Chapter 122

The Night’s Watch office looked just as it had two months ago, yet there were subtle changes. The golden sign Aegor had personally ordered still hung high above the entrance, but now, strange objects resembling advertising boards stood on the ground outside. Dismounting to examine them, Aegor discovered they were made of paper—cleverly reinforced. Their contents? Recruitment notices, job advertisements, bonds, and investment explanations. It seemed the instructions he’d left before departing had been well executed.

These items were originally intended to be posted on walls, but now the staff had built wooden frames to display them by the roadside—a bold innovation that proved far more effective.

This had to be Tyrion’s doing. That man truly was a commercial genius hindered only by his last name. Aegor couldn’t help but smile, his mood lightening as he led Kacey into the office.

...

It was an amusing sensation—walking into his own establishment as its master, only to find not a single familiar face. The black-vested workers were likely his staff. Two stood guard at the entrance, while a refined-looking young man sat behind the reception desk, engaged in a clear and fluid conversation with what appeared to be a “customer.” Aegor drew closer to eavesdrop and realized the man was here to apply for a position as a Night’s Watch security guard. The receptionist was calmly explaining the benefits and responsibilities.

It was a striking difference from the past. Once, when Aegor personally managed the office, days could pass without a single visitor. And now? There were even three people waiting on the benches outside.

Was he so unappealing that he had driven people away? Of course not. Without his efforts—his endurance and constant hustling—there would be no office to speak of, let alone one with such a transformed appearance.

After a moment of reflection, Aegor strode toward the door to the inner rooms.

“Halt! Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist abruptly stopped his explanation, shooting to his feet and barking the question at Aegor. He even seemed ready to call the two guards by the door, but then hesitated, his eyes scanning Aegor’s fine all-black attire. A flicker of doubt crossed his face as he faltered, unsure of how to proceed.

Aegor had just been pondering how to introduce himself to his staff when Kacey, ever perceptive, saw an opportunity to step in. Without hesitation, she leaped to defend her idol. “How dare you! This is the Chief Quartermaster himself! Does he need an appointment to enter his own office?”

...

The classic scenario of employees failing to recognize their boss—happening to him! Aegor found it amusing. He studied the receptionist with interest, wondering if this was genuine ignorance or a deliberate act to draw attention. After all, his fame in King’s Landing wasn’t what it was among the loyalist army, and he had been away for two months. It wasn’t entirely unreasonable for others to not recognize him.

Thanks to a mix of seizing opportunities and luck, Aegor, the once-misfortunate transmigrator, had climbed to his current position as a leader. The staff, though recruited by Tyrion, were still his first team and the foundation of his power. Aegor had no interest in petty displays of dominance. Raising a hand to silence Kacey, he offered the young receptionist a kind smile. “It’s fine. You’re doing a good job—carry on.”

Without waiting for a response, Aegor pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The door had changed—from a simple wooden board to a thick, heavy piece that muffled sound. The commotion outside had gone entirely unnoticed by those within. Aegor had expected to find Tyrion or one of the employees he had personally recruited in the inner office, but instead, he saw a young woman seated behind the desk.

Who was this? Perhaps Tyrion’s new lover? This was the Night’s Watch office, the place where he and Tyrion had... well, “fundraised.” Even for a partner, letting someone sit in his chair seemed a bit too much.

Aegor felt a flicker of displeasure but quickly noticed the woman was engrossed in writing. Without looking up, she asked, “Contract signing, bond purchase, investment consultation, or loan application?”

(So, not some random intruder.) Aegor relaxed. Her practiced delivery suggested she’d repeated the line countless times and was quite skilled at her work. Moreover, her voice sounded familiar, though he couldn’t immediately place it. It was only when she finally looked up that recognition struck them both.

“Lord Aegor!” She leapt to her feet, so quickly that the desk wobbled, nearly toppling an ink bottle. Catching it just in time, she stammered, “You... you’ve returned?”

It was Nina. She’d traded her paper factory work clothes for a sleek black outfit, giving her the air of an office professional. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her. Why wasn’t she overseeing production and technical improvements at the factory? Why was she here, manning the office instead? Not wanting to seem critical or admit his initial failure to recognize her, Aegor smiled warmly as he approached. “Returned, I have. What’s this about ‘how’?”

“No, I meant...” Nina flushed at his teasing, quickly stepping aside to vacate the chair. “I meant, if you’d told us you were coming, we could’ve prepared a proper welcome.”

Announce his return? How, exactly?

To Nina and the Night’s Watch staff, Aegor might be a big deal. But in the midst of a royal campaign filled with nobles, he was a nobody. Was he supposed to borrow a raven from Robert to notify Pycelle, who would then send word to his office?

“A minor officer like me doesn’t need such pomp. Besides, I prefer to keep things simple,” Aegor replied with a chuckle. He didn’t bother explaining further—why dampen his own image in front of his devoted subordinates? Circling behind the desk, he noticed the chair had been replaced too. With its high back, wide armrests, soft cushion, and velvet covering, it resembled an early version of a “boss chair.”

Aegor sank into it without hesitation, leaning back comfortably. “Who bought this?”

“Tyrion gave the order, and I handled the purchase,” Nina replied.

“Well done—much better than the old stiff chair.”

The cushion still carried her warmth, and though his nose couldn’t detect scents, his mind conjured an image of lingering fragrance. It was said that comfort bred temptation, and Aegor, now more than comfortable, found his gaze drawn to Nina.

She had changed more than her clothes. Her hair was styled, and she wore makeup—her lips painted a shade of red. Aegor didn’t know much about cosmetics, but the lipstick’s effect was undeniable.

Stop. She’s dressed up for work, not for you, he reminded himself, forcing his thoughts back in line. Yet when he realized he’d been staring too long, Nina, already flustered, turned an even deeper shade of red.

“I... I’ll fetch water,” she stammered and fled before he could respond.

Watching her retreating figure, Aegor couldn’t help but reflect on the transformative power of a little lipstick. The red accentuated her pale complexion and gave her an alluring vibrancy. Combined with her black attire, it turned her from a simple girl-next-door into a striking beauty.

Sighing, Aegor shook off his thoughts. A man destined for greatness must control both his subordinates and his impulses. It had been over a year since he’d allowed himself any indulgence—perhaps he needed to release some tension soon.

When Nina returned with water, her composure had mostly recovered. “Was the journey smooth, my lord?”

“Very. Clear skies, good roads—I couldn’t ask for more,” Aegor replied, taking a sip. With a wry smile, he added, “And I’ve returned with quite the haul.”

“Haul?” Nina glanced around, puzzled. Even Kacey stood empty-handed. “Where is it? Should I arrange for someone to move it in?”

Aegor laughed. “No need—it’s already here.” Waving off her confusion, he said, “I’ll explain in time. For now, tell me—what’s happened at the office these past two months?”

...