chapter 201 part 1
Chapter 201: Blood of the Dragon, Shared Source 8
Roy laughed heartily, patting Jon Snow on the back. "Jon," he said, "it's your turn for a story."
Jon picked up his wine cup, took a large swig, paused, and said, "My birth was a mistake. There's really nothing worth telling about my story."
Roy said nonchalantly, "Why all this talk of mistakes? Cheer up, my friend."
Roy's words reminded Jon of that fat boy—outwardly simple, but actually quite clever. He was arguably Jon's first real friend.
He recalled the team melee at the tourney in King's Landing, where he fought alongside Monton Waters... He had planned to make a few witty remarks before making a grand exit, but unfortunately, he accidentally injured his leg. It was a pity.
Jon collected his thoughts, smiled, and said, "Yes, I still have friends."
Young Griff teased, "The most important one is that red-haired girl."
Jon was about to speak when Young Griff impatiently interrupted, "I know, I know. Reina."
Roy laughed. "Hahaha!"
Jon smiled and shook his head, his eyes growing more distant. "I plan to marry her when I return. I hope you can attend our wedding."
As Jon finished speaking, Young Griff and Roy exchanged a seemingly casual glance.
Roy rubbed his hands together. "Jon, thank you for the invitation. Don't worry, I'll give it my all when it's time to haze the newlyweds!"
Jon smiled and punched Roy lightly. "I'm worried you'll scare my bride away."
Young Griff held out a finger and scratched his cheek. "I'll be in charge of blocking the door."
Jon couldn't help but laugh. "Young Griff, you're still the reliable one."
The laughter died down. Roy suddenly asked, "Aren't you going to invite a relative or two?"
A bitter expression flashed across Jon's handsome face as he murmured, "Relatives..."
He took a long swig of wine and continued, "...It's always the same. A bastard has no relatives."
Roy was about to speak again, but Young Griff gave him a look, stopping him.
Jon continued to chat vaguely for a while before unknowingly drifting off to sleep.
...
Outside, in the cool pavilion.
Roy scrubbed his face with a large hand. "Young Griff, Jon is really tight-lipped. I have to admire him for it."
Young Griff rubbed his temples and said leisurely, "Varys's insight is sharp. And he's a good Stark."
Roy scratched his head. "I think it will be hard to get him to reveal his true identity. The lad is very stubborn."
Young Griff chuckled. "That's why I can trust him."
Roy nodded, only half-understanding. "What should we do next? I really can't think of any other way."
"It's about time..."
As Roy watched, puzzled, Young Griff continued, "We've already heard Jon speak of his identity with his own lips."
"What do you mean?"
Young Griff looked into the distance and said slowly, "If he hadn't said it while he was drunk, how else would we have learned of his astonishing parentage, Roy?"
After a moment of silence, Roy nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Who can remember exactly what they said after getting drunk?"
Roy chuckled and scratched his head. "So it was that simple. I'm really not cut out for scheming, Young Griff."
Young Griff's expression remained gentle. "Everyone has their own strengths. I agree with Jon's assessment of you; you are indeed a rare warrior."
Roy chuckled, then hesitated before asking in a low voice, "Young Griff, I'm actually very curious about something..."
Under the soft moonlight, Young Griff appeared exceptionally handsome, his eyes holding a smile. "Curious? Are you curious why we have to send Jon to the siblings, Viserys and Daenerys?"
Roy's expression was unusually serious. "Jon's swordsmanship is outstanding, and he has a good character. He could be a great help to you in the future."
Young Griff asked in return, "Roy, it's rare for you to be curious about such things. Do you really want to know the answer?"
After Young Griff finished, he paused. Roy shook his head and said, "Never mind. I suspect even if you told me, I wouldn't quite understand it all."
Young Griff smiled. "I can tell you. Besides, I'd have to tell you soon anyway, so it makes no difference."
Roy looked at Young Griff, his expression full of questions.
"Because your friendship with Jon is part of the plan."
Young Griff was very patient, continuing slowly, "Neither Viserys nor Daenerys is skilled at leading troops. Jon, however, possesses that very talent."
"We will secretly help Viserys build his strength to keep attracting everyone's attention. Then, at the opportune moment..."
He paused, then continued, "My father taught me that no matter how good a plan is, it's still just a plan. No one can guarantee it will go smoothly, because the unexpected can happen at any time."
Young Griff let out a breath that smelled of wine, then continued, "The Jon Snow we chose is another safeguard against the unexpected. If Viserys ever deviates from our plan, Jon will help us reclaim his forces."
Roy couldn't help but ask, "But what if they don't give Jon command of the army?"
Young Griff chuckled. "He has Targaryen blood and the ability to lead. Do the siblings have any better options?"
Roy seemed to be talking to himself. "Jon, using his Targaryen blood, pledges his allegiance... and helps them lead their army..."
He paused, and then a look of sudden realization crossed his face. "Then Reina is..."
Young Griff's eyes shifted slightly, and his voice turned cold. "As long as Jon's loyalty doesn't waver, he and Reina will live a long and happy life together."
Roy didn't realize his back was drenched in cold sweat. His Adam's apple bobbed a few times. With a grimace, he said, "Your Highness... do I know too much now?"
Young Griff smiled gently and patted Roy's arm. "Roy, I'm telling you this because I trust your loyalty. And... I want you to stay by Jon's side. He needs help too."
Roy openly wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead. "I understand my mission. You can rest assured!"
Young Griff smiled and nodded slightly.
After a pause, Roy added, "Rumor has it that the Beggar King is quite a handful..."
Young Griff leaned against a pillar of the pavilion, his purple eyes gazing at the shimmering night sky. "That's a good thing. The more Viserys indulges his whims and causes trouble, the easier it will be for you and Jon to take control of the army."
Roy laughed heartily, returning to his usual self. He rubbed his hands together and said, "So, should I go take a look at the future queen tomorrow?"
Young Griff corrected him, "She is one of the candidates to be queen."
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