Garlan placed both hands on William's shoulders, looking at his grinning face. A wave of warmth flowed through his heart, filled with gratitude and joy. His nose tingled slightly, but in the end, he said nothing, only patting William firmly on the back.
After the presentation of that gift, many knights were somewhat distracted during the subsequent gift-giving, and even during the wedding itself.
Valyrian steel armor! Just as no lady could resist the allure of rare treasures, what knight could fail to be captivated by such a peerless piece of armament?
Tobho also received an unexpected delight. The castellan of Highgarden personally invited him to attend the wedding. This meant he could stay within the castle for the next few days and had a place at the nobles' feasts.
Although his explanation had been repeatedly interrupted during the gift presentation, preventing him from detailing the breastplate's unique features, many people later asked Tobho about the specifics. Of course, some asked William too, but he deflected all queries to Tobho.
In reality, it was an improved version of the fish-scale armor from his old world, and Westeros already had similar armor design concepts. This type of armor indeed offered superior defense, but its structure was complex, and the cost of maintenance and repair was exceptionally high. If even a single scale was damaged or rusted, the entire armor had to be disassembled and reassembled. Coupled with its staggering weight, which made it unwearable for the average person, these two flaws rendered such armor practically useless in actual combat. In both worlds, it was largely considered a conceptual product, rarely worn into real battle.
But when forged and linked with Valyrian steel, the maintenance issues vanished, and the weight was drastically reduced. Thus, this type of armor transformed into an extremely practical, priceless treasure.
Given the defensive capabilities of this Valyrian steel armor, one wouldn't have to worry about sustaining any substantial harm, whether in a duel or a melee. As long as you didn't do something foolish like get yourself surrounded, your safety was virtually guaranteed under normal circumstances. So, Garlan's statement that wearing this armor was like having several extra lives was no exaggeration.
According to William and Tobho's estimates, many families in Westeros possessed items made of Valyrian steel, though often in small quantities. These items were mostly useless for practical purposes and couldn't be sold for much, so they ended up gathering dust in storage.
With this successful advertisement, they expected many nobles would proactively seek out Tobho to reforged those previously considered worthless Valyrian steel items. How much would be lost in the process? Were the scales actually made from the melted-down original items? These were areas where there was room for... flexibility.
Barristan specifically came over to discuss the armor. William told him about some of the details of the fighting at Ten Mile Town, including his regret for the two knights and his idea of compensating Garlan. In the end, Barristan seemed pleased and praised his actions.
At noon, the groom and bride met up and proceeded together to the Starry Sept to conduct the wedding vows. On the way to the sept, news of William's gift of magical armor spread among the ladies and maidens, naturally causing waves of astonishment. However, they seemed even more interested in Baelor's jest. Lady Janna's teasing made the ladies laugh delightedly, while Margaery's cheeks flushed crimson.
The High Septon presiding over the ceremony was so old he trembled as he walked, but he stubbornly insisted on conducting the full marriage ritual, finally announcing that Garlan and Leonette were formally joined as one.
What followed was, naturally, a grand feast that lasted from noon until evening. Initially, Garlan was the primary target for toasts, but he pulled William over to help ward off quite a few drinks.
As a popular singer—a factual description, not a jest—William couldn't avoid being called upon to sing a song, The Gold Hand. This tune was widely popular in the Reach. As the young nobles egged him on, the band cleverly struck up the introduction. When William reached the lines, "The Gold Hand, so cold and pale; Compared to lover's embrace, it'll always fail," many joined in humming along. A warm, cozy atmosphere actually permeated the hall. Garlan and Leonette exchanged a smile, their eyes full of affection.
As lanterns were lit, the newlyweds were escorted to their bedchamber. But the feast continued, and now William became the main focus of attention. Even with his constitution that could hold liquor like a thousand-cup cask, he began to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Waking the next day, he found his memories of the previous night somewhat blurred, as if he'd had an absurd dream. Then he spotted a red hair tie wrapped with a golden thread. He stared at it blankly for a moment. The distant clamor from outside Highgarden's walls signaled the imminent start of the tournament. He collected himself and discreetly put the hair tie away.
That day featured the archery competition. Some lords watched seriously, but most nobles left their seats after the opening ceremony to enjoy the beauties of Highgarden and socialize.
Margaery led the maidens away from the viewing stand. As she passed William, she glanced at him. After waiting a short while, William excused himself from those around him and also headed towards the gate of Highgarden.
William wasn't familiar with the plant maze between the two walls. After entering, he only lingered near the main paths, admiring the ever-present stone sculptures and fountains.
Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching from behind. Turning, he met a pair of bright eyes, sparkling like stars, and a softly smiling mouth as tender as rose petals.
"Good day, Ser William."
"Good day, Lady Margaery." William took the offered slender hand and performed a kiss. He released it, looked up, and their eyes met. Both felt that faint, intangible connection and shared a knowing smile.
It looked like a perfectly normal meeting between a nobleman and a lady, but it was actually the result of several days of practice. On the journey back to Highgarden from New Barrel, they had refined the method of their mental link. Once established, as long as they didn't separate too far, Margaery could borrow William's magic, though the direct mental connection was lost.
The three Tyrell girls, as usual, gradually fell behind. The two of them walked side-by-side, a step apart, strolling among the abundantly blooming flowers. To any observer, it would simply look like normal social interaction. Even if Lord Mace himself saw them, he wouldn't be able to make an issue of it.
Stopping before a cluster of flowers that seemed newly planted, Margaey focused, making the plants grow according to her will – this leaf a little larger, that branch a little longer. Soon, the fledgling plants became lush and verdant, appearing as if carefully pruned, well-proportioned, and pleasing to the eye.
William didn't know much about flowers, but he found the adjusted arrangement very pleasing. "It looks lovely," he complimented.
Margaery glanced back at him with a smile. "What looks lovely?"
William felt a sudden flutter in his heart and answered sincerely, "You look lovely."
Silence spoke more than words.
Margaery turned and continued walking ahead. William followed closely. Without looking at him, she said suddenly, "The gift you gave Garlan... it was far too valuable."
'I only hope the armor's worth can match the lives of the two knights who fell'
William smiled slightly. "The bond between Garlan and me... You wouldn't understand."
"You're both fools!" Margaery's tone held a trace of resentment. "Right after Lord Renly spoke with you, you do this... Father... will be angry."
'No wonder Renly said that about the little rose understanding her status and responsibilities. It seems she's quite involved in his plans.'
"I didn't promise Lord Renly anything," William said dismissively. "The gift was planned long ago. It wasn't meant to deliberately provoke them."
Margaery looked at him, surprised. "You didn't agree?"
His answer that day had been somewhat ambiguous; no wonder Renly might have misunderstood.
William suddenly felt a pang of shame for his earlier hesitation. He said seriously, "As for lands... of course I want them. But I will acquire them myself." Then, he gently took her hand. "There's only one way to make me leave you, and that's if you tell me to go."
Margaery's smile slowly faded. A mist seemed to gather in her eyes. She suddenly turned her back to him and whispered, "Be careful, William."