Everyone in the conference hall had left, and Xion, who stayed at the end, asked: "Robb, Earl Nori of the Mountain Clan, is usually taciturn and doesn't understand aristocratic etiquette and negotiation skills at all.
Why don't I go with him? Let me help you talk about the Twins, and by the way, let the Frey family join our camp."
Looking at Theon who was really making suggestions for him at this moment, Robb smiled and said: "No, you have to stay by my side. Without you to help me make suggestions, I would not be able to make up my mind on many things!
As for Count Penory, don't worry, I will certainly consider it."
"Well, it's good that you have already considered it. Don't worry, I will definitely give you more advice."
Hearing this, Xion nodded helpfully and then continued to ask,
"I just wanted to ask, since we are pressed for time and the infantry team is marching slowly, why don't we set off immediately today and wait until tomorrow?"
When Robb heard Theon's inquiry, he focused his gaze on a corner of the map on the table and replied softly: "Because, I am still waiting for some guests and want them to see the majesty of our army."
"Guest? Here in Carlin Bay...someone wants to inquire about our military situation?
Robb, do you want me to take some people to find them?"
"No need, Xue Feng is watching them for me."
"Well, there is no problem with it keeping track. No wonder, I said I haven't seen Xue Feng today.
By the way, what did the kennel manager from Severn City say about Nymeria and the Lady?"
When Theon heard Robb say that Bloodwind was watching, he nodded with relief and continued to gossip.
"Hehe, Xion, you are indeed experienced. Nymeria and the lady are indeed in love, and they should have been sent back to Winterfell by now.
Although there are no other direwolves in the North, there are also many large gray wolves.
I have arranged for someone to go capture it in the wolf forest."
Robb chuckled and spoke to satisfy Theon's curiosity.
After being reminded by Theon before, when the northern army passed through Severn City, he left Nymeria and the lady in Severn City and was observed by the kennel master there.
After several days of observation, it was indeed proven that they were in heat. Although Robb didn't know why investing 60 blood bond points in them did not increase their size but increase their lust.
However, from some aspects, it can be considered a good thing.
Because he still remembered how shocking the scene was when Nymeria last saw Arya with a group of large blood-related gray wolves.
"Hey, reserve one for me in advance, their wolf cub!
I also want to make it as big as the bloody wind, and then ride it out majestically."
Looking at Theon who was full of admiration, Robb smiled and did not expose his sweet dream.
Early the next morning, in the northern army camp, the horn sounding the departure signal sounded, and nearly 26,000 troops were still lined up like a long queue, heading south along the King's Road.
In a small soil bag not far from Kalin Bay, the few ironmen who came from the Relang River were staring closely at the northern army.
When the northern army completely left the Gulf of Cailin, one of the ironmen said: "Almost 25,000 people. Shall we report to King Balon now?"
"No, follow them and wait until they leave the Neck Area and we will report back.
It’s safer this way.”
Another ironborn shook his head and stopped.
"Yes, yes, I don't want to be punished by King Balon because of my mistakes."
"Yes, you still have to be more cautious."
After some discussion, several ironmen quietly followed the northern army towards the south.
And far behind them, Xue Feng deftly hid his huge body while using his super eyesight to keep a close eye on these ironmen.
…
The Twins are a pair of castles standing on both sides of the Green Fork River. Together they guard the bridge across the river that has made the Frey family rich and powerful and prosperous for hundreds of years.
Earl Nori, who accepted the mission from the King of the North, traveled lightly with a few personal guards and galloped all the way.
In less than five days, they arrived in front of the Twins City. After informing the gate guards of their intention, they did not wait long before servants took them into the Twins City to meet with Marquis Walder Frey.
Marquis Walder is an old man with sparse white hair, sagging skin, and a shrewd and cunning appearance.
He is already ninety years old this year. He has been suffering from gout for a long time. At this moment, he is sitting on a black oak chair and looking at Earl Nory who enters the reception hall.
"Marquis Walder, I am the envoy sent by the King of the North. Our 30,000 northern troops want to pass through your bridge in Twin River City. Do you allow it?"
When he was in the mountain clan tribe, the people were always tough and spoke with force. Therefore, Count Nori did not understand aristocratic etiquette at all.
He didn't even say a polite word when he came up, he directly stated his purpose.
When Marquis Walder saw Count Nori speaking directly without etiquette, he raised his brows slightly, but his face did not reveal a trace of dissatisfaction.
Instead, he smiled and said: "Of course the King of the North can pass through our Twin River City.
However, for hundreds of years, anyone who wants to cross the bridge must pay us a bridge toll.
It's like paying to buy something, it's the most basic principle in Westeros."
"How much does it cost?"
Earl Nori, who had experienced the discussions at Calyn Bay, certainly knew that he needed to pay the bridge toll. He nodded and asked directly.
"Ten gold dragons for one soldier, then 300,000 gold dragons for 30,000 people."
"What?"
As soon as Marquis Walder finished speaking lightly, Earl Nory immediately shouted out in surprise.
Although the Nori clan often deals with Winterfell, they are located in a remote location and do not have any resources. It is difficult for the entire clan to produce more than ten golden dragons.
Now that he hears Marquis Walder asking for three hundred thousand golden dragons, this is simply unimaginable to him.
"Haha, let me think about it! We only encounter a war once every ten years. In this special period, of course the bridge toll cannot be calculated at the usual price."
Looking at Count Nori, whose face was getting more and more ugly, Marquis Walder first explained, and then changed the subject and continued,
"Of course, the King in the North can also pay the bridge toll in another way."
"what way?"
After hearing his words, Count Nori immediately asked.
"I swear to the seven gods in the sky... well, and your old god that after the war is over, he will marry one of my daughters.
Moreover, he wants one of his sisters to marry one of my sons.
In this case, not only will all of you cross the river, but our Frey family's army will also join his command."
Marquis Walder smacked his lips twice and spoke slowly, stating his conditions.
"This...I can't decide! I want to go back and report to the King of the North."
"Of course, someone, come and send this envoy of the King of the North out!"
Marquis Walder looked at Earl Nori who turned around and followed the guards out of the banquet hall. He couldn't help but cursed in a low voice,
"What a northern barbarian who doesn't understand etiquette."
"Haha, the old gods they believe in are primitive, nameless gods who don't understand etiquette.
Unlike our seven gods, Our Lady is a benevolent deity who nurtures and teaches the world."
Kevan Lannister, who was supposed to be sieging the city at Riverrun, actually walked out of the left passage behind Marquis Walder at this moment, and accepted Marquis Walder's words with a smile.