It would be ideal if Robb could always have someone guiding him, keeping him on the right path. However, once he was left to his own devices, his curiosity about women—long suppressed—would inevitably explode. The moment he encountered a beautiful girl who caught his eye, he would be unable to resist.
And once that fire was lit, stopping it would be nearly impossible.
That was why, no matter how much others tried to dissuade him, Robb insisted on marrying a beautiful girl from a minor family. He refused to consider the consequences.
In the end, that decision led to a great tragedy.
Ultimately, it all came down to Ned Stark's upbringing. He had never received formal training on how to raise an heir in the way other lords did. He simply didn't shape Robb into the kind of leader who could navigate the dangerous game of politics with a cold and calculating mind.
That was why, in Jason Liu's eyes, Ned Stark was an "honest man."
Compared to the cunning lords of Westeros, Ned Stark—who believed in loyalty, justice, honor, and noble chivalry—was like a rare breed. In a world full of deceit, he was a beacon of integrity, the kind of man people respected but also took advantage of.
"Father, please—" Arya looked at Ned anxiously, worried he might refuse Jason Liu's gift. She had taken a liking to the dress, and she really didn't want to part with it.
Beside her, Sansa also gazed up at her father, her eyes wide with expectation.
Ned looked at his wife and daughters, all of whom had clearly been won over by the young lord's gifts. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. His honor and principles told him to reject the offer, but he also knew that doing so might sour relations with Jason Liu.
As he glanced toward the carriage, his gaze met Jon's. The boy looked at him anxiously, as if afraid that his refusal would offend Jason Liu, creating unnecessary tension between their families. If that happened, Jon would be caught in the middle.
Ned sighed. The gift didn't conflict with his principles, and the eagerness in his children's eyes softened his resolve. He decided to accept.
"Lord Jason, I accept your gift. On behalf of the North and House Stark, I welcome you and sincerely hope that we can be friends."
A rare smile broke through Ned Stark's usually stern expression.
Jason Liu smiled in return, clearly relieved. "That is exactly what I want as well, my lord."
With the formalities out of the way, Jason turned to Robb. "Now, shall we test these swords?"
With his father's permission, Robb eagerly picked up one of the swords.
He unsheathed the blade, revealing its gleaming, razor-sharp edge.
Forged from modern high-carbon steel, it was far stronger than the typical steel swords used in Westeros.
"A fine sword!" came a loud exclamation from behind. Lord Umber, towering over the others, was watching with interest.
Ned Stark drew his own gifted sword, inspecting its silver-white blade. The exquisite craftsmanship, the sharp edge—he could tell at a glance that this was no ordinary weapon.
"My lord, may I test it for you?" asked Ser Mikkel Seven, stepping forward with a curious glint in his eye.
Ned turned to Jason Liu, silently asking for his approval.
Jason understood at once and nodded. "Of course, Ser Mikkel. Please do. I believe the sword will not disappoint."
"Very well!" Mikkel Seven grinned, stepping forward with a practice sword given to him by a squire. He was careful not to use his own weapon—if this blade was as strong as it seemed, he didn't want to risk damaging his personal sword.
The duel began.
Swords clashed, ringing sharply in the cold air.
On the second exchange, there was a sudden "crack."
Mikkel Seven's sword snapped cleanly in two.
Ned Stark reacted swiftly, halting his swing before he could follow through.
Staring at the broken weapon in his hands, Mikkel let out a low whistle. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I must admit—this is a remarkable blade. The toughness and sharpness are comparable to Valyrian steel."
He let out a short laugh. "Perhaps only House Stark's ancestral sword, Ice, could match it in a real fight."
Ned nodded in agreement. "It is indeed an extraordinary weapon. A good sword is a warrior's most trusted companion in battle."
The surrounding northern lords murmured their approval, nodding as they took in the sight of the shattered blade. They recognized the value of such a weapon.
"Beyond these swords, I also bring something new—a stab-resistant garment as protective as armor." Jason Liu held up two shimmering silver shirts, handing them to Ned and Robb.
"A stab-resistant garment?" Robb took his, running his fingers over the smooth, lightweight material. "What is this made of?"
"This is woven from a special material from my homeland," Jason explained. "It can withstand slashes and stabs from swords, providing protection similar to armor but without the weight. You can test it yourself."
Intrigued, Robb handed the garment to two Winterfell guards and readied his sword.
With a firm grip, he swung hard at the silver garment.
The blade hit its surface but failed to cut through.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
Robb frowned slightly, adjusting his stance. He swung again, putting even more force behind his strike.
Once again, the sword glanced off harmlessly.
The northern lords murmured in amazement.
"How is this possible?" Lord Rickard Karstark stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lord Stark, if you do not mind, may I examine this fabric myself?"
Jason had introduced the term "stab-resistant garment" to Westeros, and Karstark struggled slightly with the unfamiliar words.
Ned nodded. "Of course, my lord."
Lord Karstark took the garment, running his fingers over the material. His eyes widened. "It feels like cloth… but it's incredible."
The other lords gathered around, eager to see the strange fabric up close.
A few lords exchanged thoughtful glances. A garment like this could be invaluable on the battlefield, providing freedom of movement without sacrificing protection.
Lord Herman stepped forward, looking at Jason Liu expectantly. "Lord Jason, do you have more of these? I would like to purchase one."
At his words, the eyes of the other lords brightened, and they all turned their attention to Jason Liu, eager to stake their claim.
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