Bear School Astartes

Early the next morning marked the first day of the tournament was about to begin.

The elegant Minister of Finance, Petyr Baelish, invited the current Hand of the King for a walk in the Royal Garden.

His figure was thin, and the neckline of his patterned robe was pinned with a delicate mockingbird-shaped button, the chosen emblem of the Baelish Clan.

At this moment, the seemingly gentle and amiable Minister of Finance was acting like an experienced mentor providing guidance to a newcomer.

He pointed out to Edd that the seemingly inconspicuous people they passed during their stroll were in fact spies for various parties.

The old man sweeping the fallen leaves with a rake was the eyes and ears of the Queen.

Not far away, the dirty children playing together were the 'little birds' under the Kingdom Chief of Intelligence.

On the bench, a nun seemingly absorbed in a pamphlet of Seven Gods Teachings was one of Petyr Baelish's own spies.

"So, Lord Stark,"

Petyr gestured towards the inconspicuous 'passersby' they had just passed, indicating that each one of them was accountable to a superior.

"The most important thing while doing business or living in King's Landing is to watch what you say."

As for Edd himself, from the moment he set eyes on Petyr Baelish today, his expression was like a piece of cold stone.

This performance was hardly considered good, but given his usual stern demeanor, being an exemplary Knight, it somehow fit.

Thus, momentarily, Petyr did not sense anything amiss.

"Did you call me here just to say this?"

Edd suppressed his anger, striving to keep his voice steady.

"No, of course not."

Petyr chuckled knowingly.

In his heart, Edd Stark was exactly as he anticipated—harboring anger but having nowhere to vent it.

The man from the Northern Territory who arrived in King's Landing was too straightforward, too easy to understand, seemingly without any concept of subtlety.

So now at the Imperial Council table, nearly everyone could see through him clearly.

Under Edd's piercing gaze, Petyr threw out the two baits he had prepared.

The recently knighted Kingdom Knight—Shuofu, and a blacksmith's shop that the former prime minister often visited in his lifetime—Tob Moote's blacksmith shop.

After delivering the carefully prepared information, their meeting was concluded.

"Thank you for the information, I'll take my leave now; I still need to visit the tournament venue today."

Edd said, keeping a cold face.

The Minister of Finance maintained his warm and elegant smile, which naturally engendered goodwill.

"Lord Stark, you're busy as always; take care on your way."

-----------------

"Since you've said you'll go to the tournament venue today, you should make a trip over."

Lann, in a vacant room at the Prime Minister's Tower, was instructing Alia on how to deftly wield her two blades of different lengths.

Nymelia lay panting listlessly in the corner of the room, sticking out her tongue.

The environment of King's Landing was indeed too warm for an Ice Wolf.

Lann watched Alia slowly swing her sword while cocking his head to chat with the Prime Minister beside him.

Edd Stark was the same.

Their eyes were on Alia's practice swings, but their words and thoughts were entirely outside the room.

"I will make a trip, but I want to hear your thoughts on this speech first."

Lann's eyes flicked slightly aside.

This guy...does he see me as an advisor?

Whether as a university experience or as a Demon Hunter, this role was truly Lann's first attempt.

But he was confident, relying on Mentos in his mind for rational analysis, and the experiences of the Sons of the Emperor augmented his knowledge and understanding.

This kind of task was well within his capabilities, even to the point of perfection if he so desired.

"There's not much to say about Shuofu; I drained whatever bit of intelligence he had in his mind yesterday. The other side is reassured to let you contact him, likely believing you won't probe into the former prime minister's private life. Or they are confident that Shuofu will see the situation clearly, knowing you're just a newly appointed prime minister without authority, and won't say much to you."

"As for that blacksmith's shop..."

Lann paused here, wearing an expression of 'coincidence'.

The blacksmith shop that Petyr mentioned was the one whose owner had mastered the Valerian steel reforging technique.

"Alia, stop a moment. Bring me a pen and paper."

The young girl, adjusting to using her left hand to block with a shortsword, nodded and went to get the paper and pen.

Lann took the pen and turned his wrist slightly, as if trying to recall a long-forgotten touch.

A few moments later, under the curious eyes of Edd and Alia, he swiftly sketched a human outline on the paper, followed by further detailed filling.

Ultimately, in less than two minutes, the appearance of the burly lad they had seen at the blacksmith shop emerged on the paper.

Most of the Sons of the Emperor were proficient in some artistic skills, either as a tool for self-cultivation or as a hobby.

Artistic knowledge was quite common in memories.

Though Lann had not practiced deliberately, a single character sketch was more than adequate.

In the instant logical discussion between Lann and Mentos, they had reached a conclusion.

The former prime minister could not possibly have gone to the blacksmith shop for weaponry or armor, considering his age.

He must have gone to meet someone.

The blacksmith shop owner had been in King's Landing for decades—if there were any issues, they would have surfaced long ago.

Only that fellow might have some undisclosed matters.

As Lann had anticipated, when Edd saw Jandry's sketch, his eyes narrowed.

"Is this...Robert's child? You've seen this person before?"

To be honest, given Edd's relationship with the King, he's well aware, down to the tiniest details about Robert.

This youth had remarkable features reminiscent of a young Robert.

Sturdy build, strong facial lines, black hair, black eyes...

Lann raised an eyebrow.

"He's the apprentice at that blacksmith's shop. You say he's the King's illegitimate child? It seems Petyr wanted you to meet him."

"But why..."

Edd was puzzled; he knew his royal brother too well.

Frankly speaking, at times, the man was like a lustful hound!

During the Rebellion, or the war to seize the current throne, Robert found himself at a disadvantage, cornered alone in a city.

Yet through his youthful appearance, physique, and family background, he attracted the city's women, who embraced and shielded him.

During that time, every night was spent in the beds of noblewomen.

The enemies dared not offend the city's ladies, considering their noble status and wealthy families, knowing they didn't openly support Robert.

Thus, Robert avoided a calamity through sheer charm!

The exact number of the King's illegitimate children was unknown to Edd, but he guessed there were quite a few.

Robert was the kind of man who could make undying vows to women he fancied, and then forget the whole matter the night he'd bedded them.

"I don't judge or care about the King's conduct." Lann said calmly.

"But you should be heading to the tournament grounds, Prime Minister. Check on the progress, as tomorrow is the opening day."

"As for the information from Lord Baelish...set it aside for now. You're too busy."

Edd looked at Lann in astonishment, then saw the Demon Hunter casually wave a dismissive hand.

"Those entrenched lords think they've seen through you, that you'd chase after two baits they throw out. But now that you know what needed knowing, you're not chasing. So, who should be worried then?"