Outside the Hall of Office, seeing Ser Barristan finally appear, Jorah Mormont immediately walked over to him.
Ser Jorah nodded slightly to Ser Barristan and was about to walk past him, but Ser Barristan reached out and blocked his way.
"Man of Bear Island, Daenerys has not summoned you."
Ser Jorah was stunned; he seemed incredulous: "Why? You're lying, she couldn't possibly refuse to see me!"
Ser Barristan frowned slightly: "This is Daenerys's command. Jorah Mormont, though Daenerys has not revoked your exile (Chapter 207), she has pardoned your act of informing, which is a great mercy."
Looking at Ser Jorah, who still appeared incredulous, he added: "She also awarded you two large chests of gold dragons; you should be grateful."
Ser Jorah's voice was filled with complaint: "I risked my life for Daenerys! Old man, you should know how dangerous this mission was; that we are alive to return is already a blessing from the new and old gods."
Ser Barristan frowned and said: "Loyalty is honor itself, and honorable knights seek no reward. If Daenerys bestows rewards for our loyalty, that is her generosity and mercy."
His deep eyes looked directly at Ser Jorah: "I am very confused by your current behavior. Mormont, you should not discard what little honor you have left."
Ser Jorah's gaze swept over the blood-red cloak and sword that Barristan now wore, and he angrily said: "Dog of the usurper, you are not worthy to speak of honor with me."
Ser Barristan's large, wrinkled hand… solemnly smoothed over his cloak and sword, and he said: "I admit my folly, and I admit I am unworthy of honor; I will always be a penitent, and I will die with a smile on the path of atonement."
After a pause, Ser Jorah said with a pained expression: "I don't want honor or treasure; I only ask to remain… to remain with Daenerys…"
Ser Barristan coldly interrupted: "She is now Princess Rhaella of the Summer Isles. You should know what that means; I will never allow anyone to put her in danger, you Bear Island informer who has just been pardoned."
Ser Jorah clenched his fists tightly: "Old man, I would never betray Daenerys; that's an insult."
Ser Barristan's expression remained cold: "If that is the case, then stop your childish and ridiculous behavior."
After a moment of silence, his fists unclenched, and Ser Jorah pleaded: "I only ask to remain by Daenerys's side…"
Ser Barristan gazed at Ser Jorah, whose face was full of pleading: "Your self-interest is too great; your selfishness could tarnish Daenerys's honor. I will be watching you, man of Bear Island."
Ser Jorah stared at Ser Barristan, gritting his teeth: "Old man, I don't need your lecturing."
"Do not disregard my warning."
Ser Barristan's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and he said: "We once fought side by side; you should know… though I am old, my sword can still cut you as easily as cheese, former informer, Jorah Mormont."
...
The next day, as the sun had just risen, golden sunlight spilled onto the sea, shimmering and appearing as if draped in a layer of golden gauze.
The waves gently lapped against the hull of the Black Pearl, producing a soft sound.
Maester Al of Crab Claw Point, holding a thick book, tremblingly entered Daenerys's cabin.
Daenerys, sitting at the table, looked up from her open book and said: "Thank you, esteemed Maester Al."
After bowing, Maester Al blinked and said: "It is my honor to be your teacher; this old man is full of vigor, Daenerys."
Daenerys pursed her lips and smiled, saying: "Maester Al, thank you."
Maester Al tremblingly sat down and said: "Daenerys, shall I continue to tell you about the history of the Vale today?"
Daenerys nodded Whispering Fort and said: "Yes, it is the part I most need to study now."
Rustle~~~ Maester Al turned a page and said: "Alright… Perhaps you needn't be so anxious; learning requires patience, it's like walking, one step at a time."
He suggested: "How about listening to some interesting anecdotes that happened in the Vale today?"
"Thank you for your suggestion."
Daenerys leaned back in her chair, paused, and said: "I just think about… having to govern the Vale on behalf of Green soon…"
She let out a light breath and continued: "I'm worried I won't do well, after all, I have no experience in governance."
"I confess to you, actually… I'm also very nervous. Fifty years ago, when I was chosen by the Citadel to be the Maester of Whispering Fort, when I began teaching Lord Green to read, even not long ago… I never dreamed that I would become the Maester to the ruler of the Vale."
Maester Al grinned, revealing his few remaining teeth: "This old man wasn't prepared either, the gods in heaven bear witness."
Daenerys couldn't help but smile, saying: "I believe him."
The Old Scholar kindly said: "Trust is the most precious gem in this world; with mutual trust between you and him, the Vale will enjoy long-lasting peace and stability under your rule."
...
...
At the inn in Riverrun rented by Tyrion Lannister, Edmure Tully shook the wine glass in his hand and said: "Tyrion, King Robb will summon you very soon, I estimate in two or three days, or even more."
Tyrion's eyes shifted slightly, and he said: "Edmure, can we set a time for my audience?"
Taking a sip of wine, he continued: "I want to comfort poor Ser Jaime with beauties and fine wine as soon as possible."
Edmure hesitated for a moment and said: "Perhaps I can mention it to King Robb, whether Ser Jaime's treatment can be improved."
"Thank you for your kindness; you are a benevolent lord."
Changing his tone, Tyrion reminded him: "But are you sure… that the Stark King at this moment has time to deal with such a small matter?"
Edmure scratched his hair and said: "You know?"
Tyrion chuckled, picked up the golden wine jug, and as he poured wine into Edmure's glass, he said: "At least I can hear the inn servants talking about the new queen's beauty; they say her beauty is very captivating."
He paused, then sharply added: "I think the Stark King's change of marriage partner has confirmed this point."
There were only the two of them in the room, and Tyrion lowered his voice: "I heard you are to marry a Frey lady on behalf of your nephew?"
Edmure seemed very surprised: "You even… know this?"
Tyrion poured wine into his own glass, grinning: "Haha, this news was also heard from the inn servants; I estimate most people already know."
Edmure sighed and said: "As Robb's uncle, I must help him."
Tyrion, however, nodded in agreement, saying: "When I was Hand in King's Landing, my biggest task was to clean up the mess my nephew the king made."
Edmure and Tyrion exchanged glances, then silently drank the wine in their cups.
When they reached the seventh cup, Edmure suddenly said: "Tyrion, do you think… none of the Frey ladies will be as ugly as Lord Frey?"
Although his uncle had already agreed to help him talk to Lord Frey about this matter, Edmure's heart was still filled with worry.
Tyrion's eyes moved slightly, and he said: "Lord Frey has married so many wives, he must have fathered a few pretty daughters, right?"
Before Edmure could be happy, he chuckled again: "But why would he send a good-looking daughter to you? I hear Lord Frey is not a magnanimous person; I bet he'll choose a daughter who's hard to marry off, to really get his revenge."
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