Jon realized that when these Northerners engaged in mutinies, coups, or king-making, they always seemed to follow the same playbook.
He did have plans to seize power, but not now. There was still plenty of time before Stannis attacked King's Landing—the Battle of the Blackwater.
Many variables could arise during this period.
Because he had stopped Robb from becoming King, Robb no longer trusted him as much as before. A single letter might empower Roose Bolton to take back command of his troops.
What Jon wanted was to seize military power at the right moment, then immediately lead the army to King's Landing before anyone could react.
Moreover, with the leverage of helping to capture King's Landing, it was unlikely Stannis would turn on Winterfell in the short term, giving Jon time to maneuver.
However, since the idea of a mutiny had been planted, Jon couldn't reject it as vehemently as last time. He raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"My lords, I am but a junior setting foot on the battlefield for the first time. I cannot compare to Lord Bolton's seasoned command. Furthermore, Lord Bolton has made no errors in his leadership, and he is the Commander of the Eastern Army, personally appointed by Robb. I assume none of you wish to disobey your liege lord's orders?" Jon finished speaking and left the crowd before they could respond.
"Jon!"
"Lord Jon!"
"Jon..."
Seeing Jon leave, no one tried to stop him. Wendel Manderly spoke up: "Jon seems much milder than last time. Perhaps if we try a bit harder, he'll agree to become our Commander of the Eastern Army!"
Reminded by Wendel, everyone looked enlightened.
Compared to drawing his sword to intimidate them last time, Jon had reasoned with them this time. It seemed their "efforts" were working.
---
Meanwhile, accompanied by Martyn, Jon headed to Roose Bolton's camp.
Martyn became visibly nervous the moment they entered Bolton's camp.
The surrounding Bolton soldiers looked at them with ill intent. They deliberately sharpened weapons and polished armor by the roadside. Some even slaughtered a wild boar right in front of Jon.
The boar's miserable squeals seemed ready to tear eardrums, and dark red, steaming blood sprayed everywhere.
"My Lord."
Martyn swallowed unconsciously, only to find his mouth bone-dry.
"Just bravado," Jon reassured him.
Originally, Old Walder dared to conspire with Bolton for the Red Wedding because they had secured backing. Now, although the North couldn't say victory was locked in, they clearly had the upper hand.
Roose Bolton wouldn't be stupid enough to move against him here.
The reason his soldiers were posturing was likely because the commotion of Harrion and the others urging Jon to seize power had alarmed him, or perhaps his retainers had decided to act on their own.
Jon soon arrived at Roose Bolton's tent. Bolton received Jon with the highest standards.
The Flayed Man banner of the Dreadfort and Jon's White Wolf banner hung side by side in the tent.
This signified treating the guest as an equal.
However, through his [God's Eye View], Jon discovered that Roose Bolton had hidden about twenty fully armed soldiers behind his tent.
These men were on high alert, seemingly waiting for a signal.
Is he really going to pull a 'throw the cup as a signal' move? This made Jon uncertain for a moment.
Roose Bolton might be evil, but he definitely wasn't stupid. Why would he do such a thing at this time?
Jon saw Roose Bolton already seated behind a table in the tent, wearing a faint smile.
His retainer, Bolin, stood expressionlessly by his side.
"Jon, you're here? Come, sit." Roose Bolton looked at Jon and Martyn, a rare smile on his face.
Martyn looked vigilant, but Jon's expression remained normal. After acquiring The Mountain's [Great Strength] perk, he believed no one in the Northern army was his match in single combat.
And with only a dozen steps between them, Jon didn't consider Bolin a threat.
Throw a cup? If you dare throw it, I'll send you flying!
Although Jon didn't think he could defeat twenty fully armed soldiers, he was confident he could take Roose Bolton's head at this distance.
If Bolton dared to make a move now, Jon was confident he could take him hostage and immediately seize command.
Later, if Robb asked, it would be self-defense.
Seeing Roose Bolton greet him, Jon smiled back, walked quickly to sit beside him, while Martyn stood behind Jon.
The distance between the two was now less than three steps.
Seeing Jon approach quickly, Roose Bolton subconsciously leaned away, like a reed bending in the wind.
Deep wariness flashed in his pale eyes.
He's afraid of me? Realizing Roose Bolton's true intent, Jon relaxed.
The Northern lords had urged Jon to seize command more than once, and the latest battle report showed Jon had personally slain The Mountain.
Jon's immense prestige, power, and personal combat prowess made Roose Bolton extremely wary.
He was afraid Jon would suddenly attack, which was why he arranged so many bodyguards.
Thinking from Bolton's perspective, if Jon were in his shoes, he probably wouldn't sleep soundly either. Thinking of this, Jon relaxed.
Now at ease, Jon turned his attention to the dining table.
The dishes were simple but plentiful.
Especially in the center, there was a roast suckling pig with an apple in its mouth.
"Honey-roasted suckling pig, a Dreadfort recipe. You should try it, Jon."
Looking at the suckling pig, Jon thought of the commoners displaced by war.
This piglet was likely "requisitioned" by Lord Bolton from some commoner's home.
If so, Jon couldn't bring himself to eat it. So he said jokingly, "Lord Bolton, in times of war, this is excessive."
Roose Bolton paused slightly, then said, "It seems our Lord Stark also taught you the virtue of frugality."
After some pleasantries, Roose Bolton explained the reason for his invitation.
"Before long, Tywin will inevitably retreat west to Casterly Rock. His supply lines are cut. Not only have we won two victories here, but Stannis and Renly are also hostile to him. I want to take this opportunity to consider capturing Harrenhal, completely severing the Westerlands army from the Crownlands!"
Smelling the aroma of food, Jon looked at Roose Bolton with smiling eyes.
In that instant, Roose felt completely seen through, as if he were naked before Jon.
"Lord Bolton might as well speak plainly. I am not as wise as my father."
"Uh—" The corner of Roose Bolton's mouth twitched. He now had a strong feeling that the person giving Robb ideas at Winterfell was definitely Jon.
And he dared say even Eddard Stark didn't have this kind of cunning.
After a moment of hesitation, Roose spoke again: "I was thinking, since your army just won a great victory, why not take Harrenhal while morale is high? Of course, I will have the entire Northern army coordinate with you."
Oh, cannon fodder. Jon chuckled inwardly.
This Roose Bolton was getting addicted to borrowing a knife to kill.
Did he not think his intentions were too obvious?