GOT: Chapter 180/181

Chapter 180: Transferred to the Logistics Department
Ser Alliser was so infuriated by Aegor's "ask the Master of Laws to decide" tactic that he turned on his heel and left as soon as the trial ended. Aegor, on the other hand, remained where he was until Janos Slynt was taken away and Renly had departed. Only then did he lead the Night's Watch personnel who had accompanied him out of the throne room, walking slowly toward the gates of the Red Keep under the watchful eyes of the guards along the way. From time to time, nobles who had also exited the throne room approached him, either to offer their "condolences" for the assassination attempt on his life or to praise the speech he had just delivered.

The death sentence—this result was not yet finalized. The procedure still needed confirmation and approval from the highest authority… that is, the Hand of the King. The biggest variable was likely to be Eddard's reaction upon hearing that Aegor had "publicly refused to allow Slynt to take the black." The Hand of the King held greater authority to interpret the law than the Master of Laws. If Eddard believed Aegor had overstepped his bounds… then Janos Slynt's fate might still change.

But that was only a theoretical possibility. Everyone knew that while it seemed Aegor West, the chief logistics officer of the Night's Watch, was the one who forced Slynt to his death, the one who had actually pronounced the death sentence was the king's brother, Lord Renly Baratheon of Storm's End.

Even if Eddard eventually ruled that the Night's Watch recruitment officer did not have the authority to "refuse someone taking the black," he would almost certainly wait until after Slynt's execution to announce it. It was likely he would even inform Aegor of this decision privately.

The feeling of killing someone without lifting a sword was unexpectedly satisfying.


---

"Master, you were so amazing just now! Especially when you said, 'If you come back as a ghost, I'll kill you again!'" The girl truly didn't hold a grudge. Her mood flipped faster than the pages of a book. Arya, who had still been sulking just half a day ago, was now clinging to him once more, gripping his arm and rubbing against him excitedly. "I'm completely obsessed with you!"

Aegor curled his lip and said, "Enough. No matter how much you flatter me, I still won't let you sneak out to find me."

"Oh, you're so annoying, Master!" Arya's little scheme was exposed at once, and she immediately pounded her small fists against his chest in frustration, pouting helplessly. "Isn't it enough that I've been obedient and not running around?"

Aegor smiled. "Good girl, that's my disciple."

They chatted and laughed as they slowly made their way out of the Red Keep. It wasn't until Arya was stopped by the guards—who reminded her that she was not allowed to leave the Red Keep—that the captain of the logistics security team, Jellos, who had been following behind them, finally spoke up.

"My lord, I have a request, if you would grant it."

Aegor was in a good mood and nodded. "Speak."

"On the day Slynt is executed, I would like to ask the lord to grant the security department a day off. No training for that day. I want to take the men into the city to watch the execution. A while ago, the city garrison came to provoke us. Under Lord Tyrion's strict orders, we didn't engage them physically. More than a hundred of our brothers were bullied by a few gold cloaks like beaten dogs. Especially that incident at the River Gate… many of the men are frustrated and need to vent."

"Approved," Aegor said after some thought. "But make sure the brothers change into civilian clothes. Don't wear black, and don't make noise or cause trouble at the execution site." He paused for a moment, then added, "There's one more thing, the most important of all. Make sure the brothers understand: Janos Slynt is being executed because he broke the laws of the Seven Kingdoms, not because he offended the Night's Watch industries. The Hand of the King, Lord Eddard, is not backing us or anyone else. No matter what rumors spread outside, we must all speak with one voice. Do not brag about this matter, or you'll bring trouble upon yourselves. The Hand of the King has already spoken to me about this… keep your men in line. Anyone who violates the law will be punished severely."

"Yes, my lord!" After hearing these words, instead of thinking his lord was timid, Jellos felt Aegor was powerful, steady, and prudent. His respect for Aegor only deepened.

When they first met half a month ago, Jellos hadn't thought much of Aegor, this so-called "boss." He had assumed Aegor was just some random Night's Watch officer Tyrion had appointed to be a figurehead. But after everything he had seen and heard these past days—the skill, courage, eloquence, methods, and careful planning Aegor had displayed—Jellos realized that his boss was on a whole other level. With a leader like this, there was nothing to worry about. His only duty was to obey orders.

At this point, Jellos was truly convinced by Aegor and completely loyal to him.

If Aegor knew how highly his subordinates now regarded him, he would probably smile bitterly. He knew full well that surviving the chaos of that night had been largely thanks to Jaqen and Ser Bywater the Ironhand. As for Slynt's downfall, it had been the result of the combined strength of the Night's Watch, Tyrion's strategies, and Slynt's own blunders. His own contribution? He was simply the first to step forward and raise the banner. He hadn't made any foolish mistakes during the chaos and had managed to survive.

If he had died, or if Tyrion had been arrested, the Night's Watch business would have been leaderless and thrown into disarray. It would have been carved up by the investors in no time and disappeared into history. In that case, the investigation and trial of Slynt would never have gone so smoothly.

The victory in this struggle was built on the capital and influence wielded by Tyrion. But the one who stood at the forefront, whether reporting Slynt by name or refusing him the right to take the black during the trial, was Aegor. With Tyrion absent, and Aegor giving his public speech in court today, all the credit for the victory—intentionally or not—had landed squarely on his shoulders as the leader of the movement.

Aegor felt unworthy of the honor, but he also understood that, in the current political climate of King's Landing, he was the most appropriate person to receive it. Not only did he have to accept the credit, but he also needed to live up to the expectations and trust others had placed in him.


---

Although the trial had been considered swift, the entire process and debate had taken quite some time. By the time they left the Red Keep, it was already late. Those who needed to return to the city did so, and those heading to their manors left as well. Aegor did not go back to the office. Instead, he took his people to dinner… and then returned "home."

After a hot bath and changing into clean clothes, he sat comfortably at his desk for the first time in a long while, reading through the work reports that had been sent to him.

The development of the Night's Watch industry had moved past its initial startup stage and was now on solid footing. The day-to-day operations were no longer handled directly by Aegor but had been delegated to Nina. This young woman acted like a "vice president," holding onto the most important plans and accounts herself while assigning simpler, less critical tasks to junior subordinates she had selected, trained, and trusted.

After all, sharp minds like Tyrion were rare. But thanks to the power of capital, the Night's Watch industry had quietly gathered a pool of talent—at least by the standards of this world. These people might lack creativity, but they were more than capable of running the business smoothly. Aegor could comfortably leave the day-to-day management to them without needing to get involved in everything personally.

Even so, he still enjoyed keeping a close eye on the company's progress. The team supporting the papermaking and printing factories in the Riverlands and Dorne had already departed. The plan to diversify investments was also quietly underway. Production of the new paste lipsticks and soaps had begun. Preparations for carving and selling dragonglass as an object to ward off evil had been completed early. Work could begin as soon as the first shipment of ore arrived from Dragonstone. Everything was going smoothly. If only Littlefinger could be eliminated sooner, the Seven Kingdoms would remain stable…

Thinking this, Aegor sighed softly. Just then, his "vice president" knocked on the door.

"My lord, are you asleep?"

"No. Come in," Aegor replied, adjusting his expression before looking up at the young woman who entered. She had taken off her black uniform and changed into loose-fitting home clothes.

"Lord Aegor, there are some matters I couldn't report to you during the day, but I thought it was important to inform you as soon as possible so you can prepare a response," Nina said as she stepped into the room and approached the table. Then she seemed to remember something else. "By the way, you've been locked up in the Red Keep these past days. You haven't treated your wounds properly, have you? May I apply the medicine for you now?"

"Ah… sure," Aegor replied without much thought. The wound was healing well, but there was no harm in applying the medicine. It had been prescribed by a proper maester, not some back-alley healer. He loosened his clothes, exposing the sutured wound on his shoulder. "Go ahead and apply it while we talk."

Nina quickly fetched the medicine bottle from the shelf beside the table, dipped her fingers into it, and carefully applied it to both sides of the wound. "While you were taken away by the Hand's people, Ser Alliser often came to the office asking me about the Night's Watch industry. I followed your instructions and pushed all the questions onto you. When he realized I was playing dumb, he showed me a document signed by the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch… saying that he was sent by the Night's Watch to take over the position and that I should cooperate with him."

Aegor's heart skipped a beat. He immediately felt a surge of anger. What was the meaning of this? Why hadn't Alliser shown such a document to the Chief Logistics Officer earlier but chose to present it to the industry managers only when Aegor was imprisoned?

Suppressing his anger, Aegor kept his expression calm. "Do you remember what the document said?"

"I was startled at first, but I read the document carefully, word by word," Nina replied. "It clearly stated that Ser Alliser was being transferred to the Night's Watch Logistics Department and would remain in King's Landing to assist you… There wasn't a single word about replacing you or taking over."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 181: I’m Yours
Join the Night's Watch Logistics Department? What else can Alliser Thorne do besides mocking others and a bit of swordsmanship? Helping me with my work is clearly just an excuse. The real intention is likely to monitor my actions. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. The only thing Aegor truly fears is suddenly receiving a letter summoning him back to the Wall and having someone else appointed as the Chief Logistics Officer of the Night's Watch in his place. If that happens, at this stage, there's really no good solution left—except to fight to the death.

Remaining wary of others is always a good omen. It was only by staying cautious that he subconsciously blocked such a significant scheme. In this case, did Mormont have designs on the Night's Watch industries, or did he simply want to send Alliser away from the Wall so he could focus on grooming Jon Snow as his successor? Eddard Stark had locked him up for so many days before, could it be that he was cooperating with Alliser after receiving a secret letter from Mormont, only to find that he couldn't gain control of the Night's Watch industry at all, and so finally had no choice but to release him?

After calming down and thinking it over, Aegor felt it was more likely that Alliser Thorne was simply waving around a meaningless token of authority. After all, he had used this same trick on Eddard Stark when he first arrived in King's Landing. Aegor understood the approach from top to bottom. Whether it worked or not depended entirely on the vigilance of the other side.

What was Mormont really thinking by transferring Alliser to the Night's Watch Logistics Department? Did Eddard intend to help the old hedgehog control the Night's Watch industries? What exactly was going on? Guessing wouldn't reveal the truth, and it was impossible to prepare for every possible scenario. The most appropriate course of action right now was to remain steady, continue acting the part of a "loyal brother of the Night's Watch," and decisively exclude any outsiders or people of unclear background from the core of the Night's Watch industries. He would not give those with ill intentions the chance to steal the fruits of his labor.

Fortunately, Alliser Thorne was not like Janos Slynt. His position was higher, and his power was greater. Thanks to Nina's early warning, Aegor was also well aware of his intentions and movements. In any future conflict, Aegor would hold an absolute advantage.


---

As a traveler from another world, Aegor had always unconsciously maintained too high a perspective. By instinct, he believed the threats would come from the likes of Littlefinger, Varys, or from the schemes or foolish actions of key figures like Cersei. But repeated accidents and dangers had finally taught him through experience: the threats could come not only from the so-called "main storyline" or major characters, but also from minor figures like Janos Slynt—or even from people within the Night's Watch itself.

Instead of spending all day thinking about how to fight the White Walkers, maintain peace in Westeros, outmaneuver the great schemers, or continue the explosive expansion of the Night's Watch industries—those so-called "big" or "important" tasks—perhaps it was time to prioritize internal organization, protect the achievements already made, and ensure that the results of their victories would not be stolen away by others.

Suppressing these thoughts, Aegor turned to Nina and asked, "What did you say after reading that document?"

…

"I said, 'I'm sorry. I'm not a member of the Night's Watch and I don't take orders from Commander Mormont.' Then I told Ser Alliser that I would discuss the matter with you once you returned." Nina continued to apply the medicine carefully, her fingertips gently moving over the skin of the man's shoulder, feeling the defined lines of muscle beneath. She even found herself wishing the wound was longer, just so she wouldn't finish applying the medicine too soon. Then, she asked cautiously, "My lord, was that an appropriate response?"

"Exactly right. You handled it perfectly." Aegor secretly clenched his fists but responded casually with praise. "Tyrion once said you were smart. Now it seems even that assessment was too modest."

"Thank you for the compliment, my lord. I simply followed your instructions," Nina replied softly. Her sweet voice couldn't hide her happiness, though she still lowered her head shyly. "No matter what Ser Alliser or anyone else says or does, I will always remember one thing—I am yours, and everything I do is for you."

…

I'm yours?

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly from a tense discussion of strategy to something strange, charming, and ambiguous. Aegor raised his eyebrows and turned to look at Nina in surprise. Was this just a declaration of loyalty… or was she actually flirting with him?

As they spent more time together, Nina was no longer as shy as she had been in the beginning, no longer blushing or nervously avoiding eye contact every time they spoke. Recently, she had grown bold enough to openly gaze at him with admiration, and even when caught, she would only briefly turn away, showing no embarrassment.

Being stared at by such a beautiful, adoring young woman was undoubtedly a pleasant experience. But to be honest, it was also tiring—he always had to maintain his image. He couldn't yawn, stretch, swear, pick his ears, scratch his nose, or spit as freely as he might when alone.

Aegor had grown used to being admired. But this was the first time he had been directly teased with words.

(Girl, we're alone here, half-dressed, and you're just flirting like this… Aren't you afraid I'll actually take you right here and now?)

…

"Oh? You're mine?" Aegor raised an eyebrow, amused. He wasn't sure whether he was overthinking, but her words were funny enough to make him momentarily forget about Alliser. Suddenly, he remembered something, winning Nina over had originally been part of his plan to solidify control over the Night's Watch industries, but the plan had been delayed by all kinds of chaos. Now, with so many issues settled… maybe it was time to move forward?

He looked at Nina with a smirk. "I seem to recall telling you that this sentence could mean many things. So… tell me. How should I interpret it, coming from you?"

It was meant to be playful teasing, nothing too explicit—just enough to bring them a little closer. If Nina blushed and evaded the question, the moment would pass. After all, teasing was just teasing…

But unexpectedly, the girl's neck and ears quickly turned pink. She bit her lip, then gave a bold and surprisingly mischievous reply: "Whatever you think this sentence means… that's what it means."

Hey, didn't I teach her that line? Now she's using it against me?! Aegor had only intended to tease, but this shy girl had turned the tables on him with a deadly counterattack.


---

"Whatever I think it means, that's what it means?" Aegor narrowed his eyes at her, provoked by her flirtatious reply. You said it yourself. If he kept playing dumb at this point, could he still call himself a man? Forget Alliser, forget strategy. With the girl still applying medicine to his shoulder, half-dressed and close by, he stood up and took a step toward her, bare-chested. "Then guess… what do you think I believe it means right now?"

"A-Aegor… my lord…" Nina was, after all, still a young woman. How could she match the experience of a man who had lived through two worlds and had seen it all? Startled by Aegor's sudden movement, she instinctively stepped back, still clutching the medicine bottle in her hand. Her eyes flickered anxiously, cheeks and neck flushed bright red. "The medicine… I haven't finished applying it…"

"No need."

Today, Aegor had successfully manipulated Renly into killing his enemy without shedding a drop of his own blood. The thrill of watching a powerful opponent collapse while calmly standing by, mixed with the satisfaction of victory and the relief of having survived yet another crisis, had left his blood running hot. Nina's playful response had only been the spark to ignite the flame.

After two years in this world, this was the first time Aegor's physical instincts fully overcame his reason.

What self-control? What grand ambition? To hell with all that. The old saying is right—you should enjoy life while you can. Aegor wanted to solidify his relationship with this capable woman by his side, to enjoy the fruits of his hard-won victories. He needed no lofty excuses. He simply wanted to possess her, here and now.

He grabbed the medicine jar from her hands and tossed it onto the table. The jar rolled across the surface and fell to the floor with a crisp shatter, but Aegor paid it no mind. He stepped forward, and the girl instinctively retreated again. This back-and-forth repeated until Nina was pressed against the wall, with no room left to escape.

"My lord… you…" Nina had only dared to confess her feelings on impulse. She never expected it would provoke such a strong reaction. Panicking, her mind went blank. The tough, capable woman of the Night's Watch was instantly reduced to a stammering, blushing girl.

"Nina," Aegor said softly, "ever since we first met, I've always liked your eyes… I know you watch me all the time, but you always look away when I catch you."

He didn't want this to seem like animal lust. Instead, he softened his tone, adding a layer of tenderness. He gently took the girl's soft, slightly cool hands, feeling the thin calluses on her palms—the marks of someone who had worked hard for her family, who had learned and improved papermaking techniques. He moved slowly, tracing from her delicate wrists to her arms, then to her shoulders. His fingers brushed along her smooth neck, finally resting beneath her chin. Lifting her face gently, he looked directly into her eyes and whispered, "This time, you can't run away. Lift your head… let me have a good look at you."

As if hypnotized, Nina obediently raised her head, blinking her bright, wet eyes like the morning stars. She watched in astonishment as Aegor leaned closer. Just before closing her eyes, one last silly thought crossed her mind:

"I'm doomed. If I'd known this would happen… I would've taken a nice bath today!"

(To be continued.)