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Chapter 6 - Chapter 5: Isn't He Adorable?

The warm-toned scene stirred Green's heart for only a fleeting moment.

There were still some things he couldn't quickly adapt to.

In his memory, Kalaya had remained that timid girl trailing behind Sularna—a girl he hadn't seen for over a year.

First, he marveled at how fast people matured in this world.

But what was truly on his mind?

In truth, Green's thoughts centered on one thing: the castle's security needed improvement. No matter how vigilant he was or how much he trusted his own skills, relying on personal alertness every day was both foolish and exhausting.

Key personnel and critical areas of the domain needed better protection.

One must always guard the neck—daggers strike without warning.

When he had the resources, he intended to purchase Unsullied to serve as guards.

The Unsullied were dependable.

Two stationed outside his door at all times—that was the plan.

Such were the dreams of a poor lord.

A faint smile appeared on Green's lips. "Kalaya, it's been some time. Has Lady Sularna begun assigning you duties?"

"I wanted to serve as your maid, my lord, but my mother says I'm not mature enough yet—I still need more training. She told me I'll only be allowed to serve you once I've proven myself to her."

"But I couldn't wait, so I came to see you directly. Please forgive my boldness."

A reasonable explanation. Sularna was a diligent steward, and Kalaya's apparent recklessness could be interpreted as loyalty to her lord.

As the daughter of a trusted retainer, she wouldn't be blamed.

Green had soaked long enough. With Kalaya's help, he put on his robe.

She handed him a goblet of red wine. He took a sip—and frowned.

Sour red wine—one of House Crabb's local specialties.

Gods knew how it was brewed… it was terribly sour.

Perhaps it was the grapes?

The finer wines had to be imported—and were too costly. This would have to do.

Well… if you paid attention, the taste wasn't entirely awful… Still, he set the cup down. No more tonight.

Yet another reason to fight for dominance as a lord.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, Green assigned Kalaya to assist Maester Arl.

The maester was old and frail, trembling with every step. Lord Green worried constantly about the man's health.

When a lord's maester died, the Citadel would dispatch a replacement—but the distance was great. There would be at least three months without one. In Whispering Keep, only Arl knew how to manage the ravens.

That included their feeding and care.

Ravens were the most vital form of communication, and Green took that seriously.

All of this, Kalaya had to learn.

There were too many tasks and too few hands. A literate girl like Kalaya was a rare asset.

And most importantly, she was trustworthy.

Ser Massen finally returned.

According to the tally, there were thirteen blacksmiths and thirty-two carpenters in the domain.

Apprentices would be trained on one task at a time, accelerating their progress.

The framework of the workshops was barely sufficient for now.

In response to their lord's summons, these craftsmen would move with their families, one household at a time.

Steward Herschel would oversee their settlement.

Whispering Keep, the Lord's Study

Lord Green, Ser Pell, Ser Massen, and Maester Arl convened for a war council on the mountain clans.

Originally, Green's plan was to exhaust the enemy and burn them out—crushing the wildlings without taking losses.

There was plenty of dry grassland nearby—perfect for fire. And land near water could be cultivated afterward.

His only real war memory was following his mother's orders to chase down stragglers.

After hearing all their reports, Green summed it up for himself: fighting here was like scheduling a brawl.

Whispering Keep would send messengers—if negotiations failed, both sides would agree on a time and place for battle.

And then they'd show up and fight. Just like a duel.

Green tapped his fingers on the table, drawing all eyes to him.

"Ser Pell, I'll have Herschel prepare shields, longswords, bows, and ten household guards for you. You'll recruit another ninety men—focus on experienced hunters."

"When you're done, you'll command a hundred men."

"We'll call it the Survey Corps. You're its first commander."

"Find people who know the terrain. When Massen and I engage the wildlings, I want you to have already dined in their homes."

"I've had enough of their raids. This time, I mean to crush them."

"I want prisoners—many of them. We need manpower for building. The more captives, the greater the glory."

It was more complex than past methods, but not difficult. Ser Pell understood immediately.

He accepted the command with solemn respect.

Maester Arl's voice quivered: "My lord, I have a map. I've kept track of wildling movements for years. Their routes and lairs are marked. Some details might be off—but the general picture is accurate. I hope it helps."

Green placed his hand over his heart. "Thank you for your service, Maester Arl. House Crabb will never forget what you've done."

King's Landing — The Red Keep

Cersei Lannister clutched a letter in her hand, delighting in Jaime's caress with greedy satisfaction.

After a long while, she rose and pulled on a crimson robe.

Even in her thirties, Cersei remained slender and fair-skinned.

She filled a goblet with wine and drank deeply to ease her dry throat.

Watching her re-read the letter, Jaime gave her a fond, indulgent smile.

His grin always brimmed with arrogant charm.

"That boy's just a flatterer," Jaime muttered.

Cersei smirked, tilting her chin haughtily. "Jaime, you don't understand me—he does."

"'Beauty and bravery in one'… I rather liked that opening."

Jaime sighed. "That boy's not as innocent as he looks."

Cersei stepped closer, brushing his cheek with her hand. "Jealous of a child, Jaime? Truly? My dress might suit you better."

Jaime scoffed, refusing to dignify her teasing.

"You plan to bring him on this hunt?"

"He is rather adorable, isn't he?"

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