(Third-person perspective)
The meeting resumed, their minds refreshed after a night's rest. As they continued their discussion, Eddard Snow found himself increasingly troubled by questions and concerns. After a moment's thought, he finally mustered the courage to speak.
Eddard opened his mouth, ready to voice his concerns, but he hesitated. He was speechless for a moment and retreated. Aermir noticed Eddard's inner struggle, sighed, and encouraged him to speak his mind.
Aermir said with a hint of impatience.
"What's wrong? Tell me."
After a moment of contemplation, Eddard finally mustered the courage to express his concerns. He spoke directly to Aermir with a mixture of confusion and earnestness.
"My lord, I truly do not understand your meaning," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "Such a great danger as the Night's King lurks around us, yet you attempt to weaken and rule the other kingdoms. Why don't you gather all the kingdoms, tell them that the Night's King is real and will come to destroy us? Of course, if we do this, we can form a united army to face this great calamity."
A knowing smile appeared on Aermir's lips as he pondered Eddard's words. His answer contained years of observation and understanding.
"That's your thinking, someone of humble origins, because you're acting in the kingdom's best interests," Aermir said, his tone measured. "But do you think the great families all think like you? No, they don't. I've observed them for years, listened to their conversations, eavesdropped on their plans, and do you know what I've learned?"
Aermir paused for a moment, then smiled helplessly, his words filled with resignation and understanding.
"They care about nothing but their own land," he continued, his tone serious. "As long as their land remains, they wouldn't care even if the whole world were burned down. Even if I dragged a Others to their feet and showed them what happened to us, they wouldn't completely care. Do you know why?"
Eddard was startled by the news. He frowned and feigned surprise, asking, "How could they not care about the Night's King?"
A bitter smile appeared on Aermir's lips as he spoke, his words revealing the weight of his knowledge and concern.
"That's possible, because there are thousands of kilometers between them and the Wall, and the North is right on the Night's King's route," he explained. "It's part of the human problem. If the distance is too great, then it's not their problem. Yes, they'll send some reserves to help us, say 10,000 to 15,000 men each, forming an army of 100,000 or 150,000, but we North will still have to make up the majority, leading the vanguard."
As he contemplated the future, his anger simmered beneath the surface. "Assuming we successfully defeat the Night's King or force him to retreat, what do you think will happen after the war? Do you think the regions will remain at peace forever?"
Eddard's initial confusion was replaced by calm understanding, and he replied, "I wouldn't say that, sir. I'm not that naive."
Aermir raised the question again, his gaze unwavering as he sought a deeper understanding. "What will happen?"
Eddard frowned, lost in thought, and admitted, "I don't know. I think it'll be the same as before with the Night's King. Like nothing ever happened, the regions will continue playing their games."
Aermir shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Wrong. I had higher expectations of you. You should think like an ordinary person."
He pointed to his head and urged, "Think it over carefully, think it over like a great lord, and more importantly, think it over like an archbishop."
A spark of understanding ignited in Eddard's eyes, and he exclaimed, "The second landing!"
Aermir's satisfaction was palpable. He slammed his hand on the table and emphasized, "That's right!"
A hint of wisdom lingered in Aermir's smile as he explained, "If we win this battle, the North will be worn down. We'll lose at least 50 to 70% of our forces, and even if each of the other regions sends 20,000, they'll only lose a maximum of 20%. When the First Men and the Old Gods are weakened, what do you think the lords and believers will do? Do you think they'll let us coexist peacefully? Of course not; then the time for the second landing will come, and the second invasion by the Andals and believers will begin. You only see the present, but I see the next 10 or 20 years. Therefore, I at least need to destabilize and control the Vale and the Riverlands. Then, I must weaken all the other regions."
His advisors then showed understanding, Aermir continued, "After the war with the Night's King, a balance of power is needed, otherwise they will wipe us out."
Harrick raised an important question, "My lord, are you then considering relieving the House Arryn of their duties as Warden of the Vale?"
Aermir shook his head in response. "I would very much like to do so, but if I were to take such a step, I cannot simply appoint any family to replace them. Currently, no family obeys my orders as readily as the North. Furthermore, I cannot immediately exert the same level of influence over the Vale; it would take five to ten years, as I did in the North. Lord Stark may be the Warden of the North, but my control over the people is no less than his."
Harrick interjected enthusiastically and resolutely. "No, my lord. You are the true ruler of the North. Lord Stark is only able to serve as Warden of the North because you permitted him to do so."
Aermir shook his head and said.
"Don't underestimate the power bestowed by the name 'Stark.' Without Stark's help, controlling the North won't be easy. I'll need generations to cultivate the necessary loyalty. Besides, I've assured Lord Stark that the Warden of the North will always be a member of House Stark, and I won't go back on my word, even if it were possible. But House Arryn and House Tully are a completely different matter."