Nothing happened during the night.
Early the next morning, Galon climbed out of bed and, as usual, went to the training ground to practice.
After he had been swinging his sword for about half an hour, a second figure finally appeared on the field.
It was Robert Baratheon.
"Your Majesty!"
Galon was drenched in sweat. Seeing Robert looking his way, he immediately stopped his practice, sheathed his sword, and saluted.
Robert took a few more steps forward and waved his hand, signaling Galon to come over.
Galon approached and noticed that Robert's eyes were bloodshot. It was obvious he had not rested well during the night.
"So you're up this early to train?" Robert asked.
Galon slid his sword back into its sheath at his waist and smiled.
"Your Majesty, I'm used to this routine back at Deepwood Motte. If I don't get up early to train, my whole body feels uncomfortable."
Robert laughed loudly and praised him. "Good. That's how a warrior should be."
As he spoke, he glanced down at the belly he could no longer hide and sighed.
"Back when Ned and I were in the Eyrie, we were just like this too, full of energy and up early every day.
It's a pity that after all these years, being tangled up in worldly affairs has turned me into this."
Robert shook his head and sighed at his own figure.
"Bear Slayer, walk with me for a bit."
He beckoned to Galon, turned around, and began strolling aimlessly along the training ground.
Galon nodded and followed behind him.
After walking for a while, they reached a set of stairs and climbed the stone steps leading to the second level of the castle.
As Robert stepped upward, he suddenly asked, "What do you think about what happened last night?"
Galon was slightly startled and slowed his steps. "Your Majesty means…?"
Robert did not stop walking and spoke as if chatting casually. "Do you think Theon conspired with Jaime?"
Galon's eyes shifted as he continued following him. He replied cautiously, "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Robert repeated calmly, then said nothing more.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Their footsteps echoed against the cold stone as they climbed higher, soon reaching the castle wall.
Galon looked out ahead.
In the distance, the endless Wolfswood lay half-hidden in mist, mysterious and solemn.
Robert took a deep breath. The cold morning air of Winterfell flowed through him like icy snakes, instantly sharpening his senses.
"You found so many clues yesterday. Are you saying you don't even have any guesses?"
He turned to look at Galon and continued the earlier topic.
Meeting Robert's scrutinizing gaze, Galon shook his head. "Your Majesty, there were not many clues last night. I only guessed that it might be related to Theon."
"As for whether Theon conspired with Ser Jaime, there is currently no evidence to prove it."
Robert looked disappointed.
After parting on bad terms with Ned the previous night, Robert knew very well that unless he could find the real culprit who had conspired with Theon, Ned's stubborn nature meant he would never agree to travel south with him.
Robert sighed heavily, turned his head toward the Wolfswood, and cursed, "Damn it. Ever since coming to the North, I haven't had a single peaceful day."
"Fuck. I just want to live comfortably for a few days…"
A string of curses poured out of him, with no regard for his status as king or for Galon standing beside him.
Galon awkwardly looked ahead, but his heart suddenly stirred. 'According to the original course of events, someone will soon try to assassinate Bran.'
'I might be able to use this to redirect Robert's and Ned's attention back to the Iron Islands.
Only by constantly strengthening the threat of the Iron Islands can I openly remain in the North later…'
After pondering for a moment, Galon took advantage of a pause in Robert's cursing and spoke up.
"Your Majesty, I actually have a plan that could help you and Lord Stark find the other true culprit."
Robert's eyes immediately locked onto Galon. "What plan?"
"Your Majesty, this plan requires Lord Stark's cooperation. Let's go find him first, and I'll explain it in detail."
Robert immediately turned around and headed back down the stairs. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Galon smiled faintly and followed after him.
The two returned to the training ground and asked a passing servant, only to learn that Ned had gone to the great hall of Winterfell.
When Robert and Galon arrived at the hall, they found that not only was Ned there, but the Queen was present as well.
Ned sat at the table with a cold expression, maintaining the courtesy expected of a guest.
Cersei, on the other hand, was in a good mood. The darker Ned's expression became, the better she felt.
"Ned! Ned!"
Robert burst into the hall excitedly, not even sparing Cersei a glance, and laughed loudly. "I've found a way to uncover the culprit who conspired with Theon!"
Hearing this, Ned thought Robert had finally agreed to interrogate Jaime. He sprang to his feet. "I'll have men arrest Jaime at once!"
Cersei's expression instantly turned uneasy.
Robert shook his head helplessly and pointed at Galon behind him. "Not arresting Jaime. Galon has thought of another method."
Now it was Ned's turn to feel disappointed. He sat back down heavily.
"What method?"
"Galon, you explain."
Robert waved his hand, signaling Galon to speak.
"Your Majesty, Your Grace, Lord Stark," Galon said calmly as he looked at the three of them.
"Judging from last night's evidence, Theon must have been conspiring with someone, and among the conspirators there was very likely a woman.
Now that Theon is dead, the only ones who know the full truth of this matter are the conspirators themselves and Bran."
Cersei suddenly interjected, "But Bran is still lying in bed between life and death. I heard from Maester Luwin that he may not survive."
She paid no attention to Ned's increasingly grim expression and sneered. "What, do you know the magic of the Children of the Forest and plan to bring Bran back to life?"
To her surprise, Galon stared at her and said meaningfully, "That is exactly my intention."
Cersei's expression changed slightly. Ned, however, showed a hint of excitement. "Do you know medicine, Galon?"
Galon shook his head. "Of course not."
Seeing the confusion in Ned's and Robert's eyes, he finally explained his plan at an unhurried pace.
"Now that Bran has fallen from the tower, nearly everyone in Winterfell knows he is on the brink of death, including the conspirators."
"But what if we spread word that Bran has awakened and will soon be able to speak?"
Ned froze, murmuring, "You mean…"
"Yes. Luring the snake out of the grass," Galon affirmed and continued explaining.
"If the conspirators are still in Winterfell, I believe they will not be able to stay calm after hearing this news.
Either they will take the risk of trying to assassinate Bran again, or they will flee Winterfell overnight."
"No matter which happens, we will be able to identify the conspirators with ease."
Ned's eyes lit up. "That's right. As long as we guard Bran's chamber well and monitor those entering and leaving Winterfell, we will find the conspirators."
But he soon realized a problem. "What if the conspirators are no longer in Winterfell?"
Galon shook his head. "This plan is essentially a gamble that the conspirators are still here. If they are not, then all we can do is pray that Bran awakens as soon as possible."
Cersei listened with delight in her eyes, thinking to herself, 'Fools. The conspirators are standing right in front of you.'
'Now that I know the plan, how could I possibly let Jaime fall for it?'
With an air of amusement, she continued listening as Robert and Ned discussed how to carry out Galon's plan.
Once they finished their discussion, a piece of news was quickly spread throughout Winterfell on Ned's orders.
Bran, favored by the Old Gods, had awakened.
With Ned's tacit approval and deliberate encouragement, by noon even the whores of the winter town had heard the news.
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