Having left the troublesome place that was Winterfell, Clay finally had the chance to think about his next plan in White Harbor, a place where he could relax.
He had been busy running around Winterfell for so long. In fact, before the confirmation of his identity and the acquisition of magic, things had indeed gone according to his planned schedule.
However, from the moment the weirwood magic went berserk, everything that followed was completely off Clay's script and became entirely beyond his control.
Fortunately, although there were some twists and turns, Clay had at least managed to jump out of the muddy waters of Winterfell in time.
When he was used as a pawn by Littlefinger, becoming the vanguard in provoking the conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters, he had once considered doing it all at once, directly bringing assassins to confront Duke Eddard. After all, assassins under the influence of the Axii Sign would reveal everything within a certain time.
But later, he rejected his own idea. He was already standing at the edge of the chessboard; taking another step forward would officially put him in the game. And the game of thrones offered no chance to change identities and start over.
In a certain sense, Clay and Littlefinger were both searching for the ladder called "Chaos". He liked the Stark family's sense of honor and their way of doing things, but that was all.
The team was traversing the vast city of White Harbor, enjoying the respectful gazes of the White Harbor people busy with their various livelihoods. Clay's heart felt a little fiery.
Here, the Merman Banner is the law, and he is the heir to the Merman Banner.
"Let's head back first. You'll have plenty of time to take a good look at the city. Those pirates in the Narrow Sea have cost Lord Stannis and our fleet a lot over the years, but the trade routes are better than before."
Lord Wyman patted Clay, who was staring at the city's scenery in a daze, and said with a smile.
"Alright." Clay shook the reins and spurred his horse towards the New Keep, where his family members resided. This time, only a dozen experienced old soldiers from White Harbor were guarding him.
As for his sister, Vera, although he couldn't blame her for what happened during the trip to Winterfell, Lord Wyman had still put her in a carriage decorated almost identically to Queen Cersei's, pretending she was a noble lady of the Manderly family.
Slowing down at the entrance to the castle's inner gate, Clay saw his sister, Wilfred.
The eldest daughter of the Manderly family, who had already passed her nineteenth nameday, was wearing an immaculate, pure white dress with golden accessories on the upper body, making her look elegant and holy in the midday sun.
Clay's Witcher vision allowed him to see the patterns carved on it from afar: a trident surrounded by various marine creatures.
Clay dismounted and went to his sister.
"Welcome back, Clay. Where's Grandfather?" Wilfred tilted her head slightly, looking behind Clay.
"Oh, I came back first. Grandpa is behind me, he'll be here soon."
Clay didn't think too much about it. He took his sister's hand, intending to go back to the castle. After so many days of riding, he couldn't wait to take a bath and rest.
Wilfred hesitated. She bit her lip. The Manderly family had strict rules, and as the eldest daughter, she should have waited for Lord Wyman to return.
But she knew very well that Clay didn't like these formalities, and she was a soft person, so she was a little conflicted and didn't move.
He tugged her hand, and when he found that she wasn't moving, Clay turned around and saw the unnatural look on Wilfred's face. He thought for a moment and then understood, comforting her: "It's okay, Grandpa doesn't have time for you right now. It's Vera's turn to be unlucky."
Clay himself felt a little amused when he said this. Back in Winterfell, the captain of the guard had often told him that the two sisters were very interesting in the Manderly family. It was as if they had agreed upon it: each week had seven days, and for six days, they made Lord Wyman go around in circles in anger.
Wilfred, the eldest sister, was too soft. Although she had a good appearance and figure, Lord Wyman never liked her gentle approach to people. The old man himself had been strong all his life, and naturally didn't want his family to be overly polite.
Vera, the younger sister, was the complete opposite. She didn't bother to learn the things a noble lady should, but her personality was incredibly strong. She was also too wild, a bit clumsy, and didn't look like a noble lady at all.
Lord Wyman saw Wilfred on Monday and scolded her, telling her to be tougher, or she would be bullied after marriage. On Tuesday, he saw Vera eating dinner and spilling food all over herself.
But it was also interesting that the two sisters always gave the old man a day off on the weekend, probably out of consideration for his poor health.
Therefore, Clay felt so happy when he heard Clay say that it was Vera's turn to be in trouble today. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw Wilfred.
At the banquet, Clay, having changed into a luxurious gown embroidered with blue stripes, was struggling with the fried fish on his plate.
Suddenly, he heard the old man's voice:
"Our Duke Eddard has agreed to go to King's Landing to serve as Hand of the King to His Majesty King Robert, and his two daughters will be accompanying him."
At this family gathering, neither Uncle Willis nor Father Wendel were present, so this statement was essentially directed at Clay.
Clay understood. This letter from Winterfell was effectively the official announcement of Duke Eddard Stark's appointment as Hand of the King. Judging by the timeline, the royal party should have already set off.
Although Clay wasn't able to prevent the direwolf from heading south this time, he had at least prevented Bran from falling from the tower and becoming crippled. There also wouldn't be an assassin sent to murder the unconscious Bran.
Don't underestimate these small changes. Clay believed that by accumulating enough of them, he would eventually be able to completely alter that crucial step.
Vera and Wilfred, who had been whispering together, both fell silent. That was just how things were at the Manderly family's table; unless it concerned them directly, women weren't allowed to speak.
This hadn't been obvious before Clay's return, but now that he was back, Lord Wyman was subtly reinforcing or hinting at this point.
"Direwolves aren't suited for that scorching place in the south..."
After saying those words, Lord Wyman ate his meal alone, muttering to himself. Clay knew what he meant.
Historically, the Stark lords who went south to King's Landing rarely met a good end. The most typical example was Duke Eddard's father and elder brother, who were burned alive by the Mad King Aerys II in the throne room.
Few nobles in the North likely supported Duke Eddard. They were already accustomed to the cold but resilient land of the North and had no interest in participating in the chaotic power struggles of King's Landing.
It's really tough. I got the flu and can't even get medicine from the hospital. The children's medicine I'm taking has strong side effects, and I'm so dizzy~~~ Readers, please take care.
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