By the time Jon Snow was sent to the medical ward by Roman, Bran had already woken up. Under everyone's concerned questioning, Bran recounted his experience.
With the victim's own testimony, Roman was once again thanked and blessed by the people of Winterfell.
But Catelyn had more questions; she had retrieved a magnificent and precious dagger from the corpses of the assassins.
Clearly, these assassins were not nobles, and it was impossible for them to possess a weapon of this caliber.
Catelyn summoned Eddard and Roman to discuss the possible culprit together.
"Ned, Ser Roman, I suggest we thoroughly investigate the owner of this dagger. I want that person to pay the price!"
Eddard also looked grimly at the murder weapon that had nearly killed his son, but Roman had a different view.
"Lord Eddard, Lady Catelyn, I believe we should investigate the owner of the dagger, but we should not assume that person is the killer."
Catelyn asked, "Why?"
Roman said, "Think about it, you two. What is the most important thing for an assassin?"
Eddard thought for a moment and spoke slowly, "To kill the target and hide oneself."
"Exactly," Roman nodded. "For an assassin not to hide themselves, but instead leave behind a tool with such distinct features—don't you both find that a bit too deliberate?"
Eddard and Catelyn, having seen much in their lives, immediately understood Roman's point.
"Ser Roman, are you saying someone left this dagger intentionally to muddy the waters?"
Roman looked at the rational Catelyn and nodded with satisfaction.
As long as Catelyn didn't pull any of those reckless stunts from the original story, Roman could at least spare the energy to safely extract Eddard when things went south in King's Landing.
Otherwise, having to take Myrcella away and rescue Eddard at the same time, Roman would have no choice but to use his precious Hidden Troops.
Robert and Eddard had already discussed their subsequent plans and were now preparing to return to King's Landing.
Roman also needed to return to Harrenhal. Before leaving, he sought out Tyrion.
"Lord Tyrion, I heard you plan to visit the Wall. Is that true?"
The Imp glanced at Roman. "Ser Roman, I do indeed have that intention. How did you know?"
Roman smiled and pulled a token from his pocket. "I heard it from a prostitute in Winterfell. This is my token. Currently, the area around the Wall is filled with Wildling armies. Without a token, it's easy to be mistaken for a spy. With this, you will have safe passage."
The Imp took the token, which featured nine exquisite black bats and had Roman's name inscribed on it.
"Ser Roman, why are you helping me? We aren't exactly close."
"Ah, I'm not questioning you, just curious."
Roman laughed. "Because neither of us is liked by the Queen."
The Imp hadn't expected Roman to be so candid and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Heh, hahaha! Well said, Ser Roman! That bitch has always been like that!"
"Lord Tyrion!"
"It's fine!" The Imp interrupted Roman. "That's how she and I talk. She calls me a demon and a halfman, and I call her a bitch that even a horse would be allowed to mount. Every brat in King's Landing knows this. What does it matter if it reaches my sister's ears?"
Then Tyrion nudged Roman with his elbow. "I heard that fool Cersei was flying into a rage over your engagement to Myrcella. She was cursing you and Robert while smashing all sorts of precious porcelain, but once her anger cooled, she still had to buy more from your Harrenhal; otherwise, she wouldn't be qualified to attend the noble ladies' Salons."
At this point, the two of them laughed together.
After laughing, Tyrion said with a serious expression, "Ser Roman, Myrcella is a good child. She is a hundred times better than that wretch Cersei. You must not mistreat her, or I will look down on you."
"Of course, I am well aware of that."
Tyrion, however, wore a "knowing" expression. "With such beautiful girls around you, how could you possibly restrain yourself? I only hope you don't go too far. It wouldn't be good to have a bastard before you're even married."
"Thank you for your advice," Roman bowed.
"Ha, just a dwarf's silly joke. Just take it as my jealousy. Not everyone has such beautiful and loyal Female Kin by their side."
Hearing Tyrion's self-deprecation, Roman knew The Imp was thinking of his past sorrows. He stepped forward and patted Tyrion on the shoulder.
"Lord Tyrion, others may curse you because of your status as a dwarf, but no one can obscure your actions. Compared to those hypocritical nobles, communicating with straightforward people like you and King Robert brings me more joy."
The Imp looked at Roman in surprise; this was a rare high evaluation, second only to Jaime's.
Tyrion instinctively tried to guess Roman's motive, but after thinking it over, he realized there was no need for Roman to do this. The gap in their status was too large.
Roman was the future Count of Harrenhal, while Tyrion? He didn't even know where he would end up rotting.
Perhaps this eccentric man was telling the truth. At the thought of this, a ripple formed in Tyrion's heart, breaking his originally stagnant state of mind.
The Imp spoke with a slightly trembling voice, "Ser Roman, when there's an opportunity in the future, I must treat you to a good drink. I have many fine wines in my collection!"
Roman bowed and saw Tyrion off.
The Imp rode his horse, departing with his Attendants. Every few steps, he looked back at Roman, looking at the young man standing in the cold wind.
Once Tyrion was far away, Roman called his men to prepare for departure.
Robert and Eddard had been waiting at the gates of Winterfell for a long time. In addition to the convoy heading south, Roman also saw Benjen Stark, dressed in black, leading Jon Snow.
Seeing Roman, Jon Snow ignored his pain and said excitedly:
"Lord Roman, I'm going to join the Wall Guard! You must come and visit when you have the chance. By then, I will surely have achieved something!"
The Wall Guard was a new army Roman had suggested Eddard build. Controlled by House Stark, it only recruited high-quality Wildlings and people from the Seven Kingdoms. It fulfilled some of the duties of the Night's Watch but was not restricted by their oaths.
They practiced the integration of military and agriculture, solving their own logistics through farming during normal times, training during the off-season, and fighting during wartime.
But because the requirements were high and the conditions were harsh, not many people were willing to go yet. Jon going there would reduce Catelyn's hostility and allow him to carve out a career of his own.
Under the gaze of Catelyn, Bran, Rickon, and the people of Winterfell, the three leaders began their journey south.
With Roman and Fili escorting them along the way, no conflicts occurred between the houses of the Wolf, the Stag, and the Lion.
Aside from Myrcella, the members of House Lannister were somewhat wary of Roman and avoided provoking him unless necessary, which also reduced friction between the Wolf and the Lion.
Roman couldn't help but sigh; when out in the world, respect is indeed something you earn for yourself.
When the group arrived at the Harrenhal territory, the Northerners were shocked by the wealth and strength of the place.
Endless seas of wheat, advanced specially hardened roads, various massive water transport systems, and dense villages surrounding the giant Strongholds.
Even the military power the Northerners were most proud of was eclipsed by the Heavy Armor Corps practicing in the distance.
Seeing Robert's boasting expression nearby, Eddard finally understood why Robert wanted Myrcella to marry the heir of a Count.
Roman said, "Your Majesty, my lords, we have reached Harrenhal. Please forgive me for not escorting you further."
Bidding farewell to the crowd heading for King's Landing, Roman and Fili went straight to Lady Helaena's room.
Returning this time, first, he needed to report the specific situation.
Second, Harrenhal needed to rapidly expand its army.