186. Yes, I Am a Noble Person

Seeing the unconcealed surprise on the Duke of Winterfell's face, Jason Liu chuckled inwardly. So, even the most stubborn rock in the North could be shaken. It was about time.

But that was enough.

Not wanting to embarrass Eddard Stark any further, Jason quickly explained, "The reason I don't understand this issue is that, in my homeland, people do not discriminate against illegitimate children.

Instead, most of the blame falls on the parents. After all, the child is innocent. So—"

Realizing that his words might sound insensitive to the man before him, Jason quickly glanced at Lord Stark and offered a sincere apology. "I'm sorry, Lord Eddard. I don't mean to offend. The customs and traditions of my homeland are simply different from those of Westeros. I did not intend to judge you."

Fortunately, Eddard Stark was as tolerant as his reputation suggested. He raised a hand to stop Jason's apology, his gray eyes calm. "You need not apologize, Lord Jason. 'The child is innocent'—that is a sentiment I agree with, even if it differs from the norms of Westeros. I did not expect your homeland to be so enlightened."

Seeing that Eddard was not offended, Jason breathed a sigh of relief. He resolved to be more cautious with his words going forward.

"That's right," Jason continued. "In my homeland, a child's legitimacy does not determine their worth. As long as they work hard and prove themselves, they are judged by their achievements, not by the circumstances of their birth. When they succeed, they are praised and congratulated, not condemned."

He paused before shifting the conversation to Jon Snow. "When I first met Jon, I could tell he was a capable young man. I learned that he trained under Ser Rodrik Cassel for years, which convinced me to invite him to help train the new recruits in my service. My instincts proved correct—Jon has done an outstanding job, and I am very pleased with his efforts."

Jason glanced at Eddard, noting the slight warmth in his expression as he spoke of Jon. Taking advantage of this, he continued, "That is why I later knighted Jon as a sworn knight of my house."

Seeing Eddard's mild expression, Jason pressed on. "Originally, I should have sought your permission first, but at that moment, I was caught up in my excitement. I have great faith in Jon's abilities and felt an immediate camaraderie with him. So, I acted on impulse and granted him knighthood on the spot."

Lowering his tone slightly, Jason added, "I hope you can forgive my rudeness, Lord Stark. To be honest, I was also moved by Jon's pain. I saw how deeply hurt he was by the cruel rumors that spread in Winterfell—gossip regarding his status and his relationship with Robb. It was intolerable. I simply could not stand by and do nothing while my friend suffered."

Jason's face took on a righteous expression as he met Eddard's gaze. "Jon is a good and capable young man. He does not deserve to be vilified by others. I could not simply watch and let it happen. Since then, Jon and I have become great friends."

Jason dared to speak so boldly because he knew the truth: Jon was not Eddard Stark's bastard. If Jon had truly been his son, Jason would never have spoken so bluntly about it in front of him.

After all, Eddard Stark was the Warden of the North, the Lord of Winterfell. He was a man of honor but not someone to be underestimated. Jason was taking a calculated risk, knowing that Eddard would not lash out at him over this matter.

And indeed, Eddard did not react angrily to Jason's words. Instead, his expression remained composed.

Because, in truth, Jon was not his son.

Though Eddard believed only he knew this secret, he had no idea that the young lord before him had already seen through the deception. That was why Jason had the confidence to speak so openly.

Eddard's thoughts drifted back to the rumors that had spread through Winterfell not long ago. Vicious whispers about Jon and Robb, about succession and inheritance. A pang of guilt struck him.

Jon was not his son, but he was his nephew—the son of his beloved sister, Lyanna. And yet, Eddard had done little to protect him from the cruelty of the world. He could not even show Jon his true feelings, for fear that it would only worsen the boy's standing in Winterfell.

The servants did not think deeply about such things. They merely followed Lady Catelyn's example, siding with Robb—the trueborn heir of Winterfell. Their disdain for Jon was a way to curry favor with their lady and her son.

Even Maester Luwin, known for his neutrality, did not intervene.

A trace of helplessness and sorrow appeared in Eddard's eyes. He remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.

"Thank you for looking after Jon, Lord Jason. I truly appreciate it."

He exhaled slowly and continued, "In truth, I am grateful that Jon has been given the opportunity to serve as a knight in your household. It pleases me greatly."

Jason smiled. "I'm relieved to hear that. When I knighted Jon, it was because I saw his potential. I never once cared about his status as a bastard."

Eddard nodded solemnly. "Jon is a hard-working and honorable boy. That much, we can all agree on. He does not deserve to be held back simply because of his birth. It is not fair to him. As you said earlier, a child is innocent. The sins of the parents should not be passed down to their offspring."

As he spoke, his voice grew heavier. There was no mistaking the underlying resentment—resentment toward his sister and Rhaegar Targaryen, who had eloped and left behind a storm of consequences.

Jason remained silent, listening carefully to the Lord of Winterfell's words. There was nothing he could do but sit quietly as Eddard wrestled with his emotions.

Fortunately, Eddard soon realized he had let his feelings slip. He quickly composed himself, shaking off his moment of vulnerability.

"I hope Jon serves you and your house well. I trust that under your command, he will have a bright future."

Jason nodded. "I will do my best to ensure it."

After this conversation, Eddard Stark saw Jason Liu in a new light.

The rumors about the young earl had painted him as an ambitious merchant, a man of wealth but little nobility. However, after tonight, Eddard came to a different conclusion.

Jason Liu was a noble man.

Not just in title, but in character.

And with that belief, Eddard found himself more at ease, entrusting Jon Snow's future to Jason's hands.

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