman smiled bitterly.

There's still one person, isn't there, my lady? Me?

Lady Roslin looked at him and smiled.

"Deddings Town has just urgently conscripted a group of farmers and townsfolk, a little over three hundred people."

"The vast majority of them have never even touched a sword, let alone seen battle."

Suleiman's face twitched. Three hundred recruits with no military experience, sent to fight more than a thousand Wildlings from the Mountain Clans? Me?

He frantically searched his memory, wondering if he had somehow offended Lady Roslin.

Suleiman tried to keep his voice calm.

"Three hundred recruits, my lady."

"To fight more than a thousand Wildlings from the Mountain Clans, perhaps even more. Are you sure?"

Lady Roslin understood perfectly well what that meant. Her voice grew low.

"I know, Ser Suleiman. I know this will be difficult."

"So I only need you to do one thing. I'm not asking you to attack those damned Wildlings!"

"I need you to take this force to Valleydeep Town."

Suleiman tried to refuse with a little acting, his eyes instantly welling with tears. "You know, my lady, I'm the last living member of my family..."

Lady Roslin cut him off.

"Your family has suffered misfortune, and your lands lie in ruin. I know. I know all of that."

"But now is not the time to discuss it."

Suleiman: ...

She watched as Suleiman gradually fell silent.

After a pause, she seemed to gather her thoughts.

"If you're willing to accept this arduous task, I'm willing to make you a promise."

"During this time, all your spoils will be yours to keep, whether goods or prisoners!"

"I'll also expand your lands!"

Suleiman's eyes shifted slightly. Keeping the spoils was a very good offer. For someone who needed to rebuild his family's power, that wealth would be an important foundation.

But the problem was, the cost and the price might be more than he could afford.

"Furthermore..." Lady Roslin's eyes seemed to harden with resolve.

"I authorize you to temporarily raise as many soldiers as you need throughout the lands of House Deddings, whether in villages or towns."

"You may conscript wherever you believe it necessary."

Suleiman looked at Lady Roslin in shock. Now he truly couldn't remain calm! The terms were far too generous!

Keeping the spoils during the war against the Mountain Clans meant he could rapidly build up his wealth in the short term. And being allowed to conscript on another's lands meant he could openly expand his own strength, shelter refugees, and recruit soldiers.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze settling on Lady Roslin and Maester Walder.

More than a thousand Wildlings, over three hundred untrained farmers, and whatever soldiers he could raise. The task was still arduous, and the risk of death was high.

But!

He looked at Lady Roslin, whose face was full of anxiety and hope.

"I accept your terms, my lady." Suleiman finally spoke. He'd do it!

Lady Roslin visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, young Suleiman. May the Seven protect you."

"House Deddings will never forget this loyalty!"

"I'll also send a supply of grain to Foulkeep to help your family through these difficult times."

Suleiman bowed respectfully.

"I must begin preparations at once. I need to learn about these three hundred people, their equipment, and the supplies!"

"Of course, young Suleiman!" Lady Roslin said with a smile.

"Ask me or Maester Walder for anything you need. I'll prepare the conscription documents and have them delivered to you shortly."

"Then, my lady, please allow me to take my leave." Suleiman bowed again.

Suleiman turned and left the Lord's Hall with Lushen and Roslyn.

As they walked back, Lushen and Roslyn followed silently at his sides. Suleiman strode ahead with steady steps, but inside, his emotions surged and his blood raced!

This was an opportunity! He knew that from this moment on, his goals had truly entered a new phase!

The spoils were his, and he could raise soldiers. He had to seize this chance and grow as powerful as possible amid the chaos!