Jon Snow's Little Fangirl

Jon and his group remained with the Painted Dog Tribe for another ten-odd days.

He had left Riverrun earlier than Catelyn.

Moreover, Catelyn was headed to the Stormlands to discuss an alliance with Renly. She had to go to the Twins first, then north to White Harbor, before traveling south along Westeros's eastern coast.

She likely would not return for three to five months.

Jon himself had been away for less than a month, so there was certainly nothing urgent holding him back.

During this time, Jon's main tasks were waiting and dealing with Miss Sola.

That little girl was far too enthusiastic.

Jon had kept his distance from her.

The reason they had to wait over ten days was that, while the Painted Dog Tribe might not have been far from the other tribes in a straight line—

They were all in the mountains.

Without efficient communication like maester ravens, it took Xiuwolf more than half a month to invite the elders and chieftains of the tribes that had not yet joined the Lannisters.

To accomplish this, he had already spent more than half his fortune.

But Xiuwolf believed it was all worth it.

More than a dozen representatives from various tribes had gathered in the hall where Jon had been entertained that day.

Although these people were dressed even more poorly than the soldiers Jon had brought, it was obvious that none of them were simple characters.

After all, no matter how small or insignificant a group was, anyone who managed to earn a position within it was no fool.

Jon would not underestimate them merely because he had seen and learned more.

Jon had not been idle during this period either. He had made quite a few preparations.

After the representatives and chieftains from the various tribes had been seated, Jon had his soldiers carry out a "curtain."

Some crooked, uneven patterns were drawn on it.

"I really don't know what that guy is up to. Does he think a scrap of cloth can convince those old foxes?" Haken said disdainfully, leaning against the doorway.

"What do you know! I asked Lord Jon about it that day. He said it was called... investment... investment attraction. And that thing of his was called a slideshow presentation," little fangirl Sola said.

"A lamp? Where's the lamp?"

A North soldier placed an oil lamp behind the "curtain," and the patterns on it immediately became clear.

It turned out they were not patterns at all, but a crude map.

The major powers of the Seven Kingdoms were roughly marked on it.

Seeing the elders and representatives drawn in by his "PPT," Jon began his presentation.

"I know you do not trust outsiders like us, but what I want to tell you is that it does not matter if you do not trust us,

"But, everyone, disaster is about to befall you!

"Your wives and children, your lands—they will soon be taken by others."

Jon's opening words truly stunned quite a few people.

Even Xiuwolf beside him had not expected Jon to say such things.

But someone quickly recovered and turned to complain to him:

"Xiuwolf, you made us travel all this way just to listen to this outsider brat spout nonsense?"

Faced with their doubts, Xiuwolf looked troubled. He had no idea what Jon was up to.

Yet he could not question Jon either.

That left him standing there, visibly flustered.

"It seems this elder is confident he can defeat his old enemies, who are armed with superior weapons?

"Those Ironborn who followed the Lannisters—the ones who came recruiting people before—if tribes like the Black Ears Tribe and the Burned Men Tribe help them win battles and obtain better weapons, what do you think they will do next? Is that really so hard to guess?"

When facing doubts, there was no need to get tangled up in argument. Sometimes, speaking loudly and crushing the opposition with sheer volume and presence was the most effective approach.

Watching this, Sola's eyes began to sparkle without her even realizing it.

The elder who had questioned Jon recovered and asked:

"So you came to help us?"

"No. Only you can help yourselves!"

As he spoke, Jon walked to his "PPT" and pointed to the Green Fork.

"Before this, we—the Ironborn from the distant north and the Ironborn from the distant west—fought a battle here, but neither side won.

"And at that time, the great lord from the distant north was still here, in the place we call King's Landing, where he was murdered by the western great lord's men.

"A greater war will break out next."

Jon had organized press conferences in his previous life, so he vividly described the causes and course of the war.

The elders and representatives, who had seen little of the world, listened with great interest. Even Haken, the "Vinegar King," was drawn in by Jon's story.

"The House of the Stag in the south, the House of the Eagle in the north, and the House of the Flower here will all join our alliance.

"The House of the Lion will have to face the combined assault of so many people. Sooner or later, they will be defeated.

"But here, very close to you, they still hold the advantage.

"So if you join us and help win the battle here, then in the future, the lands of tribes like the Milk Snakes Tribe and the Burned Men Tribe will all belong to you!

"On the other hand, if we lose here, your enemies will return, seize your lands, and enslave your children.

"So I say again: only you can help yourselves! Join us. It benefits both sides!"

"Good!"

Sola, standing by the doorframe, excitedly pumped a fist.

Jon's explanation was simple and easy to understand. Even someone like Haken, whose muscles made up for his lack of brains, understood it.

Old York beside Jon stroked his chin with great interest. He had not expected Jon to be such an eloquent speaker as well.

Xiuwolf on the other side was also watching Jon's performance closely, waiting to choose the right time to step in.

After hearing Jon out, the elders and representatives began whispering among themselves.

It looked as though they had been persuaded.

If they could endure the initial fighting, they could win more room for their descendants. That was naturally a worthwhile bargain.

"Your story is interesting, but how do we know whether what you just said is true?"

It was still the tribal representative who had spoken first. He voiced the most critical question for everyone else.

"Because the great lord of the House of the Wolf was my father."

When they heard that Jon was a son avenging his father, sympathy rose in their hearts.

Even Haken's attitude softened considerably.

There was even less need to mention Sola.

The way she looked at Jon was filled with pity.

But the elder pressed again:

"So you are that great lord's son. Then why not simply detain you? That way, we can exchange you for more weapons and food without anyone having to die, can't we?"

The moment he finished speaking, the people around them immediately looked eager to make a move.

These clan tribes had no old custom of "guest rights."

Old York had not expected things to spiral toward an uncontrollable situation. He immediately became tense and vigilant.

Cold sweat instantly streamed down his wrinkled forehead.

What he especially could not understand was why these people, who clearly came from different tribes, were now all turning hostile at once as though they had agreed on it beforehand.

Surely our group isn't that unwelcome, is it?

Jon pushed aside the Winterfell soldier blocking his way, drew his longsword, and said:

"There are plenty of bastards born to great lords. My head is not worth much. But if you insist on taking it, many people will die today!"

"Don't—"

The moment Jon finished speaking, a familiar voice rang out. Sola stood between Jon and the tribal leaders, spreading her arms to shield Jon behind her.

"Sola—"

At the sight of this, Haken felt as though something was clogging his chest.