Chapter 8:
In the reception hall of the old Pompey residence, the atmosphere was not tense as one might expect. Instead, there was a strange, harmonious vibe.
Firelight from the hearth danced across the faces of the two women.
On one side sat Sansa Stark — the pure-blooded Northern pearl, highborn and elegant. Today she had deliberately worn a light blue silk gown. Her auburn hair was carefully braided, making her look like a budding blue rose: innocent yet proud.
On the other side was Alice Pompey — originally a merchant's daughter, but now transformed by the system. She wore a loose, comfortable woolen home dress. Although her belly had not yet begun to show, the gentle glow of impending motherhood combined with the "Ice Skin and Jade Bones" effect from the Primary Marrow Cleansing Pill made her look every bit as refined as a duke's daughter.
"Lady Stark, please have some tea."
Alice gracefully pushed forward a cup of red tea sweetened with honey — etiquette Victor had taught her, and she had learned it quickly. "My husband has gone to the Red Keep on business. He should return soon."
Sansa held the teacup, staring at Alice's face with slightly dazed eyes.
Before today, she had heard her maids gossip that the handsome Baron Pompey had married a "merchant's daughter who reeked of coin." Sansa had expected to see a vulgar, plump, or timid woman.
But the person before her… had skin even more delicate than her own, and her manners were more refined than many southern noblewomen.
Most striking was the calm, happy glow in Alice's eyes — the kind only a deeply loved woman possessed. It stirred an indescribable sourness in Sansa's heart.
"Lady Pompey… you are truly beautiful," Sansa said after a sip of tea, her words somewhat insincere. "Baron Pompey is very fortunate."
"It's all thanks to my husband's favor," Alice replied gently, her hand unconsciously resting on her belly. This silent "critical hit" struck straight at Sansa's maiden heart. "And soon, we will welcome House Pompey's first child."
Sansa's hand trembled slightly, nearly spilling her tea.
A child…
That knight-like perfect man was already going to become a father?
Just as Sansa felt a wave of disappointment and prepared to excuse herself, steady, powerful footsteps sounded from outside the door.
"I heard we have an honored guest?"
The door opened, and Victor entered, bringing with him the chill of late autumn and the faint lingering scent of roses.
He removed his deep purple coat and handed it to Morsen. His gaze swept over the two women, and his smile was flawlessly perfect.
"Lady Stark, I didn't expect to see you again so soon." Victor walked forward without showing any distance because of his wife's presence. Instead, he naturally took the main seat between the two women. "You honor our humble home."
"Lord… Lord Pompey." The moment Sansa saw his face, her earlier disappointment was instantly replaced by a racing heartbeat. She nervously took out a delicate little cloth bundle. "This is… this is a return gift to thank you for your help that day. I heard you like sweets, so I brought Winterfell's specialty pine nut candies. And… and a handkerchief I embroidered myself."
Alice looked at the bundle, a flash of vigilance in her eyes, quickly masked by her cleverness. She knew her husband was destined for greatness. In this world, it was normal for a strong man to have multiple women. Her only job was to firmly secure her position as the legal wife and mother of the eldest son.
So instead of getting upset, Alice smiled warmly and said, "Husband, Lady Stark is truly thoughtful. This embroidery is so exquisite — even the best tailors in King's Landing couldn't match it."
Victor gave Alice an appreciative glance.
Well-behaved.
He would have to reward her doubly tonight.
"Thank you." Victor accepted the gifts, his deep eyes fixed on Sansa. "Since you've given me a gift, it's only right that I return one as well."
Like performing a magic trick, he pulled out a small glass bottle from his chest.
It was a "trial version" of the perfume he hadn't given to Cersei earlier — lighter in concentration, fresher in scent, named [First Love].
"This is a new creation I developed recently." Victor placed the bottle in Sansa's palm, his fingertips lightly brushing her skin and sending a shiver through her. "Jasmine and hyacinth. I think it suits the blue dress you're wearing today perfectly."
Sansa uncorked the bottle and took a gentle sniff.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
The fresh floral scent made her feel as if she had returned to the glass gardens of Winterfell — pure, beautiful, and free from the stench of King's Landing.
"This is too precious…" Sansa said, unable to put it down.
"Flowers for a beauty," Victor smiled. "If you like it, I'll have every new fragrance sent to the Tower of the Hand as soon as it's ready."
At that moment, Sansa was completely captivated.
Joffrey? The prince? In front of this mature, generous, and romantic man, they were nothing but garbage.
Just as the ambiguous atmosphere was about to deepen, the Shadow Guard outside suddenly knocked on the doorframe.
"My lord, someone has come from the palace."
"It is a royal decree from King Robert."
Victor stood up, his expression switching instantly from gentle to sharp.
A gold-cloaked herald strode in, holding a gilded sheepskin scroll.
"Baron Pompey, hear the command!"
Victor bowed slightly.
"To celebrate Lord Eddard Stark's appointment as Hand of the King, His Grace King Robert hereby announces that a grand 'Hand's Tourney' will be held in one week's time! Knights from all across Westeros will gather in King's Landing to compete for glory and enormous prizes!"
The herald handed Victor an invitation sealed with red wax, his eyes filled with both envy and awe — after all, news of House Pompey's Spartan warriors had already spread throughout the city.
"His Grace also gave a personal message: 'Pompey lad, those red-cloaked strongmen you brought that day really caught my eye! You must participate in this tourney! Don't embarrass me!'"
Victor took the invitation, his fingers stroking the cold emblem.
At that exact moment, the long-awaited system notification rang out once again!
[Ding! Main Quest Triggered: Make a Name for Yourself!] [Quest Background: The tourney is the stage for the strong. The eyes of every major faction will be focused here. This is your best opportunity to display your power and intimidate potential enemies before the entire realm.]
[Quest Objective 1 (Jousting):] Reach the top four. Reward: Family Reputation +500, Random High-Quality Weapon × 1.
[Quest Objective 2 (Melee Battle):] Lead the Spartan warriors to achieve an overwhelming victory in the group melee. Reward: Unlock new troop type — [Rhodesian Slingers × 100] (Ranged strike force)!
[Hidden Quest (Optional): Fall of the Giant] Defeat "The Mountain" Gregor Clegane head-on during the tourney. Reward: S-rank Skill Book — [Master-level Lance Technique]! Special Item — [Loyalty Steel Seal (Can forcibly recruit one defeated opponent as a vassal)]!
Looking at the words "The Mountain," a bloodthirsty glint flashed in Victor's eyes.
The Mountain — the Lannisters' mad dog, one of the strongest fighters in this world, and the very symbol of brutality.
If he could publicly beat this mad dog into the ground in front of everyone…
House Pompey's name would instantly resound across the Seven Kingdoms!
"Please inform His Grace," Victor raised his head, gripping the invitation tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.
"House Pompey will definitely attend."
"And I will put on a real… performance for King's Landing."
Sansa sat to the side, watching the high-spirited Victor. The stars in her eyes were practically overflowing.
This was her knight.
Not only gentle and wealthy, but also a hero about to step onto the battlefield!
Meanwhile, Alice quietly tightened her grip on her teacup. She didn't understand tourneys, but she knew her husband was about to risk his life again.
"Child…" she prayed silently in her heart, "you must bless your father with invincible victory."
Outside the window, the wind began to rise.
This small invitation was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, ready to create ripples.
================================================================
Support me and be 50 chapters ahead of webnovel:
patreon.com/arthursink