The eleven households stood trembling in the courtyard, filled with fear and anxiety. To their left stood the sweet-talker, Raff, and to their right was the unremarkable, black-haired young official from Clegane's Keep, Mark.
When Gregor Clegane was in Casterly Rock, it was Mark who oversaw everything here. Mark was essentially Gregor's steward, but given Gregor's small domain and meager wealth, calling him a steward seemed overly grand, small official was a more fitting title.
Mark always carried a small Scribe in his pocket, meticulously detailing every little task he handled daily, from castle expenditures to the mundane chores of the three inhabitants. It was a precaution for when Gregor Clegane felt the need to scrutinize things on a whim.
Previously, Gregor couldn't read, but now, as he secretly learned the script of this world, it wasn't too difficult for someone from a highly civilized world like himself. Whenever Gregor wanted to know what Mark had done on any given day, Mark would pull out Mark and read aloud.
This earned Mark the nickname "Scribe."
Mark truly served its purpose. Whenever Gregor suspected Mark was slacking off or misreporting finances, Mark would present Mark and clarify every detail, with nothing left unchecked. The book proved invaluable, as there was no evading its records.
Surviving in the terrifying Clegane's Keep without meeting an 'untimely' death was an art in itself. After a series of incompetent assistants, Gregor had finally found Mark, a sharp, obedient, loyal, and literate young official.
Mark was only sixteen. He'd been Gregor's family official since he was fourteen, having narrowly escaped death several times at Gregor's hands. His quick wit had earned Gregor's complete trust, establishing his position firmly within Clegane's Keep. Under Gregor's violent reputation and brutal authority, Mark, too, became ruthless and cruel. He was Gregor's most devoted follower.
Gregor could see the intense admiration Mark held for him. If Gregor commanded him to die, Mark would do so without hesitation.
Gregor believed that the intense devotion of people like Raff the Sweetling, the executioner Dunsen, die-hard fan Polliver, and the young "Scribe" could be a form of psychological illness, something akin to Stockholm Syndrome. This condition was most evident in Mark.
Gregor clearly remembered when he first picked Mark up off the streets and subjected him to abuse. Mark's feelings toward Gregor had evolved from fear, hatred, and humiliation, to submission, flattery, and eventually, love and adoration. It perfectly matched the Stockholm Syndrome symptoms.
Stockholm Syndrome refers to a psychological condition where victims develop feelings of affection for their abusers, sometimes even helping and loving them. It occurs when the weak become dependent on the strong for survival, feeling grateful for the slightest kindness or mercy. It's not uncommon in cases where captors are perceived as protectors by those they hold captive. On Earth, there are countless cases where kidnapped victims later end up emotionally attached to their captors.
Gregor wasn't sure if this world had a name for such a condition, but he didn't feel the need to correct it. He didn't intend to fix anything; he only needed to adjust his cruelty and terror, and his followers would inevitably follow his transformation.
There's a saying: The power of an idol's example is limitless.
Standing on the steps, Gregor was flanked by Maester Harry, and behind him stood his two subordinate officers, Polliver and Dunsen. A mere glare from Gregor would make young Harry tremble.
Gregor had always felt that he needed a Maester by his side. His own fearsome reputation and terrifying name across the Seven Kingdoms were a form of power, and knowing how to wield it would bring many advantages.
A good person explains their reasoning when they ask someone to do something, but a villain needs no explanation, just commands. A good person will pay for things when they go shopping; a villain simply takes what they want. In terms of efficiency, villains had the upper hand.
Gregor decided to keep Maester Harry as his personal doctor. Judging by experience, Harry would likely develop Stockholm Syndrome in due time.
Psychological things… invisible, shapeless... but not necessarily evil… He suddenly realized that he might be deriving some twisted pleasure from playing the role of a supervillain. Was this… a psychological thing? No, he needed to stay alert.
"Scribe!" Gregor called out.
"Yes, milord," Mark replied.
"Give each of the households a gold dragon."
"Understood, milord!"
Everyone, including Mark, was momentarily stunned. No one dared to believe what they heard, but Mark moved swiftly, taking the pouch from Dunsen's hands.
Inside, there were only seven gold dragons, far too few to distribute.
The eleven households stood bewildered. For ordinary people, receiving even a single gold dragon was an enormous sum. They dared not refuse, yet they hesitated to accept. Gold dragons were rare, often out of reach for common folk who only dealt with silver deer or copper stars.
One gold dragon was worth thirty silver deer, or two hundred and ten copper stars, enough to support a poor family comfortably for half a year.
As Mark reached the seventh household, the pouch was empty. Gregor's pouch contained only seven gold dragons, thirty silver deer, and fifteen copper stars.
Mark glanced back at Gregor and understood. He handed the thirty silver deer to the eighth household.
None of the people dared to pocket the coins. They couldn't fathom what Gregor might have planned next, but one thing was certain: they wouldn't be allowed to keep the money. Instead, they'd likely end up with more tax debt to pay upon leaving.
Shaking the pouch, Mark heard the clink of the remaining fifteen copper stars.
Three households were still without gold dragons.
Mark looked back at Gregor, reading the solution in his eyes.
He approached Maester Harry and extended his hand. "Maester, lend me three gold dragons."
Harry glanced at Gregor, who said nothing but wore a disapproving look on his face.
"Very well!" Harry said, taking three gold dragons from his pocket and placing them in Mark's hand. His pale hand trembled slightly.
"Scribe, record this," Gregor said, his tone softer.
"Yes, milord," Mark replied.
"Maester, I'll repay you," Gregor added.
"No… no need, milord," Harry quickly replied, his words earnest and his gaze sincere.
The benefit of being a villain: borrowing money without the need to repay. But if you insist on repaying, you earn unexpected honor and gratitude.
Malevolence may be a power condemned by morality, but it is undeniably potent.
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