Everyone looked in unison at Barristan, whose expression was complex as he stared intently at William. After a moment, just as he seemed about to speak, a burst of laughter suddenly sounded from nearby. "It seems something interesting is happening?"
William turned to look. The speaker was Alekyne Florent, accompanied by his good-brother Randyll Tarly, Mathis Rowan—whom William had met briefly on the road from Bitterbridge to Highgarden—and several other lords. It appeared the high lords on the dais could no longer remain seated and had begun to break off into smaller groups to mingle.
"Now is not the best time," Barristan said in a low voice, reaching out a hand to steady William slightly. "We will speak again at a more suitable opportunity."
William had no choice but to rise to his feet.
There were many who wished to acquaint themselves with Barristan Selmy. Even counting all the knights of Westeros over the nearly three hundred years since Aegon's Conquest, Barristan was a legendary figure who could rank within the top five. However, he wasn't someone you could simply get to know if you wished. For instance, without the connection to his uncle, Oswell Whent, Barristan likely wouldn't have given William much notice.
These high lords had naturally come for Barristan. After approaching and exchanging brief pleasantries with the others present, they engaged the Lord Commander in conversation. Given their high status, everyone else could only stand slightly further out, listening to them talk.
William and Garlan tactfully stepped aside. Garlan gave William an appreciative look. "I think Ser Barristan was almost ready to agree. Next time, just find the right moment."
The thought of being knighted by Barristan Selmy himself stirred a thrill in William. Wherever he went in the future, mentioning that would command immense respect.
He also looked gratefully at Garlan. This man, who appeared somewhat stern and rigid, actually possessed a thoughtful nature. It wasn't just about teaching combat; over the years, William had received his care in countless ways. "Thank you, ser!"
Sensing William's genuine emotion, Garlan smiled and ruffled his hair.
At the center of the circle, Alekyne repeated his initial question. There was little point in hiding the matter, and Barristan told them frankly what had transpired.
William noticed Randyll, Mathis, and the others exchanging glances, communicating silently with their eyes. He had already braced himself for mockery, but what happened next was somewhat unexpected.
The lords began speaking, one after another, about William's own admirable deeds: his brave fight at Sourton, his impressive performance in the tourney melee. Randyll even mentioned that William had forged a link in the art of war at the Citadel, praising him as accomplished in both the literary and martial arts. In their description, William was practically the model of an utterly loyal, righteous, and exceptionally skilled knight—why hadn't the Old Man knighted him already?
William and Garlan exchanged a glance, both feeling a bit perplexed.
Suddenly, William saw Garlan leading someone towards his own seat. Thinking for a moment, he said a quick word to Garlan and hurried after them.
Nodding at a few guests, he passed shoulder-to-shoulder, sidestepping a flustered juggler; circling around a musician immersed in playing his harp, William finally caught up to Garlan and called out softly, "Garlan!"
Garlan stopped and turned, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "I was just coming to find you!"
"I knew you were looking for me!" It was then that William got a clear look at the person beside Garlan.
He was a youth of about fourteen or fifteen, with a tall, well-proportioned figure. The clasp of his cloak was a rose made of jade and gold, and his clothes were covered in intricate embroidery—unquestionably dashing. A head of flowing, naturally curly brown hair, a rarity in an age without easy perming, would be the envy of countless maidens. His eyes were a striking dark gold, or perhaps a deep brown, lively and full of spirit, sparkling as they darted around. Overall, he did share some resemblance to Garlan, though his features were more delicate and handsome. His face, however, was filled with pride, radiating a bold, revealing confidence.
The Knight of Flowers!
Sure enough, Garlan said, "William, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Loras. Loras, this is William Whent, my good friend."
William had previously assumed that the two brothers would be fairly similar in terms of looks, differing mainly in their aura—perhaps the distinction between a masculine, handsome older brother and a cute, fresh-faced younger one. But the Knight of Flowers' beauty wasn't the soft, adorable kind; on the contrary, it was brimming with a heroic vitality. He hadn't fully understood what "a kind of breathtaking beauty" meant until he saw the Knight of Flowers in person. Compared to him, even Leonardo DiCaprio at his peak would likely pale in comparison.
Perhaps Garlan's introduction of him as a "good friend" had some effect, as the Knight of Flowers' proud expression softened slightly. He gave an elegant, slight bow. "Hello, William. I've heard much about you."
"Hello, Loras. I've long heard of you as well." William glanced between the two brothers and then clicked his tongue. "Garlan, I always thought it must be agony standing next to you. Now, I feel like it isn't so bad after all."
The Knight of Flowers looked a bit confused. Garlan, of course, knew what William meant and laughed. "By the Seven, why is your resentment about appearances so endless?"
"Good looks are justice, Garlan," William said, his eyes twinkling with amusement but his expression dead serious.
"Justice is justice," the Knight of Flowers interjected. "A knight should focus on honor, not on looks."
Seeing the Knight of Flowers radiating such adolescent earnestness, Garlan and William couldn't help but burst into laughter.
The Knight of Flowers frowned adorably. Garlan quickly stifled his laughter, though a faint, irrepressible smile remained on his face. "Alright, Loras, you said you were looking for William. What was it about?"
The Knight of Flowers became serious. "Actually, Lord Renly wishes to make William's acquaintance. He specifically sent me to extend an invitation."
"Oh, I am truly honored," William said, managing to look pleasantly surprised while his mind raced. 'Given Lord Renly's status, why would he specifically want to meet me? It's probably still about Margaery.'
Garlan then returned to his drinking contests, while the Knight of Flowers led William towards another corner of the hall.
"I heard you were nearly undefeated in the tourneys in the Reach, only losing to Garlan once," the Knight of Flowers said suddenly, his tone proud. "I've participated in a few tourneys in the Stormlands as well, but I won't join if there are no renowned knights. Bullying the weak goes against the code of chivalry."
William, who had been pondering how to handle Renly, couldn't help but smile wryly at this. 'You have no idea how badly I need the money!'
"At first, it was to gain more combat experience," William explained. "Later on, I was attending upon invitation—it was hard to refuse their hospitality." The Knight of Flowers was a good kid at heart: proud but not arrogant, valuing honor, and not hypocritical. Plus, he was handsome, and he was Margaery's brother, so William didn't mind humoring him a little.
The Knight of Flowers seemed to approve of this answer and nodded. "That makes sense. Still, I wouldn't go just anywhere. And Garlan has also spoken highly of your martial skill. I look forward to facing you in a tourney."
"Garlan is my good friend; I'm afraid he praises me too generously," William said, falling back on habitual modesty.
The Knight of Flowers frowned, his smile vanishing as he looked at William with displeasure. "Martial skill cannot be faked. It either is or it isn't. I don't want Margaery associating with hypocrites."
'That's not really your decision to make.'
The Knight of Flowers' gaze grew firm, flashing with unwavering confidence. "Regardless, I am determined to win this joust. The honor of the Reach must be defended by a knight of the Reach!"
William laughed. "Alright then, let's have a proper match. I promise I won't disappoint you."
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