Garlan placed a hand on William's shoulder and looked at him. "I thought we didn't need to say these things anymore. Besides, you saved me later." The two of them smiled again.
"It's a pity we couldn't save the two knights who came with you," William said, feeling a twinge of regret. If not for him, those two knights would likely not have fallen at Ten Mile Town. He had long realized that his presence would alter many fates, yet he always hoped that the good would fare better, and the wicked, worse.
"Those were Erik and Bob," Garlan said, staring into the distance, recalling memories. "We met when we were still squires, trained together, and were knighted around the same time. Later, they swore loyalty to me. I always thought we'd fight together until we could no longer ride or lift a sword…"
William suddenly realized the immense significance these two knights held for Garlan. Losing such longtime, trusted companions was like losing a hand. A wave of guilt overwhelmed him, and he silently vowed: No, I have to find a way to make this right for Garlan!
After a moment, Garlan, having collected his thoughts, noticed William's furrowed brow and couldn't help but smile. "No need for that, William. They upheld the knightly oath and fought to the very end. In any case, their path as knights holds no regrets."
William didn't know what to say. Suddenly, he remembered a passage of an oath. "Do you swear, before the gods and all people, to protect the weak, safeguard women and children, obey your lord, your sovereign, and your king, and no matter how difficult, humble, or dangerous the path ahead, to fight bravely without fail and honor your duty?"
Garlan listened, enchanted. After a pause, he said, "I've never heard that oath before, but it's truly full of knightly spirit. Yes, that's exactly what Erik and Bob were—true knights."
William nodded. "I agree."
The two began walking again. After a few steps, William couldn't help but laugh. "After seeing Ser Aegon off, now you have to say goodbye to me."
"Huh? We're already here. Not 'on the way' to Highgarden?" Garlan asked, puzzled. He had naturally noticed William's persistent attention to Margery along the way. "Is there something urgent?"
Feeling there was nothing to hide, William shrugged. "Your father, the Lord of Highgarden, Lord Mace Tyrell, isn't exactly welcoming of me."
Garlan couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, apologetically looking at William. "Well… that is, that is rather discourteous."
"It's fine, Garlan. I've been away from the old town for quite some time; it's good to return a bit earlier."
You've only been away a few days? Quite some time? Garlan thought, speechless, feeling even more embarrassed. After a moment, he asked, "Will you still come to my wedding?"
"Of course I will, Garlan. You must send me an invitation, so Lord Mace can't turn me away, right?" William said, patting Garlan's shoulder with a grin. "Come on, I'll go say farewell to Margery too."
They arrived at the Wheel Palace, where the girls were already ready to depart. Seeing Garlan there, the three Tyrell girls stayed, either shyly looking at him or smiling at William.
William didn't bother lowering his voice, smiling at Margery. "Margery, how do you feel seeing Garlan recovered so quickly?"
Margery's tone was calm. "Feels alright." She then looked at Garlan. "This is the last time, isn't it, Garlan?" She emphasized "last time" heavily.
Garlan laughed. "This is all for William, doesn't count as mine… alright, alright, the last time." Seeing his sister's increasingly stern expression, he quickly promised.
William didn't mind being blocked by Garlan. When Margery looked over confidently, he met her gaze. "Mm, seeing Garlan safe and sound, Willas will be pleased too," he said, emphasizing "safe and sound."
Margery's breath caught. Her expression remained unchanged, but her pupils involuntarily constricted slightly. "Of course… he would be very pleased as well."
"Speaking of Willas, I've heard about him. Such a shame," William said, trying to look regretful.
"Yes, that was many years ago. His injuries were too severe; even the Maesters were powerless." Garlan unintentionally reinforced him.
"Such wounds really can't be healed by ordinary medicine… unless a miracle occurs," William emphasized the word miracle heavily this time.
Garlan laughed. "A miracle is called a miracle because it's rare. But Willas never minded; he's an extraordinary man. William, next time we go to Highgarden, I'll introduce you. You'll definitely like him."
Margery smiled too, though there was a faint trace of unease. Then realization crossed her face, and she looked somewhat surprised. "Next time?"
"Yes, Margery. I'm heading back to the old town soon. I'd love to meet Willas, but that will have to wait until next time."
"Huh?" Margery paused.
Garlan smiled wryly and said softly, "Father refused to allow William to go to Highgarden."
William shrugged casually, as if it were no concern at all.
Margery's initial surprise turned into confusion, and then a faint blush spread across her cheeks. Her charming appearance momentarily distracted William.
She quickly regained her composure. "That's truly unfortunate. Allow me to apologize for my father's discourtesy," she said, kneeling in a polite bow. Her skirt swirled as she rose, lifting her head. Their eyes met—one full of confidence, the other holding firm resolve.
When the morning mist had fully cleared and the sunlight gradually brightened, Garlan and Margery stood by the roadside, watching William's figure fade into the distance. Though they had only spent a few short days together, both felt as if William were an old friend, and his departure brought a subtle melancholy.
Suddenly, a swift horse kicked up dust as it dashed into the camp. Soon, a servant hurried over, handing them a letter. "Ser Garlan, an urgent message from Highgarden."
Garlan opened it and shook his head repeatedly. "Grandmother wants to invite William to Highgarden again… really…" Then he laughed and handed the letter to Margery. "I'll go catch up to William right away."
Margery took the letter and, in one smooth motion, grasped Garlan's hand and didn't let go. Garlan looked at her, puzzled.
"Forget it. Just tell grandmother that by the time the letter arrived, he had already gone far," Margery said, lowering her head and holding his hand tightly.
Garlan paused for a moment, then ran his other hand through her hair and said softly, "Of course… he has already gone far, very far."