Chapter 56: One Must Not Lose Their Cool
In the world of Ice and Fire, is it impossible to move a single inch without a noble title? While that claim might be a bit absolute, it is nearly the reality in Westeros. No one is an invincible protagonist; once you enter this world, you must play by its rules and systems. However, Egger saw through the surface more clearly and fundamentally than most: the noble system is merely the superficial rulebook of Westeros, but behind it lie deeper, more basic laws. Every problem is ultimately a matter of resources and strength.
The emissary of the Iron Bank is but an ordinary clerk, yet even Queen Cersei—who in the original story clawed her way to absolute power in King's Landing by eliminating all dissent—had to treat him with utmost courtesy. Was it because he held some grand title? No, it was because he represented Braavos across the Narrow Sea. The High Sparrow, after establishing the Faith Militant, could humiliate kings and queens alike. Was it because of a peerage or the backing of the Seven? No, it was because he had both soldiers and the support of the masses, aided by the blunders of his opponents. Littlefinger was granted Harrenhal and instantly joined the highest tier of the Westerosi nobility, but if he hadn't already seduced the Lady of the Vale, what would he have been?
Ultimately, noble status is the tool the upper class of Westeros uses to control resources, not the cause of their power. In this world, the people who control resources come first; the titles come second.
Once this causal relationship was clear, the path forward became obvious. So long as he controlled resources, even if he bore the label of a Night's Watchman for his entire life, and even if his legal social standing was lower than that of a mere hedge knight, he could still turn clouds into rain with a flick of his wrist.
It was with this firm belief that Egger had laid out his plans.
...
His original intent was to use a Ponzi scheme for primitive accumulation, using logistics, supplies, and his own recruits planted within the Wall's garrison to fatten up the Night's Watch. By using a boiling frog approach, he would make the Watch dependent on him, slowly hijacking this independent military force both materially and spiritually to ensure his own safety and freedom.
Then, utilizing his gathered capital paired with his advanced knowledge, he would establish a massive community of shared interests in Westeros. When the time was ripe, he would cautiously deploy his influence and resources to participate in the Game of Thrones, seeking a way to absolve himself of his vows and exploring the possibility of returning to his own world.
Egger had arranged his plan, prepared to exhaust his wisdom and knowledge in the joyous struggle against men. But before anything had even begun, Melisandre suddenly appeared... quietly pulling back a corner of the world's stage curtain to let him see the grander, more terrifying truth beneath the chaotic surface.
Over a month ago, Egger had doubted whether the major plot points could be changed because of Bran's fall. Yet, the fact that Tyrion successfully returned to King's Landing later debunked that earlier conclusion... It was precisely because of the judgment that this world had no fate or mysterious providence that Egger's ambition had soared. He let his thoughts run wild, drafting a massive plan in a short time, ready to do great things and rewrite everything.
But now, the Red Witch's words were like a blow to the head: supernatural forces do exist, and they are influencing the human world! Tyrion's smooth return to King's Landing was simply because the Gods didn't have the time to bother with him!
Egger felt like a child who had snuck into his room to enjoy some games or a movie, only to look up and realize there was a camera on the ceiling. His excitement was instantly doused. When being watched without blind spots by god-level entities, who could possibly enjoy themselves?
...
Seeing Egger remain silent for a long time, Melisandre assumed he was terrified by what she had told him. She felt a flicker of disdain; even a hard man of the Night's Watch, a White Walker slayer, would tremble before transcendent power.
"Do you have anything else to ask?" She didn't let her contempt show. Fearing the supernatural was, after all, human nature; she had experienced that shock herself. "Then, considering my sincerity, may I ask a few questions of my own?"
The plan had to change. He not only had to avoid being the nail that sticks out in the eyes of the Westerosi nobility, but he also had to maintain a low profile in the sight of those "demigods" and "true gods." If that were the case... at least half of those papers where he had written his plans could be burned immediately. "Ask then. I shall be equally forthcoming."
For the next half hour, in a state of daze, Egger continued his Q&A with Melisandre. To his relief, all her questions pertained to the lands beyond the Wall and the Nightfort... This meant she hadn't grown suspicious of his identity as a mere ranger. On this basis, he only needed to tell the truth; he didn't need to waste brainpower weaving lies to avoid exposure.
By the time the exchange ended, the Red Priestess's face was etched with gravity, while Egger had used this brief window to struggle and overcome his panic.
Reason was late, but better than absent. Egger regained his composure and gradually cleared his head: conspiracy theories can explain everything, but using them to explain everything is undoubtedly just scaring oneself. He had fooled a bunch of plot characters with a mix of half-truths and lies; who was to say Melisandre's words weren't also a bluff of half-truths?
Furthermore, as a follower of the Red God and a brainwashed zealot, even if she spoke what she believed to be the truth, that didn't make it reality. Just as the Greenseer fabricated the faith of the Old Gods, who could guarantee the Red God truly existed? Who could guarantee Melisandre wasn't just another version of Jojen Reed, led around in circles by a God in her own heart?
Perhaps many stories in the original plot were indeed arranged or facilitated by those extraordinary beings. But if one spent all day thinking, 'Does this person represent the interests of some god?' or 'Does a god want this plot point to happen?' then one might as well do nothing and go back to the Wall to hunt wildlings and kill White Walkers.
Even if there really is a group of beings subtly influencing the physical world at a subconscious level, if there is no way to identify the individuals they influence, and no way to judge which events the gods desire, then for him, what difference is there between these gods and non-existent ones?
Ignore the transcendent beings; the plan remains! It only requires a few minor adjustments to keep himself more low-profile.
Egger's mind cleared, and a strategy soon emerged: now, he likely had to pretend to be a loyal Watchman not only when meeting outsiders, but even when no one was around. Compared to recklessly acting for self-interest, standing clearly on the side opposing the White Walkers might not bring immediate benefits, but it would at least ensure that the God of the Lord of Light's side and his servants... wouldn't target him without cause.
As a mortal, he was simply too weak. He didn't even have the qualifications to be a "fence-sitter"... Truly troublesome.
"The Great Other moves faster than expected." Melisandre had no idea what Egger was thinking; she had her own worries. "Fortunately, the Lord of Light told me in the flames that the Wall can check the Great Other's power and hold back his servants. We still have time to do much before winter comes and the seas freeze." She looked up at the Watchman, setting aside her stray thoughts to become serious. "So, brother in black, is there anything I can do to help the Night's Watch?"
Egger looked back at her. After being called a heretic and enduring a series of events, everything had finally returned to the right track. At least Melisandre wasn't faking her desire to help the Watch. Unfortunately, the Watch needed food and weapons, which Dragonstone lacked; they needed men, which Melisandre herself had few of. Unless the witch was willing to immediately abandon Stannis—whom she had misidentified as Azor Ahai reborn—and head north to the Wall... she likely couldn't help much.
Looking at the serious witch, another massive question slowly surfaced in the Watchman's mind: was the struggle between the gods a life-or-death battle for survival, or was it a back-and-forth sparring match? In other words—were the White Walkers, the Night's Watch, and even priests like Melisandre soldiers and weapons serving the gods' own interests, or were they merely pieces in a game played by transcendent beings in their spare time?
If he could figure that out, the subsequent changes to his plan could be more targeted and precise.
But a moment's thought told him that even if Melisandre was a believer, she could never know secrets of that magnitude.
"The Wall lacks everything, but right now we lack men, grain, and equipment most. That is why I was sent." Egger sighed and shook his head. "But looking at the state of Dragonstone, it's not much better than the Watch. If you truly wish to help, keep a close eye on the obsidian mining."
"No problem."
Wait, speaking of the obsidian mine, Egger remembered something vital. How could he have overlooked this? "I almost forgot to ask. Do you know the principle of how a dragonglass dagger kills a White Walker? If we can understand the mystery behind it, we might be able to think of more ways to deal with those monsters."
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