GOT Chapter 362/363

Chapter 362: Tangled

What a terrible timing coincidence, the Night's Watch plus the North versus the White Walkers and the army of the dead. It was a perfectly good script, but the Iron Islands and the Dragon Queen just had to get involved. Thinking along the lines of conspiracy, these two sides are probably subconsciously controlled by the cold god and the Lord of Light respectively, which is why they just so happened to appear on the edge of the battlefield at this final moment.

Euron Greyjoy is undoubtedly an enemy, but can Daenerys Targaryen be considered an ally?

If we are discussing fighting the cold god, then the answer is clearly yes, and she is far more than just an ally, she is the core. If the proxy war theory that Greenseer Bran deduced is true, then Daenerys, who hatched the Three Dragons, is probably the top seed on R'hllor's list of chosen ones, while I and Jon Snow are likely just backup insurance options, whoever performs better ranks second.

But this world is not merely a stage for the conflict between the cold god and the Lord of Light. The relationships between factions are outrageously complex. Putting everything else aside, Daenerys returned to Westeros not to fight the White Walkers, but to take back what is hers.

The Dragon Queen's perfectly timed return put Aegor in a rather awkward position. Using a note to force Petyr Baelish away, risking helping Tyrion Lannister escape back to the Westerlands, safely bringing Arya Stark back to Winterfell. After a series of miscellaneous operations, although he had never left Westeros, his influence on the world as a transmigrator had already spread dramatically across the Narrow Sea like a giant rock thrown into a pool, involving Daenerys, who was once far away on the other side of the world.

It was precisely because predicting her actions based on the original plot became impossible that Aegor made all his arrangements for the Gift and the Wall under the premise of completely disregarding the Dragon Queen's existence.

If the Gift could resist the cold god's servants on its own without the help of her Three Dragons and Unsullied, then if she did end up coming, would it not be icing on the cake, making victory even more certain?

The production of wildfire and dragonglass weapons is progressing smoothly, with reserves large enough to kill a hundred thousand wights several times over. The recruitment and training of soldiers, while not yet perfect, is already close and usable. The special gift prepared for the White Walkers, the Dragonglass Bomb, has also developed relatively mature models and processes after several trials and improvements, only waiting for a stable supply of Powder for mass production. But the problem lies precisely in this item.

The Gift is freezing cold, with no conditions for large-scale experiments and production related to chemical reactions and requiring strict temperature control. Therefore, both searching for nitrate mines and attempting to produce nitrate are tasks assigned to the exploration department and researchers within the King's Landing Industrial Park. Once the war between Daenerys and Stannis breaks out, the Night's Watch Industry, headquartered in King's Landing, will inevitably be affected, and I might not receive the most crucial nitrate, having to fight the White Walkers without Dragonglass Bombs.


---

Myrcella, having received permission to enter, tiptoed in, brushing past Melisandre, who happened to look annoyed. Although she possessed beauty no less than the Red Priestess, the Little Princess was at a significant disadvantage in terms of height and presence. Fortunately, Melisandre would not bother a little girl for no reason. She casually glanced down, then turned and left the room.

The door closed, and Myrcella, feeling as though Melisandre had glared at her, timidly asked, "Lord Aegor, did I disturb you?"

"No, just a small disagreement." Aegor struggled to pull a thread from his chaotic thoughts and forced a kind smile. "How was it? Did you see your two brothers?"

I saw them. Joffrey was still the same, fidgety and complaining about this and that, showing no joy at all upon seeing his sister, while Tommen cried and sobbed, hugging his sister and shedding tears for a long time, not only stealing her tragic scene but also needing her, who was clearly a girl, to comfort him. Of course, there was no need to mention all these minor details and bother Aegor.

Although what her two brothers described was not entirely consistent, Myrcella was intelligent enough to pick out useful information from their jumbled accounts. She could see that the situation in the Gift was much better than the legends and her imagination suggested, and Joffrey and Tommen, though not living in comfort and ease, were clearly receiving thorough protection and care. Feeling relieved, and being as meticulous as she was, she naturally did not forget her manners and quickly came to thank Aegor for arranging all of this.

"I saw them." Myrcella suppressed the heartache of having just parted with her two distressed brothers, and walked toward Aegor's desk, pretending to be cheerful. "They are doing very well, thank you so much for your care, Lord Aegor."

"You are welcome. Have a seat, do not be a stranger, make yourself at home."

Although there was a pile of things to do, humans are visual creatures after all, and being with such a little darling would make anyone feel relaxed and happy. Aegor had not actually taken special care of those two boys. He had just entrusted them to the teachers at Crown Town Academy, giving a few instructions for them to pay close attention. However, when subordinates do a good job, the leader naturally deserves credit, so he accepted this thank you with a clear conscience.

Then, he quickly remembered something he wanted to ask. "You came at the right time, Miss Maeve. You were in Winterfell, did you hear any news from the south about Daenerys Targaryen returning to Westeros?"

Myrcella was a bit younger than Arya, and also similar in height. Standing on the other side of the desk only a head taller than the seated Aegor, it did not seem too abrupt. She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then nodded. "I think I heard the servants in the castle discussing something about the Mad King's daughter being back, but I am not very clear on the specific situation. Perhaps you could ask Arya or Catelyn, they might know more details."

That is true. Myrcella is a little girl living under someone else's roof, in the castle of her parents' enemy family. It would take most of her effort just to avoid being disliked, how could she have the time or energy to inquire about such things? Whether it is Stannis, Aegor, or Daenerys, none of them are on good terms with the Lannisters, and whoever wins has nothing to do with her, Myrcella Baratheon. Why bother with who is fighting whom?

Aegor unconsciously stroked his chin and began to seriously consider Melisandre's suggestion. The direct reason was not to enlist Daenerys as an ally, but to protect the Night's Watch Office and Industry in King's Landing.

Just like when Renly Baratheon led his army to besiege King's Landing, Aegor went to see him and requested that his army bypass the Industrial Park during the siege and not plunder it.

But this time is different from Renly's previous attack on King's Landing. This trip, even if he went to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and took a fast ship to travel at the fastest speed, assuming Daenerys was in the south and not just wandering around waiting for him, would still take at least ten days round trip. If the White Walkers attacked during this time, what would this be if not desertion?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 363: Royal Massage

That is right, everything is arranged. Ideally, the Gift Lands army facing the White Walkers' attack should operate according to the plan like a set program, intercepting, resisting, and even defeating the army of the dead to protect the Seven Kingdoms. But the army is made up of people, not machines, and the residents of the Gift from the mountains and Beyond the Wall have no noble ideas like serving the people or giving their hearts for humanity. In this era, let alone the Night's Watch Commander, even the King sometimes has to personally go to the battlefield.

Aegor himself is the highest military and political official in the Gift. Relying on his genuine position and a large number of legends spread intentionally or unintentionally, he possesses supreme reputation and prestige, which makes his daily management smooth and unimpeded. But at the same time, the price is that he, this hero, cannot shrink back and play the role of a strategist. The army of the Gift can only maintain sufficient morale under his command to maximize its combat effectiveness.

And King's Landing, even if Aegor wanted to strategize from a thousand miles away, that place is more than just a thousand miles from Crown Town.

Daenerys is the Queen, at least she considers herself so. He, this Commander, is one rank lower than her in class. It is impossible to just send a subordinate to negotiate with her. So, should he concentrate all his energy on the current war, facing the final battle without the Dragonglass Bomb as a trump card, or take the risk of possibly being labeled a deserter and make this dangerous trip?

Aegor was in a dilemma, deeply troubled, and his thinking also put Myrcella, who was standing across the desk from him, in an awkward situation. She was here to express her gratitude to Aegor. If the Commander was very busy, she would express her thanks and leave immediately. But if Aegor was free, Myrcella would stay for a while, chat and talk, to avoid leaving him with a bad impression of getting to know you and flattering you just to make my two brothers' lives better, but actually not interested in you at all.

But now, the Commander was sitting behind the desk, clearly not doing anything, and had chatted with her for a while, but after only a few sentences, he had fallen back into a state of contemplation. This truly made it difficult for Myrcella to leave, and uncomfortable to stay.

...

Just as she was feeling uncomfortable, Aegor sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair in annoyance because he could not make up his mind, and rubbed his temples in frustration.

Myrcella saw a good opportunity to escape the predicament and quickly seized it. "Lord Aegor must be overworked from guarding the Wall and protecting the North. Shall I give you a massage?"

Although it was a question, she did not wait for an answer at all. She quickly walked around the desk to Aegor's back. The Little Princess's hands came over from both sides like someone putting on headphones, replacing the man's own hands, and gently massaged the temples on both sides of his head.

"Huh?"

Aegor was momentarily distracted, and then a little beauty was behind him taking over his head. At first, he was a little taken aback, but soon a sense of realization emerged. No wonder Catelyn was willing to bring her, this little girl, so young yet so thoughtful and smooth, even obvious flattery could be done so gracefully that it was hard to dislike. No wonder no matter which timeline, no matter where she went, she was loved by everyone.

This is talent.

After thinking about it, the girl probably felt awkward because she had no way to repay him, so he let her massage him for peace of mind. The chaotic thoughts in his mind could not be sorted out for a while, so he thought slowly. Aegor was not at all awkward, he leaned back in the chair straightforwardly, organizing his thoughts while enjoying this royal luxury version health massage provided by the Princess.

The room was very warm, and the girl's small hands were also warm and soft. She was petite and not very strong, her movements were as gentle as water, and her fingertips were as smooth as if powdered. Although not very professional, she had grasped the key points, and even a casual massage could make one comfortable. In his lazy state, Aegor felt a faint, somewhat milky fragrance waft into his nostrils, which at first sniff was appetizing, and after inhaling more, made him feel completely relaxed and comfortable. After his head had enjoyed being massaged up, down, left, and right, the soft hands naturally slid down his neck to his shoulders and neck, adding a little strength to knead the man's tense muscles.

Is this also talent? Aegor even got goosebumps. Before he transmigrated, he had been to proper massages, but this was the first time he discovered that just a light kneading could be so comfortable. At this moment, a strange thought popped into his mind. It is a good thing he sent Jaime to Ice Canyon Port. If the Kingslayer knew his daughter was here kneading someone's head and shoulders, he might impulsively draw his sword and slash the Commander.

...

"Mmm." Feeling comfortable from the massage, Aegor could not help but let out a muffled groan from his throat. Feeling it was improper, he simply took the opportunity to speak, saying something casually to cover the awkwardness. "What did Joffrey and Tommen talk to you about? Did they mention any difficulties in life, or if they wanted anything? Feel free to ask, as long as it is not excessive, it can be fulfilled."

Want anything? Joffrey wanted a lot, but Myrcella knew her brother. Satisfying him would only make him want more. As for the other good little brother, she thought for a moment and shook her head. "No, Lord Aegor, you must have someone keep a close eye on him. It is best to give him something to do, so he does not have nothing to do and overthink things, causing trouble. As for Tommen, well, Lord, do you know? There are many cats in the Red Keep..."

Next, Myrcella intermittently told Aegor stories about Tommen and the cats in the Red Keep. Which cat was closest to Tommen and liked to rub against his leg, there was one he fed every day but never managed to touch even once, one day he was eating meat slices Tommen was feeding him but Joffrey suddenly rushed over trying to catch it and got scratched.

The Little Princess's voice was soft but not at all overly sweet. Although Aegor was not interested in the stories she told, her pleasant voice combined with the comfort from the massage on his shoulders and back, the two together surprisingly had a strong hypnotic effect. In a daze, Aegor only regretted not having a folding chair that could be reclined to lie down halfway. Otherwise, he would definitely take this opportunity to nap for a while and then think about that troublesome problem after he was well-rested.

After talking for a long time, she finally could not recall any more stories about cats. Myrcella said while massaging, "Tommen himself did not mention it, but he is the child who is most afraid of loneliness, and Joffrey is not a competent brother. If Lord could get one or two kittens to accompany him, he would be very happy."

So, she talked about the cats in the Red Keep for a long time just to beat around the bush and introduce this request.

This little girl is not only emotionally intelligent but also quite intelligent. Robert and Cersei, one a drunkard and one a fool, plus Jaime, a biological father with average emotional and intellectual intelligence. How did they raise such a daughter? Aegor could not help but laugh, but then felt a little heartache. The Little Princess of the former House Baratheon now had to ask people in such a roundabout way just to give her brother a kitten. It was truly a sin.

"Okay, I will have someone keep an eye out and see if any family in the Gift has kittens that have just been weaned, and get two for him."

"Thank you, Lord Aegor." Myrcella could not hide her happiness, and her voice instantly became cheerful. "Do not cross your arms anymore, put them down and I will massage your arms too."

"No need, my arms are not sore. It is just my shoulders that still feel a bit uncomfortable. Use a little more strength and press again, then you can go back and rest."

"Okay."

Having received another favor from Aegor, the Little Princess raised her two slender arms and worked harder. Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open without warning, and cold wind mixed with a small amount of snowflakes blew into the room. Aegor opened his eyes to see who dared to enter without announcement, only to see Arya standing at the door, eyes wide, looking at Myrcella standing behind Aegor in a strange posture with a look of shock.

(To be continued.)