Five thin, round, cold, and gleaming silver coins lay before him.
On the obverse, a crowned stag reared its head proudly, its antlers distinct and clear.
On the reverse was inscribed the abbreviated motto of House Baratheon—Ours is the Fury!
"Money is a man's courage!"
In the bitterly cold night, Don Quixote, a pitiful child who had been poor for twenty-one years, touched the sudden wealth of a few silver stags and found himself tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
"Can't sleep at night~
"What can numb the pain~"
Having transmigrated to the Game of Thrones world many years ago, Don Quixote, who had never suffered from insomnia before, broke his streak tonight and started letting his mind wander wildly:
"It's not my fault; it's the money's fault!"
---
"Little Don Quixote, come with me for a moment." Lady Wylla suddenly approached.
Don Quixote, who was digesting a 30-copper breakfast, was slightly stunned but quickly stood up and followed Lady Wylla.
Lady Wylla found a secluded corner and spoke slowly:
"Little Don Quixote, you need to find a place to live in the city.
"The Iron Axe Tavern needs someone to keep watch at night, too."
Hearing this, Don Quixote immediately smiled:
"My Lady, I was just thinking about that."
He had left the crofters' village and Castle Cerwyn with Old Valentine long ago. They had only returned recently because the old man was homesick.
Old Valentine was a man of Castle Cerwyn.
Born here, buried here—it was a perfect ending.
But for Don Quixote, ever since his parents in this life had unexpectedly passed away, he had long lost all emotional ties to Castle Cerwyn and that crofters' village.
He didn't really care where he lived.
He had lived in the crofters' village before not out of nostalgia, but simply because the house, though crude, was free.
At that time, he was destitute and lost, afraid to spend money recklessly.
Now, he still didn't have much money, but he had confidence.
The peaked log cabin in the village was too primitive; living there was only marginally better than sleeping in the wild.
More importantly, the villages around Castle Cerwyn were plunged into almost total darkness once night fell.
In the North, candles were still somewhat valuable.
Although smallfolk rarely splurged on candles, generally using simple, primitive lighting tools like pine resin torches, tallow lamps, or the glow of firewood...
Even so, smallfolk rarely kept their rooms lit for long. Only when sewing at night or needing temporary illumination would a flicker of light appear in their homes.
The scarcity of lighting tools and firewood meant that nightlife in the villages around Castle Cerwyn was virtually non-existent.
Don Quixote was very dissatisfied with this.
He had been considering moving for the past few days.
Lady Wylla nodded and said:
"Any ideas?"
"I have one. I plan to check out Windsor's Lodge," Don Quixote smiled.
Lady Wylla thought for a moment and said:
"Windsor's Lodge does have long-term rentals within the city, but the price is steep. If you can't afford it, you can stay in the small room at the back of the tavern."
Don Quixote: "Mhm."
Lady Wylla didn't ask further. Changing the subject, she suddenly said:
"Ronan told me about what happened yesterday."
Don Quixote met Lady Wylla's gaze, his expression calm:
"I don't think I did anything wrong. That bastard insulted the Old Gods in public; he needed to pay an extra price.
"Besides, the other customers were happier because of that extra cup of ale."
Lady Wylla revealed a satisfied smile:
"Hehe, I didn't expect you to be such a devout follower of the Old Gods, Little Don Quixote."
"Of course. Although I haven't sworn my knightly vows yet," Don Quixote spouted nonsense with a serious face, "I have been a loyal believer in the Old Gods for a long time!"
Hearing this, Lady Wylla was even more satisfied.
She was, naturally, a devout follower of the Old Gods herself.
"I didn't mean to blame you," Lady Wylla smiled slowly, "I just wanted to remind you that if you continue to be so hardline, you might offend quite a few people.
"Few people reflect on their own faults; they only blame others!"
...Don Quixote was no longer the humble nobody of the past. Now, he was a wolf with a System!
Don Quixote narrowed his eyes with a distinct air of chuunibyou confidence.
He had no qualms about being hated.
At this stage, the people he could offend likely wouldn't be anyone powerful.
Although his strength hadn't grown much yet, his mindset was gradually opening up; he was no longer timid.
A strong person needs not only outstanding personal strength but also sufficient courage.
However, Lady Wylla had an ambiguous relationship with Old Valentine, making her something of an elder to him.
And when he was most lost and helpless, she had extended a hand to help him.
Thinking of this, Don Quixote followed Lady Wylla's words and responded seriously:
"My Lady, I will be more measured in the future and try to persuade those unruly customers peacefully first!"
Lady Wylla looked Don Quixote over carefully, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Having run the Iron Axe Tavern for years, she had to deal with all sorts of people.
Her eye for character was well-honed.
At this moment, Lady Wylla suddenly realized there was something different about Don Quixote.
His temperament seemed to have changed a lot since the first day they met.
Yes, when they first met, Don Quixote was like the many destitute hedge knights and smallfolk she had seen.
Only daring to speak a few more words when drunk.
Usually displaying an honest and humble demeanor.
But now.
He stood there, back straight, eyes clear.
This child seemed to have the same open and honest confidence as the noble children of House Cerwyn she had seen.
Yes, a confidence that he could be the master of his own fate.
Lady Wylla frowned and said:
"How much did you drink today?"
Don Quixote was confused and asked:
"Just a cup of ale in the morning to warm up."
After a moment of silence, Lady Wylla suddenly laughed:
"You don't need to worry too much. If there really are some scoundrels who won't listen to reason, handle it however you see fit.
"The Iron Axe Tavern has been stable in Castle Cerwyn for many years; we're not a place where just anyone can run wild!"
By the end, Lady Wylla sounded tough.
A woman who could support a tavern in a male-dominated society was no weakling.
"Yes, My Lady." Don Quixote wasn't surprised by Lady Wylla's attitude.
In the past few days, he had asked around about the Iron Axe Tavern and Lady Wylla.
Lady Wylla's husband, who had passed away years ago, was once the steward of House Cerwyn.
Her eldest son was currently the captain of the Castle Cerwyn city watch.
Her second son was currently a ranger for House Cerwyn, guarding their private hunting grounds.
Her youngest daughter was currently an unmarried maiden.
These things were no secret around Castle Cerwyn, and it was precisely this background that allowed the Iron Axe Tavern to take root firmly in the city.
"Find a place to stay in Castle Cerwyn as soon as possible. I need you to watch the Iron Axe at night, too."
Lady Wylla instructed him again, then continued:
"Your performance this time was not bad. I'm raising your pay.
"You were Old Valentine's squire; I trust his judgment!
"Hmm, let's make it 20 coppers a day. Help me guard the tavern well from now on."
She paused, a hint of weariness in her voice:
"My health is getting worse. I'm afraid I won't have much energy to manage the tavern in the future. Perhaps my daughter will take over!
"If my daughter does come to manage the Iron Axe, please look out for her then."
Thinking of the change in Don Quixote, Lady Wylla added finally:
"Of course, if you find a better path in the future, just tell me directly. I won't stop you."
"Thank you, My Lady. Please take care of your health!" Don Quixote thanked her. "If the young lady comes to take over the tavern, I will definitely cooperate with her."
20 coppers a day wasn't much to him anymore.
But the recognition behind the raise was always pleasing.
After finishing his conversation with Lady Wylla, Don Quixote returned to the area near the bar.
Ronan, who had been secretly watching Don Quixote and Lady Wylla's conversation, glanced at the approaching Don Quixote and asked casually:
"Did Lady Wylla have any instructions?"
The smile on Don Quixote's face instantly vanished:
"Something bad involving me."
...Heh, serves you right!
Hearing this, Ronan laughed inwardly but continued to ask directly:
"What is it?"
"20 coppers."
"What?"
"Lady Wylla gave me a raise. I'm making 20 coppers a day now!"
With that, Don Quixote's face changed instantly as he let out a loud laugh.
Then he turned and sat on a worn wooden stool in the corner, narrowing his eyes to rest while keeping watch over the tavern.
"Despicable bastard..."
Ronan's hand, holding the cleaning cloth, froze in mid-air, the expression on his face stiffening.
The smile had successfully been transferred.
...