184. Conversation

Jory Cassel stepped back and quietly shut the door to the study. He and the guards of House East took their positions outside, standing watch.

Inside, Jason Liu walked forward, his eyes immediately falling on Eddard Stark, who stood by the window, gazing in his direction.

Jason quickly composed himself, putting on a warm, friendly smile before taking the initiative to greet him. "It is a great honor to be received by you, Lord Stark. I hope my sudden request for a meeting has not inconvenienced you."

Eddard Stark, his face usually stern and solemn, relaxed slightly at Jason's words. He gave a small smile and nodded. "On the contrary, Lord East. I had actually planned to invite you for a conversation myself. I did not expect that you would take the initiative. It seems we share the same thoughts. Perhaps this is the understanding between friends, though this is our first meeting."

Jason was momentarily surprised that the Duke of Winterfell, a man known for his serious nature, would make such a remark. Smiling in response, he nodded.

To be considered a friend by the Lord of the North—one of the most respected noble dukes in Westeros—was truly an honor. Few other lords in the realm commanded the same level of respect and admiration as Eddard Stark.

"It is a privilege to have your friendship, my lord," Jason said sincerely. "To gain the goodwill of House Stark is an honor I deeply cherish."

Compliments cost nothing, and Jason knew that everyone enjoyed hearing them. If a few kind words could earn someone's favor, then he had no reason to hold back.

"Please, have a seat, Lord Jason," Eddard gestured toward a chair. He then walked back to his desk and sat down.

Jason took his place across from him, observing the study as he did so. His gaze swept over the room—it was sparse and simple, containing only a wooden desk, chairs, a bookcase filled with documents, and a round table with a kettle and cups. There were no luxurious decorations, no extravagant displays of wealth, nothing that one might expect in the study of a great noble.

It was a reflection of the man who ruled from here—practical, disciplined, and uninterested in unnecessary extravagance.

Jason couldn't help but comment, "Your study is very simple, my lord. If I may speak frankly, it hardly matches your status. I imagine most would find it difficult to believe that this is the office of the Warden of the North."

Eddard gave a small chuckle. "You are not the first to say so. Several lords have made similar remarks."

He clasped his hands together on the desk, glancing up at the bright glow of the energy-saving lamp above them. "But I prefer it this way. Medals, treasures, and other such things have little use to me. I find a simpler space much more fitting. Though, I suppose after today, no one will call it shabby again. Thanks to you, we now have such bright light here."

Jason followed his gaze to the lamp and smiled. "I am glad you find it useful. And as you saw today, I intend to introduce carriages and solar lighting equipment to you and the noble lords of the North.

"It is not just a gift, but also a product I wish to sell. I hope you do not take offense, my lord."

Eddard raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by Jason's honesty. Many would have tried to cover up their true intentions with elaborate justifications, but Jason had admitted it directly. That level of straightforwardness made Eddard regard him more favorably.

"It is a wise decision," Eddard said after a moment. "To offer gifts while also demonstrating the value of your goods. There is nothing offensive about it. Besides, I must thank you—your gifts have brought much happiness to my family."

Jason let out a quiet breath, relieved. He had known that being too deceptive with Eddard Stark would backfire. Instead, he had chosen honesty, and it seemed to have earned him some goodwill.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Eddard shifted the conversation to the matter he had truly wanted to discuss. Sitting up straighter, his expression became serious once more.

"Enough of these pleasantries, Lord Jason. Let us talk about something more important—Jon."

Jason immediately focused. He had expected this topic to come up.

"I have wanted to meet with you for some time now," Eddard continued, "but I heard that you had your own plans for our first meeting."

Jason understood what he was referring to—the gathering he had organized that morning, presenting his gifts and using the opportunity to showcase his products to the nobility of the North. Eddard's sharp gaze made Jason feel a little embarrassed.

He coughed lightly before responding. "I must ask for your forgiveness, my lord. It was quite rude of me to visit the North only after several months."

Eddard waved the apology away, not dwelling on the matter. Instead, he pressed on. "When Robb told me that you had hired Jon as the leader of House East's guard, I took notice of you."

His expression shifted slightly, his jaw tightening before he continued, "You must have heard the rumors by now. Throughout Winterfell, Winter Town, the North—indeed, all of Westeros—it is no secret. Jon Snow is my illegitimate son."

Jason nodded. There was no way to deny it.

The tale was well known. Eddard Stark, the honorable Warden of the North, had returned from Robert's Rebellion with a bastard son and had raised him alongside his trueborn children in Winterfell.

It was something that had puzzled many. Why would a man like Eddard, known for his unwavering sense of honor, bring his illegitimate child into his own home instead of keeping him hidden away, as most lords did?

But Jason knew the truth. Or at least, the truth as it would one day be revealed. Jon Snow was no mere bastard—he was the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. A legitimate heir hidden away under the guise of illegitimacy.

Of course, he couldn't say that.

Instead, he simply met Eddard's gaze and waited for him to continue.

Eddard's fingers tapped lightly against the desk as he studied Jason. "So tell me, Lord East—what are your intentions with Jon?"

Jason knew this was the true reason for their meeting. And he had come prepared with an answer.

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