"Here's to all the esteemed guests, cheers!"
At the front of the dais, William raised his glass and drank first. The lords and ladies on the dais followed suit, then set their glasses down and looked at William, their smiles carrying various undertones—except for Randyll, whose expression remained calm and unreadable.
By custom, after guests and lords exchanged names, they would share a drink together. The host and guests would then make casual conversation before taking another sip together. For a junior like William, this officially counted as being introduced to the gathered lords. If anyone wanted to embarrass him publicly, the most likely moment would be between these two rounds of drinking.
William stood calmly, watching the servants quickly approach to refill the emptied glasses for the lords. He even nodded and smiled politely to the attendant serving him wine, appearing courteous and composed. He had already decided: Blend in when you can, be humble when you must—all for the little rose! As long as they don't humiliate me on the spot, that's my victory!
The hall echoed with the singer's music and the guests' lively chatter, but the dais fell silent. Just as the atmosphere began to feel tense, Randyll's hand reached for his glass, as if he intended to break the awkwardness. Suddenly, Ser Alekyne Florent, seated to Randyll's right, cleared his throat.
Ser Alekyne, heir of Brightwater, belonged to the powerful Florent family of the Riverlands. Had the House of Haren not declined, William's status would have been comparable to his. Alekyne was also Lady Melissa Tarly's younger brother, so it was not unexpected for him, as Randyll's brother-in-law, to speak on his sister's behalf.
As the cough subsided, all eyes turned toward Alekyne. He spoke calmly: "Ser William!" The emphasis on "Ser" drew two light chuckles.
William bowed in acknowledgment, exuding the confidence of someone fully deserving of the title. He didn't bother to explain his attendant status—nor did he feel ashamed. Over the past two years, he had defeated dozens of knights, proving his skill; he only lacked a formal certificate.
Unsurprisingly, no one pressed the issue. After all, who would dare say William wasn't qualified to be a knight—what if he challenged them to a duel? Given his performance in the tournaments, he was unrivaled in the Riverlands, with only Garlan capable of matching him.
"Ah, the Magic Knight—a very cool nickname," Alekyne continued. The lords on the dais laughed, except for Randyll, who remained calm as ever.
Hmph, what's so funny? You know nothing of true power! William thought, already prepared. He smiled and said, "Perhaps it's because I've been studying under Maester Marwyn. After all, he is known as a magician." Marwyn held a high standing in the Academy; despite public scorn, he pursued the study of the arcane. Bringing him up at this moment was perfectly appropriate.
Alekyne, smirking, swirled his glass and asked slowly but with weight: "Do you really believe in magic?"
It's no longer a matter of belief—it's a matter of capability. William thought.
"Legend says magic is connected to dragons. Since dragons exist, magic must as well," he replied, feigning seriousness while subtly twisting the logic.
"But dragons are all dead. Ah, Harrenhall still bears the scars of dragonfire, supposedly heavily damaged. Are you planning to restore it with magic?" Alekyne's words drew another round of laughter.
Big brother, are you really quarreling with magic today? William shrugged nonchalantly. "Restoring Harrenhall would require funds beyond even the Iron Throne's capacity. If magic could do it, why not use it?"
"Ha! You make a fair point," Alekyne shifted tone, "You've studied under Maester Marwyn for several years, even hired… ahem… unusual advisors. So, tell me, Ser William, how's your progress in magical research?"
William guessed the word he swallowed was likely "fraud." If he wanted to, he could have demonstrated his progress with a quick use of "Healing" and shattered half the glasses around him—but so many eyes were watching… impossible.
Unable to land a satisfying retort, he opted for diplomacy: "That question should be directed to Maester Marwyn. He's the foremost expert in the Seven Kingdoms on the arcane."
Alekyne leaned back, smirking, seemingly seeing through William's ruse. Before he could continue, Lady Melissa, his sister, seated beside him, shook her head, her eyes lightly reproachful. For someone as gentle as her, this was already a display of mild anger.
Alekyne glanced at his brother-in-law, who showed no intention of supporting him, so he simply took a sip of wine, pretending he was just a bit thirsty.
After a brief pause, Randyll's authoritative voice broke the silence: "A knight should trust in his sword and his comrades, not in illusory magic."
He then raised his glass and looked deeply at William. "I once placed my hopes in such things, thinking perhaps… but what came of it? Only humiliation—an ignominy that will accompany me for life. You are a knight with boundless potential, Ser William. Let my experience serve as a warning: stay far from these crooked paths."
Hmm? Just letting me off so easily? Sam's mother truly is angelic, a savior! William thought, secretly pleased. He responded with a solemn expression, "I am grateful for your guidance, my lord. I shall remember it well."
Seeing the men finish their glasses, Lady Melissa rose gracefully, smiling: "Alright, gentlemen, you've had enough time to chat. We're eager to meet this young man who is both handsome and brave."
William finished bowing to the lords on the dais and strolled over to Lady Melissa. She had been standing there, waiting for him, and they first exchanged the usual polite greetings. Then, following seating protocol, she introduced him to the other ladies.
"Ser William, this is Lady Jenna Fossoway née Tyrell of New Barrel City," she said, gesturing to a plump, radiant lady nearby.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Jenna," William replied.
Lady Jenna's fullness gave her face a slightly round appearance, but she didn't seem entirely gentle; there was a sharpness to her gaze. She laughed before speaking: "Hehe, the honor is mine as well. Though I imagine you've been impatient to meet Margaery all evening. You're not the only young man sneaking glances at her, but clearly, you have more courage than the rest. I won't say too much to bore you, but I have high hopes for you, Ser William."
So blunt… is that really okay? William thought, almost ready to kneel to her, silently complaining: If you already know, why say so much nonsense?
Not only the ladies but even some of the lords chuckled. The women's laughter, however, was lively and enchanting—one had to admit, being teased by a beauty felt far better than being mocked by anyone else.
Margaery, the center of the joke, neither blushed overly nor seemed upset. She simply covered her mouth and laughed softly, graceful with a hint of shyness.
Lady Melissa shook her head, a helpless smile on her face. Lady Jenna was famously fond of jokes, after all—being Lord Mace's sister gave her carte blanche to tease anyone, and all one could do was laugh along.
Melissa continued with the introductions: "This is Miss Margaery Tyrell, daughter of Lord Mace."
Finally, the main event—she was right in front of him!
William suppressed his excitement, trying to keep his tone calm and natural. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Margaery." Yet as he spoke, he stepped forward slightly, just to get closer and confirm the earlier observation. This is purely to assess her magical potential—nothing else! he reminded himself.
Margaery remained composed. Though her aunt had just made a slightly embarrassing joke, it was merely playful. She had encountered many men captivated by her beauty; William was neither the first nor the last, nor the most important. Following her countless practiced motions, she sat upright, put on her standard polite smile, and directed her gaze so that it neither appeared cold nor overly intimate—retaining just a hint of ambiguity, after all, men were like that, hehe.
Once she adjusted herself, Margaery looked at William. Their eyes met again, this time closer. William felt it more vividly: her beautiful eyes radiated unmistakable magical energy, intoxicating his heart. He focused all his mental power, converting it into magical energy to release toward her. If he could stir ripples of her magic, perhaps he could leave a unique impression.
As before, however, the magic dissipated the instant it left his body, leaving him no sign of success—his magic could not affect others.
Margaery smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ser William." Neither overly warm nor distant, her tone was calm and composed.
Seems I must hold her hand then. If I can manipulate the magic in Valyrian steel, I can surely stimulate her magic, too. But… charging forward to grab her hand? Forget it, Garlan would probably kill me. I'll have to wait for another opportunity, William suppressed his impulse.
Lady Melissa then introduced Lady Margot Lannister Peake, wife of Lord Titus Peake of Starpike. William knew of the Peake family; they had once been among the most powerful in the Riverlands, though now their influence had waned. Next was Lady Reyana Leygood, nee Rysley, wife of Lord Otto Leygood of Hollow Vale. Her brother-in-law, Ser Aegon Leygood, was captain of the Highgarden guard.
William conversed politely with both ladies, exchanging greetings and toasts, finally raising his glass to wish them perpetual beauty, retreating gracefully amid smiles.
Back at his seat, Sam, wearing the expression of someone who had just witnessed a spectacle, raised his glass: "To love!"
Everyone smiled good-naturedly.
William thought that this little misunderstanding worked in his favor, conveniently masking his true reason for approaching Margaery, and raised his glass in response, "To love!"