Chapter 103: Margaery, the Calculating Maiden
Calculating sounds like a negative trait, but call it shrewd and the perception shifts instantly. Everyone possesses desires or goals they wish to achieve; one needn't view such ambition as a predatory force. It is the source of human initiative and the engine of social progress. While altruism is a noble quality beneficial to the survival of a species, a purely altruistic organism cannot exist—creatures that do not know how to be selfish or fight for their own resources were filtered out by nature long ago.
Humans inevitably have cravings and objectives, yet there are levels to being calculating. The distinction lies in whether one is clear about what they want, why they want it, and whether they possess the capability and strength to match that ambition.
Cersei Lannister is the perfect negative example. She is calculating, but her schemes are utterly meaningless: she wants everything yet has no idea what to do with it once she has it, and knows even less about how to acquire it properly. As for the long-term consequences of her actions... the woman likely never thinks that far ahead. She is a fool, but not a pure simpleton—that is the most dangerous kind. You cannot be her ally, as she excels at turning on them; nor is she a predictable opponent, as those who ignore the rules often defeat the masters with chaotic, self-destructive maneuvers.
Egger always kept a distance from such chaotic individuals, and by extension, didn't dare get too close to even a gentleman like Jaime. But Margaery Tyrell, standing before him, was the perfect exemplar of a calculating maiden. Her goal was crystal clear: to use her marriage to pull House Tyrell—which had been excluded from the core of power since backing the wrong side in the Usurper's War—back to the high-stakes table of the Great Game. Her intelligence and guile were entirely sufficient to achieve this.
If you were blinded by this girl's gentleness and kindness, she could bleed you dry. But if you recognized her as a calculating strategist and demonstrated through your actions that you were no fool to be led by the nose, she would instantly become harmless. Margaery's birth as the daughter of the Lord of Highgarden dictated her path: she didn't need Littlefinger's treacherous methods to realize her ambitions. As a high-ranking noble and a beneficiary of the existing system, she wouldn't cause chaos or disruption without a reason.
In simpler terms: she was an ambitious player of the Game of Thrones, but one with much better manners. As long as you weren't her sworn enemy, she was willing to share the cake. Provided you had sufficient strength and capital, you could safely cooperate and enjoy mutual exploitation without worrying about her suddenly losing her mind and biting you in the back.
"Lord Egger, I am told this story is based on you. Are these adventures truly things you experienced personally?" the young lady asked softly, her voice tender and melodic.
"Indeed, though as a novel, it has certainly undergone some artistic embellishment." Margaery's eyes sparkled with curiosity, playing the part of a devoted adventure enthusiast to perfection. The acting was so seamless it made Egger's skin crawl. He carefully measured his words, cautious not to overstate his hand. "The broad strokes are true experiences, though the dangers I faced were magnified for the page... if I had truly survived perils of that magnitude, I would certainly be huddled at home rather than wandering to Westeros."
"That makes sense." The girl let out a silver-bell laugh, looking entirely innocent. "Um... Egger, may I call you Egger? This place you hail from—is it truly west of the Sunset Sea? Where exactly is it located, and how many leagues must one sail to reach it?"
What is she after? Is House Tyrell entertaining thoughts of opening trade routes?
Egger grew suspicious and dared not relax. "During that circumnavigation, I was merely a guest on the ship. I possessed little nautical knowledge. I cannot give a specific bearing; I couldn't even be certain if the ship maintained a steady eastward course. As for the distance, I only remember being at sea for over a month. Considering that ocean-going vessel was far more advanced than the best ships in Westeros and we had favorable winds most of the way... I can only say that it should be somewhere west of the Sunset Sea, perhaps two or three thousand leagues from Westeros."
"So far? What a pity. I truly wished to see that magical land."
"Alas, I fear I must disappoint you, Lady Margaery." Since he had cited a distance and location that Westerosi ships could never reach, he could say whatever he wanted. Egger chuckled inwardly while maintaining a mournful expression. "In truth, even if a kind lord gave me a ship and a full crew today, I couldn't find my own way home, let alone lead a guest back... Sigh, I know not when I shall ever see my parents and kin again."
"Do not be sad. Since you have come to Westeros, it shows this land is fated for you. With your experiences and talents, Lord Egger, I believe you will rise to the top wherever you go."
...
The girl comforted the man with an air of deep concern, and the man expressed his gratitude with equal sincerity. For a Lord's daughter to repeatedly address a Night's Watchman—who had no title and could never earn one—as Lord was quite nauseating. Egger had a feeling that sparring with this Little Rose would vastly improve his thick-skinned nature, reaction speed, and poison resistance, but the feeling of goosebumps on his arms was hard to ignore.
As they walked and talked through the camp, Margaery asked many questions regarding the adventure stories in the book. Egger, who had long since prepared his narrative, didn't panic. He met every thrust with a parry, describing countless adventures he had never actually had with such seamless detail that no layman could tell fact from fiction.
Lord Buckwell followed behind the two young people the entire time, listening to their conversation in silence. As a Lord in his own right, he acted as a mere backdrop... Had Margaery's status not been significantly higher, Egger would have felt quite anxious.
...
"By the way, Lord Egger, I heard that not only is this book based on you, but the book itself was produced by a factory you established." After a long detour, the conversation finally returned to reality. "I noticed the material of this book does not seem to be parchment, nor does the content look handwritten. How exactly is this achieved?"
Here it is. After all that circling, we finally reached the main point!
If a man unaware of her background were cornered by such a beautiful, high-ranking noble girl—bombarded with subtle compliments and then forced to brag for half a day—he likely would have spilled everything he knew. Fortunately, Egger had been waiting for her to reveal her true intentions. Once she spoke, he actually felt a great sense of relief.
She was after the papermaking and printing technology. Now that he knew her objective, things were much easier.
"Ah, that. It is true, the books come from a factory under the Night's Watch industries... but I only manage the investment capital and set the strategic direction to provide supplies for the Watch. As for the specific technical details, they are handled by the technicians. If you ask me how it's done, I truly cannot say." Egger shook his head apologetically. "However, it so happens that the Night's Watch industries are looking to expand and require capital investment. If Lady Margaery is interested, I can personally take you on a tour once we return to King's Landing."
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