(Third-person perspective)
Had the Drowned God abandoned him? That was all he could think of, and now it was time to face the wrath of Robert Baratheon. Their motto, "Our wrath," wasn't just for show.
Robert stared at Balon sat as still as a statue on the throne. His rage grew. He had thoroughly enjoyed battles, far more than the tedious, peaceful years, but now the fighting was nearing its end. His anger towards the rebels took hold. This foolish squid dared to rebel and try to take what was rightfully his?
Absolutely not! He would not allow anyone to take what was his. He was going to crush the squid's head with his bare hands. Just as Robert continued to hammer the squid's head, he caught a glimpse of a giant over two meters tall harvesting Ironborn, as if harvesting newly grown grain. He too was wielding a warhammer.
Following closely behind was Ser Drasil, Ned's Wonder Boy, but Robert found the boy's fighting style rather strange. He didn't use Valyrian steel sword, but instead fought with a dagger, throwing his enemies to the ground to stab them. It seemed he was trying to kill his enemies while simultaneously grappling them.
While working to improve his grappling skills, Aermir saw Ser Selmy and the Kingslayer. Ser Selmy had a Strength of 13 and a Speed of 13, while the Kingslayer had a Strength of 14 and a Speed of 14.4. Ser Selmy's attributes might be lower Jaime's, but he could knock back enemies faster. His movements and attacks had a refined and serene feel to them.
It was as if he knew what the enemy was going to do before they even made a move. Every movement he made was meticulously crafted. On the other hand, compared to Ser Selmy, Jaime's movements and attacks were explosive and fierce. His movements were more dynamic and passionate, but Aermir couldn't see a trace of mental acuity in his fighting style. Jaime fought entirely on instinct and physical strength. In his opinion, Aermir preferred Ser Selmy's fighting style, which was more refined and closer to perfection.
Robert longed for the sense of superiority that came from seeing his enemies grovel in defeat. He began to consider how to punish the so-called Salt King Balon. Should he make him eat rock salt until he choked to death, or should he act swiftly and decisively? Just as Robert was gleefully preparing for battle, a loud shout shattered all his excitement and joy.
"Men of the Iron Islands, cease fighting. We have lost King Robert; let us stop this pointless bloodshed!"
Balon began shouting surrender. The moment the main gate fell, Balon knew they had lost, but he couldn't accept it. However, if the battle continued, the Iron Islands would suffer pointless losses. The Ironborn began throwing their weapons to the ground, and the Iron Throne army erupted in deafening cheers. The rebellion was over.
Robert slowly walked towards Balon and stood before him. He felt deceived by what a brilliant battle had been. He still craved more. Robert suddenly felt a tremendous emptiness and loss. He was going back to those listless, boring days. So he picked up a sword, threw it to Balon, and shouted.
"Pick up your sword and fight like a man! Aren't you the Salt King? Pick it up now!"
Balon didn't react for a moment and knelt down.
" King Robert, please forgive this rebellious subject!"
He begged for forgiveness; he cared nothing for honor. All he needed to do was survive. If he were still alive, the Ironborn would rise again someday, but for now, he had to swallow his pride and beg for forgiveness. His will was crumbling. He had lost all potential heirs.
He was left with only the most useless Theon. That coward was more cowardly than a fish. Just as Balon was thinking about these things, Robert raised his warhammer in a fit of rage, but before he could decide to strike, he heard Ned's voice.
"My king, please have mercy. It is dishonorable to kill someone who has surrendered."
At that moment, Aermir couldn't help but shrink back, thinking, "Here we go again, all that nonsense about honor," Robert said angrily.
"Does executing a rebel necessarily bring me glory? If I'm not mistaken, rebellion is still a capital offense. I'm merely enforcing the law."
"Lord Royce said."
"You're right, my king, but if you kill him, the Iron Islands will become unruly. Even if they surrender, they will continue to raid coastal towns."
Robert reluctantly put down his warhammer. If he executed Balon now, Ned and Jon would be angry and nag him. He could go back to King's Landing to escape Ned's nagging, but he couldn't escape Jon's. Robert considered for a moment which was more worthwhile.
He longed to smash Balon's head, but then Jon's nagging would follow, and the Ironborn would wreak havoc. They wouldn't dare rebel again. So, war was out of the question, but they would cause the kingdom considerable trouble and unnecessary headaches. Robert believed that a moment's pleasure Undeserving months or years of headaches, he said.
"Then how should we punish him, Ned?"
"First, he should swear allegiance to you now; we can discuss the rest tomorrow."
Aermir wanted to shout. He had already broken his oath; it didn't matter if he swore another one!
(Male protagonist's perspective)
After the war, we brought Pyke under our control, and everyone tended to their wounded. I had to return as Druid to treat the wounded, but this time I couldn't use the excuse of being a scout; I had to feign exhaustion to decline. Because I was the one who opened the city gates, no one said anything to me except the king when I left the victory banquet. He forced me to drink eight more cups before leaving the celebration and declared me a hero. Thanks to my passive resistance to alcohol, it had almost no effect on me.