Eddard softly comforted his wife, saying, "Catelyn, I haven't changed. I care about Bran just as much, but this isn't a small matter. If not handled properly, it could lead the entire kingdom into war. I must have conclusive evidence before I can make an accusation. I cannot accuse the Westron Protector family based solely on the testimony of our servants and maids."
Catelyn quickly pulled out the Valyrian steel dagger and said, "The dagger, this dagger is the best evidence!"
Eddard shook his head and said, "No, this dagger precisely cannot be used as evidence; instead, it will be seen as evidence of us slandering the Lannister."
"How is that possible?" Catelyn was completely stunned.
"It is possible." At this moment, Littlefinger suddenly interjected, "Catelyn, if you calm down and think about it, you'll discover the problem here. An assassin's fee is only a few dozen silver stag, yet he uses a dagger with a clear identity indication and immense value for the assassination. This is completely illogical. If that assassin was greedy, he wouldn't need to carry out the assassination at all; he could just take this dagger across the Narrow Sea, and the money from selling it would be enough for him to live a rich life for the rest of his days. Moreover, any ordinary dagger could be used to assassinate Bran, so why use a dagger with such an obvious identity? Anyone who hears this evidence would feel that it's a deliberate attempt to frame the Little Devil."
"How could this be?" Catelyn was completely stunned after hearing Petyr's analysis. Eddard, who was beside her, although he didn't like Littlefinger, still nodded in agreement with Littlefinger's analysis.
"However, precisely because of this, it proves that the person who assassinated Bran was a Lannister." Littlefinger changed his tone and said in a guiding manner, "The Little Devil is a very clever fellow. He must have thought beforehand about the issue of the dagger revealing his identity. He will definitely question the use of the dagger and also say that his dagger was lost when he was in Winterfell, directly pointing the finger at the Stark Family for framing him. Or perhaps he will argue that this dagger is not his, because he has never publicly displayed this dagger, and my bet with him was just a bet between two people, with no third person knowing. In this way, the Lannister will be completely cleared of suspicion and will not be subjected to any accusations."
"Yes, that must be it." Catelyn also nodded repeatedly.
Eddard didn't respond immediately. He took the dagger in his hand, examined it repeatedly, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a long while, he turned to Catelyn and said, "King's Landing is truly too dangerous. You must return to Winterfell immediately. Robb, Bran, and Rickon all need your care, and Winterfell also needs someone in charge."
"What about Bran's matter?" Catelyn asked anxiously.
"I will handle this matter. No one can harm my child and get away with it." Eddard said with a determined expression.
Afterwards, Eddard gave Catelyn a few more instructions, then left in a hurry.
Although Eddard made a promise, Catelyn was still somewhat disappointed with Eddard's reaction. In her opinion, Eddard should have immediately sent people to arrest those Lannister who harmed her child, instead of being so calm as he was now.
Petyr suddenly said from the side, "Catelyn, I think you should be understanding of him. In his position, sometimes he needs to do things that go against his wishes."
"What do you mean?" Catelyn turned to Petyr and asked in a low voice.
Littlefinger sighed and said, "Now he is the Kings Hand, not the Duke of Winterfell. He needs to consider the impact of his decisions on the entire kingdom. Sometimes he needs to compromise, and even sacrifice himself."
"You mean Ned will…" Catelyn understood Littlefinger's implication and shook her head repeatedly, saying, "No, Ned would absolutely not. His family is the most important thing to him. He will absolutely get justice for Bran."
"Perhaps I was overthinking it. After all, I don't know your husband very well either." Littlefinger did not refute Catelyn's words.
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