While Eddard was deep in thought, Varys, for reasons unknown, raised an eyebrow and added, "Ser Kal had Jon Snow knighted before the Iron Throne. After that, he took with him a token of goodwill and went to Dorne's borderlands to resolve the standoff there."
"That was something he deserved," Kal said, glancing at Varys. "Everything he's done makes him worthy of knighthood, even if he's not yet of age."
Hearing their back-and-forth, Eddard Stark forced a faint smile.
"Yes, Kal, I know what you both have done."
"Indeed, Jon is deserving—and I must also thank you. Your guidance has done much for him."
Eddard expressed his gratitude toward Kal.
Yet the shadow of worry in his eyes did not fade.
"All right, in that case, I suppose the present disputes will gradually settle down."
"For now, I must thank you for your efforts, Kal—though it would be far more fitting if these words came from the King himself."
Having said this, Eddard suddenly rose to his feet. "At present, matters are numerous, and there are still many things that require attention. Let us adjourn today's council for now."
"My lords, I will inform you ahead of time when the next meeting is to be held."
Hearing Eddard Stark abruptly conclude the meeting, the three present—including Kal—had not expected it at all.
After a moment of surprise, they rose together and returned the salute.
Eddard nodded to each of the three in turn, then turned and strode out.
Before the council table, Kal and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
Then Ser Barristan, unable to hold it back, let out a quiet yawn.
From accompanying Robert in his grand endeavor yesterday to taking shifts afterward, he had gone nearly two full days without sleep.
"My apologies, my lords. I'm truly exhausted. Once I've recovered my strength, I'll meet with you again."
"Ser Barristan, you have worked hard. It is the fortune of the Seven Kingdoms to have you as the King's protector," Kal said casually, offering a token compliment.
But Barristan Selmy came up to him, smiling cheerfully, and gave his shoulder a friendly pat.
Then, leaning in close, he said in a tone that was not entirely "kind," "You personally cut down three of my sworn brothers, Ser Kal—and I also heard that you refused the King's summons to join the Kingsguard."
"So, should I take this as a sign of your dissatisfaction with the Kingsguard?"
Kal was momentarily taken aback—he hadn't expected the old knight to joke like that—but then quickly caught on.
"I'll be waiting for you at the Tournament, Ser Barristan!"
"As for the 'Queen of Love and Beauty' crown, I intend to preserve it as a lasting tradition."
Seeing that Kal knew how to respond appropriately, Barristan chuckled with satisfaction.
"Hahaha! Truth be told, I've never been overly fond of some of them. Though it's hard to say aloud, certain men have indeed lost the honor once owed to a knight."
"So then, I accept your challenge."
He had already heard of Kal Stone's feats on the battlefield—tales so exaggerated they made him seem like a warrior descended from the heavens. They had long piqued Barristan's curiosity as to whether this young man was truly as formidable as rumored.
And indeed, Barristan had not been mistaken. Kal Stone had, in fact, slain three of his comrades and declined the King's goodwill. In a fine mood, Barristan Selmy laughed heartily and left the council chamber.
After the exchange between Kal and Barristan, Varys also rose from his seat.
"Ser Kal, I think I should take my leave as well. You know how it is—my burdens seem never to lessen."
Aside from their first meeting, when the Eunuch had disguised himself as a ragged beggar, every encounter thereafter had been in that same syrupy, ingratiating manner of his.
Wherever he went, he carried with him a heavy scent of powder and perfume.
"Of course, my lord. I imagine my own work will not be any easier in the days ahead."
"Perhaps you could suggest to His Majesty that his loyal Master of Coin be granted a modest raise."
Kal teased, glancing at the plump man.
At those words, Varys nearly failed to keep his expression from cracking.
"Hehehe—Ser Kal, you are the Master of Coin yourself, so—you know…"
Varys arched his brows, gave a small bow, and then turned to leave as well.
Now, only the newly appointed Master of Coin—Kal Stone—remained in the council chamber.
It was his first time here, his first time truly standing within the very heart of power.
As the three ministers departed, the smile Kal had worn since entering the chamber gradually faded, his face returning to calm.
After motioning with a wave to the two Gold Cloaks standing guard at the door, the pair tactfully turned and left.
During this period, after Kal's thorough reshuffling of the City Watch, it could be said that the force now bore the Stone name.
Those who had refused to obey the new Warden of the East had long since been dismissed.
As for the wildlings he had brought from the mountain clans—those with sufficient strength and ferocity—he had already mixed them into the ranks of the Gold Cloaks.
The ones patrolling the streets were still the same former Gold Cloaks as before.
After all, Kal dared not release those unrefined bandits onto the streets.
Moreover, this hidden army within King's Landing was the only true power he held firmly in his own hands.
Once the Gold Cloaks departed, Kal was left alone in the council chamber.
He glanced toward the window, then walked over to admire the view outside.
From here, he could see the whole of King's Landing at a single glance.
Thinking back on what had just transpired, Kal unconsciously pressed his lips together.
He was, in truth, somewhat surprised that he had become Master of Coin.
He had never imagined that he would so abruptly step into the very center of power within the realm.
It was known that House Tyrell had paid an immense price to reach such a position.
But for him, it had taken nothing more than one of Robert's offhanded remarks—uttered almost in jest—and just like that, he had lightly become one of the King's high ministers.
In the current situation, with Robert neglecting his duties as ruler and Eddard Stark serving as Hand of the King, if Kal ever wished to put forth some idea or undertake something, it would be, without exaggeration, a matter of ease.
Before the King's return to King's Landing, all his earlier efforts—everything he had busied himself with—had merely been for the position of Commander of the City Watch.
And now that he had risen to such heights in one step, Kal of course had no reason to refuse.
As for what had been discussed in the council just now—the so-called tourney, the revenues, and financial affairs—those were merely one aspect.
After all, in this world, the spread of information and the reach of human travel were still severely limited.
Not everyone was like him—blessed with a game-world system that allowed him to roam freely across the lands.
So, in essence, the grand words he had spoken earlier were just that—grand words, an empty vision.
His true goal, in fact, was to see whether he could use this opportunity to establish, in a subtle yet socially acceptable manner, a new channel of upward movement for the common people.
And as for why he would do such a thing—
Heh.
It was obvious enough.
Those who rose to prominence through the tournaments under his control would naturally become Kal Stone's own supporters—at the very least, they would not be his open enemies.
...
The Small Council meeting ended somewhat hastily because of the Hand of the King, Eddard Stark.
However, rumors that the King intended to celebrate the victory over the Lannisters by holding a grand tourney in King's Landing began to spread from within the Red Keep.
Although the whispers had been heard several days earlier, this time the matter seemed to have been settled.
Thus, the entire King's Landing soon followed suit, stirred by the news.
Yet among all these rumors, the most significant one was that of the newly appointed Master of Coin—the hero who had saved King's Landing—Ser Kal Stone, who was said to be planning to use this opportunity to reform the very structure of the tourney itself.
Some paid close attention to the matter, but most people continued living their own lives as usual.
The nobles and knights could enjoy their excitement—it had nothing to do with them.
At most, they could only watch the spectacle from afar.
This was a matter of great importance, and for now, Kal merely released a few tentative hints to test the waters and observe the reactions.
Judging from the current situation, what he sought to accomplish would still take a long way to realize.
But since he had already decided to do it, he might as well go all in.
With a general plan in mind, Kal began to move within King's Landing.
After all, King's Landing was not a place ruled by a single hand; decrees issued by the Iron Throne were not necessarily enforced immediately.
And the target of Kal's observation was actually another seemingly unremarkable yet not insignificant power—the Faith of the Seven.
"Perhaps it's time to get in touch with them." Standing before a window overlooking the Great Sept of Baelor atop Visenya's Hill, Kal rubbed his chin.
"With their participation, what I want to accomplish should become much easier."
As for the situation in King's Landing, everything was still proceeding steadily.
But time was still needed.
Therefore, the focus now lay on the two fronts of the realm—the military operations to the east and west that had yet to come to an end.
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