Chapter 79 - The game of chaos is beginning.

[Chapter Size: 2800 Words.]

Third Person POV.

Kingsland.

...

...

Lord Stark walked through the corridors of the Red Keep, followed by his guards. His steps were heavier than usual, even with the cane aiding his movement. It was understandable, given the numerous problems he was facing at the moment. It wasn't enough that he was trying to gather evidence to show Robert that his royal children were not biologically his, but rather bastards born of incest.

That alone was giving him countless headaches. Dealing with this situation made him look at everyone around him with suspicion, worried even about his own shadow, considering the vipers he was stirring up by investigating this and the likelihood of an assassination attempt against him.

As if that weren't enough, there was the problem with Catelyn, who, without consulting him, had captured Tyrion Lannister and taken him for a trial in the Vale. A decision he disapproved of and which had only caused him more trouble in the capital.

He walked as fast as he could, despite his condition, knowing this meeting was of the utmost urgency. Even the king, who normally avoided council meetings, was present. The queen, who also rarely attended, made a point of being there, stating that she would not miss such an event given what was happening.

And, indeed, what was happening was something unexpected for all those lords and pompous noblemen seated around the council table. Always acting as if they were in control, trying to gain advantages over each other, now they all seemed bewildered. Something none of them had foreseen had happened, leaving them in despair. This was not the first meeting about the issue, and Ned could see that they were panicking.

Only two people had yet to be mentioned in the rumors—aside from Stannis, who was out of the city—himself and Renly Baratheon. However, knowing both their reputations, neither deeply involved in courtly schemes, it was unlikely they had a hand in the accusations and scandals. Even so, the wary glances exchanged among those present indicated they were trying to identify who was spreading these claims. Ned knew they were investing time and resources to find the source of the rumors, but they seemed increasingly desperate, as the whispers continued to spread throughout the city.

"We're arriving, Lord Stark," murmured Jory Cassel.

Ned pushed his thoughts aside and stepped toward the council chamber doors. The royal guards made way for him, allowing his entry, while his own guards remained outside.

Upon entering, he noticed that every seat was occupied.

"Ned, you finally arrived! Are you walking with a turtle?" exclaimed Robert, visibly impatient.

"I come as fast as I can, Your Majesty. I am not in perfect condition, as you can see," murmured Stark, pointing to his injured leg.

"Whatever! I have no patience for this!" the king roared. "I want to know who the bastard is that's spreading the lie that my children are bastards!"

His fury was evident. None of these accusations were being well received, and those who had already harbored suspicions before avoided looking at him directly, fearing his wrath.

Ned felt the queen's gaze pierce through him, more hostile than ever. She firmly believed he was the one spreading the rumors, perhaps as revenge for what Jaime had done to him. Desperate to contain the situation, she had already sent letters to her father, demanding that he intervene and resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

She knew that if Robert began to believe the rumors, her fate and that of her children would be sealed.

"We must seize all suspects and not let a single one escape! Let them all pay at once, until we discover the culprit or until they finally talk!" Cersei trembled with rage, her eyes fixed on Lord Stark.

Ned merely returned her gaze with a stern look, clearly displeased with the accusation she was suggesting.

"My king, I agree with the queen! They are destroying my honor! This is a scandal against the Grand Maester of the Realm, which cannot be treated this way!" Grand Maester Pycelle said weakly, but with a tone of urgency.

He could feel the gazes upon him in the past few days. Nobles and courtiers had begun to avoid him, and even the lords of the court, along with their visitors, were seeking maesters from outside the castle for treatment instead of turning to him. Those with daughters, in particular, did not even consider consulting him. It was certainly a blow to his reputation. Pycelle deeply hated whoever was spreading these rumors and wished for that person to pay in the worst possible way, even if it meant having half the city executed.

"But we still haven't discovered anything, have we?" Robert roared, slamming his hand on the table. "Eunuch, are you going to tell me that your tongueless little spies haven't found anything?!" He said it exactly as the rumors suggested.

Varys maintained his dark expression. This had been a blow to his reputation as well. He could see how much people were talking about him and how, little by little, everyone in the room was being pushed into ostracism.

"Unfortunately, we have found nothing yet, Your Majesty. Only suspects, but no one capable of creating such a well-positioned network of rumors throughout the city. It is as if a ghost is always slipping through our fingers," murmured Varys.

He had his connections and schemes in Essos, and he needed to act on them as soon as possible, but now, with this situation, he had to resolve it first. He hated being in the dark, and the fact that someone knew exactly how he operated and what he did filled him with a certain fear. He remembered the reports from the children who had been spying on Lord Stark and suddenly felt themselves being turned against each other without understanding what had happened.

"Well, it seems someone deeply hates all of us," said Renly, leaning against the corner of the room.

Everyone shot hostile looks at him—after all, he was one of the few who had not been mentioned in these rumors.

"We should reinforce the patrols... Maybe call in people from nearby houses," suggested Petyr Baelish.

Lord Stark cast him a dark look. The rumor that Baelish only slept with red-haired women because he fantasized about being with Catelyn made his blood boil with fury and discomfort. He didn't know if it was true, but just thinking about it made his blood simmer.

"So, we are once again left with no answers?!" Robert growled, his patience at its limit. "How can someone simply appear here—be it one or many—spread such lies, and get away with it?! I want the tongue and the head of this bastard immediately! How dare he call my children bastards?!"

"Not just that! Saying that your queen sleeps with her brother and cousin?! This is slander, and I swear I will hunt down the culprit! Whoever said this will be executed!" Cersei roared, her fury overflowing.

She then cast a cold glare at Ned Stark before accusing him directly. "Something tells me that Lord Stark is involved in this!"

Ned Stark did not waver. His gaze remained steady as he responded in a severe tone. "I do not recall spreading rumors in the city, Your Grace. And I suggest you do not make rash accusations."

The tension in the room grew heavier.

"I don't know why you have been visiting Robert's bastards in the city!" Cersei immediately accused, seizing the opportunity to cast further suspicion.

All eyes turned to Lord Stark, even Robert's.

"I have been tending to some personal matters, Robert. Nothing more. But I am not spreading these rumors—I swear it on my honor," Ned defended himself.

Robert nodded, satisfied with the response. "Stop accusing him again, as you did in our last meeting!" Robert exclaimed impatiently.

"How can I stay silent, Robert?!" Cersei retorted, furious. "They are accusing me of sleeping with my own relatives! They are saying your children are bastards! Tell me, Robert, do you believe your children are bastards?!"

Everyone looked at Robert, awaiting his answer. He nodded firmly.

"Of course not! They are my children!" he murmured, but his voice was not as firm as it should have been.

Ned Stark knew that even if he gathered enough evidence, convincing Robert of the truth might still prove difficult.

"In any case, we will start arresting groups of people and throwing them in the dungeons until they tell us everything they know," Robert decided, having no other alternative.

"But, brother... This could cause a revolt," Renly murmured, concerned.

"Revolt or not, they are slandering us in a way no other council has ever seen in history! Obviously, someone is trying to weaken us! Perhaps even a Targaryen loyalist..." Petyr Baelish suddenly suggested.

All gazes darkened. They exchanged glances, and some turned their attention to Ned Stark, considering whether his supposed connection to a bastard who housed the last living Targaryen could mean he was involved, trying to restore their rule over Westeros.

The Lord of Winterfell felt even more pressure weighing upon him. It was almost as if the person orchestrating all of this was targeting him specifically.

Ned himself did not look comfortable with the suggestion and opened his mouth to refute the accusation, but at that moment, the door was struck and swung open by a royal guard.

"My lords, more rumors have arrived from the city! We found these posters scattered in various homes, placed there as if by magic—no one saw who did it!" the royal guard reported as he entered with the papers.

Robert immediately adopted a furious tone. "Bring them to me!" he demanded.

Ser Barristan Selmy, who had been silently standing behind the king the entire time, stepped forward, took the papers from his companion's hand, and began reading. His expression quickly turned grim.

"Read exactly what it says, Selmy!" Robert ordered impatiently.

The knight grimaced, hesitating. "Are you certain, my king? It may be... somewhat embarrassing," he murmured.

"Embarrassing?!" Robert roared. "How could it be embarrassing when half the city already knows about it?! Don't be a fool!"

Selmy leafed through the document and began reading the first page aloud:

"'Lord Stark is not as honorable as everyone believes.'"

At that, Eddard Stark raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Selmy continued:

"'At the Tower of Joy, before rescuing his dead sister, he was on the verge of death at the hands of Ser Arthur Dayne. After four men fought against the Sword of the Morning and fell, in the moment Lord Stark was about to receive the final blow, his friend Howland Reed simply attacked Dayne from behind, managing to incapacitate him. With that, Eddard Stark picked up the sword and slit the knight's throat while he was wounded and ready to die. Stark delivered a final strike to a kneeling, defenseless man. Thus, the legendary knight of Westeros fell at the hands of the so-called honorable Lord Stark.'"

Selmy finished reading, and silence consumed the room. All eyes turned to Lord Stark—some in shock, others searching for answers. Selmy himself seemed infuriated by the revelation, looking at Ned with a hint of contempt. After all, he had fought alongside Arthur Dayne.

Ned remained silent, clearly shaken. No one should know about this. The only other witness was Howland Reed, and he would never tell anyone.

'I know what happened at the Tower of Joy, uncle.'

Ned suddenly recalled Jon's words when he had cornered him against the wall at Winterfell.

'Could it be him!?'

Ned finally began to piece things together.

Fortunately, Selmy quickly turned the page and began reading another passage, making the situation even more shocking.

"'Regarding the Master of Coin, known as Littlefinger, besides being involved with slavers in the purchase of merchandise for his brothels, he is also stealing from the crown. Small diversions, particularly related to loans, are recorded with falsified values, and part of the money goes directly into his own pockets, primarily for his mistress in the Vale of Arryn.'"

Petyr Baelish immediately paled. "This is a lie! Slander!" he exclaimed, furious.

"Whatever... Continue reading. We will deal with this later!" Robert ordered, having no patience for individual scandals. He first wanted to hear everything and catch the culprit—then he would handle the consequences.

Selmy obeyed and continued. "'Regarding Varys, beyond cutting out children's tongues to use them as spies, he has also been involved in hiding the whereabouts of the Targaryens, omitting information about them over the years. It was he who led them to Pentos and placed Viserys and Daenerys under the protection of Illyrio Mopatis. Together, he and Illyrio orchestrated Daenerys' marriage to Khal Drogo, planning an attack on Westeros in the future to put another Targaryen on the throne.'"

Selmy finished reading and looked directly at Varys. The entire hall was engulfed in silence, and then Robert abruptly stood up, his expression a mask of pure fury.

"You did WHAT?!" the king roared, ready to tear off the eunuch's head.

"Wait, Robert! We must not turn against each other over mere rumors!" Ser Barristan quickly intervened. "Someone is putting up posters in the city, spreading information. First, we must find out exactly what is happening here."

The king clenched his fists, his muscles tensing with rage, but he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. His mood was still foul, but for now, he relented—though he still shot a furious glare at Varys.

Then, Selmy turned another page and continued reading.

"Grand Maester Pycelle is also under suspicion. He allegedly placed small doses of poison in King Aerys' food, just enough to make him more irrational and prone to fits of rage shortly before the trial of Rickard and Brandon Stark."

Now, it was Ned Stark's turn to glare at Pycelle with deadly intent. If that were true, he would hate the old man even more.

"Lies! This is a lie!" Pycelle shouted, outraged.

"'The queen, beyond incest and bastards, is secretly producing wildfire with the Alchemists' Guild.'"

"Lies! Lies! I will kill whoever did this and their entire family for it!" Cersei screamed like a madwoman.

"'The king is nothing more than a drunkard who loves to drink and whore, no wonder his queen prefers her own brother over her fat husband, who would be too pitiful to even kill on a battlefield.'"

"That bastard!!" Robert roared.

Selmy then reached the last page but frowned as he read it. Before he could react, Robert noticed his hesitation.

"What does the last page say?" the king demanded.

"It's nothing important, my king," the knight tried to evade.

Robert was not convinced. "Give me that!" he ordered, stepping forward and snatching the papers from Selmy's hands.

"'The king's brother is a collector of swords who enjoys lying with other men.'"

Robert turned to look at Renly, who had gone pale in the corner of the room.

"That is a lie! You don't believe this, do you, brother?" Renly tried to defend himself.

"Apart from Stannis, everyone here has been a target of accusations," Varys murmured.

"It could be Stannis… No wonder he fled to Dragonstone since then," Cersei accused again.

She knew that Stannis and Jon Arryn had been investigating her children, so it could only be them—or Lord Stark.

The meeting continued, but instead of reaching a solution, the chaos only grew. Everyone tried to blame one another, but in the end, they chose a path that could even enrage the common folk: they began mass arrests of citizens.

By the end of the night, Lord Stark returned to the Tower of the Hand, exhausted.

"Father! Father, you're finally back!" Arya's anxious voice echoed down the corridor as she suddenly appeared. "I've been hearing rumors from the city—speak now!"

Ned Stark sighed, running a hand over his tired face before shaking his head at her. "I'm sorry, Arya, but I can't give you attention tonight. I won't even be having dinner with you all," he replied, his voice laden with exhaustion.

Without further explanation, he made his way to his study. The guards left him alone, and as he walked, leaning on his cane, his eyes fixed on the table. A letter lay there, partially opened. He didn't remember leaving it there before he left.

He had to think about Jon—after all, it could really be him. He had every reason to create chaos, but in such a manner… How could they handle him?

Frowning, he walked to the table, picked up the letter, and opened it. The handwriting was unfamiliar, but the words written immediately made him recognize the author.

"How about we start playing a game, dear uncle? I turn the realm into chaos, or you catch me. Let's see which happens first."

The question, written almost mockingly, was clearly a challenge.

It was from Jon.

Lord Stark stood frozen, holding the letter, unsure of what to do.

-----

Just a heads-up, I've changed the images of the characters described in the story. There are still a few that haven't been filled in yet, but I'll take care of that as soon as I create the images.

-------------Nexts Chapters ----------------

Chapter 84 - The King Needs to Die.

Chapter 89 - The Despair of Cersei Lannister.

Chapter 99 - Final preparations.

Chapter 108 - Exploring the North.

-----------------------------

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

🦝 Raccoon here: 🦝

I deeply appreciate your support since the beginning of this exciting journey!

I hope each chapter has provided incredible moments. If you like my work and would like to support the continuation of this fanfic, consider becoming a patron with plans starting at $2!. As a token of gratitude, I offer access to more than 210 extra chapters with 7 active fanfics at the same time, along with other exclusive benefits on my profile, such as images and significant decisions for the stories.

Even if you are not a patron, I am making chapters available a few hours earlier here, so become a free member on the platform!

🌟 RaccoonLeague | Patreon🌟

Visit our Patreon for more: https://www.patreon.com/RaccoonLeague

Extra Content Already Available:

🏴‍☠️ One Piece - I Am a Different Luffy!: 30 extra chapters!

👑 Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic!: 30 extra chapters!

🌀 Naruto - Minato Namikaze SI!: 30 extra chapters!

🗡️ The Witcher - As Uchiha Madara! 30 extra chapters!

⚡ Harry Potter - Shadow Monarch! 30 extra chapters!

👑 Game of Thrones: DragonBorn! 30 extra chapters!

Except for One Piece with daily chapters and DragonBorn once a week, all fanfics are updated 3 times a week, there's just a pause in updating in the week, only to create drafts for the week's chapters.

In addition to the extra chapters, daily chapters are posted and 25 chapters per week!

Your support is very important and makes all the difference in keeping these stories alive.

Thank you very much for being part of this journey! I hope you continue to enjoy the story and that it brings even more joy to your life!

Visit our Patreon for more!!

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆