When Lann just walked into the door, Robert’s expression was like he was going to eat someone.
But as Lann got closer, those cat-like eyes that shimmered faintly in the dim firelight started to draw attention.
"Hmph, cat eyes? Kid, did you catch some weird disease?"
Although King Robert’s tone was still unpleasant, at least the murderous aura was suppressed.
As the former ruling family of Westeros, the Targaryens, their pure bloodline would possess looks that were exceptionally beautiful, hair like molten silver, and violet eyes.
Out of defense for the current throne and hatred for them, Robert wished he could kill all such people.
Lann naturally picked up the conversation.
"Indeed, a strange illness, Your Majesty. And that’s not a very fortunate story. I believe everyone here wouldn’t be too keen on hearing it."
"Exactly." A glamorous blonde woman standing between the King and the Prince said with a sharp expression.
"We are discussing the injuries of the kingdom’s heir and the attacker’s crimes. A country bumpkin’s strange disease can be talked about when everyone wants to hear a joke."
King Robert heard the subtext in the woman’s words declaring the final conclusion, and he looked at her with disgust.
"It’s just two kids having a fight, one wielding a real sword and the other releasing a wolf. What ’crimes’ are you talking about?!"
Lann could see that now, because the Prince and Alia each insisted on their own version, both sides were trying to sway the King’s judgment in their favor.
But interestingly, the King himself did not care that his son was bitten by the wolf, and instead stood between Edd and the blonde woman, trying to mediate.
There’s no doubt that woman is the Queen.
It appears the real dispute is between the Queen’s family and the Stark Clan.
Lann smacked his lips at the situation he was observing.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Mentos. Political conflict coupled with family disputes... it’s nerve-wracking."
"Yes, sir. I agree with your point, so I will try to minimize data analysis in this matter to avoid overloading myself. It’s best you sort it out yourself."
The biological intellect recognized its weak points, so it wisely chose not to get involved.
While Lann was griping with the intellect, the topic that had been diverted by silver hair and looks was brought back to the point by the Queen.
The King reiterated his stance impatiently.
This is just two family’s children fighting; both sides used excessive measures, so neither should be pursued further.
But the blonde Queen did not agree with this handling method; she coldly emphasized once again.
"She must be punished."
"Then what do you want me to rule? Whip the child? Parade her? Come on, do you want everyone to know you’ve been disarmed by a little girl?"
Robert’s first half-sentence was addressed to the Queen, the latter half explained the pros and cons to his own son, hoping he would first give up pursuing it.
The fires of dynastic change on the Westeros Continent had just settled for a generation, and at this time people wouldn’t want a weak Prince.
Prince Geoffrey’s expression was visibly shaken, clearly understanding reputation and spite were more important.
The Queen clearly knew too, that with the King’s words reaching this point, pursuing it further on ’people’ would no longer be realistic.
However, given her character, letting the Stark Clan get through this mess unscathed was out of the question.
Robert had already exerted effort to prop himself up on the chair’s armrests, preparing to leave the tent for some fresh air.
Just at this moment...
"So what about the beast that insulted your son?"
The Queen’s sharp and nasty words made the King stand still.
"At least kill that beast then. It’s tied outside the tent. One cut, neat and tidy, clean slate."
Edd Stark opened his mouth, intending to spare the Ice Wolf’s life for his daughter, knowing the emotional bond these wolves had with his children.
But on the other hand, he also knew, this was already the best outcome he could expect.
Through killing a wolf, resolve the estrangement with the Royal Family.
Even the dullest person in the world would know how to choose.
Stark had already secured the smallest concession; if they continued to haggle over a wolf, the whole continental aristocracy would be sour about it!
King Robert also knew, today to keep his old brother Edd Stark—and face, he had snapped at the Queen quite a few times.
If he continued to fuss over an animal’s life, it would appear unreasonable.
With a cold face, the King finished speaking, intending to quickly leave this bothersome room.
Although the quality of the camp prostitutes might not be great, it was still better than staying in this room!
But nobody noticed that Alia, who should have been heartbroken and crying for her wolf, was instead excitedly pulling Lann, who seemed indifferent, working to squeeze through the crowd to get to the King.
The little girl’s eyes not only lacked sadness, helplessness, and fear.
Instead, it was more like... "Woohoo! There’s fun to be had!"
From behind the crowd, Edd wanted to comfort his little daughter, but then terrifyingly found that she had disappeared again.
He immediately began searching and shouting throughout the crowd.
Robert stopped walking, pursing his lips and sighing as he turned, lamenting all the absurdities he couldn’t ignore.
But when he turned around, he just caught sight of a small head squeezing out from waist height between the people on either side.
The little owner of the soon-to-be-executed wolf was now smiling like a flower.
Then with a tug, a tall and handsome figure forcibly pushed the crowd aside, making a path.
This situation left Robert a little unable to react.
But no response was needed, as it was Alia’s time to shine.
The little girl, with a kind of excitement that said "it’s finally my turn", swallowed her saliva and shouted loud enough to drown out all the chatter.
"Your Majesty, you have sentenced Nymelia, that is my wolf, to death, have you not?"
Robert’s mouth twitched slightly, reluctantly responding.
This little act by Alia truly caught him off guard.
"Good, then I hereby declare on behalf of Nymelia... I do not plead guilty! The trial process shall continue!"
Alia shouted, and at this moment Robert because of the familiar opening sentence, seemed to faintly understand what this girl was thinking.
He stared wide-eyed in amazement.
The girl’s excitement and anticipation soared to the maximum, she licked her dry lips from nervousness, increasing her volume further.
"Then... I request a trial by combat!"
Trial by combat, in the sight of the Seven Gods, two warriors face off for their judgment. People believe that the victor of the duel is the one the Seven Gods deem righteous.
The divine judgment overrides human judgment, so in trial by combat the victor will not be subject to human judgment in this case.
Alia was born and raised in the hardy Northern Territory; though the Northern beliefs differ from the southern Seven Gods Church, this custom suits northmen’s temperament.
In fact, she’s seen quite a few of these for fun.
And what got her very excited this time was, she could finally be one party in the trial by combat and shout those cool words!
In a situation where losing was nearly impossible, wasn’t this so much fun!