After a while, Ser Roger Redwyne asked with a serious expression, "If I remember correctly, you were just a hunter before. Why do you possess such strong intelligence analysis capabilities? This is not a skill that ordinary people can master."
Since there was already a precedent with Joel, Linde was prepared, so he brought out the same explanation he had given Joel months ago.
The people in the tent did not doubt Linde's explanation, because in their view, only a Scholar from the Citadel could have trained Linde like this.
Moreover, every year, a large number of Scholars leave Oldtown and go to various parts of the Seven Kingdoms, but not every Scholar can gain the appreciation of nobles and become their advisor, earning a stable salary. Most Scholars still live in poverty, not to mention those exiles who have been stripped of their Scholar titles. Therefore, it is very common for ordinary people to hire Scholars to teach knowledge.
However, in their opinion, the Scholar who taught Linde so excellently must be extraordinary, so they also entertained the idea of recruiting that Scholar.
Unfortunately, after they inquired, Linde stated that he did not know the Scholar's name, and the description of his appearance was also very ordinary, making it difficult to find this person based on these clues.
Just as everyone was regretting missing out on a talent, Scholar Moras suddenly suggested, "When we return to Highgarden, let him work under me! I am really short of people there."
Scholar Moras was in charge of intelligence matters in Highgarden, but because of his old age, he no longer had the energy to process the large amount of intelligence gathered from various sources and manage House Tyrell's network of spies across Westeros. So, several years ago, he had handed over all his duties to his students.
It's just that his students were excellent at academic research, but they struggled when faced with various complex intelligence tasks.
From the fact that House Tyrell's various spy outposts in King's Landing were uprooted by Jon Arryn and Varys this time, and Highgarden had no viable solution, it was clear that his students lacked ability in this area.
Now, seeing Linde's excellent intelligence organization and analysis skills, Scholar Moras genuinely felt that Linde was more reliable than his students, so he thought of transferring Linde under his command for specialized training. If Linde could continue to perform so outstandingly, it would not be impossible for him to succeed him as House Tyrell's Master of Whisperers in the future, as the position of Master of Whisperers is the least concerned with one's background among all important positions.
"No." However, no sooner had Scholar Moras finished speaking than someone immediately objected, and the objectors were not Linde, the person concerned, but Garlan and Fotimo.
Garlan and Fotimo also did not expect the other party to object, and they couldn't help but look at each other, seemingly wanting to figure out the reason for the other's objection.
Garlan's reason for objecting was simple: Linde had only recently joined House Tyrell, and his loyalty had not yet been tested. Allowing him to access the core power center of House Tyrell now was clearly not a good idea.
As for Fotimo's reason for objecting, it was much simpler. He knew very well what Linde's ambition was, and he knew even more clearly that once Linde worked under Scholar Moras, his ambition would certainly not be able to be realized, because no lord would allow someone who controlled their family's various intelligence to become a landed knight, or even a sworn knight.
Seeing Garlan and Fotimo object simultaneously, Scholar Moras and Lord Rogell were also surprised, but they did not inquire about the reason. In their opinion, the two must have a reason for their objection.
Afterward, the topic in the tent returned to the main subject, and everyone began to consider how to utilize this intelligence. They did not ask Linde to leave; instead, they included him in the discussion. Soon, the discussion yielded results, and Linde's previous suggestions were practically accepted in their entirety, with only minor modifications to some operational details.
"I didn't expect you to have such abilities," Fotimo said after returning to the tent, taking the warmed towel from a servant and wiping his face. He then turned to Linde, who had followed him into the tent, and added, "I hope you don't blame me for not agreeing to let you work for Scholar Moras, as that could have given you direct access to Highgarden's center of power."
Linde shook his head and said, "No, even if you hadn't objected, I wouldn't have agreed. Being the Master of Whisperers is not my ideal."
"It's best that you think that way." Fotimo motioned for the servant to leave, then said earnestly, "Your outstanding performance in front of Scholar Moras this time, especially your intelligence abilities, have been noted by Scholar Moras. Although I have already declined Scholar Moras's proposal for you, Scholar Moras will not give up so easily, especially when compared to Scholar Ceric and his students, your abilities are even more outstanding. So, in the future, Scholar Moras will definitely often come to you for help with various intelligence matters. You must refuse his requests and try not to get too involved with those things, understand?"
"Yes, my Lord." Linde nodded, then hesitated for a moment and said, "But with my current status, if Scholar Moras insists that I help him, I can't refuse, can I?"
Fotimo was silent for a moment, then said, "Go to the camp and select ten men to form a cavalry unit, specifically responsible for daily patrols of the camp. Dress them more splendidly than usual, and have them wander around the city when they have time, so that the people of King's Landing know about our House Rose. Try to spend less time in the camp."
Linde understood that Fotimo was indirectly promoting him, so he naturally wouldn't refuse. However, there was one more important thing he needed to confirm, so he asked, "My Lord, does this count as a meritorious service?"
Fotimo looked at Linde, unbuckled the longsword from his waist, and handed it to Linde, saying, "My sword hasn't been properly maintained lately. Polish it well tonight and oil it. Also, take good care of my armor. Don't let it affect me participating in the martial arts tournament in a few days."
Linde, having received a response, smiled and replied, "Yes, my Lord."