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Lynn's smile cooled after Arya's figure vanished down the corridor's end.
Until it disappeared entirely.
He returned to his room. Closed the door. Only him now.
And that longsword laid across his knees.
"When I grow up, I want to marry you."
Marry him?
Just surviving like thisâfar from enough!
Living on Ned Stark's pity and suspicion. Living on Maester Luwin's salve and observation.
This feeling of fate clutched in others' handsâLynn hated it.
He didn't want charity.
He wanted the qualification to speak as an equal with the Stark name.
He wanted supreme power.
Lynn, as a transmigrator, knew all of Game of Thrones' secrets.
Besides the Three-Eyed Raven, this was his unique advantage.
Lynn's gaze fell on that blue panel only he could see.
And he had the system! His most important capital.
Survival was just the first step.
Nowâhe wanted more!
Like... Arya.
The King's horns finally rang above Winterfell.
The soundâloud, long. Carried southern splendor and flamboyance. Tore through the North's morning quiet.
All of Winterfell came alive.
From the keep's highest point looking downâa massive procession like a golden dragon crawled along the Kingsroad.
House Baratheon's crowned stag banners and House Lannister's roaring lion banners snapped in northern wind.
Knights' armor flashed dazzling light in sunlight. Ladies' carriages adorned with gorgeous curtains.
In the courtyard, House Stark waited in formal dress.
Ned Stark wore a gray fur cloak. Expression solemn.
Lady Catelyn stood beside him. Face bearing an impeccable smile.
Robb in newly tailored leather armorâstraight as a young pine.
Sansa wore a sky-blue gown. Cheeks flushed with excitement. Gaze constantly darting toward the golden-haired prince at the procession's front.
Arya wore a steel helmetâlooked ridiculous. Face written with impatience.
Youngest Rickon hid behind Mother. Peeked out curiously.
Bran, that ever-energetic boy, was there too.
Lynn stood behind an inconspicuous pillar. Away from the crowd's center. Like an outsider observing this grand meeting.
Heavy hoofbeats and wheels grinding earth grew closer.
Robert Baratheon, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, dismounted.
Not hard to spotâRobert stood six-foot-five. Like a towering giant among the crowd. Impossible to miss!
His frame was bloated. Face full of flesh. No trace of his youth's heroism.
Back then, he wore battle armor and a double-antlered helmâbecame a true giant.
Those warhammersâeven Ned struggled to lift them.
Now, completely changed.
But that kingly authority still made everyone bow their heads.
After guards placed the mounting block, Robert dismounted.
Ned led his family kneeling on one knee.
Robert walked quickly to Ned with a cold face. Hooked his finger upward slightlyâsignaling Ned to stand and speak.
After Ned rose, Catelyn and the others slowly stood.
"Ned!" "Haven't heard from you in years."
Robert's booming voiceâtinged with displeasureâechoed through the courtyard.
Ned first bowed respectfully. Then spoke.
"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace." "Winterfell stands ready at your command."
Robert studied Ned carefullyâunseen for years.
Long silence. Then he slowly spoke.
"Ned, you've gotten fat."
Ned shrugged slightly. Then gestured with his eyes for Robert to look at his own equally misshapen figure.
Robert couldn't hold it. Laughed first. Ned did too.
Then Robert opened his arms. Gave Ned a solid embrace.
Then hugged Catelyn.
After that, inspected Ned's children. Generously praised each one.
Following themâQueen Cersei Lannister and her twin brother, Jaime Lannister.
They were dazzling.
Cersei was as beautiful as rumored. Deep green eyes. Golden curls radiating nobility.
Jaime even more soâa natural lion. Handsome face, brilliant golden hair. Exuded innate superiority.
They wore polite smilesâbut the smiles didn't reach their eyes.
Seeing the Lannisters appear, Ned's expression darkened.
House Lannister of Casterly Rockâlast great house to join Robert's cause back then.
Waited until Robert and Ned's rebellion was nearly successful, victory obvious, before taking a side.
Ned hated such opportunists most.
On the other hand, Jaime was a "Kingslayer." Ned always looked down on him.
Even though Jaime's martial prowess was formidable.
Lynn's gaze briefly rested on them.
He knewâbeneath those gorgeous exteriors hid secrets that could topple the entire kingdom!
Cersei walked elegantly to Ned. Smiled without warmth. Extended the back of her hand.
Ned kissed her hand. Said respectfully. "Your Grace."
Catelyn also bowed respectfully. "Your Grace."
Cersei nodded slightly. Smiled faintly.
Robert saw the pleasantries were done. Got straight to business.
"Ned, let's go to the crypts."
Ned knew Robert wanted to see Lyanna Stark's statue.
Every deceased Stark was buried with a statue carved by craftsmen, placed in the crypts.
Ned's late father, eldest brother, sisterâall there.
Ned didn't immediately agree. First looked at Cersei.
Sure enough, Cersei's expression was ugly.
Lyanna was Robert's lifelong love.
Even abducted and possessed by Rhaegar, deadâstill more important than his legitimate wife.
Cersei had once liked Robert too.
But Robert only treated her as a tool for alliance.
Cersei would never forget.
On their wedding night, Robert drank too much.
When taking her that night, he kept calling Lyanna's name!
Her lifelong shame!
Thinking of this, Cersei's expression went cold.
"Darling, we've traveled a month." "Seeing a dead woman can wait."
Robert glared at his queen. Ignored her reaction.
"Ned." He jerked his head. Signaled Ned to follow.
Ned glanced at Cersei. Then followed Robert.
The air felt oppressive.
Arya asked Bran in confusion. "Where's the Imp?"
The Imp was Cersei and Jaime's younger brother. Born a dwarf. The Imp was his nickname.
Cersei heard Arya's quiet question.
Face ugly, walked toward Jaime.
"Where's our brother carousing?" "Find that little beast."
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