Inside the tent, Jon found it amusing to watch Sola meticulously pour tea, barely daring to breathe.
Davos and his companions were quite serious; they had arrived directly with His Majesty Stannis's warrant.
Jon knew how much 'cash' his merit in capturing and holding King's Landing for Stannis would ultimately be worth, and it all depended on the subsequent'stances' and 'performances'.
Therefore, he showed no neglect, especially with The Red Woman Melisandre sitting opposite him. Jon silently prayed she wouldn't notice anything amiss.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Davos was the first to break the silence: "Though I never met Lord Eddard, I've heard others describe Lord Eddard. Jon, you truly resemble him."
Davos said with a smile, attempting to lighten the mood. In the noble circles of Westeros, complimenting someone on resembling their father is often a praise, especially for a bastard like Jon.
"Not at all, Lord Eddard's virtues are a height I can never reach in this lifetime." Jon knew Davos was His Majesty Stannis's most loyal and outspoken minister. He not only thought of Stannis in every way and carried out his will, but also guided him in the right direction and offered his counsel.
Even if Stannis disliked it, or even became angry because of it.
Ultimately, Stannis granted him ample honor, even making Davos, a man from a flea bottom, his Hand of the King.
According to the original story, Stannis would soon be heading to the Wall to support the Nights Watch at his suggestion.
His standing in Stannis's heart was evident. Moreover, Davos was a good man, and Jon was willing to befriend him.
Penny, on the other hand, held a different view. He believed Jon's immense 'merit' was largely due to luck.
If it weren't for their heavy losses, which depleted the Lannister army, especially Tyrion's wildfire, Jon could never have captured King's Landing. So, ever since he entered the tent, he had his arms crossed, adopting an aloof and hostile posture.
"I didn't realize Lord Jon was so humble. If you ask me, as long as you don't produce any bastards, you'll already surpass your father morally." Penny said with a fake smile, and the atmosphere in the tent almost visibly chilled.
Jon's polite demeanor, which he had maintained, quickly faded. Davos, who was beside him, wanted to intervene, but it was too late.
Jon stood up directly and, with lightning speed, slapped Penny. But even after being knocked to the ground, Penny was still dazed.
"You bastard, you dare hit me!" Penny, regaining his senses, reached for his sword, but Jon stood his ground and declared: "My father died fighting for the rights of the legitimate King. If you dare say another bad word about him, I will kill you right here!" Jon's voice was cold, and all of Penny's curses caught in his throat. Davos, seeing the turn of events, quickly intervened to calm the situation.
Sola also stood by, astonished, not daring to move an inch.
And all this time, Melisandre, who was nearby, hadn't moved a single finger.
Penny, his cheek quickly swelling, grumbled as he left the tent. In his view, the two of them had now become enemies.
He already knew that Jon opposed Robb's claim to the throne and had privately initiated a military coup to seize command.
This meant that he would only be able to follow Stannis from now on.
He had plenty of ways to deal with him!
Seeing Penny leave, Davos repeatedly apologized to Jon, and Jon also stated that he had been a bit emotional. Both parties treated it as a minor interlude and didn't dwell on it.
Davos continued to inquire about what he had seen on his journey and expressed admiration for Jon's actions, then raised his own doubts: "Jon, I noticed there weren't many Northern Soldiers on the road. Why is that?"
What Davos truly wanted to know was whether someone had leaked information to Jon about their arrival in King's Landing today. If so, he would need to be wary.
"Most of the Soldiers I brought from the North and Riverlands haven't seen much of the world, and after successive major battles, they are under great mental pressure. If I let them roam freely in King's Landing, it would certainly put a strain on public order. So I had them stationed at the Old City Gate to the north. Of course, I increased their food allowance, almost meat at every meal, as a form of appeasement and reward. As for the rewards for their military achievements, they are still being tallied. I believe His Majesty Stannis will not forget those who have contributed."
Hearing Jon say this, Davos nodded in satisfaction again. When Tywin led his army to break into King's Landing, he plundered extensively. The contrast between the two was immediately clear.
Jon then continued: "Actually, I was quite disappointed after seeing King's Landing. It truly stinks. I don't much like going into the city."
Seeing him speak of this in a joking tone, Davos also smiled and repeatedly expressed agreement.
And when Jon spoke of his disdain for brothels, Davos was even more surprised in his heart. It was known that Stannis had once proposed closing brothels, only to be met with opposition from everyone.
If this matter were told to Stannis, then Stannis would likely develop a fondness for Jon beyond his military achievements.
Davos thought this, not even realizing that Jon had merely made a collective 'tombstone' for his four sons, which had already made him start thinking on Jon's behalf.
However, there was still a very crucial question: why exactly did Jon support Stannis, and was it Winterfell's intention?
Although he already knew Jon opposed Robb's claim to the throne, making this possibility very low, he still needed to ask for clarification to feel at ease.
He truly wanted to work with Jon in the future and also wanted to keep this talent on Stannis's side. The background check could not be careless.
And when faced with the question of why he opposed Robb's claim to the throne and supported Stannis, Jon replied: "Ser, when I don't know what to do, I think about what Lord Eddard would do in such a situation. He and King Robert were like brothers, and he surely wouldn't want the country to split. That's why I oppose Robb's claim to the throne. He died fighting for the rights of the legitimate King, and I believe he would have supported King Robert's eldest brother. That's why I support His Majesty Stannis. In truth, I don't know His Majesty Stannis well; I've only heard that he is a King who cares greatly about justice. I think only such a King can bring this chaotic country back on track!"
Davos saw that Jon's words were sincere, without any hint of falsehood. Especially when he said he didn't know Stannis well, but merely followed Eddard's wishes, this seemed very genuine.
He believed, through Eddard Stark, that Stannis'should' be a good King. Although it wasn't flattering or particularly comforting, it was sincere enough. From then on, Davos had no more doubts.
Not only would he not be hostile towards Jon, but he was even somewhat happy, because his own loyalty to Stannis was also due to Stannis's justice.
"Very well, Jon, I will relay our conversation in its entirety to His Majesty Stannis. Do you have anything else you wish to say to His Majesty?
You can tell me." Davos said kindly, resting his hand on his knee.
Jon's age was similar to his sons, which filled his heart with even more affection for a Junior.
He was determined to secure better lands and a higher title for Jon, but Jon's next words made him disbelieve his own ears.
"Ser Davos, I personally have nothing to say to His Majesty Stannis. If I must say something, I hope His Majesty Stannis can come to King's Landing as soon as possible to preside over the iron throne and rule the country.
A few days ago, I received a plea for help from the Wall, which I believe you should be aware of. I am merely a deserter from the Wall; I came south privately to avenge my father Eddard. Now that the blood feud is settled, I should return to the Wall. I hope His Majesty Stannis can provide more support to the Wall."
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