Chapter 5: -5- He's cute, isn't he?
The scene only stirred Gallan's heart for a moment.
There were some things that Gallan couldn't adapt to immediately.
The image of Karliah in Gallan's memory stayed as that of a timid girl who followed Surlana around over a year ago.
He first marveled at how fast the body develop in this world.
At this moment, what was Gallan thinking?
Actually, his thoughts were focused on... the need to strengthen the castle's security measures. No matter how vigilant Gallan was and how much he trusted his own strength, relying solely on personal vigilance was not a wise way to guard against those with sinister motives, it was foolish and would wear him out.
Moreover, important individuals and places in the territory should all be reinforced with guards.
Ah, guarding the vulnerable neck, who knows when a dagger might suddenly slash.
When he had the opportunity, he intended to purchase some Unsullied to serve as guards.
Unsullied are reliable.
Keep two Unsullied stationed outside the gate at all times.
Such were the musings of a lord from a poor house.
...
Gallan smiled faintly. "Karliah, it's been a while. Has Lady Surlana started assigning you tasks?"
"I want to be the lord's maid, but Mother thinks I'm not mature enough yet and need more training. She told me I need to satisfy her first before I can serve you."
"But I couldn't wait, so I chose to meet you directly. Please forgive my impudence."
Her reasoning was sound, and with Surlana's diligence, Karliah's seemingly rash behavior was also an act of loyalty to the lord.
As a trusted member of the lord's household, she wouldn't be blamed.
Gallan had had enough of soaking and got dressed under Karliah's service.
Taking the red wine handed to him by Karliah, Gallan took a sip, furrowing his brows.
Sour wine, one of Crackclaw Point's specialties.
He really don't know how it's brewed... so sour.
Could it be the grape variety?
Good-tasting wine needs to be imported, too expensive, so he'll just make do with this.
Hmm, upon deeper tasting, the taste is actually not bad... Gallan put down the wine glass, not wanting to drink anymore.
...
A night of silence.
Gallan first arranged for Karliah to follow Ars the Maester.
Ars the Maester was too old, shaky on his feet, and Gallan was worried about Ars's life.
If the lord's Maester passed away, the Citadel would immediately arrange for a new Maester. The Citadel was too far, with a minimum blank period of three months, and only Ars knows how to send ravens in Whispers.
Including the usual feeding and management of the ravens.
Ravens were the most important means of communication, and Gallan took them seriously.
All of the above were parts that Karliah needed to learn and master.
Gallan had too many things to do and not enough manpower. It was rare to find someone literate like Karliah.
Most importantly, Karliah was reliable and trustworthy.
...
Knight Mayson finally returned.
A total of 13 blacksmiths and slightly more carpenters, 32 in total, were listed in the territory.
Apprentices should be arranged simultaneously, with tasks divided and starting with learning one process; progress would be rapid.
The framework foundation of the factory was barely enough.
Responding to the lord's call, these craftsmen would move with their families, one family at a time.
Hershel, the steward of Whispers, was responsible for arranging this.
...
Whispers, the lord's study.
Gallan, Knight Phillip, Knight Mayson, and Maester Ars convened a military meeting regarding the mountain wildlings.
Gallan's original plan was to exhaust the enemy and use fire to try to resolve the wildlings without casualties.
There were plenty of dry grasslands around here, perfect for setting fire to; those close to water sources could also be cultivated.
Regarding the details of the battle, Gallan's memories mainly revolved around seeing a group of people under his mother's command killing stragglers.
After listening to their statements, Gallan summarized... fighting here was a bit like arranging a duel.
Whispers would send someone to negotiate; if war couldn't be avoided, a time and place would be set.
At the agreed time and place, both sides would engage in battle.
Gallan lightly tapped the table a few times, attracting the attention of those present.
"Sir Phillip, I will have Hershel prepare shields, longswords, bows and arrows for you, as well as 10 household troops. You will recruit another 90 men, mainly old hunters."
"After completion, you will have a total of 100 men under your command."
"... Named the Reconnaissance Corps, you are the first corps commander."
"Find more people familiar with the terrain. When Mayson and I fight the mountain wildlings, I hope you will already be getting comfortable in their homes."
"I've had enough of the wildlings' harassment. This time, I want to crush them."
"I need a large number of prisoners. Territory development requires a large population, and the more prisoners, the greater the merit."
The way of war was slightly more complicated than before, but not difficult to understand; Sir Phillip quickly grasped it.
Knight Phillip solemnly accepted the order.
Maester Ars spoke with a trembling voice, "Lord Gallan, I have a map. In my spare time, I have been paying attention to the news of the wildlings and have been organizing and recording them for years. The wildlings' activity areas and the locations of their lairs are marked on the map. There may be some discrepancies, but overall it should be accurate. I hope it can help you."
Gallan's palm pressed against his chest, and he said solemnly, "Thank you for your contribution, Maester Ars. House Crabb will never forget your merits."
...
...
King's Landing, the Red Keep.
Cersei Lannister clutched a letter, enjoying the affectionate touch from Jaime Lannister.
After a long time, Cersei Lannister got up and picked up a red robe nearby to put on.
In her thirties, Cersei Lannister still had a slender figure and fair skin.
Cersei Lannister picked up a wine jug and filled a cup, taking a big sip of red wine to relieve the dryness in her throat.
Watching Cersei Lannister pick up the letter again, Jaime Lannister revealed an indulgent smile.
Jaime Lannister's smile always carried a sense of confidence.
"That boy is such a flatterer."
Cersei Lannister's lips curled up, habitually raising her chin when speaking.
"Jaime, you don't understand me, but he does."
Queen of Courage and beauty, I like this start.
Jaime shook his head helplessly. "That boy is not honest at all."
Cersei walked up to Jaime, caressing Jaime's handsome face and said with a smile, "Jaime, are you jealous of a little boy? Maybe you should consider wearing my dress."
Jaime Lannister disdainfully ignored the jealousy question.
"Are you planning to take him with us on the hunt this time?"
"He's cute, isn't he?"
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