The monk can run away, but the temple cannot. As the leader of the Night's Watch, it would be irresponsible of Aegor to simply walk away and leave Nina and the others, his subordinates and followers, behind. To avoid being drawn into officialdom, one must find the right excuse and timing. Fortunately, Renly did not immediately appoint Aegor after seizing King's Landing, which gave him the time needed to prepare.
The new occupant of the Iron Throne began by imitating others and issued a general pardon for the gold cloaks who had helped Stannis defend the city during its fall. Then, while generously rewarding the heroes, he swiftly eradicated what little remained of Eddard Stark's and Stannis's power and influence in the capital. Without delay, he began mobilizing royal resources to rebuild a new royal fleet centered around the ships from Storm's End, preparing to swiftly "pacify" Dragonstone, confront his brother, and bring an end to the war for the throne.
There was also good news. In order to legitimize his rule, Renly claimed he was the lawful heir appointed by Robert and officially recognized all of Robert's previous decrees, including the "Night's Watch Tax Exemption Act."
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Before crossing into this world, Aegor had also been misled by the old blacksmith Donal Noye's words: "Robert is real steel, Stannis is pure iron, and Renly is bright copper," and thus had looked down on Renly. But if you think about it, how is that any different from saying "Northerners can fight ten men at once"? Both are heavily biased statements with strong subjective leanings.
Compared to his two older brothers, Renly was simply too young and had yet to prove himself. Didn't Tywin also dismiss the Young Wolf Robb Stark because of his age? And yet, throughout the war, he lost every battle against him, and even his own son Jaime was captured. Even if Renly is truly just bronze, who says bronze can't make a good king?
Based on what Aegor had seen and heard since arriving in the world of ice and fire, to be honest, he believed Renly was more suited to be king than Stannis. Indeed, Renly had no remarkable abilities apart from his popularity, personal charm, and acting skills. But for a ruler—especially in a feudal lord era—personal talent isn't everything. A qualified king is one who can win over the nobles, balance all factions, and appoint the right people to govern. Even just being able to "make friends with the great lords of the realm" and "heed Margaery's counsel and recruit talents accordingly" would already make Renly a qualified king.
With Renly's charisma, Margaery's cunning and wisdom, and the resources of the Reach behind them, as long as Eddard Stark was kept as a hostage, a ceasefire was reached with the three northern regions, and the unpredictable Stannis was eliminated… as long as the Tyrells, as in-laws, didn't turn against him, Renly's throne would be as secure as Robert's had been.
However, regardless of whether Renly was truly a rare wise king… Aegor would never risk his life and fortune for a monarch who could be killed by magic at any moment.
…
…
…
While Renly and Margaery were busy dealing with the chaos and barely had time to attend to their own affairs, Aegor swiftly wrapped up all matters concerning the Night's Watch and prepared to extricate himself from the storm.
He spent half a day carefully writing a "petition" meant for another world: first expressing gratitude for Renly's kindness and respect, then praising the new king, before shifting the topic. He emphasized that the Wall was currently facing the dual threats of the wildlings and the White Walkers—at this moment, when the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms was under unprecedented crisis, he could not abandon his sworn brothers to enjoy comfort in the South. He acknowledged that he was in his prime and had many opportunities to serve the realm, but the threat looming over the Night's Watch and all of humanity in Westeros was one not seen in a thousand years. After much earnest explanation, he affirmed his loyalty—once the crisis beyond the Wall was resolved, he would willingly return to serve His Grace Renly for the rest of his life.
Whether the new king believed his vow was irrelevant. What Aegor sought was to use the interests of the realm to prevent Renly from taking direct action against him or the Night's Watch. Of course, to play it safe, Aegor also prepared a wedding gift for Renly and Margaery: a chandelier adorned with colorful crystal gems, designed to catch the sunlight during the day and glow with lamplight at night, casting a vibrant array of colors—just like modern ballroom lighting.
If the rumor about Renly's love of color was true, then he would surely enjoy this gift… and Aegor's petition would be delivered along with it. As the saying goes, you don't strike a smiling man. If Renly still insisted on retaliating against the Night's Watch under these circumstances, then Aegor could only sit back and wait for Melisandre to make a move.
…
To avoid any mishaps, Aegor decided to act first and report later. As soon as martial law was lifted in King's Landing, he departed with his men without delay. With Stannis retreating to Dragonstone and Renly having sealed off Blackwater Bay, and the outer port of King's Landing destroyed in the fighting, Aegor had no choice but to travel north by land.
With the reputation he'd earned from leading the Night's Watch through two major crises, and by offering double military pay and generous benefits, Aegor successfully recruited 50 men from the Night's Watch Logistics Security Team before leaving. These men voluntarily transitioned from "Night's Watch Industrial Security" to the "Night's Watch Logistics Department Direct Armed Forces." They followed their Chief Logistics Officer north and took orders only from him. Including personnel tasked with transporting food and supplies, the team numbered nearly a hundred. Arya, disguised as a boy, passed as Aegor's personal attendant and blended in without drawing attention.
A large group like this, transporting sensitive war materials and moving north into territory considered hostile, should have had no chance of bypassing garrison inspections… But Aegor was no ordinary man now. With a few discreet efforts, he successfully navigated all checkpoints and left the city without trouble, soon leaving the towering walls of King's Landing behind.
Nearly a year later, Aegor was once again heading toward the place he had once fled from with all his might—the place where his story had begun. Bringing with him carts of supplies and a high-spirited, well-armed unit, it felt almost like returning in glory.
…
For the first two days of the return journey, the group encountered no trouble. Determined to avoid complications, they moved quickly. In just one more day, they would exit the royal domain and enter the Riverlands. Once they reached territory loyal to House Tully, Arya would be safe.
But the more you fear something, the more likely it is to happen. At noon on the third day, a small unit of gold cloaks caught up to them.
(To be continued.)