Casterly Rock Changes Hands-Jon and Margaery, Cersei and Robert

Sandor stood behind the empty main seat, while the banquet hall was now filled with the various lords who had come to fight.

Food and wine were served as if by a flowing stream, and the eyes of the maids and servants revealed obvious panic.

Although Jon has conquered Casterly Rock, it will take some time and effort to transform Casterly Rock into his own shape.

For example, not long ago, the kitchen even needed to be watched to prevent anyone from poisoning it.

Even worse, like the lion relief on the wall behind him, it is now simply covered with Jon's black banner.

Sandor suddenly thought of a question: after Jon and Margaery got married, would Casterly Rock suddenly be flooded with Tyrell?

Just like when Robert was in King's Landing, he was surrounded by a large group of blondes. If that's the case, will Jon and Margaery end up like Robert and Cersei?

There are many rumors circulating in the Red Keep about "Cersei and Robert fighting." Some say that Robert is missing a tooth because Cersei smashed it with a wine jug, but Robert, wanting to save face, claims that he knocked it out himself.

The Lannister are very rich, Tyrell are quite wealthy as well.

Jaime is Robert's Kingsguard, and Jon plans to make Loras the garrison commander of Casterly Rock.

Sandor suddenly felt that everything made sense!

It's unclear whether Jon has any illegitimate children. After all, Sandor only officially became Jon's vassal in King's Landing, and there were still more than half a year before that. I wonder if he also had affairs with fisherwomen or something like that.

Although Sandor was tall and strong and had a fierce appearance due to the burns on his face, he was actually very intelligent. He would think ahead about many things. He felt that his position by Jon's side was not secure at all and that he needed to find an opportunity to remind him.

Sandor surveyed the entire banquet. Although there were few musicians and the dishes were very simple, the victory was indeed magnificent, much like the chandelier above everyone's heads, which was lit with hundreds of candles.

Hundreds of candles were lit at once, illuminating the hall as if it were daytime.

Jon hasn't arrived yet, so the others took the opportunity to talk privately.

"Father, should we send Rollam over when we return to the Crag?" Jeyne's brother, Raynald Westerling, asked his father.

His younger brother was still young, only a little over ten years old, the same age as Arya.

"Send it." Raynard's father blurted out almost immediately.

The House Westerling of the Crag is a poor and declining family, possessing only the title of Earl, but all their lands are rented out. Because they have so little money, they haven't even had time to repair their castle.

When Robb swept through the Westerlands, he didn't even bother to glance at the Crag, but instead set his sights on Jeyne.

The House Westerling quickly chose sides and then followed Jon back to the Westerlands, which led to the current situation.

Because they chose the right side, it's foreseeable that the House Westerling will likely become one of the top noble families in the Westerlands. Becoming wealthy will only take a few years.

Rollam was Gavin's youngest son. Sending his youngest son to Casterly Rock to work as a squire or waiter would not only demonstrate loyalty to Jon, his lord, but Jon was indeed capable, and if Rollam was fortunate enough to learn a thing or two from Jon, it would be enough.

As for whether Gavin's wife would be reluctant to let him go, that was not within his consideration.

At this moment, a burly man of medium height approached the father and son; it was Black Walder.

Black Walder wasn't a talkative person by nature, but considering he had to report back to Old Walder, and also because he was worried about something else—that Jon should at least show some appreciation—he decided to take action.

The House Frey really went all out this time, sending both troops and mistresses.

Having captured Casterly Rock, Jon now has the resources to do as he pleases. With the fortress of Casterly Rock sealed off, the House Frey will have nowhere to turn but to rely on Jon's good character.

Even if he can't offer any tangible benefits for the time being, at least some promises should be taken back by Black Walder.

House Frey.

Sir Westerling.

After the three exchanged greetings, Black Walder raised his glass and said, "Long live Lord Jon!"

Long live Jon Snow!

"Our Lord Jon is truly remarkable, isn't he? He actually shattered the myth that Casterly Rock would never fall." Black Walder used Jon as the starting point for the conversation.

"Yes, Lord Jon is unfathomable," Raynard echoed.

"----"

However, after a brief opening, both sides fell silent. Neither the Westerling nor Black Walder were the talkative types, and the conversation quickly stalled.

However, Black Walder knew that because of Jeyne, the House Westerling would definitely hold a special place in Jon's heart in the future. Gavin also knew that the House Frey had mobilized two thousand troops to attack the Westerlands with Jon, so the two sides must have a close relationship and wanted to communicate. Therefore, they could only make small talk.

Black Walder took a sip of his drink, moistened his lips, and asked, "Does the Crag have gold mines?"

"No." Gavin's words fell like a stone, but it was clear that both sides wanted to talk. He added, "The Crag is very close to the coast."

"Oh, but now all the gold mines in the Westerlands belong to Lord Jon, so he certainly won't be stingy with rewards."

"Yes, sir, you are a generous man." Raynard, who was standing to the side, was slightly more talkative than his father.

"The lords of the southern part of the Westerlands have not yet sworn allegiance to you, my lord. There may be more wars to fight in the future. You may still need the strength of the Crag." Black Walder thought of another topic and seemed relieved.

"Yes, but fortunately, you are betrothed to the House Tyrell House Tyrell, so they will definitely support your military campaign."

"Yes, that's right." Black Walder nodded, now there was nothing more to say.

The three of them took a sip of their drinks together, and the atmosphere fell silent again.

Fortunately, at that moment, a name was finally called out from outside.

"Lord Jon, Lord of Casterly Rock Warden of the West, has arrived."

When Jon finally arrived, both Black Walder and the Westerling father and son breathed a sigh of relief; chatting was harder than fighting a war.

They exchanged a relaxed smile and returned to their seats.

Followed by Robert Frey and Adam, Jon walked through the center of the hall and headed straight for the throne at the head of the hall.

Black Walder nodded to the Westerling and returned to his seat, while the others stopped to talk.

Besides Melisandre, Brynden, Paxter, and Garlan, Jon also invited some officers to the banquet.

That would have made it more lively, but now the only sound in the hall is Jon's footsteps.

Besides the enormous gains, the losses were negligible; almost none of the men who fought at the foot of Golden Tooth were injured.

The only downside is that Rickard is still in Golden Tooth.

After Jon sat down, Robert Frey poured him a glass, and all eyes were on him.

Jon knew their help wasn't for nothing, and he needed to give his approval.

He then raised his cup and said, "My lords, we have conquered Casterly Rock, and the remnants of the southern army are no longer a threat. Thank you for your support. The Stark of Casterly Rock will forever remember this great friendship. Long live King Stannis Baratheon!"

"Long live the King! Long live Jon Stark!"

After a brief toast to begin, Jon knew he needed to distribute the spoils.

But before that, let's chat a bit.

At this moment, Loras spoke up, "Your Grace, we intend to return to Highgarden with the Tyrell army."

"Oh? Weren't you going to stay and be my garrison commander?" Jon smiled.

At this point, Loras still didn't like Jon, but he no longer harbored any resentment. In less than three months, he had taken the Westerlands and Casterly Rock. Regardless of how he did it, he had taken it!

"I... I have to go back with my brother Garlan to prepare for the wedding. I'll come to Casterly Rock with Margaery," Loras said, rubbing his nose.

"Oh, yes, then please give my regards to Miss Margaery and tell her I'm waiting for her at Casterly Rock," Jon said casually.

"Let us all congratulate His Excellency the Duke and Miss Margaery, may their love last forever!" Adam, seizing the opportunity, stood up again and proposed to the crowd.

"Let's drink another toast to the adults and Miss Margaery!"

So everyone drank another cup.

"Adults must have more children, otherwise it's a waste that so many rooms in Casterly Rock are empty!" Martin joked.

"Yes, sir, just like our House Frey," Black Walder added.

He knew about Jon and Roslin's affair, but it was inappropriate to bring it up in this situation; he could only hint at it subtly.

Jon didn't say anything, but simply raised his glass slightly towards Black Walder, indicating that he knew what to do.

"My lord, I wonder if you've ever slept with a woman? Don't end up not being able to find the main entrance!" Sandor's joke was a bit vulgar, but it didn't violate any etiquette. In reality, this guy was scheming.

The laughter of the crowd echoed in the hall, as if trying to scare away the lion relief on the wall.

Even the oldest, Brynden, was smiling.

In this setting, it's fair to say that everyone could make a little joke or tease Jon about the wedding, since he's the biggest winner, not only having won Casterly Rock but also getting to marry Margaery.

In fact, many monarchs and lords kept jesters; in the entire court, only jesters could joke about the king.

Sandor simply adopted the role of a jester.

Everyone was quite happy except for Paxter's twin sons.

And then there's Martin, who was the first to make a joke. If Old York hadn't returned to the North, he would almost certainly be Jon's longest-serving follower. Before he and Margaery consummate their marriage, according to Westeros custom, as a trusted confidant, he was allowed to tear Margaery's dress.

Of course, he didn't pounce on her like a wild beast or a thug, but simply followed behind Margaery and tore at the hem of her dress that trailed on the ground.

"Lord Jon, I must also bring the fleet back to Arbor," Paxter said.

"No problem, I will take full responsibility for all the losses and damages suffered by the Redwyne Fleet this time," Jon said readily.

After all, the cooperation with the House Redwyne is not a one-off deal; they will be indispensable when it comes to the Iron Islands in the future.

Currently, Casterly Rock has fewer than twenty ships, and it's fortunate that they are located in a shipyard beneath the rocky hill; otherwise, they would have been robbed by the pirates of the Iron Islands.

It is said that Jon will also need to build a fleet in the future, not only for the Iron Islands, but also to support the Wall and defend against the White Walkers.

Having said enough small talk, Jon steered the conversation to the main topic.

"My lords, you have all worked hard on this campaign. Tomorrow I will open the treasury of Casterly Rock and distribute all its treasures to you!" Jon said, raising his arms high as he spoke, his selfless demeanor almost as if Robert himself had possessed him.

How can we distribute all the treasures in the vault?

Many were somewhat incredulous, considering that the Lannister had lent the Iron Throne three million Gold Dragon over a period of more than a decade; their savings might have been just as much!

Even if some was lost during the war, it should have been mostly gold and silver, and there must have been many priceless treasures.

If they were to distribute it all, they'd probably burst from overeating.

Is Jon really going to give all of these things away?