"Yes, Your Majesty."
Roland Storm replied with a mix of trepidation and excitement.
Nightsong is mine? A Governor, isn't that the Lord of Nightsong! And even more glorious!
He truly couldn't remain calm.
During his time serving under King Joffrey as a captive, Roland Storm had witnessed many miraculous and terrifying things, and had deeply understood the prominent status of a Governor.
First, Ser Balon Swann returned to House Swann's Stonehelm and became its Governor.
Perhaps out of consideration for kinship, Earl Swann didn't struggle much and completely let go, handing over all of the family's power to his second son, allowing the new system of Governor to operate within his castle.
Troops, food, and gold and silver were then continuously transported north, supporting the subsequent wartime logistics and stability.
If things continued like this, Ser Balon's elder brother would likely only inherit the family title and half of the castle in the future. Governor Balon Swann's office and residence were also within Stonehelm.
West of Stonehelm was the inland Blackhaven.
With the Earl of Blackhaven, Lord Beric Dondarrion, stepping forward, this military stronghold with black basalt walls, a bottomless moat, and control over a vital pass was taken peacefully by the Royal Guard, without any conflict.
This was undoubtedly more beneficial for both sides.
As a lord who had been loyal to the Iron Throne from the beginning, Blackhaven and the Dondarrion Family were unharmed, and Earl Beric was appointed as the lifelong Governor of Blackhaven, seemingly receiving a protective charm.
The Royal Guard could also continue their advance more easily, completing His Majesty the King's mission as soon as possible.
Before departing Blackhaven to head west, Roland Storm also noticed that Beric Dondarrion rarely issued orders, dispatched personnel, or managed supplies in the tone of an Earl, but rather in the name of a Governor.
Roland Storm was not the only one with a keen eye.
Many knights and lords had already realized the immense power of the Governor and the terrifying change it symbolized.
Those like Earl Beric chose to comply with His Majesty the King's will, diligently learning and integrating into the new rules of the game.
Those who were a step slower, like the Earl Wendwater and Earl Swann, could only try their best to show respect and obedience in the face of invincible power, placing their hopes on the next generation of their families.
As for those who were as unlucky and ignorant as Earl Wylde, they naturally met the most tragic end, with most of their wives, children, and relatives suffering misfortune, leaving only a remnant lineage to continue.
Earl Asthan Selmy of Harvest Hall should have met a similar fate to Earl Wylde.
Fortunately, he had a benevolent granduncle, Ser Barristan Selmy, who was the Commander of the "Westward Army."
When they approached Harvest Hall, everyone thought it would be another bloodless and peaceful march, like in Earl Beric's Blackhaven, or in Stonehelm, which had initially been ambiguous in attitude but later became enthusiastically compliant.
But to everyone's surprise, the reputation and guarantee of "The Bold" Barristan seemed to have no effect at all, even though he was an elder of the Selmy Family.
Earl Asthan Selmy of Harvest Hall's judgment of the war and his object of loyalty did not change because of this.
Even with Ser Barristan's earnest persuasion, heartfelt teaching, and even taking some risks to prematurely reveal the true combat strength of the Royal Guard.
Earl Asthan remained stubborn and resistant.
Even as the Commander, Ser Barristan's personal feelings could only go so far; after that, he had to handle matters officially and carry out his mission.
Cannons blasted open the gates of Harvest Hall, and fire and arrows shot down the ravens from the sky.
Roland Storm recalled Theon Greyjoy and the Seventh Regiment who had separated at the mouth of the Slayne. Their mission there seemed to be similar to the intense scene now, perhaps even more brutal.
"The Bold" Ser Barristan certainly wouldn't go to extremes.
After occupying the castle, Asthan Selmy and other members of the Selmy family were merely placed under house arrest, while Ser Barristan, who was appointed by the King as the lifelong Governor of Harvest Hall, began managing the castle and preparing supplies.
While waiting for further orders, everyone finally rested at Harvest Hall for two days.
They were indeed tired.
The days at sea before were better; the suffering was for the crew on the fleet.
But since stepping onto land, everyone had been rushing day and night, stopping only briefly at each stronghold, leaving a small team behind, and the main force continued to advance, which had lasted for six days.
Even with the help of priests to restore energy, the mental fatigue was still hard to eliminate.
Roland Storm was no exception. He had a rare good night's sleep on the first night in Harvest Hall, not waking up for a moment the entire night until the sunlight was bright.
However, the leisurely time after getting up, with nothing to do, made him feel unaccustomed.
Many others felt the same way.
Roland Storm then joined a group of soldiers, temporarily setting aside his awkward identity, and debated with them about the next target of conquest.
To the north was House Cafferen's Fawn Hall, which now pledged allegiance to their liege lord, Renly Baratheon.
To the south was House Caron's Nightsong, whose strength was not to be underestimated, also loyal to Renly, and the culprit behind the disasters on the Wendwater and Massey's Hook.
To the west was House Ashford's Ashford, which belonged to the Reach.
The Battle of Ashford during the War of the Usurper was fought here. Roland Storm's deepest impression of this place was this.
This was the only defeat in King Robert's rebellion. His army was defeated by the Reach vanguard led by Earl Randyll Tarly, but fortunately, it was not the main force of the army that was lost, and the King himself did not die.
It is worth mentioning that the late-arriving "Inflatable Fish" Lord Mace often claimed his decisive contribution in this battle.
And everyone knew that Lord Mace's army only arrived after the battle had ended.
West, north, or south?
His Majesty the King's order on the second day ended this difficult debate.
Nightsong.
Roland Storm stepped through the shattered gate of this familiar castle with a complex mix of emotions.
Cannonballs had ploughed terrifying scars into the inside of the gate, and scattered remnants of flesh and bone were impossible to clean away completely.
Solid shot had been used, which caused less casualties among personnel and was more suitable for breaching fortifications.
Nightsong had fallen in an instant.
Afterward, hundreds of Royal Guards streamed into the castle in a long line, and Roland Storm was just an insignificant scale among them.
He looked forward silently.
Walking at the front of the column were Ser Barristan Selmy, Earl Beric Dondarrion, and two Commanders of the Royal Guard.
Even Nightsong, was it truly worth having these people rush here simultaneously?
Roland Storm's doubts were answered that night. His Majesty the King appeared in the hall of Nightsong!
Roland Storm was summoned inside.
Now, under the gaze of numerous generals, he numbly accepted the unimaginable, immense favor.
I've become a Kingsguard!
I've become the Governor of Nightsong, its master!
His voice was full of trembling and fervor, "Roland Storm swears to serve Your Majesty unto death! Your will is the direction I shall follow!"
Joffrey smiled faintly.
"In the name of the King, your bloodline is now legitimate. Rise, Roland Caron."
Roland was even more ecstatic. I am a Caron now!
I am a Caron now!!
Joffrey scanned the surroundings. Gathering these people here wasn't just to decide the fate of Nightsong.
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