"No, he is more profound than Robert, as if born to be a ruler," Catelyn wanted to whisper, but the words didn't come out. Words hurt more than swords; one should not speak carelessly.
The first hot soup had arrived. Though not a grand court meal, this onion soup with small pieces of Goat meat and carrots was still very nourishing and delicious, and it warmed the stomach. The sound of a bard's song began, accompanied by flutes, violins, and tambourines. Salt and butter were already on everyone's table, and with the broth came a warm, freshly baked brown whole-grain bread.
During the pause in serving, Ser Boros suggested that everyone get up and dance, and others followed suit. Everyone consciously left Lady Catelyn alone, as her melancholic expression and tragic circumstances were clear to all.
Gendry and Daisy danced the first dance. Although Daisy was skilled in combat, she maintained her elegance when dancing in a gown. Daisy, without her armor, looked very beautiful, with a slender figure and a shy smile that brightened her long face.
The guests laughed heartily and applauded them. Beautiful, youthful individuals, like stars in the center of the crowd, the future of the Seven Kingdoms.
"They say the Dragon Princess is the most beautiful maiden in the known world. Perhaps we will have the pleasure of seeing her later," Great Jon said loudly to Roose beside him.
Roose Bolton looked at the dancers, and suddenly felt an inexplicable sadness in his heart, like a dagger repeatedly adding to a wound. Sorrow welled up, unending. "My son, if Domeric, and not that Bastard, were still alive. He should be dancing now, perhaps I could have married him to a Stark princess, or any girl he liked." Domeric Bolton was quiet but multi-talented. He was proficient in history, skilled with the harp and riding, as if born in the saddle, but the Child had died two years ago from'stomach illness.'
Daisy then invited Robb to dance the second dance. Even the eldest Lady Maege happily danced with the Lord of Karhold.
Since there were almost no noblewomen present, besides Daisy and Lady Maege, even the humblest maidservants were invited to dance. After a few songs, everyone laughed heartily, retaining some joy in preparation for the brutal war to come.
The music and laughter continued. When the music faded, and dish after dish of food was served, everyone understood that it was perhaps time for a showdown.
Robb stood up, then knelt, placing his longsword at Gendry's feet: "Your Highness, I request to join your ranks, to fight your enemies, and to protect your safety."
Gendry also helped the Young Wolf to his feet. Fortunately, Robb had quickly recognized the situation. He raised Robb's hand. He should have given Robb a light kiss on the cheek, but Gendry preferred a soldier's greeting. "So be it, brother."
Then everyone cheered, and the Northern Lords also stepped forward. They unbuckled their weapons and knelt beside Robb. These men, of course, did not kneel for nothing; the loyalty of the Northmen should also be rewarded.
"long live the storm!" Lord Roose said.
"long live the storm!" Lady Maege also shouted. Her weapon was a spiked mace... In the current situation, even with other factions, the addition of the wolf, the fish, and some other Lords made their grand alliance look very formidable.
Gendry looked at the loyal Northern guests. Three of the four pillars under House Stark in the North had arrived: the Boltons of The Dreadfort, the Karstarks of Karhold, and the Manderlys of White Harbor. Roose Bolton's eyes were like dirty ice, Karstark was like a hot-tempered Old Wolf, and the Manderly sons, Willis and Wendel, were each as fat as walruses. It was said their father was even fatter. House Manderly was one of the very few Northern families who followed the Faith of the Seven.
At this moment, the oath-takers all seemed so loyal, but the reality was not as simple as it appeared. The Karstark faction was actually the smallest of the four, and the most loyal without ulterior motives. Only the old, weak, and sick remained at home, but a hothead might not be effective in these chaotic times. Manderly and Bolton still had reserves, and the Dustin Family had simply given up. (The text uses 'Open' which is a modern slang term meaning 'to give up' or 'to just go with the flow' in a defeatist way. I've translated it as 'directly given up' to convey the sense of non-participation/resignation.)
"I will be grateful for your support in my cause. We will strive to clear out the Lannisters as soon as possible. But where are the people from the Dustin Family and House Ryswell?" Gendry returned to his seat and asked softly.
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