Brynden looked at the child before him; a sudden, intense sense of dissonance washed over him.
Roman, standing at 185cm with a burly physique and clad in heavy plate armor, exuded a powerful aura of oppression.
Yet, Roman's eyes were as clear as a mountain spring, as if he were a child who had just stepped into the world, darting incessantly between Lady Helaena and Tully.
"Is he truly the same Roman who pleased Robert and renovated Harrenhal?"
Brynden and Hoster could not help but ponder this question in their minds.
At this moment, Lady Helaena spoke up appropriately: "My Lord, we had to report to King Robert earlier and could not inform you immediately; please forgive us. Please accept this small gift I have brought."
The Servant had just reported that the items Lady Helaena brought were grain and vegetables.
Looking at Lady Helaena's respectful appearance, Hoster could not help but feel amused. Was Harrenhal only able to produce these things now?
But as a lord, he still had to give the necessary face: "Thank you for your kindness. Now, my Lady, could you tell us who this heir of yours is?"
"He is a distant relative of the Hean Family. Among the male heirs, he is currently first in line."
"But I heard that you picked him up from outside. Do you treat King Robert with this same attitude?"
Hoster tapped the armrest of his chair rhythmically with his fingers, his tone devoid of emotion.
"My Lord, as you know, Harrenhal has always had issues regarding heirs. I had no choice but to do this to prevent this child from meeting with misfortune."
Lady Helaena raised her head, revealing an even more respectful expression.
"No matter which branch this child belongs to, he is a member of the Hean Family. We will always be loyal to you!"
Lady Helaena's strategy was not to explain, but to express loyalty.
Hoster and Brynden knew very well that Lady Helaena was hiding something, but they were powerless to do anything about it.
House Tully had never been well-regarded in the Riverlands; everyone looked down upon this young family that played both sides.
Usually, it was good enough that the vassals didn't rebel. Now that Lady Helaena had lowered her posture so much, could they really make things difficult for an old woman?
Besides, the War of the Five Kings hadn't happened yet, and no one dared to trample on guest rights.
Lady Helaena rambled on while introducing Roman, describing him as a member of the Hean Family who had to hide due to his background.
Roman used the pre-agreed answers to respond.
"Child, what were you doing before?"
"I worked as a Servant or did some physical labor in several nearby towns to earn food."
"Do you know who you are?"
"I'm not sure. I only know I have to do what Lady Helaena says."
"Did you say the same thing to the King?"
"Lady Helaena told me about His Majesty the King's preferences, and I just did as she said."
...
No matter how Hoster questioned, Roman had only one line: I listen to Lady Helaena.
Everything he had done before, including befriending Robert and developing the Harrenhal fief, was done under Lady Helaena's direction.
As for Lady Helaena, she wore an expression of, "I'm at this age, as the lord, do whatever you want."
Today was essentially Hoster inviting the Hean Family to Riverrun for a talk, plus Lady Helaena and Roman were both acting obedient and submissive.
Hoster felt like he had punched cotton. He knew someone from the Hean Family was lying through their teeth, but he couldn't lash out.
If he dared to do anything against Roman, and word got out, those nobles who were already dissatisfied with House Tully would have an excuse.
Unable to get anything out of them, Hoster had no choice but to have the Servants prepare food; the banquet had to go on.
This banquet was simple but substantial, consisting of common ingredients from the Riverlands: fish, white bread, vegetables, and venison.
As the food arrived, the atmosphere finally harmonized.
Only then did Edmure and Roman breathe a sigh of relief. Edmure also hated the atmosphere of the audience; now he could finally relax.
Looking at Roman's youthful face, Edmure couldn't help but strike up a conversation.
"Lord Roman, I heard you have been renovating Harrenhal and the surrounding villages recently?"
"That is true, Lord Edmure. You are very well-informed."
Roman bowed slightly: "Lady Helaena believes that leaving the ruins of Harrenhal is useless. It is better to give them to the commoners. When the commoners benefit and their lives improve, whether it is farming or labor, they can provide more income for the Hean Family."
At this point, Edmure's interest was piqued, and he pulled Roman aside to talk about his own development plans.
Roman was also happy to communicate with Edmure; this heir to Riverrun was also a kind lord.
In the original work, when the Riverlands were attacked during the War of the Five Kings, he opened the gates to let refugees in, even though this would lead to a massive consumption of food reserves.
Later, when Jaime besieged Riverrun and the "Blackfish" Brynden held the line, Edmure did not want Jaime to massacre the city, so he ordered the defenders to open the gates as the Lord of Riverrun.
Edmure might not have the ability of his father and uncle, but his character was quite good among the lords of Westeros. Roman was willing to be friends with him.
At the banquet, Roman kept chatting with Edmure, while Brynden silently observed Roman from the side.
With his many years of experience, Brynden's ability to read people had always been good, but he just couldn't see the problem with Roman.
It was as if Roman was just a down-and-out young man who had just seen the world, enthusiastic, curious about everything, and trusting of others.
In the end, Brynden could only give up on his wild thoughts and planned to observe him again in the future.
The banquet ended, and before leaving, Lady Helaena found Hoster:
"My Lord, we will be transporting supplies to the Nights Watch in a while. Do you need us to take a letter to Lady Catelyn?"
Hearing Lady Helaena mention his favorite daughter, Hoster couldn't help but feel moved.
"Then I will trouble Lady Helaena."
Although he could use ravens to send messages, having the Hean Family as messengers was certainly more secure.
When everything was over, Roman, led by Lady Helaena, knelt before Hoster to pledge allegiance.
Legally, the Hean Family had to pledge dual allegiance: one to the King, and the other to their direct liege lord, House Tully.
During the War of the Five Kings, House Tully led all the nobles of the Riverlands to submit to Robb, becoming enemies with the iron throne represented by Joffrey.
Before leaving, Roman made an appointment with Edmure to meet again at Harrenhal when there was a chance, and gave Edmure a steel nameplate smelted from White Flame.
"Lord Edmure, take this nameplate as a gift from me. I will send you any specialties from Harrenhal in the future."
"Good! We must have a good drink when we meet again. This time it wasn't enough!"
The Hean Family's party finally returned light. Edmure stood on the city wall looking out, and Brynden and Hoster quietly came to his side.
"Did you get anything out of that Roman?" Hoster asked suddenly.
"Fa-father?" Edmure was startled, but quickly reacted.
"Lord Roman mainly talked to me about his observations and work in the Riverlands, and also told me about his future plans. Besides that, we just chatted about food and hunting."
Brynden and his brother looked at each other, both realizing how good the Hean Family had become at lying.
"Brother, should I go investigate..."
"No need. You still have to work for Old Arryn, leave this to me. Helaena of House Hoare has shown her attitude, and there is no evidence that they are plotting anything for now. Let's wait and see."
"We will keep in touch."
Brynden looked at his brother with some surprise. Why did his brother, who had always been at odds with him, suddenly care about him?
Brynden did not argue with Hoster as he used to, but answered in a low voice.