"But since the gift you gave me truly satisfied me, I don't mind granting your request—as long as it's reasonable. Consider it a thank-you for preparing such a thoughtful gift!"
As soon as the king spoke, the Stark family present, as well as the prince and princess, all turned their attention to the young count.
No one had expected His Majesty the King to be so straightforward, but that was just as well. Since his gift had already pleased the king, Jason now had the chance to make his request.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I sincerely hope to receive some help from you!"
As Jason Liu spoke, he observed the expressions of the king and queen seated above him. After confirming that neither showed signs of anger or displeasure, he continued, "You know, I came to winterfell from the far eastern Empire.
Even though I hold the title of Earl of Starfire City, I cannot earn the recognition of the princes of Westeros..."
"I believe that since I've come to Westeros, I should gradually integrate into it. So, I ask that you personally confirm my status as the Earl of Starfire City, and declare it to the princes of the Seven Kingdoms, so that my position will command the proper respect."
After speaking, Jason Liu immediately looked expectantly at the king and queen on the high platform.
"Well, that's not difficult..." King Robert mused. He had expected this young man to ask something outrageous, but instead, he only sought a formal declaration of his noble status.
Queen Cersei saw no reason to oppose this costless favor. After all, she too had accepted his gift and should give something in return.
She had no intention of intervening. This matter would be left to the king.
Robert thought it over and decided that this was an easy decision—one unlikely to draw objections from the other nobles.
After all, it was merely a formal declaration recognizing the noble status of a foreigner. It didn't infringe on anyone's interests and would not provoke dissent.
Don't be fooled by Robert's heavy frame and simple demeanor; he had ruled as king for over a decade and understood the necessary political maneuvers.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have journeyed all the way to the North to ask Eddard Stark to serve as Hand of the King. The Lannisters already held considerable power in King's Landing, and someone needed to balance them. The Stark family was his chosen ally.
As king, he disliked any single house becoming too dominant. Balance was key.
From that perspective alone, Robert demonstrated political wisdom.
Of course, if he had devoted the energy he spent on wine and women to governing the realm, the Lannisters might never have grown so powerful.
Robert probably regretted that—at least occasionally.
Still, compared to dull, tedious statecraft, the pleasures of wine and women were far more appealing.
"Alright, I agree!" King Robert's gruff voice rang out. "I'll write the letter myself and send the raven from Winterfell to King's Landing. Pycelle will issue the proclamation to all the nobles of Westeros on my behalf."
Jason Liu let out a sigh of relief and expressed his gratitude to the shrewd but indulgent king.
With King Robert's endorsement, his title as Earl of Starfire City was now official. When dealing with Westerosi nobles—even if they still looked down on him privately—they would be forced to treat him with public respect.
In other words, he could now integrate into the noble structure of Westeros and enjoy the rights and benefits of this system. For instance, the laws of Westeros would now protect his interests—because he was now a nobleman recognized by the crown.
While the rudimentary laws of Westeros couldn't protect him from everything, they were useful for handling minor matters.
In this primitive and brutal era, only strength earned respect.
Jason Liu had realized that long ago.
Giving King Robert a gift in exchange for the recognition of his title was nothing more than securing a legitimate identity—one that allowed him to act within Westerosi society.
Had he remained just a foreign noble, the other lords of Westeros might have simply ignored him.
Having gotten what he wanted, Jason Liu exited the hall.
The royal family retired to the chambers arranged for them by House Stark, resting for a while, changing clothes, and preparing for the welcome banquet that evening.
Just as he was about to leave, Lady Catelyn stopped him.
Jason Liu turned and nodded politely. "Lady Catelyn, is there something you need?"
Lady Catelyn hesitated for a moment, clearly uneasy, but then stepped aside and looked at him directly. "Lord Jason, I hope no inappropriate individuals appear at tonight's banquet.
This event is being held in honor of the royal family.
If those of questionable status are allowed to attend, it may be seen as an insult to the crown."
At first, Jason Liu didn't understand what she meant. But when he thought of Jon, who was still working at the lumber mill, it became clear.
Even after relocating Jon, Lady Stark was still concerned.
"Although I don't believe there's anything wrong with him—he is, after all, a knight—since it is your request, Lady Catelyn, I promise he won't attend tonight. There's still much for him to manage at the lumber mill, and he won't have time to be here."
Jason avoided saying Jon's name outright, but both he and Lady Catelyn knew exactly who they were talking about.
"Thank you very much, my lord." Lady Catelyn breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his promise not to bring the bastard to the banquet.
With a soft and graceful smile, she said, "There's still some time before the banquet. If you're interested, I can have someone show you around Winterfell."
"That couldn't be better," Jason agreed, genuinely interested in seeing more of Winterfell's interior.
Lady Catelyn summoned a servant to guide Jason Liu on a tour of Winterfell, then departed to oversee preparations for the banquet.
"This way, my lord," the servant said respectfully, leading the way as Jason began his exploration of the ancient castle.
"This is Winterfell's armory. The smaller towers nearby are now used as storage rooms, holding large quantities of food," the servant explained dutifully.
He described each building and its purpose as they made their way through the fortress.
When they reached the hot spring greenhouse built with large glass panels, Jason Liu couldn't help but admire the Stark family's clever use of geography.
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