There was a burst of laughter and agreement from the crowd, and Edmure, trying his best to maintain a humble demeanor, couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.
Robb raised his hand to signal for silence, then said, "But we cannot relax our vigilance. Lannister will surely invade again. For the peace of the kingdom, we must continue to fight."
"Long live the King of the North!"
"Long live the King of the Trident!"
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, King Robb, surrounded by his Northern and Riverlands vassals, entered Riverrun.
As they were about to reach Riverrun's main castle, Roose Bolton of Dreadfort suddenly rode up and blocked King Robb's path.
The surroundings became momentarily silent due to the "incident." Lord Bolton, still on horseback, performed a chest-touching salute and said, "King, I am here on Lord Ned's orders."
Before Robb could respond, Greatjon, who was beside him, roared, "Roose Bolton, get out of my way! You're blocking King Robb's path!"
King Robb raised his hand to stop Greatjon from speaking further. He looked at the Bolton, Earl of the Dreadfort, whose expression was like an ice sculpture: "Lord Bolton, how is my father?"
Roose Bolton's thin voice rang out: "Although Lord Ned has recaptured Cailin Bay, Greyjoy Ironborn are still raiding throughout the North. He has to remain in Winterfell, mobilizing the remaining Northern soldiers to defend our homeland."
Buzz! Hearing Lord Bolton's words, the lords from the North grew uneasy.
"Ten Balon Greyjoys are no match for my father."
King Robb gazed at Lord Bolton and then said, "I will summon you later, Roose Bolton."
Upon hearing this, Roose Bolton first nodded slightly, then lightly kicked his horse's belly, tugged on the reins… and slowly moved out of the way.
… … … …
In front of the fireplace in the main castle's small hall, Robb Stark stared at the flames in the fireplace and said, "Uncle, I cannot see into Lord Bolton's heart. I have never been able to trust him."
Brynden Tully quipped, "No one can see through a block of ice."
King Robb smiled, then was silent for a moment, saying, "My father trusts him greatly."
Ser Brynden shook his head slightly and said, "Ned also has people he likes and dislikes, but he trusts every one of his Northern vassals."
King Robb nodded, pondered for a moment, and then, with a hint of confusion, said, "Why would Father send Lord Bolton here? Most Northern lords don't like Dreadfort; Father knows this well."
Ser Brynden mused for a moment, then said, "Perhaps Ned values Lord Bolton's wisdom more. He understands the North; when the descendants of the First Men in the North hold swords in their hands, they rarely consider other things."
King Robb couldn't help but smile: "That's also one of the reasons they don't like Lord Roose."
Ser Brynden smiled kindly, then suddenly said, "Perhaps your father hopes you will make a choice soon. With Lord Bolton here, at least you can hear different counsel."
After a moment of silence, King Robb asked, "A choice?"
Ser Brynden stared at King Robb for a moment, then pointed to the bronze and black iron sword-crown on King Robb's head and said, "Child, have you thought… how you will meet your father?"
King Robb leaned back in his chair and said without hesitation, "By then, Father will be the King of the North and the King of the Trident."
Hearing Robb's answer, Ser Brynden pressed, "What if… your father refuses to wear the King's crown?"
King Robb opened his mouth and said, "Lannister almost killed Father. We are already mortal enemies. House Stark has no other choice."
Ser Brynden sighed, "Ned and Robert were like brothers. Your father would not seize the Iron Throne left by his brother."
Seeing Robb's silence, he continued, "While you were bathing, I inquired about Lord Bolton. It is said that Lord Frey refused to let the Dreadfort army pass through The Twins, so he could only come with a few guards."
He paused, then continued, "Lord Frey is expressing his displeasure about Jeyne's matter. He is subtly reminding you… that House Frey's The Twins are very important to you. He is waiting for your friendly response, King Robb."
Ser Brynden saw Robb's clenched fists. He slowly said, "Before calling Edmure, King Robb…"
A pair of deep blue eyes looked directly at Robb: "Are you sure you want to break off the engagement with House Frey and take Janei Westerling as your wife?"
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