Jon·Snow caught the wine bag thrown by Little Gryphon, opened the cork and drank. He was indeed thirsty.
"Aren't you worried about being poisoned?"
"Ahem..." Jon, who was drinking wine, choked.
Little Gryphon laughed at first, and then said with a smile, "Jon, you must be fine after drinking, but I have to remind you, be careful about poisons in this continent."
Jon glanced at the wine bag in his hand with an embarrassed face, took another sip, and stuffed the stopper back.
"I'll pay attention."
Jon handed over the wine bag, and he found that Little Gryphon's eyelashes were as long as Sansa's sister, and his appearance was similar to Gryn's handsomeness, but less masculine...Jon suddenly remembered the time when he was beaten by Gryn and made him doubt his life... The level of strength cannot be judged by appearance... Jon was embarrassed again.
Little Gryphon took the wine bag and hung it on his belt again, saying, "Jon, be happy, you will like it here soon."
Jon showed a smile, shook his head and said, "I just remembered some things from the past, Little Gryphon."
Rory laughed loudly and said, "It's like this when you just leave home. I will take you to a good place in the evening. I will definitely make you happy all night and you will never miss home again."
After listening to Rory's words, Jon suddenly thought of the Women's Branch Hospital. He had never forgotten what Uncle Ned had taught him, so he was prepared to politely refuse Rory's kindness.
Little Gryphon seemed to know something from Jon's face. He sneered and explained, "Jon, don't get me wrong, it's not the place you thought. He was talking about the bonfire party in the port town. They hold it every seven days. They sing and dance together, and it's lively all night long."
He added, "Everyone can participate, and no one will ask you where you are from. We are very lucky. Tonight is a day full of joy and laughter."
Rory grinned and said, "What are you waiting for?"
At night, men and women dance happily around the bonfire. The happy laughter and cheerful pace make the place very lively.
Little Gryphon and Rory had already joined the lively dance floor. Jon, who had refused one invitation after another, was sitting in a slightly far corner... drinking alone.
Jon looked at the lively crowd with a smile on his face... In fact, he really wanted to join, but for some reason he couldn't muster the last courage.
"Hey, do you need a drink to feel brave?"
"Ahem...", Jon was hit by a girl's voice that suddenly appeared, and couldn't help coughing, just to cover up her embarrassment.
Jon looked up... She had beautiful red curly hair, and her wheat-colored skin exuded a vibrant luster, giving him a very lively feeling.
The North man does not know clever language skills. He readily admitted. "You are right, I want to join, but I lack the courage."
The red-haired girl's voice was very lively. "If you drink like this, you can only sleep here! Come on, I am the courage, shy boy!"
Jon murmured in a voice that only he could hear, "I'm not shy..."
The red-haired girl grabbed his hand, Jon stood up in a daze, and was pulled away by her obediently.
Walking into the dance floor, the red-haired girl let go of Jon's hand, and she spun around deftly. Her long skirt fluttered with her movements, like a blooming flower. The people around her smiled friendly and made space for her and him.
The red-haired girl glanced at Jon, who was staring at her. Her eyes were as bright as stars, and she danced gracefully.
Her dance was lively and agile, like a flying bird, as if jumping in the air. People around her cheered for her. Her enthusiasm and vitality infected everyone present, including Jon.
The red-haired girl grabbed Jon's hand again and said, "My boy, have you found the courage?"
Her smile was pure and bright, and Jon felt the warmth of the summer sun.
Jon grabbed the red-haired girl's hand, and he nodded with a smile, "I found it."
The summer-like girl accompanied him, Jon danced awkwardly with the crowd.
Jon saw Little Gryphon who was surrounded by many girls and was unable to escape, as well as the girls who were running away from the approach of the big guy Rory. He laughed happily.
Jon laughed heartily, it was the first time he was so happy.
In the tent, Jon was lying on the bed alone with his hands on the back of his head, a smile on his slightly curved mouth.
The bonfire party was over and the night was already deep, but Jon still couldn't fall asleep. The red-haired girl made his heart unable to calm down.
The door curtain was suddenly opened, and a petite figure entered the tent.
Jon took his hand away from the sword handle and murmured, "Is it you?"
The red-haired girl suddenly sat on Jon's body. She leaned down and faced Jon's face with her little face.
Jon stiffened and said, "Your father..."
The red-haired girl laughed like a silver bell, "He went fishing tonight, and he deliberately didn't tell me."
She continued, "Boy, my name is Renier, the fisherman's daughter."
Jon felt the warm breath of Renier, moved his lips, and said, "My name is Jon, the... illegitimate son from Westeros."
"You are not a noble?"
"Sorry..."
"No, I'm so happy..."
"Sorry, I thought..."
"I want to find a good-looking husband. Since you are not a noble, will you marry me?"
The girl's little face disappeared from Jon's sight.
"... tell me..."
"Huh... I like you."
"Really...? Joan... well..."
"... well... I'm sure... I'm in love with you."
That night, the tent was full of joy.
A week later, early in the morning.
Mermaid, which was aboard Gryn, was "escorted" by Royal Fleet and slowly docked at the dock of Dragonstone.
In the stern cabin, Gryn looked at Septon Zari (Chapter 115) who looked slightly uneasy.
"Septon Zari, don't leave the cabin."
Looking at Gryn who was inspecting the equipment, Septon Zari whispered, "Lord Gryn, Dragonstone is filled with turbid red. It is full of dangers. I am willing to refuse their invitation on your behalf."
Gryn turned his head and glanced at Septon Zari, he smiled and said, "Septon Zari, please don't worry, please wait patiently."
"May the Gods bless you."
After saying that, Gryn walked towards the cabin door.
Outside the stern cabin, Gryn glanced at Mutton's newly replaced plate armor and said, "Mutton, can you use the new armor now?"
The blue armor that Mutton put on shone in the morning light. He chuckled and said in a naive voice, "Sir Gryn, I am already familiar with it. I can fight like before wearing the new armor."
"Looking forward to your performance."
Gryn reached out and patted Mutton, then took a step forward.
Crunching, Gryn led the clan soldiers carrying the Ice giant sword and Mutton·Waters stepped down Mermaid.
Welcoming them were Sir Davos·Seaworth and others.
Davos smiled and greeted him proactively, "Good day, Lord Gryn."
Gryn first stared at Davos with a smile on his face for a while, and then said in return, "Good day, Sir Davos."
Davos stretched out his hand in the direction of Dragonstone Castle: "Please, Lord Stannis is glad to have your visit."
Gryn did not move. "Sir Davos, I am deeply impressed by Royal Fleet's friendly invitation."
Davos was silent for a moment and said, "Lord Gryn, they are shy, so... they may look a little different. I assure you, Lord Stannis is looking forward to meeting you."
Gryn moved his steps and said as he walked, "I need bread and salt."
Gryn refers to the Westeros traditional Guest Right, that is, the guest comes to be a guest under the host's roof and accepts the bread and salt provided by the host. Guest Right becomes effective. During the subsequent guest period, neither party is allowed to harm the other. Violation will violate the sacred laws and will not be tolerated by New and Old Gods.
Guest Right is the teachings of Old Gods and Seven. Is this still binding on Stannis who converted to Red God? It is not important... Gryn just wants to express his distrust towards them.
Gryn wants to remind Lord Stannis that he is not his vassal, nor is he a small person who can just ask him to come. He will not regard a forced invitation as a gift.
Davos's face froze for a moment. He also hated those people, but they belonged to the same camp, and he didn't want to express his inner dissatisfaction in front of Gryn.
He maintained the smile on his face, "Lord Gryn, Lord Stannis is the only fair person in Seven Kingdoms. This is a well-known thing."
After a pause, he continued, "He values you, so he won't treat you as an outsider."
Gryn shook his head slightly. "I only brought two guards. This is my respect for Lord Stannis, but my request is not excessive. I can't think of a reason for you to refuse on behalf of Lord Stannis, Sir Davos."
Before Davos could answer, he added, "Before entering the castle, please let me see the bread and salt."
Davos shrugged helplessly, turned his head and whispered to his son.
Everyone walked in silence, and the atmosphere seemed dull.
While walking, Gryn looked at Onion Knight, whose face was a little heavy, and said, "Sir Davos, do you want to hear a joke?"
Davos glanced at Gryn, whose face became gentle, and nodded slightly.
"Two days ago, when I was boarding the ship at Blackwater Rush pier, I heard..."
After a pause, Gryn continued, "Adrian·Celtigar of Claw Isle Earl claimed the right to rule over Crackclaw Point."
After saying that, he chuckled to himself.
House Celtigar of Claw Isle is a noble who is loyal to Dragonstone. They are derived from Valyrian Freehold of Essos. They are a noble and wealthy family with ancient blood.
Gryn's eyes trembled... Rumor has it that House Celtigar's castle is filled with valuable Myrish Carpet, Volantene Glass, gold and silver vessels, jewelry and wine glasses, a majestic falcon, a Valyrian Steel Axe, a horn that can wake up underwater monsters, countless boxes of rubies, and endless wine.
Gryn's laughter was not loud, but it made Sir Davos feel his cheeks burning, and the people following him fell silent.
"Hey hey hey!"
Mutton glanced at the people around him blankly, and then... he suddenly laughed... After the lord told the joke, no one laughed, so he naturally had to make up for it.
Gryn:"..."
Davos and others. "..."
Mutton blinked, and then pulled off the visor of the helmet.
Davos pondered for a while and then said to Gryn, "Adrian Earl soaks in wine every day."
"Drunken talk?"
Gryn sneered and said, "Sir Davos, you should be very clear about Lord Stannis's purpose of meeting me, but your behavior made me feel contempt and arrogance."
After a pause, he asked, "Everyone understands what you are preparing for. Have you already summoned a hundred thousand troops? To use a metaphor, do you want me to beg to join you?"
Davos deeply felt the anger of Gryn. He secretly scolded those people for their stupidity. He thought that the allies that he had a great deal of confidence in were likely to be lost now.
He bit the bullet and explained, "Lord Gryn, you don't have to trust others, but you can definitely trust Lord Stannis, and he is the true heir of Iron Throne."
Gryn said coldly, "Sir Davos, have you forgotten the war more than ten years ago?"
Davos is not a person with a dexterous tongue. He opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, but he was speechless for a moment.
He understood what Gryn meant. They all knew how the Baratheon family obtained the Iron Throne. Bloodline and inheritance rights would indeed have an advantage, but according to the current situation, only the final winner of the war could sit on the Iron Chair.
Davos still said, "Lord Gryn, no person with a righteous heart can tolerate the ugliness of Lannister."
Gryn's eyes moved slightly... You are right, it can be said that almost everyone in Seven Kingdoms can attack Lannister with every reason.
"The love of the people..."
Gryn sighed softly, reached out and patted Davos's arm, and said, "Sir Davos, do you think Lord Stannis is loved by everyone because he sits on Iron Throne, or does he sit on Iron Throne because he is loved by everyone?"
Davos stopped immediately. His eyes were wide open and he stared at Gryn, as if a turbulent wave had stirred up in his heart.
Gryn patted Davos again, reminding him to keep walking.
Davos came back to his senses, and his tone was unusually urgent. "Lord Gryn, legal principles..."
Gryn raised his hand and interrupted Onion Knight: "Sir Davos, I admire your character very much. This is the truth. My main purpose today is to come and see you and see that you are well. I am very pleased."
Gryn has a gentle smile and a sincere tone.
Davos first nodded towards Gryn, then said, "Lord Gryn, Iron Throne needs someone who is truly just."
Gryn nodded in agreement. "I have to admit, this is rare, but..."
He added, "I am honest with you, Crackclaw Point men will never forget the sacred mission of guarding Iron Throne, but Crackclaw Point men will never be a servant of a certain person. Let's go, Sir Davos."