Iger guessed the beginning, but not the end.

He had expected that he would be interrogated or investigated for reporting to Tyrion, but what he didn't expect was that before the bunch of rhetoric he had prepared could be of any use, he was directly sent to the prison of the Red Keep and imprisoned for nearly a week!

Five, six, or five-and-a-half-days, in the dimly lit cell, the sense of time was blurred, and the only thing to be thankful for was that he was being held in a bunch of Lannisters - "political prisoners" and hostages, and not too badly treated before the official war between the Iron Throne and the West.

Judging by the reactions of the Leo family inmates on the same floor or who have sworn allegiance to the Lion family, ninety percent of them are unaware of Cersei's misdeeds and her plans for rebellion. Some of them kept crying out in their cells, some of them roared and roared, demanded this and that, and swore that they would go out to make their captors look good; some of them sat in the corner of the small bed they were assigned to as if they were drained of their souls, and sat silently as if they were waiting for their fate to die...... People who treat their cells as if they were bedrooms where they can't leave freely.

In Egger's cell, there was one such freak, and for a few days, the night watchman, who had nothing to do but chat, made friends with one of his roommates. The Lannister is too rich, and the rich generally need to settle accounts more than the poor, and his roommate's identity is an accountant of the Lannister family in the King's Landing Chamber of Commerce, and from his mouth, Iger learned that the Lannister family and its affiliated western forces have a total wealth of hundreds of thousands of gold dragons in King's Landing, and after swallowing and digesting this wealth, the Iron Throne already has the starting funds to launch a war against the West...... Not to mention the hostages.

＊＊＊

"The prime minister arrested hundreds of people, at least dozens of whom were nobles. Egger's new prisoner friend, Humphrey Hishan, said: "The people of the Westland have always been valuable, and each person does not have a ransom of hundreds or thousands, and I am afraid that if I can't handle it, this is another tens of thousands of golden dragons." ”

Tens of thousands of golden dragons, Igge smacked his tongue secretly, the night watchman industry has been done so far, and the assets are only tens of thousands of golden dragons, most of which are debts and investors' money: "This is a war, if the army of the six countries is besieging the western border...... Tens of thousands of golden dragons are afraid that they will be burned out in a few days. ”

"Yes, but don't forget, the wealth in the castle that is captured in the war is the attacker. There are many gold mines in the western border, and they are rich in oil, and they are the easiest targets for the Seven Kingdoms to attack except for the river bays. Humphrey sighed: "Duke Totaiwin's blessing, generally few people dare to touch the brains of the people of the West, but if there is an Iron Throne to take the lead, then the hard bones will become fat in an instant, Lord Eddard only needs to say, 'All the wealth in the castle is owned by the attackers themselves.'" The princes and soldiers of the six kingdoms will rush faster than anyone else...... If the Lannisters refuse to give in and don't have a clever way to deal with it, it's only a matter of time before they fall. ”

After a cursory reflection, Egg realized that this was the case, and he couldn't help but worry: if he had taken a huge risk to cover Tyrion's escape, the Lannisters would still lose the war...... Isn't that a wasted effort?

"Humphrey, will your family pay you a ransom? ”

"My surname is Xishan, I am an illegitimate child, and my mother died early, who will pay the ransom for me?"

"What about your father?"

Humphrey didn't seem to want to say his father's name, perhaps not knowing, "There's some big guy in Lannishaven." ”

"What happens to civilian captives for whom no ransom is paid?" was Egger's simple personal curiosity.

"There are rules between the nobles, and the commoners do not enjoy them...... In the event of a war, those with knightly status or above are eligible to be captured, and a small person like me will either die or be taken in on the spot, and generally will not enjoy a prison vacation. Humphrey scratched his head: "As for the current situation, it may depend on how things develop next." If the king easily conquers the western border, he may be in a good mood and let go, but if the war does not go well, he will only lose his head or go somewhere to work as a coolie. ”

"If you are desperate, you can try to put on black clothes, at least you can save your life. ”

"Hi...... The ghost place of the Great Wall of Desperation, whoever loves to go will go. ”

Egger wanted to say that he was the chief logistics officer and could cover you, but thinking about himself being in prison at the moment, how could he be qualified to talk big.

The two talked a little dryly, and when the topic was over, they stopped talking and sat quietly for a while, when footsteps were heard outside the door, and soon, the jailer came to the cell with a Winterfell guard who could not be more familiar, unlocked and opened the door: "Ager West, come out, the Prime Minister wants to see you." ”

Finally a turnaround, Iger glanced at his fellow inmates, nodded goodbye, and walked out of the cell with Hale in Humphrey's somewhat envious eyes.

With some "restricted objects" on his hands and feet, Iger followed Hale to the Prime Minister's office, walked through the door, and saw his biggest backer, who was also the person who ordered his arrest...... There was also her "apprentice" Arya, who was standing next to her, and the girl winked at Egger proudly, as if to say with an expression: "I saved you, are you touched?"

"Master Stark. In front of Ed, Egg didn't dare make eye contact with his daughter. Stand at the table, say hello, and wait for the big man to speak first.

......

"After being locked up for a few days, it's time to clear your mind. The Prime Minister raised his eyes to look at the night watchman and said with a salty expression: "Do you know what you have done?"

It turned out that I didn't forget myself in prison.

Lock people up for a few days first, and then come up with a sentence of "Do you know what you have done", if this is an ordinary ordinary person, I am afraid that my legs will be weak in an instant and confess all the mistakes I have made in my eight lifetimes...... But Egger is a modern person who has read a lot of popular science books on psychology, and he has experienced storms and storms in King's Landing, although this trick is the first time he has experienced it personally, but he also knows the routine.

What's more, Ed actually let Arya be present, which made this interrogation not terrifying at all.

(He wasn't going to do anything about himself.) Egger intuitively knew that his previous judgment was correct, and from the moment he saw Tyrion leave, he was thinking about how to deal with today's interrogation, and the final response could be summed up in one sentence: resist strictness and go home for the New Year.

Pretending to be aggrieved, Egger spoke according to the draft that had already been formulated: "My lord, I did kill two people that night...... But they did it first, and I was forced to defend myself. ”

Ed didn't expect Egger to make this move, frowned, the kid in front of him was too cunning, and blocked everything he wanted to say: "It's not this." ”

"Isn't this one?" Egger opened his mouth, looking confused, "Which one is that?" ”

"On the day Ser Elisha sent the ghoul to King's Landing, you accompanied him into the Red Keep and left halfway, where did you go and what did you do?"

"It turned out to be this, it was such an adult, I saw that there was a big mess in the Red Keep, and I suddenly remembered that Miss Arya would often go out of the city to the place where the Night's Watch trained recruits to find someone to practice swordsmanship, and it was with the little devil. Fearing that she would be taken hostage by Tyrion Lannister, he hurried out of the city to pick her up outside the city!"

"Arya didn't go to practice swordsmanship that day. ”

"Master, he doesn't know!" Arya interjected, "Even I was stopped by Sister Modan that morning, and I didn't know if you didn't allow me to leave the Prime Minister's Tower!"

Ed glanced at Arya dissatisfied, and the girl realized that she shouldn't have taken the initiative to speak for Egg, and pouted and said no more.

The Prime Minister turned around and continued to stare at Egger, "You may not know, but the guards I sent to guard the gate said that they told you that Arya didn't leave the Red Keep. ”

"The Red Keep has a side door, my lord. Iger said earnestly, he hadn't trembled like this for a long time since the Night's Watch industry had become a climate, for fear of saying the wrong thing: "Now that I think about it, I can indeed go to the Prime Minister's Tower and ask where Miss Arya is...... But the situation was urgent, and I thought that if Arya was out of town, it would be a waste of time to come and go. I didn't dare to risk the safety of your daughter, so I decided that even if I ran for nothing, I would go out of the city first. ”

"So, you're kind, but I'm wrong for you?So, explain why Tyrion rode away as soon as you arrived at the Night's Watch Industrial Park outside the city, and why did you later trick the guards who rushed to capture Tyrion to leave by boat?"

Eddard looked directly into Egg's eyes, and his questioning tone rose in turn, gradually becoming more and more violent: "There was no boat to set off for Castle Rock City that day!I know that there are rumors in King's Landing that I, the guardian of the north and the lord of Winterfell, am the big backer of the Night's Watch, and I will always help protect you, this time I will tell them that I am not a backer! Joining the Night's Watch, the previous sins will be written off, but running to King's Landing in black clothes and committing another crime, do you really think that if the world has no right to judge the Night's Watch, no one can help you?" There is no such thing!"

The claim that the Hand of the King is the backer of the Night's Watch is indeed widely circulated in King's Landing, and whether Eddard admits it or not, his presence is the greatest contribution to the rapid growth of the Night's Watch industry...... Could it be that Eddard Stark cherishes his feathers to such an extent that he just wants to prove that this statement is untrue, and he will cut himself down, kill chickens and monkeys, and lock himself up for King's Landing?

Iger didn't dare to think too deeply, and even if his guess was true, he couldn't get revenge on Eddard Stark in anger.

"My lord, Tyrion is returning to Castle Rock because Janos Slynt captured him in public at Rivergate that morning, and was nearly killed by Ser Jaime and the captain of your guard who arrived later. After the incident, Ser Jaime turned around and got on his horse and went back to the Red Keep, and Tyrion said at the time that he planned to return to Castle Rock today—this was not a temporary decision I had sent him a message!" As for why he pointed the garrison soldiers in the wrong way, it was easier to explain, Egger looked innocent: "I really don't know if there was a ship to Castle Rock that day, I just told the garrison the truth about the last words that Tyrion said to me before leaving, and I can't guarantee the truth or falsehood." ”

At the mention of someone, Arya also became indignant: "That's it, if you want to blame that bullshit Slint, stupid, fat and lustful, it will do bad things! And father, you also said that the night watchman must not interfere in the affairs of the Seven Kingdoms, and my master can't stop the little devil from letting him run!"

Arya shouldn't have been allowed to stay here, Ed thought, just based on his own preferences, he was really ignorant to go all out to outsiders. Unmoved, he crossed his arms to his chest, and sat there quietly staring at Egg, not saying a word, just keeping a straight face, with an expression of "I'll just watch you pretend to be forced quietly".

......

Iger knew that this was by silently putting psychological pressure on himself, and once he began to think crankily because of this atmosphere, the other party's goal would be achieved, and once the psychological defenses began to waver...... Then what will happen next is needless to say.

The way to deal with this kind of psychological tactic is very simple, as long as you insist on what you say, and your demeanor and words do not show any wavering hesitation, if Ed can't produce evidence, he will be able to get out of trouble smoothly and go home and sleep today!

I knew it in my heart, but when the silence really lasted for a while, Egger had no choice but to find that he who couldn't meditate or meditate, standing in front of a big man like the Prime Minister of the Seven Kingdoms who could decide his fate, waiting for the other party to decide to stay by himself, he really didn't have the ability to empty his mind and think about nothing.

He gradually began to realize that his previous self-confidence was based on two foundations: the first was the modern "presumption of innocence", which meant that Eddard could not convict himself without proof that he had informed Tyrion and helped him escape, and the second was that Eddard would let himself go even if he was suspicious if it was proved that the Cypriot Strangers and Ghouls threatened the North.

But in fact, in the world of ice and fire, the world of the feudal lord era, it is luck that a person like himself who does not have the status of a nobleman can go through the procedure of "being tried", and so many people have been in prison this time, how can he have time to try them one by one? Ed wants to punish himself, and he doesn't need evidence at all. As for the threat from outside the Seychelles, with Ed firmly in the position of prime minister and able to mobilize the resources of the Seven Nations in principle, the power of the Night's Watch industry is really not enough......

Even if Eddard, an orderly guy, insists on doing everything according to the rules and does not convict himself without evidence, he is only suspicious and dissatisfied with himself...... It was enough for him to say hello to Mormont and drive himself back north to guard the Wall—and as a member of the Night's Watch, he would not be able to say a word of objection if he was "organizationally" asked to return to the base camp to do business.

His life must be at risk, but if he is forced to return to the Great Wall and give away the Night's Watch property, it will be worse than death.

Cold sweat came out of her pores again, and Arya seemed to see that Egger was in trouble, relying on the fact that she was a daughter, and once again she was coquettish: "Father, the master has answered all the questions you asked, if you have nothing else to say, you can let him go!"

As the minutes passed, Eddard Stark's tense expression did not see Iger change his words or admit his mistake for a while, and finally his face relaxed, and he shook his head helplessly: "Okay, this time, I will just wronged you, Haier, take the key, let him go." ”

Egger was relieved and was about to say "thank you", but the moment he opened his mouth, his heart moved, could this be a trap?

"My lord, this word 'let me go' is difficult to accept, I can't accept forgiveness for what I haven't done, if I can't prove my innocence, please lock me up and continue to investigate this matter. ”

"There's something wrong with you, master!" Arya glared.

Ed chuckled, this kid ...... I originally concluded that this matter was indeed Igger's doing, but at this chaotic juncture, I didn't have the energy to investigate and collect evidence for such a trivial matter. For the sake of his misunderstanding that Egger was a liar, and that he had done a lot of practical things for the Night's Watch Legion, he would be spared after a few days of warning and beating. But now that he was so arrogant, Ed was not so sure in his heart.

Perhaps, he was really influenced by the prejudice of the "strange ghost incident" and wronged him?

"Alright, I amend, and after investigation, I declare in the name of King Robert that Egger West, the night watchman, has not interfered in the internal affairs of the Seven Kingdoms this time, and is acquitted. If you're happy with this answer and there's nothing else to do, go back quickly. ”

"Master Xie. ”

This matter is finally over, Egger is helpless, without any evidence, he put himself in prison with injuries for a few days and ignores it, and when he is released, he has to express his gratitude, this is power...... I don't know when I can make the big man in front of me dare not be so contemptuous?

Unshackled, Iger thanked Haile and rubbed his wrists and left the prime minister's office. Behind him, Arya caught up, her face full of excitement: "Master...... I'm adoring you more and more, no matter what others think, I'm rooting for you, Tyrion isn't a bad person!"

"Don't talk nonsense, it's really none of what I do. ”

"Don't worry, I understand. Arya winked at him, a look on her face that we knew the secret.

Tyrion is not a bad person, but he broke the night watch's discipline and the law by giving him a message to help him escape, which has nothing to do with "bad or not". Arya is a child who doesn't understand this kind of thing, but Egg himself can't help but be terrified: even a little girl can guess that Tyrion's escape is her "credit", so she originally wanted to get away with it just by being stubborn, but she really relied on Eddard to be from the North, and she was too confident.

The reason why he was released was only because of the "refusal to admit" strategy, and more because of the disguise of the "loyal night watchman logistics officer" and the credit of the ghoul.

Fortunately, Robert didn't die, and it was Ed who judged himself with some human touch in justice, and if it was Stannis's rigid nature, he would be unlucky this time.

Regardless, Egg has no regrets helping Tyrion escape. But people have to learn a lesson, and with this experience of being in prison, he at least remembered one thing: he can no longer arbitrarily predict the possible behavior of a big man of Eddard's level based on his "familiarity".

"Master, there is one more thing. Arya jumped as she accompanied him to the gates of the Red Keep, "Father said that King's Landing may not be quiet for a while lately...... Don't let me go out of the Red Fort to take a sword class, I'll find a small secret way out, and I'll go to you quietly when the time comes!"

(Is it that Allyard will drill everywhere, or is this Westeros a real pill?Red Castle is the royal home fort, and the secret passage that goes out can be found by a child?!) Egg was startled, and his expression was solemn: "No, if you want to do this, I'm afraid I will really be driven back to the Great Wall by your father, and you won't see me again!" ”

"Oh - but it's really boring in the Red Keep. Arya shook her head: "And that secret passage was sealed by an iron door, but I was thin enough to squeeze through the crack." ”

"It's really damn you...... Aren't you afraid of starving to death if you want to practice your sword, find your father's guards, and don't mess around again. Leaving the Prime Minister's Tower, no longer being watched by the Stark guards, Egger relaxed a little: "If you dare to run out of the Red Keep from the secret passage to find me, not only will I not accompany you to practice swords, but I will also beat you in the ass and send you back." ”

"Hmph, if you don't come, you won't come...... I won't tell you!"

"This is for your safety, it's true that the city is not peaceful these days, and I won't harm you with your father and master. Egger said earnestly, touched his bearded chin, and found that he had actually said such old-fashioned words, and shook his head: "Okay, just send it here, you are not allowed to step out of the Red Fort, the master will go back by himself." ”

"Cut, white saved you. Arya felt that her kindness was not reciprocated, and she lost her temper, and did not say goodbye, but turned around and went back to the Prime Minister's Tower.

Egger sighed helplessly, what he said just now was for your good, and it wouldn't hurt you or anything...... When I was a child, I also heard my parents say what I thought at the time, and I guess Arya is just the general feeling that everyone came from this age.

......

The atmosphere inside the Red Keep was solemn, and there were gray and gold-robed soldiers everywhere on the walls and between the buildings, walking around patrolling with spears and crossbows, and even the gates were guarded by Stark guards and garrison soldiers in a ratio of about 1:2. Here, Egger unexpectedly sees several members of the Night's Watch estate, including Ser Elisha, Nina, and the captain of the security team, Geros.

How could this be, if the intelligence organization of the Night's Watch industry could be so clear-eyed, and his gang got the accurate news that he was going to be released, how could Tyrion not run away until the day of the accident?

Could it be that he is waiting for himself here every day? Egger was a little moved, but it would have caused a lot of mistakes.

"Your Excellency!" Nina saw him from afar and beckoned.

Iger walked over and greeted a group of men who were also dressed in black with a smile: "Why are you here?"

"The trial of the former garrison commander Genos Slint is taking place today, and we, as whistleblowers and witnesses, have been asked to come over and appear in court. Nina couldn't hide her joy at seeing Egger released, and explained, "It's a pity that it came early, and the guards didn't let me in." ”

——

[I forgot to change it yesterday, the six-thousand-word chapter is presented, and we should have nothing to do. 】