Chapter 75: Interesting Mission
Eddard 'Ned' Stark wore a small frown as he waited at his manor. He knew that his son Jon's presence would never be fully accepted at Winterfell. On one side was his wife Catelyn, and on the other were the people who worked at Winterfell itself. While people like Ser Rodrik Cassel had no problem with his son, several others did talk behind his back. He, as Lord Stark, had always wanted the best for his sons, all of them. One of Ned Stark's dreams was to raise new lords and have them take charge of the New Gift, south of the Wall. He believed Jon would be a good choice for such a job, one of the reasons for raising him the same way as the rest of his children.
However, his son Jon never seemed to be completely happy. Of course, he knew her reasons, and he could accept them. Jon never felt fully accepted at Winterfell. And, although he didn't show it, I could tell. A few days ago, he also learned that Jon was sneaking into the library. This seemed strange to him, but hearing Luwin vouch for Jon could only make him sigh. While he appreciated that Jon didn't want him to argue with his wife about him learning more than his brothers, he should have come to him; as his father, he would have given him permission to visit at times when no one could interrupt him.
However, what bothered him about all this was that Luwin seemed to realize that Jon was holding back on anything he could learn. When it came to book-related studies or knowledge, he responded almost as well, or less than Robb. When it came to sword training, he didn't win when possible. And today, he was surprised by his son's strength in sword fighting. He even managed to win against Ser Rodrik, even when the latter wasn't giving his all; that was an achievement in itself, especially for a twelve-year-old.
Ned finished his thoughts when he heard a knock at the door. Giving his permission, Jon entered with a small grimace as he rolled his shoulders slightly. He looked sore from the earlier fight. But he stood straight in front of his father anyway, waiting for him to begin.
"Jon... do you know why I made you fight Ser Rodrik?"
"Because... don't you accept that we don't give our all when we're trained?" Jon replied, a little unsure.
"Partly. While you're right on that point, it's also because not fighting with all you have in real sword training can cause injury. On the other hand, I wanted to better understand how much you've improved. Luwin told me you're holding back."
Jon deflated a little as his father looked at him.
"I'm sorry. It's just... I don't want any trouble, Father. I know I'm not fully accepted at Winterfell. I thought it best not to be the best while staying quiet, studying and training while no one was watching." Jon knew it was best to be honest right now. His father would know if he was lying, and that would make things worse.
Ned let out a small sigh as he intertwined his fingers and rested his forehead in his hands.
"Jon, son. How hard are you training and studying?"
Jon stared at the chair for a few moments before looking back at his father. When he nodded, Jon sat down and became more comfortable.
"I've always trained before bed, at night. Maybe two hours. As for studying... I didn't do it much, but it's been more frequent these past few days."
"I see..."
Ned frowned slightly again as he thought. Many things were going through his head as he looked at his son. He was only twelve, but he acted older, and even looked a little bitter. He didn't know what might happen if this continued. Maybe he'd even ask to go on the night watch. And while that wouldn't be bad, it was now. These days, the watch wasn't like it used to be. Yes, maybe Jon would be safer, but... Ned shook his head slightly before an idea popped into his head.
"Jon, starting tomorrow, you'll come to my solar at this time. Do you understand?"
"I... I will, Father. But may I ask the reason?"
"I'll teach you a few things. For some time now, I've been thinking about having someone take one of the settlements in the New Gift."
Jon's eyes widened as he stared at his father in shock.
"But, Father... What about Robb? And Bran?..."
"... Enough. This is complicated stuff, Jon. You're young, but you seem to have a knowledgeable edge. Besides, this isn't final. It will only be done if it turns out you can do it."
Jon fell silent and looked down at his hands on his knees. He could only nod. Was this just a coincidence? Or perhaps the group had something to do with it? Jon didn't know, nor did he understand why his father was bringing this up now. But he could only obey. And do his best.
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Jon decided to go to his room, pushing aside anyone who might have wanted to talk to him after his talk with his father—Robb and Arya especially. He knew they would be curious about what they discussed, but Jon believed it was best to say nothing. In the end, he sighed heavily, thinking that in just a few days, he had distanced himself from his two favorite siblings like never before. Even that time, when he played with Robb and decided to be the Lord of Winterfell, but Robb told him he couldn't because he was a bastard, not even then had he strayed that far.
Children can be cruel, was what he thought as he remembered that moment. Robb might not have meant that to insult or belittle him, but it still hurt, a memory he has never forgotten.
"I'd better finish this quest as soon as possible," Jon muttered as he sat up in bed. "I know the points could allow me to buy things that would make me stronger, or even improve other things. And even if I don't know what this so-called parallel thinking is, I know it won't be useless."
Jon picked up a book he had on a small table next to his bed and began to read. While he was doing this, two people in another world raised an eyebrow at something interesting. Rias and Harry were having dinner when a notification from the group chat appeared on their devices.
The two looked at each other before they became curious.
[Quest: A Song of Ice and Fire]
[Description: Jon Snow needs all the help he can get to fulfill his destiny. Not knowing who his mother is. Feeling like he doesn't belong in his father's home. The rest of the members need to help Jon Snow achieve his destiny as a Song of Ice and Fire]
[Objective: Jon must become a King. Jon must defeat the darkness that rises from the deepest ice in his world.]
[Rewards: 50,000 CP per party member]
[Notes: Travel to Planets (Jon Snow's World) is not permitted. Only advice or assistance in the form of points, training methods, or information is accepted. Reporting this mission to Jon Snow is not permitted.]
"Interesting," Rias smiled.
"It seems Jon doesn't know about this. Besides, his mother and father are mentioned. There's a chance they're both important," Harry commented with a touch of seriousness.
"Yes. And this is a good thing, because it seems our worlds have different timelines."
"Did you read the information about his world?" Harry asked curiously. This had appeared with Jon Snow. It was now possible to view a profile of the members, and it contained information about the worlds they lived in.
"Yes," Rias nodded. "It's a world in the Middle Ages. Swords, Lords, Kings, all that. It's also known that there was a period of time called the Long Night, where the world plunged into a winter like no other. Specters and beings appeared that wouldn't die even if you cut their bodies."
"Undead?" Harry asked, surprised.
"A little. There's magic too, but there was almost no information about it. You know our profiles contain summary information about the world."
"Hmm... it seems our new friend is going through a difficult time."
"Perhaps we should help him become a hero of light, wielding a shining sword," Rias laughed as she raised her hand, as if she were holding a sword. Harry only laughed, but he thought it wasn't such a misguided idea. It spoke of destiny and icy darkness.
"And perhaps we should do it. Naruto is in a... difficult place."
"Hahahaha!" Rias laughed out loud, remembering her little brother's nervous texts. The poor guy didn't know what to make of what his father-in-law was doing. "Well, since he's interested in the daughter of a clan chief, he should follow some of the rules of that place."
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