chapter 98 part 2
Yuria didn't complain once. Chewing on the hard black bread, she still happily recounted Dik's childhood memories, which he had long since forgotten.
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"You wouldn't want to see Yuria living a hard life because of you, would you?"
Dik finally understood the true meaning of those words.
From the bottom of his heart, Dik began to seriously study the various courses Joffrey arranged. And so began his days of suffering.
What made Dik suffer was not the swordsmanship lessons, but the etiquette lessons.
Although the swordsmanship lessons were a bit tiring, Dik quickly grew to love the feeling of wielding a sword, gradually becoming tireless in it.
What truly tormented Dik's body and mind were the etiquette lessons... that housekeeper, Surana, who wore a short sword at her waist, was extremely strict.
The moment Dik slumped his back even slightly, Surana would strike him with the wooden stick in her hand.
And for various subtle movements, almost every part of Dik's body, besides his face, felt Surana's strikes.
"Remember, a nobleman should not..."
Then came a *whack! whack!*
Dik gasped from the blows, wanting to retort... He wasn't a nobleman; he was just a bastard!
But Dik's intuition told him not to speak out; the outcome would only be worse.
So, the clever Dik endured, silently accepting Surana's etiquette lessons.
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*Whack!*
"Ouch!" Dik couldn't help but cry out in pain, clutching the top of his head, which felt as if it were about to split open.
The expressionless Surana said coldly, "Master Dik, you are progressing in all other areas, but I have yet to see any improvement in your gaze.
"Every time you think, you get a thieving look in your eyes. Your eyes actively tell everyone that you are preparing to do something wicked.
"With a look like that, you couldn't even be a good thief. Everyone will subconsciously be wary of you. This is equivalent to having 'untrustworthy' carved on your face."
Dik realized his head was already swelling. He pressed it painfully and said, "I'm very sorry, Lady Surana. I don't know how to change this... habit."
Dik himself wasn't aware of this particular trait, but he didn't doubt the truth of Surana's words.
If 'untrustworthy' was carved on his face... Dik felt that 'trustworthy' must be carved on Surana's.
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Surana nodded slightly. "Willingness to apologize is a good habit. Humility is a virtue, after all. But don't use it as an excuse for weakness.
"Since Lord Glyn has arranged for you to study, I only hope you will put more effort into it and meet his requirements soon. Then I can be freed from this tedious teaching duty. And one more piece of sincere advice: do not test anyone's patience. Life and death hang in the balance here. Think more of your sister, Yuria."
Dik swallowed hard and hastily said, "My lady, I promise! I swear, I definitely haven't been slacking off!"
*Whack!* Dik was once again mercilessly struck by Surana.
"Have you forgotten to maintain a dignified posture?"
Dik stiffly resisted the urge to rub the painful spot, because such a move would only earn him another strike from Surana.
Dik couldn't help but ask, confused, "Pardon me, my lady, what is 'dignified'?"
Only then did Surana remember that Dik had not yet progressed to this lesson.
This situation, of course, didn't stump Surana. She moved on to the next topic, quickly capturing Dik's attention.
"Master Dik, I have prepared a mirror for you. It will help you become a truly sincere gentleman."
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The sea surged with towering waves. Rows of mountain-like swells roared, crashing against the rocky shore and sending up white spray with a thunderous sound.
Dragonstone, the docks.
Glyn, who had just disembarked, looked up at the distant castle carved in the shape of a dragon, then glanced around.
Dragonstone Castle was ancient and strong, but its vassals were few. The islands under its rule were sparsely populated, making it difficult for the lord to raise an army.
However, Dragonstone was a fortress difficult to breach with conventional military force.
"Good day, Lord Glyn. Welcome to Dragonstone."
The person who came to greet Glyn was none other than Ser Davos Seaworth.
Hadn't Davos gone to the Stormlands? Glyn was confused because when Davos had visited him, he remembered Davos telling him that he would be heading to the Stormlands the next day.
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Glyn's face immediately broke into a smile. He opened his arms and embraced Davos like an old friend.
"Good day, Ser Davos. I didn't expect you to greet me personally. I am deeply honored."
Facing Glyn's enthusiasm, Davos remained humble. "I was reporting on military affairs to Lord Stannis when I heard the news of your imminent arrival. I volunteered to come and greet you."
After speaking, Davos introduced his companion. "This is my third son, Matthos Seaworth, serving as my first mate on the *Black Betha*."
Matthos was tall and thin, bearing some resemblance to Davos. He bowed to Glyn and said, "Good day, Lord Glyn."
Matthos's demeanor was as humble and courteous as his father's.
Glyn returned the greeting. "Good day, Matthos. The *Black Betha* is Ser Davos's pride, and I imagine that as his first mate, you are his pride as well."
Matthos's eyes lit up. He chuckled, a little embarrassed, and nodded to Glyn in thanks.
Davos's gaze was gentle as he reached out and patted Matthos. "The sea is merciless. He still needs more tempering."
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Glyn walked alongside Davos. Decorations carved in the shape of dragons were everywhere. Although House Targaryen had lost the Iron Throne, their mark was deeply imprinted here.
Glyn ascended the steep stone steps and arrived at Dragonstone's main keep, the Stone Drum Tower.
Whenever a storm approached, the interior of its ancient walls would rumble and echo, hence its name.
Legend had it that hidden passages in the Stone Drum's dungeons could reach the heart of Dragonmont.
In silence, Glyn and his group arrived at the Painted Table Chamber, located at the very top of the Stone Drum Tower.
The Painted Table Chamber was a circular room. Inside, a huge table had a detailed map of Westeros carved and painted on it. Four tall arched windows faced the four cardinal directions: east, west, south, and north.
Here, Glyn met a grim-faced Lord Stannis.
Glyn bowed with a hand over his heart. "Good day, Lord Stannis. I am deeply honored to meet you."
(end of chapter)