Arthur chewed on the hard, dry black bread, his gaze sweeping over Lucien and Hakon.
Why was he so eager to change Lucien and Hakon? Because his thoughts weren't just about the present, but about the foundation of his future.
He needed both of them to be able to stand on their own in the future.
Although he was a noble of Westeros, his status was too low, and his family had no deep roots.
It was absolutely impossible to gain the support of those ancient noble families of Westeros, but perhaps he could try another path!
As the three quietly ate, a guard from Dai Ding City hurried over, coming directly before Arthur.
"Lord Arthur," "Lady Roslyn has summoned you." The guard bowed respectfully, his tone deferential.
Arthur swallowed the black bread in his mouth with difficulty, fantasizing that perhaps Lady Roslyn was about to be generous?
He stood up, and Lucien and Hakon immediately followed closely behind. The three followed the attendant towards the interior of the castle.
The castle's internal passages were narrow and winding, with the banners of Daedings Family hanging on both sides of the walls.
Guards stood on either side of the entrance to the Lord's Hall, and the large doors were slowly pushed open.
Inside the Lord's Hall, a row of soldiers stood on each side, and the firewood in the fireplace was still burning, but it couldn't dispel the solemn atmosphere there.
Lady Roslyn sat high on the Lord's seat, devoid of yesterday's affection, with Maester Varde standing beside her.
As soon as Arthur saw this scene, he knew it was over. So formal, so solemn, it was definitely not a generous handout!
Arthur could only steel himself and step forward, bowing slightly in greeting. He was a bit confused.
"Lord Arthur." Lady Roslyn raised her hand as a gesture, her voice no longer gentle as it had been yesterday.
"Dai Ding City is currently facing a huge threat."
"The wildlings of the High Mountain Clan, they have come down from the mountains."
"They broke through the mountain defenses and are burning, killing, and plundering across my family's lands!"
"High Mountain Clan?" Arthur frowned. He had some impression of that name, it seemed like it was from Tyrion's storyline...
Maester Varde immediately followed, "According to the raven's reports, the Black Ears, Burned Men, and Stone Crows, several tribes have united, and their numbers may exceed a thousand, or even more."
Over a thousand people, or even more. Arthur's left eyelid twitched wildly. Why was she telling him this? He had a very ominous feeling.
Lady Roslyn continued, looking at Arthur:
"Dai Ding City currently has only over four hundred soldiers; they absolutely cannot leave Dai Ding City!"
"There are no more noblemen of status within the city who can lead troops."
Arthur broke the silence, raising his head to look at Lady Roslyn:
"Lady, you summoned me, surely not just to inform me of these bad tidings."
Rather than flee from fear, it is better to face it directly.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Lady Roslyn's eyes.
Lady Roslyn rose from her seat and stood upright, walking down the steps:
"Yes, Lord Arthur."
"I need someone who can lead troops, but there are no more noblemen capable of leading troops in the city."
Arthur gave a wry smile:
Of course there's still one person, isn't there, Lady? It's me?
Lady Roslyn looked at him and smiled.
"Dai Ding City has just urgently conscripted a group of farmers and townspeople, about three hundred and more people."
"Most of them have never touched a sword, nor participated in battle."
Arthur's face twitched. Three hundred inexperienced recruits to fight a thousand or even more wildlings? Me?
He frantically racked his brain, wondering if he had offended Lady Roslyn somewhere.
Arthur tried to calm his tone:
"Three hundred recruits, Lady."
"To fight against over a thousand or even more wildlings of the High Mountain Clan, are you sure?"
Lady Roslyn, of course, understood what this meant. Her voice was low:
"I know, Lord Arthur, I know this is very difficult."
"So I only need you to do one thing; it's not for you to attack those damned wildlings!"
"But to escort this contingent to Deep Valley City."
Arthur tried to politely decline with acting, his eyes instantly welling up: "You know, Lady, I am the only bloodline left in my family."
Lady Roslyn interrupted him,
"Your family has suffered misfortune, your territory is desolate, I know, I know it all."
"But now is not the time to discuss these matters."
Arthur:.......
She watched Arthur gradually fall silent.
She paused, seemingly organizing her thoughts:
"If you are willing to accept this arduous task, I am willing to make a promise."
"During this period, all your spoils of war will be yours, whether it's wealth or captives!"
"I will also expand your territory!"
Arthur's eyes flickered slightly; the spoils belonging to him was a very good condition. For someone who needed to rebuild his family's power, this wealth was undoubtedly an important accumulation.
But the problem was that the cost and price might be too high for him to bear.
"Furthermore." Lady Roslyn's eyes seemed to have made some kind of decision!
"I authorize you to temporarily conscript the necessary soldiers throughout the territories of Daedings Family, whether from villages or towns."
"As long as you deem it necessary, you may conscript them."
Arthur looked up at Lady Roslyn in shock; he truly couldn't remain calm now! This condition was too generous!
As long as the war with the High Mountain Clan lasted, the spoils belonging to him represented a rapid accumulation of wealth in the short term, and conscripting in others' territories meant he could openly expand his influence, take in refugees, and recruit soldiers.
He pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on Lady Roslyn and Maester Varde.
A thousand or even more wildlings, over three hundred untrained farmers, plus the soldiers he could conscript. The mission was still arduous, and the risk of death was extremely high.
But!
He looked at Lady Roslyn; her face was filled with anxiety and anticipation.
"I accept your terms, Lady." Arthur finally spoke, "I'll do it!"
Lady Roslyn visibly breathed a sigh of relief:
"Thank you, Little Suleiman, may the Seven Gods bless you."
"Daedings Family will never forget this loyalty!"
"I will also allocate a batch of grain to Dreadfort to help your family through these difficult times."
Arthur bowed respectfully:
"I must begin preparations immediately, to understand the situation of these three hundred men, their equipment, and logistics!"
"Of course, Little Suleiman!" Lady Roslyn said with a smile.
"Anything you need, just ask me or Maester Varde. I will prepare the conscription documents and give them to you shortly."
"Then, Lady, please allow me to take my leave." Arthur bowed again.
Arthur turned and left the Lord's Hall with Lucien and Hakon.
Walking back, Lucien and Hakon followed silently at his sides. Arthur walked in front, his steps steady, but his heart was surging with emotion! His blood was boiling!
This was an opportunity! He knew that from now on, his goal had truly entered a new phase!
Spoils for himself, conscripting soldiers—he must maximize his own growth amidst this chaos; he must seize it!