Especially deep in those alleys blocked by Gold Cloaks, the low, oppressive shacks and sewage-filled streets were obviously not dwelling places for nobles.
As for those small heads that occasionally popped out and were pulled back by adults, Jon didn't even need to look closely to notice the stark black and white contrast on their faces.
They belonged to the same dimension and space, yet they possessed completely different colors, or rather, it was as if they were entirely different species.
Seeing this, Jon sighed silently, gently nudged his horse, and caught up with the procession.
At this moment, the excitement aroused by entering the city had completely dissipated, leaving only worry about the future.
However, just then, a slightly peculiar voice quietly rang in his ear.
"Lord Jon, it seems you have something on your mind?"
Hearing this voice, Jon instantly ended his random thoughts and turned to look at the source of the question.
Then, he saw a shiny, clean bald head poking out from the curtain of the carriage beside him, looking in his direction.
The reason for describing it as "clean" was simply because Varys's face was noticeably tidier than anyone else's.
After all, on that round head, there was neither hair nor beard, and even his eyebrows were shaved clean.
Perhaps sensing Jon's gaze, Varys quickly revealed his identity and stated his purpose.
"I forgot to introduce myself. I am Varys. You sent a message to me earlier mentioning the disposal of Daenerys, which was quite novel..."
It was only then that Jon finally remembered something: the task Robert had entrusted to him.
Although it was just a whim of the King, god knew when Robert might ask about it. If Jon did nothing by then, he would probably be hanged on the city wall the next moment.
...
After entering the city, Jon traveled with Varys and was led by a servant to stay in the Tower of the Hand.
After just one night, the Usurper's messenger arrived.
Jon was long accustomed to the King's summons. And regarding what he had to do today, he could roughly guess a little.
Especially after talking with Varys yesterday, the transmigrator could be certain that the plot's direction hadn't spiraled out of control.
Therefore, the main topic of today's Small Council meeting was to formally announce the King's appointment of the Hand.
And his role, needless to ask, would presumably be observing the secret meeting.
From this point of view, Robert really treated Ned as a life-and-death brother. For a bastard like him to enjoy such treatment, one had to say the Usurper really knew how to win people's hearts.
Of course, these were just Jon's own thoughts. Even as Robert's sworn brother, Lord Eddard couldn't fathom the Usurper's thoughts.
Therefore, when Jon was led into the hall by Gold Cloaks, he saw several people already sitting inside.
At the end of the table was a thin but handsome middle-aged man. Especially that small goatee, which highlighted his mature male image to the extreme.
Jon secretly guessed that this guy must be Petyr Baelish.
Further up was an old man with gray hair who coughed violently from time to time.
Judging from the chain on his chest, this was also one of the ministers, Grand Maester Pycelle.
Opposite the two was a young man with short, neat hair who bore some resemblance to Robert, at most only a few years older than Jon.
On his fitting silk tunic, the crowned stag sigil was prominently embroidered. Needless to ask, this was naturally the Master of Laws, Renly.
Jon temporarily chose to ignore the gazes of these people. Even if he had changed from a bastard to the King's squire, compared to these people, he was still not in the same class, or even the same species.
Even if he wanted to curry favor with these top dignitaries of the kingdom, he would only get rolled eyes or even be spat upon.
Therefore, Jon decisively chose to stand under the King's portrait, remaining silent like those armored decorations.
Not long after, the double doors of the council chamber were pushed open violently.
Immediately after, the huge and obese Usurper walked in first. Beside him followed Lord Eddard.
After both had entered the hall, Varys quietly emerged from behind Robert.
After looking around, he sat down at the end near Renly's side.
For the next while, the ministers reported to King Robert on their work.
However, in the eyes of Jon, the bystander, rather than reporting, it was more like complaining and passing the buck.
Its complexity and boredom made even Jon want to doze off.
Therefore, just as he had this thought, the King's patience also ran out.
As the Usurper threw the Hand of the King badge to Ned, Robert decisively got up and left, leaving only a sentence, "I leave this to you," before slipping away.
Seeing this scene, Jon was full of question marks.
You know, he was Robert's designated follower, but Robert just left like that, leaving him behind, which seemed unreasonable.
But seeing no one summon him, Jon could only bite the bullet and continue to observe the Small Council meeting.
By this time, Jon also began to understand Robert's pain.
Watching the ministers leave one after another after bickering, and then looking at Lord Eddard still sitting on the high-backed chair, a trace of pity rose in the transmigrator's heart.
Not only for this nominal father but also for all the commoners of Westeros.
After all, judging from the situation just now, although these ministers held great power, the many issues they mentioned, apart from being put on the conference table, could fundamentally not be solved.
Like the tax difficulties and empty treasury raised by the Master of Coin; even the Seven Gods couldn't fill such a gap.
Let alone other disputes and conflicts involving the Seven Kingdoms and the nobles.
In view of this, it wasn't hard for Jon to guess that Robert's sinister intention in traveling all the way North to Winterfell for over a month to invite his brother to be the Hand of the King was already blatantly revealed.
After all, whoever sat on such a throne, if they weren't diligent in government affairs, would bear infamy. But once they got serious, they would probably die of exhaustion in the capital before long.
However, just as Jon concluded this, the closed doors suddenly opened.
Immediately after, King Robert walked into the council chamber with a group of beautifully dressed handmaidens.
When the Boar King sat down, he happened to be at the opposite end of the table from his brother.
Looking at the bitter-faced Ned, Robert's greasy face revealed the brightest smile, as if mocking a friend in misery.
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