The steel Roman produced using magic was very similar to valyrian steel, yet distinct; these metals were shaped by magic and now produced different effects depending on the smelting process.
As weapons, these steels could unleash extreme heat and lightning; ordinary armor would soften and shatter upon the slightest touch, while the wielder remained unaffected.
However, this required the wielder to have sufficient talent; otherwise, it was merely a fine weapon, incapable of channeling magic.
Still, it was useful enough. With the joint efforts of Tom and the other Maesters, the blast furnace's efficiency grew increasingly impressive; now, Harrenhal's daily steel production was measured in tons.
This new steel was used for manufacturing weapons and critical components. Roman prepared a greatsword as a weapon for Barristan to repay Ser Barristan for helping him out of a predicament outside King's Landing.
Today happened to be the delivery day between The Red Keep and Harrenhal. Roman took this opportunity to go to King's Landing and have a word with Robert.
On the way to The Red Keep, Roman saw the giants currently engaged in construction.
These hundreds of giants had been assigned to various posts, with the construction giants being the most well-known.
In a Westeros without industrial cranes, giants were the best manual laborers. Harrenhal didn't need them to learn delicate crafts, only to assist the builders.
"Lord Roman, with the giants, our house-building speed has increased so much!"
Fili pointed at the giants not far away in wonder, excitedly recounting her observations from this period.
In Roman's view, these giants were simply returning to their old trade. They were naturally skilled at building stone structures and had once assisted Brandon in building the Wall.
Because the temperature in the Riverlands was much higher than Beyond the Wall, Roman had the Harrenhal giants shaved. Now they had completely shed their beastly appearance and looked more like normal humans.
Fili watched the giants, suddenly becoming forlorn. "It's a pity the Giant King didn't come. I thought both Mance and he would come to our place."
"Lord Eddard could never allow those two into the Riverlands; besides, they need to stay at the Wall to appease the Free Folk."
Roman braided Fili's hair beside her, his thoughts drifting to The Red Keep as he pondered how to gain a firm footing in the coming changes.
When the Harrenhal convoy reached King's Landing, the gate guards let them through with a single glance. Roman had now become a prominent figure in King's Landing, and few did not recognize him.
In front of the gates of The Red Keep, Robert's family was already waiting for Roman.
Seeing the guest arrive, the King pulled him into a hug.
"Good lad, you've made quite a stir this time! All the Seven Kingdoms know about the fine work you did Beyond the Wall!"
"Your Grace, Lord Eddard did it as well."
"Of course he did, why else would I be praising you? Enough, let's head into The Red Keep. I don't want to keep standing out here in the wind."
Everyone followed Robert into The Red Keep. For once, the King did not throw a massive feast, so Roman finally didn't have to deal with those headache-inducing social obligations.
Roman finished reporting his recent actions, which corroborated Eddard's report. He then took his leave and immediately went to find Barristan.
Old Barristan and Roman hadn't seen each other for a long time, but Barristan recognized Roman the moment he saw the pair of dragon horns on his head.
"Ser Roman? Long time no see. What brings you to King's Landing today?"
"I came to find you, Ser Barristan. I have a gift for you, but I didn't see you at The Red Keep."
Roman signaled the soldiers to bring the two-handed greatsword before Barristan. Seeing the sword's elegant form, the knight couldn't help but pick it up.
The moment Barristan's palm touched the hilt, an indescribable dizziness washed over him. He found himself suddenly entering a dim room.
Before him was a massive white wall, flashing with scenes from his life.
Jousting with 'Dunk the Tall' as a youth; slaying Maelys during the War of the Ninepenny Kings; joining the Kingsguard and forsaking his betrothal; the lone rescue of the King at Duskendale; slaying Simon Toyne, leader of the Kingswood Brotherhood; his infatuation with Ashara Dayne at the Tourney at Harrenhal; fighting in the War of the Usurper; and the assault on Old Wyk during the Greyjoy Rebellion.
Event after event, memories that were even slightly blurred for Barristan were refined and extracted, finally converging into a single question:
The Seven Kingdoms praise you as the most honorable knight, the man most worthy of the title of Kingsguard. Is it truly so?
Barristan lowered his head. He had asked himself this question before. Despite so many achievements, was he truly loyal?
As a Kingsguard, falling in love with a maiden, surrendering to the enemy, serving a rebel.
After a long time, Barristan's sorrowful blue eyes were filled with determination.
"I am not a qualified Kingsguard; I know this well, and I will not run from it."
"The past cannot be undone, but in the future, I will strictly observe my oaths and serve the true King!"
As Barristan's words fell, the space he was in instantly collapsed.
Barristan was back in front of Roman, and the greatsword was vibrating excitedly in his hand.
Then, a massive roar erupted from the sword. White Flame and lightning manifested on the blade, gradually climbing onto Barristan's armor.
Roman: "Huh??!!"
At this moment, Barristan stood before the gates of The Red Keep like the Warrior himself. The sky-high light of the fire drew everyone to the spot.
The people of King's Landing were dumbstruck by the sight; some devout believers had already knelt to pray to the Seven.
"Gods! What on earth is happening? Barristan, what did you do?"
Compared to the shocked Roman, Barristan was quite calm. He bowed to Robert and explained:
"This is a phenomenon brought by the longsword Ser Roman gifted to me."
Barristan explained the causes and consequences in detail, which only made the residents of King's Landing believe even more that it was a blessing from the Seven.
Robert slapped Roman hard on the shoulder. "You lad, having such a good thing and you didn't prepare one for your King?"
"Your Grace, I just had the Harrenhal blacksmiths forge this sword. How was I to know this would happen?"
Looking at Roman, who was even more shocked than himself, Robert couldn't help but wonder if there was something special about the old man Barristan.
"Barristan, you truly look like the Warrior descended. Come, have a bout with me. Let me see what that sword can do!"
Barristan certainly couldn't strike Robert, and Roman also persuaded him from the side. In the end, Robert could only return to his wine, disgruntled.
Though Old Barristan didn't say it, both Roman and he felt a change.
In Roman's White Flame Vision, Barristan's spark of life was more vigorous than ever; compared to some young men, he actually had more vitality.
Later, with Roman's help, Barristan began testing the weapon.
When the sword released fire and lightning, it transformed from an ordinary sharp blade into a cutter.
Ordinary iron armor would be sliced through as easily as butter, let alone other low-quality armors.
Barristan sheathed the weapon and offered his sincere thanks to Roman. Roman had given him a sharp blade and also allowed him to re-examine himself in that space.
Roman didn't know if this was because of Barristan or if all weapons forged with magic possessed this trait.
But before Roman could think further, a Servant from The Red Keep walked over.
"Ser Roman, His Grace King Robert wishes to discuss an important matter with you."