175. Skinning the Big Boss

Looking at Jason Liu's polite manners and graceful demeanor, Eddard Stark couldn't help but nod slightly. This young man carried himself like a noble, well-mannered and confident. It was clear that he must have been raised among aristocrats.

Keeping his expression neutral, Ned turned to introduce his family. "This is my wife, Catelyn."

Jason Liu smiled warmly and reached out to take Lady Catelyn's left hand, bringing it close to his nose in a noble greeting before letting go. "Lady Stark, your beauty is truly remarkable," he said smoothly.

Catelyn maintained a composed smile, showing the grace expected of the Lady of Winterfell. "Welcome to Winterfell, Lord East. I hope your stay here is pleasant."

Ned then gestured to the children standing beside him. "This is my eldest son, Robb. My second son, Brandon. My youngest, Rickon. My ward, Theon Greyjoy. My eldest daughter, Sansa, and my youngest daughter, Arya."

Jason Liu greeted them with a polite, distant smile. Although he had met Robb, Bran, and Arya before in Town two months ago, he pretended as if it were their first meeting. He was a master at playing along when needed.

It was, however, his first time seeing Theon Greyjoy. The two exchanged polite nods, but there was no deeper conversation between them.

This was a formal gathering, and the Stark children knew better than to speak out of turn. They simply greeted Jason Liu with the proper courtesy. Only Arya, ever the mischievous one, and Bran, the fearless "wild cub," made playful faces at him. Jason, sensing all eyes on him, pretended not to notice their antics.

Ned continued his introductions. "This is Lord Medger Cerwyn of Cerwyn Castle."

"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Cerwyn," Jason Liu responded with a respectful nod.

"And you as well, Lord East," Medger replied. "You are welcome to visit Cerwyn Castle anytime. My lands are close to Winterfell, and I have heard of your reputation."

Jason Liu smiled. "It is an honor to know that my name has reached your ears."

Ned moved on. "This is Lord Helman Tallhart of Torrhen's Square."

"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Tallhart," Jason greeted.

One by one, Ned introduced the prominent northern lords. Jason greeted each with a polite smile, though he could feel his face growing stiff from the repeated formalities.

Among them, he recognized Lady Maege Mormont, the ruler of Bear Island, and her eldest daughter, Dacey Mormont. He had noticed Dacey earlier—a striking woman with long legs, a tall frame, and a warrior's presence.

Then there was a towering man, easily over two meters tall, possibly even larger than dicken, Lord Jon Umber of Last Hearth. He and his son, Smalljon Umber, were unmistakably father and son, both built like giants.

Next was Wyman Manderly, the Lord of White Harbor—a short and rotund man, his belly pushing past 200 pounds. Lord Wyman was excited to talk to Jason about the gel pens and white paper he had purchased, eager to buy more and bring them back to White Harbor.

Jason Liu, always a businessman at heart, was more than happy to discuss trade. However, Eddard Stark was less amused. Watching the two noblemen animatedly discuss ink and parchment as if they were common merchants, Ned felt the urge to intervene. This was not the time for trade negotiations!

Noticing Ned's growing impatience, Jason smoothly changed the subject and moved on to meet the next noble.

And then, at last, came the most unsettling presence in the room—Roose Bolton, the Lord of the Dreadfort.

Jason Liu had read enough about the Boltons to know their reputation. The House's sigil—a flayed man—was a clear enough warning. Their family words, "Our Blades Are Sharp," sounded less like a motto and more like a threat.

Roose Bolton, the master of skinning men alive, was a legend of cruelty. A true "Old Skinner." Just standing near him sent a chill down Jason's spine.

Jason had expected Bolton to be a terrifying figure, but the quiet, pale man before him was unsettling in a different way. Roose's face was emotionless, his pale blue eyes unreadable. His calm, smooth voice only added to the eerie atmosphere. He did not have the appearance of a brute, nor did he carry himself like a sadistic killer, but there was something deeply unnerving about him.

Jason found himself involuntarily stiffening under Bolton's gaze. It wasn't fear, of course. Just… an instinctive reaction.

"Lord East, are you unwell?" Roose Bolton asked, his voice smooth but lacking any true concern. "Your face seems a little pale."

Jason forced a smile, though he could feel the muscles in his face betraying him. "Not at all, Lord Bolton. It must be the northern chill."

Roose tilted his head slightly, as if considering something. His pale lips curled into the faintest of smiles, yet there was no warmth in it. "Ah. The cold can be… unforgiving."

Jason barely suppressed a shiver. He had read about Roose Bolton in another world, on screens and in books. And now, standing before the infamous "Old Skinner," he realized just how well-earned that reputation was.

Roose Bolton would never know that his name had traveled beyond Westeros, striking fear into the hearts of countless readers across another world. And yet, here he was, making Jason Liu—who prided himself on being composed—feel an unusual sense of unease.

This was a man who had mastered the art of cruelty and deception.

And Jason Liu had no intention of being anywhere near him for longer than necessary.

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