When the meeting concluded, Robb signaled Jon to remain.
The nobles of the North and the Riverlands departed one after another, casting unkind glances at Jon as they passed him.
Greatjon, for instance, would even spit behind him before moving on.
As for Rickard, who had almost come to blows with Jon, even knowing that Harrion had been saved by Jon, he still walked away with his head held high, as if deliberately ignoring him.
Soon, only Robb, Catelyn, Brynden, Edmure, and Jon remained in the hall.
Theon also slipped in during this time.
He had heard about what happened recently, so he came specifically to see.
He also couldn't understand Jon's action of preventing Robb from declaring himself King.
Once only a few people were left in the hall, Robb first addressed the eldest, 'Blackfish' Brynden:
"Uncle, I wish to appoint you as the Grand General of the South, to command the armies of the Riverlands until the war ends. And Uncle Edmure, I want you to assist him with this."
"Don't worry, I will integrate the Riverlands' armies in the shortest possible time," Brynden promised.
Edmure, who was not much older than Robb, also accepted.
Robb nodded; this older, experienced uncle was one of the people he trusted the most.
Then he looked at Catelyn and said:
"Mother, I hope you can help me make contact with Renly. Perhaps..."
"I understand what you mean," Catelyn interjected, "I will find a way to make him ally with us."
In fact, Catelyn also understood that if Robb had not declared himself King, then an alliance might have been much easier.
But there was no choice; even if the chances of success were low, they had to try. Everything was for her children.
Then he looked at Jon and said:
"Jon, your martial skills are formidable. I hope you can protect my mother well and go with her."
That Robb could entrust Catelyn's safety to Jon showed a tremendous amount of trust.
The others all looked at Jon, especially Theon. Although his jealousy was largely gone, he was certainly envious.
However, Jon did not seem to intend to accept.
He knew that Catelyn's trip this time was destined to be in vain.
Jon first bowed to Robb and said:
"Robb, I have already refused you once today, and by rights, I should not refuse you again.
My idea is this: since you have decided to help the Riverlands nobles reclaim their lost lands, I too must strive for this.
But you know our forces are not sufficient. When I was at the Green Fork, I captured a leader of the Mountain Clans, and he said that only a portion of the wildlings joined Lannister.
I want to go and persuade the remaining ones to join our army. Perhaps this could alleviate our manpower issues."
This time, Jon spoke calmly, with reason and evidence.
Although he refused Robb once more, both Robb and the others understood.
And Robb, hearing that Jon could raise an army from a closer location, immediately agreed.
After all, the Stormlands, where Renly was, was a considerable distance from the Riverlands.
In other words, distant water cannot quench a near thirst, and while he wasn't that 'thirsty,' it would be great to gain a fresh force nearby.
So, when Jon asked for weapons and armor, Robb readily agreed:
"We captured a large number of Westerlands soldiers, so we are not short of armor and weapons.
How about this, is two thousand sets enough?"
Robb was unexpectedly generous.
Jon mused that the Mountains of the Moon could at most yield about two thousand able-bodied men.
However, Jon knew that now was the peak time to 'cash in on favors.' How could he not take a bit more?
"How about three thousand? Some damage doesn't matter. The war is expected to last a long time, and I plan to recruit some militiamen in the Riverlands."
"Three thousand... that's fine," Robb looked at Edmure and asked, "Riverrun's inventory should still have some, right?"
"Yes, it does," Edmure nodded.
"Good, then Jon, if you are in a hurry, I will arrange ships and horses for you. As for weapons and armor, I guarantee they will be delivered before you return from the Mountains of the Moon."
'He wants to rush me off already? Perfect, I don't want to waste any more time here either.'
"For revenge, for the North."
Seeing Jon suddenly say such words, Robb was slightly taken aback but nodded seriously... "Jon, why did you stop Robb from declaring himself King?"
After leaving the hall, Theon voiced his confusion.
"Theon, among everyone, I think only you can understand me."
'Huh? I don't understand,' Theon stood there dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.
"Years ago, your father was attacked by King Robert for presumptuously declaring himself King, and several of your brothers lost their lives because of it.
You, among everyone, should best understand the saying, 'He who would wear a crown, must bear its weight.'
I'm mainly worried about Robb; after he declares himself King, he might face many dangers.
And you are by his side. We have been together for so many years, and I consider you a brother. I also don't want you to encounter danger."
'Oh, so that's it. Jon is truly an honest person.'
Jon's mix of coaxing and deceiving left Theon a bit dizzy.
"Do you remember the bet we made earlier? If I won, you would have to help me persuade someone."
"Of course! Just tell me who!" Theon immediately agreed when he heard this, but then quickly remembered something and hastily added, "Not Robb, though! Everyone wants him to be King."
"I know, so it's not him," Jon laughed heartily, then said seriously:
"Theon, if one day in the future you were asked to kill Bran and Rickon, would you do it?"
"Jon!" Seeing him say this, Theon's eyes widened, and his hair stood on end. "How could I do such a thing! I consider them my brothers!"
"What if your father, Balon, asked you to do it?"
"He... how could he?"
Theon felt increasingly bewildered.
"But now the North is vulnerable and close to the Iron Islands. What if the Iron Islands lords decide to attack the North and Winterfell?"
"No, they won't..." Theon vehemently denied it, but then felt it wasn't impossible.
Just as Jon had said before, this guy's 'thoughts had become Westernized.'
"Theon, I estimate that Robb might send you to the Iron Islands soon to ally with Lord Balon.
Don't stop him from attacking the North just yet.
Just say that they can wait a bit longer. If Robb can invade the Westerlands, we can completely target the rich Westerlands.
Can you do that?"
Theon looked at the young man, half a head shorter than him, and wondered how he could think so far ahead.
But remembering his previous promise, he still agreed.
Watching him solemnly promise, Jon decided to no longer think about the North.
He turned his gaze toward King's Landing.
That was his stage.
Stannis was originally just a step away from taking King's Landing.
Now, with himself, it might not be impossible to turn the tide.