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Ramsgate,
"Last to finish owes me thirty more push-ups! Move!"
A day had passed since he returned from the rough voyage of storms and saving. He had left Rhaella in the castle to settle down and gather her thoughts. Elia and Ashara were there to help her through it. Lyanna offered confidence.
Lyanna, Elia, Rhaella, and all the children; Wylis knew he was walking on a very tight rope. And since he was back, his core focus was to fortify the castle and make it impenetrable by anyone. The moat was necessary, as was a secondary wall hiding the moat from outside, and then a third wall on the inner side of the moat, effectively turning the castle grounds into an island.
A part of that fortification was a strong garrison. There were only fifteen men currently, and he decided to train them personally as they were going to be the future captains of a larger force. Physical strength, stamina, and resiliency were as important as the ability to swing a blade.
So, he initiated a morning routine. Early at dawn, he'd train them personally. Starting with a long, running session, circling the entire town five times. Then some weight training. Finally, training with blunt swords.
Amongst them, Chett was the most eager to learn. The tall man was nearly as big as Brandon, but on the chubbier side. But ever since he got to execute Brennard, his loyalty towards Wylis was greater than a Targaryen's to incest.
Wylis acknowledged it and hoped to train Chett into one of his first Generals because Tyrant's Squire dreamed big.
"Brandon, break them."
With much glee, Brandon jumped ahead with a blunt sword and started to beat the fifteen men in an uninterrupted mock battle. Since the fifteen weren't lifelong soldiers, they lost even with a numerical advantage. However, it allowed Wylis to see who was better and who needed the most training.
At least with the recent completion of the 'Insect Infestation' quest, he had the Eye of the Judge. He had interviewed all fifteen men using that ability and made sure they weren't criminals. Minor theft was alright, however.
"Chett, Jonos, and Kyle, you three take longswords. Irwim, Jarl, Osmund, and Harold, you'll do better with short blades and shields. The rest of you, grab spears. They'll serve you well for keeping foes at a distance."
Wylis divided them into small groups according to their abilities. But to ensure teamwork, they were still going to do all the other training and activities together.
After that, Wylis personally trained each group one after another. He thankfully had Brandon to focus on the sword group, as he was still one of the best warriors in Westeros. Wylis focused on the men with spears, as they numbered most.
In total, the weapons training lasted a total of three hours. They did it right inside the castle at the outer courtyard. Once all men were beaten, bruised, and tired, Wylis ended the training and sent them to take a bath in shifts.
Moreover, all the guards were to be fed three meals a day, healthy, and focused on replenishing lost energy and hastening muscle building. They were also given lemonade to stay hydrated. Heck, Wylis had made the castle's cooks follow his meal plans for everyone, all the women and kids.
As a proper health and muscle junkie, Wylis counted calories to a degree. He wrote down meal combinations based on specific needs. For example, he had written a special meal plan for pregnant women recently after Rhaella's arrival.
In the end, Wylis himself took a hot bath and walked into the brightly lit and chatter-filled dining hall. It warmed his heart seeing so many smiling faces. The long table was surrounded by occupied chairs. Lyanna was busy chatting with Wenda, discussing archery, while both women also cared for their children. Elia, Ashara, and Rhaella were discussing the realm. Rhaenys was busy mocking Viserys with his bald head.
It was worth it.
He noticed Lyanna's curious gaze, a movement of her brows asked him where he was going. He noticed the other ladies looked at him with varying degrees of fondness, some with lust. Elia was no longer wary, nor lustful, nor romantic, but comfortable. Rhaella, however, eyed him with pure love, watching him like he was the most precious treasure in the world.
"A bit of a surprise from me. Stay seated," Wylis ordered them and walked into the kitchens.
"Ah!"
"My Lord!"
"M'lord!"
Three men and four women were busy at work in the kitchens, cooking and doing various tasks. They were all dressed in clean attire, hair tied, beards shaved. They were permanent, tasked with preparing meals for Wylis and his growing family. They were the highest-paid members of the Ramsgate castle staff, along with all the maids.
Their salaries started with one gold dragon a month. Wylis couldn't imprison them in the castle, but the money would make sure they'd stay loyal for some time. Although he used alternate names for all the risky women and kids, it was still a risk.
"Don't stop, do your work. Just give me some sugar, butter, water, dried corn we kept, and a pan." Wylis moved around like he knew how to cook since birth.
He used one of the cooking stations with a fire burning. Already, he reminded himself to start producing cast-iron pots and pans for greater use in the kitchen. Also, he reminded himself to make a pressure cooker.
Pop! Pop!
It didn't take long before he created what he wanted. But he wasn't done. He melted the sugar in a creamy, brown soup. Then, he combined the two things, let it cool down a little, and once he was certain things were crunchy enough, he left the kitchens.
A large tray rested in his hands with a shiny brown hill on it. The aroma was sweet and buttery, something new. And as expected, the likes of Rhaenys were the first to notice it.
Having gathered everyone's attention, he walked around the table and stopped between Rhaenys and Viserys' chairs. "Give me your hand, both of you."
Rhaenys was first. He grabbed some of his fine cuisine and put it in her hand. The cute little girl knew exactly what to do and gobbled it down. The crunch was loud, and her reaction was the reflection of the taste.
"Wooooh! I-It's so… sweet and so… crunchy and… Wah!"
Finally, jealous, Viserys raised his hand. As soon as the ex-prince got some, he ate it and reacted very much the same as Rhaenys.
"It's… ama—good."
Hah! This rascal.
Wylis ignored the boy and put some on his plate, then Rhaenys'. He walked around the table and gave some to everyone at the table. Not a lot since it was just a snack.
"Behold your most beloved lord's handmade snack," Wylis said, settling into the broad chair at the table's short end. "Caramel popcorn, born of corn and sugar. My own invention. Have a taste."
Closest to him on his left, Lyanna took a bite.
Crunch!
Just as the kids, her eyes went wide at the first bite. Soon, many more crunches came from around the table. He chuckled at their expressions. Heck, even Brandon looked surprised, but it was short-lived as the Wild Wolf then grabbed a handful and ate a big bite in one go.
"This is wonderful!" Ashara exclaimed.
"I bloody love it!" Wenda added, still prone to cursing.
"Mm… Never knew I was craving this." Lyanna kept eating one single popcorn at a time.
"From corn and sugar? I can see the southern nobles growing fond of it," Elia said, offering more to Rhaenys instead of finishing her share. "You should try selling it in the cities."
"Indeed." Rhaella joined in. "It is both sweet and crisp. I've no doubt the noble ladies and their children will find it most charming."
Strange to talk about popcorn with some of the most wanted and beautiful ladies in the realm. Wylis chuckled and shook his head.
"No, it's too simple. Any fool could make that. I've something better to sell. This one's for you, gorgeous ladies, and my little gremlins as well." He glanced at Rhaenys and slid his plate her way. She was such a kind soul, sharing it with Viserys, though she didn't much like him.
Right then, the maids arrived with the actual breakfast. Juices, milk, lemonade, eggs, meat, bread, fruits, and a whole balanced diet. Since they also ate lunch, the breakfast wasn't as heavy.
"I hope this place suits you well, Haelen," Wylis said to Rhaella, somewhat distant from his seat, but he stared at her nonetheless. She was lovely, hair drawn into one braid, her face lit with the gentle glow of her pregnancy, her gown soft and loose around her. Her dyed hair had now returned to being silver-blonde after the bath. Inside the castle, she didn't need to maintain a disguise, as she was 'officially' a woman from Essos according to the story, there to help Wylis care for his children.
Haelen was her fake name. Wylis honestly hated using so many fake names, but not using them meant facing the realm's ire. Thankfully, he could use their realm names in the bedchamber.
"It is peaceful here, my Lord," Rhaella replied with a tender smile. "V… Ben truly loves this place."
Ben was Viserys. Wylis named him that out of spite, and also, it was easier to remember.
He loves this place? Like hell he would. Wylis eyed Viserys, bald, stabbing fruits on his plate.
"Glad to hear it. I ask because I'll be buried in duties these next few days. Too many tasks, too many folk needing my say. That's why I'll need you fine ladies to help keep these lands running true. Each of you should find something that stirs your heart. Something you'd stay up through the night doing, then rise eager to do again.
"Wenda's sharp with a bow, so she'll take charge of training new hands in archery. Ellyn…" he glanced at Lyanna, "...she's a fine rider. She can teach the younger ones. I want each of you to find what you love and make it your work."
It was noticeable how all the women fell into deep thoughts. It was necessary, according to Wylis. He couldn't give attention to all of them, and the more free time they'd have, the more they'd feel ignored by him.
"I can lend my knowledge, if you seek to know more of the southern houses," Elia offered kindly. "Ashara would know much as well, my Lord."
"I… I'm afraid I have little to give, my Lord," Rhaella said softly. "Though I could tend to the young ones, if it pleases you."
"Think nothing heavy of what I said, Haelen. Tending to the young ones is a duty worth pride. But remember this: if any of you wish to try something new, whether it's painting, writing, embroidery, or the edge of a sword, you may do so freely."
Lyanna laid her hand gently over his. "Peace, my Lord. I know your heart's full of care for us. You've given us a good home, warmth, and safety. Let that be enough for now. We'll manage the rest, you've more important things to see to."
"You're important to me," he said, giving Lyanna a hard look, then the others. "Living's more than drawing breath. It's about feeling the life in you. I want you all to have that. To feel merry, joy, and loved here."
"Haha, they're loved alright!" Brandon coughed from his seat, wolfing down food.
"..."
Silence fell on the table for a few long moments. Lyanna's grip on his hand tightened. He eyed the others and noticed Wenda fondly smiling towards him. Ashara was leaning forward on the table, one elbow on top, her chin on her palm, eyeing him. Elia was shaking her head while chuckling. Rhaella's eyes were twinkling with emotions.
Ugh, am I being controlling? Wylis asked himself.
He was worried. Other than Lyanna, he had wronged most of them, for clear reasons. He had taken Wenda hostage once. He killed Ashara's brother. He killed Elia's husband. He killed Rhaella's husband and son. Common sense dictated that they should hate him.
"My Lord," Elia spoke from her seat, first ensuring all the servants were gone. "We live today because you dared what others feared to even speak of. Rest assured, we are happy, and I trust most here are held in love."
"Aye, damn right!" Brandon blurted, downed the glass of juice, and rose to his feet. "Ned, Benjen, Arryn, Tully, all of us! The whole North would've burned if you hadn't taken up rebellion. Be fucking proud of yourself, Wylis. You'll be remembered for centuries as that tall, crazy Northerner who went from shoveling horseshit to shoveling knights with his blade."
Wylis sighed with a smile and stood up. It warmed his heart that they felt that way.
"Alright, enough dickriding then. We've work to see to."
"Huh?" Brandon frowned. "Dickriding? What's that?"
Wylis just shrugged and left.
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