Tidying up the rooms was easy — there wasn't much to it. By itself, it was the simplest task in Twig's routine.
It didn't take long, after finishing his chores and completing the last quest, for the caravan to arrive. Soon, the sounds of horses, voices, and heavy footsteps filled the air around the inn.
"Come on, boy. Let's go. Stay alert; maybe a guest will need your help. Stay near the door. Come with me," said Saul.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Twig replied.
The commotion was considerable. Many travelers wanted to enter the inn, while the bodyguards traveling with them stayed outside, setting up camp.
"Mr. Saul, where are Jenny and Aron?" Twig asked.
"Oh, brat, Aron's outside helping the soldiers set up tents, while Jenny's hiding in the kitchen as usual," Saul answered, already walking off.
Before Twig could say another word, the first guests were already stepping through the door.
"Hey, boy, help us move these crates!" one of them called.
Another had already taken a seat at a nearby table."Innkeeper, bring me a drink. I'm not hungry yet, but I want something to wet my throat."
"Yes, sir, right away," Saul replied. "Go on, boy, help the other one."
It didn't take long for the inn to be packed. A true cacophony of voices, clattering mugs, and heavy boots filled the room.
While serving, Twig's attention was caught by an interesting conversation between two merchants at one of the tables.
"Damn it, Valde… what are we doing here, heading to Riverrun? I don't like the Riverlands. Too many problems," one said.
"There's nothing we can do, Janus," the other replied. "Financially, Riverrun is the best choice. The Vale's too quiet, no profit there. Our goods are worth more at Riverrun."
"Still, why did that damned noble imprison the king? Because of him, it's not safe to go south. We could've gone to King's Landing, taken a ship to Essos, and made ten times our profit."
"Forget it, Janus. Duskendale and the whole coast are a mess. Too dangerous now — trade's dying there. It's worse than a brothel at dawn."
"Damn… all those ports, and we can't even get near them. We're forced to swallow the loss and settle for a few coins in Riverrun."
"Honestly, we should be thankful we even found guards. Most soldiers and mercenaries are busy around Duskendale. No one wants to escort caravans these days."
"Why did that idiot noble do it? He's putting the whole kingdom at risk!"
"Who knows? Maybe because the Targaryens don't have dragons anymore. Their power's been fading for years."
"Shut up, Valde! Don't say that out loud. It's treason — someone could hear you. A knight could cut your throat right here and call it justice."
"Yeah, and I'd die just for sitting beside you."
"Fine, fine, I'll shut up."
"Isn't there a drink here yet? Hey, kid, come here! Bring me something to drink — and see if there's food, too."
Twig approached, still processing what he'd heard.
King. Imprisoned. Targaryen. What are they talking about? Is the king a Targaryen?
He set the tray on the table and, gathering his courage, said, "Gentlemen, here's your food and drink. I'm sorry for overhearing your conversation — I didn't mean to, but… I got curious. Is it true? The king was imprisoned?"
One of the men narrowed his eyes, clearly annoyed, but the other sighed and said, "Yes, boy. The king's been taken hostage by a traitorous lord. He's being held in Duskendale, locked in the Darklyns' tower. But don't worry, the crown won't stand for it. The realm's forces are already moving."
"Thank you, sir," Twig said, bowing slightly. "I'll leave you to your meal."
"Go on, kid. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."
As he walked away, Twig's thoughts raced. If the king is a Targaryen and was imprisoned by a noble… then this must be before the Rebellion. So the Mad King exists — but he's not 'mad' yet.
"System, can you help me understand this? My memory of this world isn't fresh. It's been years since I watched Game of Thrones. I don't remember all the details — and the memories I gained with this body don't help. I'm just a countryside boy who knows almost nothing about the outside world."
[Ding!]Host, the information you seek refers to a specific event in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. I can summarize it for you later.
"Alright, System. You can tell me later, then. I need to keep working. Tonight, when I rest and claim my quest rewards, I want the full story. I need to know what's happening out there."
The evening wore on until the last guests went to bed. The children had long since fallen asleep, leaving only Saul to tend the stragglers.
In his small room, lying on his straw bed, Twig finally whispered, "System, release today's experience."
[Ding!] Activating Completed Quest Rewards!
Quest: Hunting & GatheringProgress: 25 / 25 logsReward: 2 EXP
Quest: General ServicesProgress: 5 / 5 rooms cleaned & organizedReward: 1 EXP
Quest: Physical TrainingProgress:50 / 50 push-ups40 / 40 squats30 / 30 sit-upsReward: 3 EXP
Quest: Combat TrainingProgress: 150 / 150 sword swingsReward: 4 EXP
Congratulations, User! You gained 10 experience points, plus a 50% bonus for completing all the day's quests without missing any.Total Reward: 15 EXP.
"Whew… same as yesterday," Twig murmured. "Half of what I need to level up. So tomorrow night, I should reach another level."
"System, now that we've got time, explain the situation in the kingdom."
[Ding!]Host, listen carefully. The current unrest refers to an event during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen. It began when Lord Denys Darklyn of Duskendale refused to pay royal taxes, demanding new charters to grant his people more rights. His defiance led him to commit treason — he captured the king himself and held him hostage in his castle.
This incident began in 277 AC. Despite Lord Tywin Lannister's warnings, King Aerys personally traveled to Duskendale to negotiate, only to walk straight into a trap. The king was imprisoned for six months, until Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard rescued him single-handedly. Afterward, Selmy earned his famous title: Barristan the Bold.
"Wow, System… that's a lot, even summarized."
[Ding!]Indeed. This is the event the guests were referring to. As of now, you are living in that same year — 277 AC.
"Then the Rebellion… hasn't happened yet?"
[Ding!]Correct. Robert's Rebellion will begin in roughly three or four years — around 280 AC — and will last until 281 AC.
"Right… I know." Twig sighed. "I just keep thinking like a viewer from my old world. For me, it already happened — but here, it hasn't."
He stared at the ceiling, the weight of realization pressing on him.So much chaos. So much pain to come… What will happen to us when it begins? To my friends? To the inn?
[Ding!]Host, those events are still far away. If you work hard and grow stronger, nothing will be impossible. Remember: you have a system. Think of your memories — you know what happens when someone wields a system in a fantasy world.
You can shape your own path. The choice is yours.
Twig lay silent, staring into the darkness. The System's words echoed in his mind.
The choice is mine… but what do I want to choose?
He turned to his side and muttered, "I don't want to be a king. I don't want to conquer anything. Of course, I want to grow stronger, use everything the system gives me… but I don't want fame. I'm not like Aron. I don't dream of glory or knighthood."
He closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting."I just want to help people… to be useful. That's all." His voice faded into a whisper. "I don't want more than that."
[Ding!]Host, if your concern is keeping your power hidden, don't worry. Once you reach Level 5, everything will begin to change — your strength, your perception, your world itself.
"Level five, huh?" Twig murmured, half-asleep. "Still a bit away…"
And, finally, he drifted off — this time without saying goodnight to the System.