The more he spoke, the more worried he became: "Little Robert has been frail since childhood, he can't leave his family's care."
Meeting Edmure's slightly pleading gaze, Robb nodded calmly: "Uncle, I am also little Robert's family. If necessary, I will exchange Jaime for Robert with Tywin."
Ser Brynden patted Edmure's shoulder, saying: "Trout, Direwolf, and Falcon are one family. We share a hearth."
Edmure was very happy: "After we defeat Lannister, I will personally lead troops to take back little Robert's Eyrie."
Ser Brynden silently patted Edmure again.
After a pause, Edmure seemed to finally realize: "The Red Keep's envoy is in Riverrun, we can talk about this matter right away... The sooner it's settled, the less little Robert will suffer."
King Robb's voice turned slightly cold: "The Red Keep's envoy?"
Edmure didn't notice Robb's change in expression and replied: "Tyrion of Lannister. He's been here for several days already."
Ser Brynden rebuked: "Edmure, you should have reported this to King Robb immediately."
Edmure was startled for a moment and said: "Before, I didn't know where you two were, and we were just discussing the Frey matter, so I didn't have a chance to say anything."
Ser Brynden reminded him: "I heard you had time to boast about your military achievements to the people who returned with King Robb."
Edmure's face became embarrassed. Ser Brynden ignored him and looked at King Robb: "Negotiation is another battlefield. Perhaps we can alleviate the current predicament here."
...
In the evening, Vargo Hoat, the leader of the Brave Companions, strode into the inn where Lord Bolton was staying.
The Brave Companions were originally Sellswords who followed Lannister in the Riverlands (Chapter 221), and later defected to Roose Bolton during the battle at the High Heart in the Riverlands (Chapter 230). Rumor has it that Vargo Hoat, the leader of the Brave Companions, had many conflicts with Ser Amory Lorch of the Westerlands while plundering the Riverlands (Chapter 221). It is said that this was the main reason for his defection.
Upon reaching a door, Vargo Hoat pushed it open directly and saw Roose Bolton standing in front of the brazier.
If not for Lord Bolton's pale eyes shifting slightly, one would have mistakenly thought he hadn't noticed the intruder.
With a bang, Vargo Hoat closed the room door, then an angry voice rang out: "My men tell me you've been meeting privately with Adam Marbrand (Tyrion's companion, Chapter 257) from the Red Keep's envoy party, Lord Bolton."
Lord Bolton's thin voice was like a chilling wind: "Goat (Vargo Hoat's nickname), I thought that leading a group like the Brave Companions for a long time required brains."
Vargo, the leader of the Brave Companions, clenched his fists and said: "Lord Bolton, just tell me directly, why are you secretly meeting with Lannister? What is your hidden agenda?"
"It wasn't a secret meeting, at least your men saw it."
After the letter with the green wax seal in the brazier had burned to ashes, Lord Bolton turned to look at Vargo, saying: "Goat, if there was a need, I would choose to avoid your eyes."
Vargo was not convinced by Lord Bolton's reasonable explanation. His tone was mocking: "Lord Bolton, you want to avoid the eyes of Riverrun, but you can't, because this is not your Dreadfort."
He continued: "Lannister knows this too, so you changed your approach, which is to meet openly."
Lord Bolton's ice-sculpted face remained expressionless: "Your hypothesis seems reasonable, but a guess is still a guess, and facts are facts."
He sat down and continued: "Ser Marbrand hopes I will persuade King Robb to make peace with Lannister."
Vargo came to the chair opposite Lord Bolton, grabbing the back of the chair with one hand, and said: "What did Lannister promise? I imagine mere gold wouldn't satisfy your appetite, Lord Bolton."
After a pause, Lord Bolton said: "After peace, Bolton will have a seat on the Small Council."
Upon hearing this, Vargo chuckled mockingly, saying: "Lannister is truly still cunning."
He stared at Lord Bolton and continued: "I thought at least they'd promised you the position of Warden of the North."
After a moment of silence, Lord Bolton said: "You may leave, Goat."
Vargo grinned, his voice carrying a warning: "Esteemed Lord Bolton, if you defect to Lannister, my Brave Companions will be in a very difficult position."
Having said that, he turned and left.
After Vargo left the room, the captain of Bolton's guard entered and respectfully said: "Lord Roose, should Goat's preferential treatment continue? He lacks the proper respect for you. This man is very dangerous."
"Dangerous..."
Roose Bolton's pale fingers tapped his knee, saying: "Arrogant people are much safer than those who are honey-mouthed and dagger-hearted. My guard captain, Goat's Brave Companions can preserve Bolton's strength on the battlefield."
After a pause, Bolton's guard captain couldn't help but continue to advise: "Lord Roose, but this will affect your prestige in front of everyone..."
"Quiet..."
Roose Bolton closed his eyelids, his voice very soft: "If you cannot be quiet, your tongue need not remain."
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