176. How to Refuse Without Offending?

Feeling Roose Bolton's cold stare, Jason Liu shivered involuntarily, a chill running down his spine. He forced an awkward smile and quickly stammered, "No, no! Haha... my apologies if I made you laugh, Lord Bolton."

After letting out a few dry chuckles, Jason swiftly turned away, following Eddard Stark without another glance.

Roose Bolton narrowed his eyes at the young Lord of the East but found nothing particularly suspicious about his behavior. It was a minor matter, so he dismissed it and returned to his usual indifferent expression as he observed Lord Stark leading Jason to meet the other northern lords.

By the time the introductions were complete, Jason Liu had met most of the noble lords of the North present at the gathering.

"It is truly an honor to meet the esteemed lords of the North today. I deeply appreciate Lord Stark's invitation."

After expressing his gratitude, Jason turned and gestured toward Bud and Lena, who stood by the carriage. A warm smile spread across his face as he continued, "I have brought gifts from my homeland for Lady Stark, the young ladies, and the young master."

At Jason's signal, Bud stepped forward, accompanied by several soldiers carrying long, rectangular boxes. Lena followed with a few young women, their arms filled with carefully wrapped gifts.

The mention of gifts piqued the curiosity of the gathered nobles, who turned their attention toward the approaching servants. Even Eddard Stark, Lady Catelyn, and Robb appeared interested. They were eager to see what unusual items Jason Liu, the Lord of the East, had brought from his homeland.

Jason motioned toward Lena and Martha. "For Lady Catelyn, Sansa, and Arya, I have brought dresses from my homeland."

At his cue, Lena and Martha unwrapped the packages, revealing two elegant dresses, completely different from the styles common in Westeros. One was a soft pink, the other a stunning white, both exquisitely made and unlike anything the northern ladies had ever seen.

Susan then stepped forward, holding up a deep crimson evening gown, a shade as rich as a blooming rose. Lady Catelyn's eyes lit up immediately. She had always loved roses, filling Winterfell's hot spring greenhouse with them. The color alone captured her attention.

"Wow, this is beautiful!" Arya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she gazed at the pink dress Martha held up. Seeing that it was smaller in size, she quickly realized it was meant for her. Unable to contain herself, she dashed forward, gently hugging the soft fabric.

Her fingers ran over the smooth, silky material, marveling at the craftsmanship. The fine stitching was almost invisible, a level of skill far beyond any Westerosi tailor.

Despite her usual disdain for dresses, Arya was still an eleven-year-old girl. The sheer beauty of the garment overwhelmed her usual tomboyish attitude.

Sansa, too, was captivated. Her large blue eyes gleamed with delight as she admired the white dress. Though she maintained her lady-like composure, it was clear she longed to hold it in her hands, much like Arya.

The women in the audience were equally fascinated. Lady Barbrey Dustin of Barrowton, the widowed Lady Lyessa Flint, and even Dacey Mormont, daughter of Lady Maege Mormont, couldn't hide their admiration for the dresses. Their eyes shone with appreciation, drawn to the luxurious fabrics and dazzling colors.

Even the maids standing quietly beneath the castle corridors couldn't conceal their excitement, whispering among themselves.

Noting the delighted expressions on Lady Catelyn's face and the reactions of the Stark women, Jason Liu felt a wave of relief. His gifts had been well received.

"In addition to the dresses, I've also brought fine perfumes, and cosmetics from my homeland—luxury items that are highly sought after by noblewomen."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd, particularly among the ladies.

Jason cleared his throat lightly before continuing, "Since these items are likely unfamiliar to Westeros, I would be honored to introduce them in private to Lady Catelyn and the other noblewomen."

Understanding the need for discretion in such a formal setting, Lady Catelyn smiled and nodded. "That sounds delightful, my lord. I must admit, your gifts have greatly piqued my curiosity."

Jason responded with a slight bow. "It is my pleasure, my lady."

With Lady Catelyn's approval secured, Jason turned his attention back to the northern lords. "Now, my lords, if you will allow me, I have gifts prepared for Lord Stark and young Master Robb."

At his signal, Bud led four soldiers, each carrying a decorated box, to the front of the gathering. Jason stepped forward and unlatched the boxes, revealing two magnificent swords and two shining suits of armor.

The scabbards of the swords gleamed under the torchlight, embedded with various gemstones. The hilts bore the direwolf sigil of House Stark, making them instantly recognizable. The armor sets were crafted from a shimmering silver material that seemed both lightweight and sturdy.

"Lord Stark, Robb, please—try the swords first," Jason invited, stepping aside to let them inspect the weapons.

Robb, his eagerness barely contained, reached for one of the swords, admiring its fine craftsmanship.

Eddard Stark, too, was taken aback by the sheer elegance and quality of the weapons. He could tell at a glance that these were not ordinary swords. The gemstones adorning the scabbards alone suggested immense value.

Despite his appreciation, Ned Stark hesitated. A man of strong morals, he was not one to accept extravagant gifts without reason.

"These swords are truly magnificent," he admitted, running his fingers over the intricate carvings. However, his tone grew serious as he continued, "But because they are so valuable, I cannot accept them."

Jason Liu's heart sank. He had carefully chosen these swords for the father and son, and now Lord Stark was refusing them?

What was he supposed to do now?

This was his plan—to earn favor, to forge a connection! If Eddard Stark refused, wouldn't all his efforts be wasted?

No, that wasn't an option.

Jason quickly masked his disappointment with a polite smile, determined not to let his hard work go to waste.

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

For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse