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The year was 298 AC.
It was the tenth year of the long summer Westeros had been enjoying.
On one of those endless summer days, Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven Kingdoms, arrived at Winterfell in the North.
Well-groomed, with neatly arranged hair and dressed in simple noble attire beneath a black cloak, Robb watched his father and the king walking side by side toward the crypt.
There was a coldness in his eyes that was difficult to describe.
From the corner of his vision, he noticed Cersei, who had been speaking softly with his mother, looking at him.
When their eyes met, the queen's beautiful face curved into a polite smile as she walked toward him with graceful steps.
"Your Grace."
Robb gave a respectful bow.
Cersei waved her hand lightly, dismissing the formality.
She looked him up and down before speaking in a gentle tone:
"Throughout the journey, all I heard about was the Young Wolf. Now that I finally see you, I can say you will surely become a great lord in the future."
"Thank you for the praise, Your Grace. But I only accompanied Winterfell's army during the hunt for wildlings."
Robb replied with a calm smile.
"That nickname was coined by the smallfolk. They tend to exaggerate."
"Is that so?"
Cersei raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing more.
She called Myrcella and Tommen, who were nearby, and headed toward the main castle.
Joffrey followed soon after, his expression dark, accompanied by the Hound.
As he passed by Robb, the corner of his mouth curled into a crooked smile.
"I've heard you're skilled with a sword. As it happens, I'm also considered quite the swordsman in King's Landing. How about we arrange a duel sometime?"
"It would be my honor, Your Highness."
Robb replied immediately.
Having noticed earlier how Sansa had been casting subtle glances toward Joffrey, he was already in a foul mood.
"Excellent!"
Joffrey clapped his hands, instantly regaining his good mood.
He seemed completely convinced that he would win the duel.
The Hound remained expressionless, walking behind him with his gaze fixed forward, silently carrying out his duty as a guard.
In the distance, Jaime Lannister watched.
After seeing Cersei and Joffrey enter the castle, he cast a brief glance at Robb before walking away, likely going to find his brother, who "enjoyed testing the talents of prostitutes."
"Robb… these people are not good. But their positions are delicate, so you…"
Catelyn placed a hand on her son's arm, clearly hesitant.
"Mother, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Robb smiled and gave her hand a light, reassuring pat.
Then he subtly turned and exchanged a glance with Theon, who stood behind him.
Robb tilted his head in the direction Jaime had gone.
Theon immediately understood.
He nodded and quietly slipped away from Winterfell's welcoming formation.
Jon Snow saw everything.
But he showed no reaction at all.
He simply stood straight and silent.
…
"Hahaha! You've always been like this—no sense of humor at all."
"Yes, Your Grace is the one who truly understands charm. There are still many stories about your adventures in the Eyrie."
"Hey! Using my old stories against me again?"
The two former heroes, now somewhat heavier than before, walked out of the crypt laughing as they reminisced about the past.
The moment they appeared, everyone present hurried to bow their heads respectfully.
Catelyn and Robb also straightened their posture and smiled as they received them.
"I was in a hurry to pay my respects in the crypt, so I haven't had time to take a good look at your children."
Robert stopped in front of them and began by examining Robb.
"Let me see… ah! So this is the Young Wolf?"
He nodded with approval.
"Excellent. A strong and vigorous warrior.
When we were at the Inn at the Crossroads, we heard stories that he defeated a large group of wildlings with only a few men."
Robert then asked excitedly:
"By the way… where is that savage direwolf they say devours wildlings alive?"
Robb let out an awkward smile.
"Your Grace, those are just exaggerated rumors. Please don't believe them.
Bloodwind is upstairs. If you'd like to see him, I can call him."
"Of course I want to see him!"
Robert laughed.
"I've come all the way to the North. I can't miss the chance to see a direwolf like that one."
Knowing he couldn't avoid the king's curiosity, Robb gave a whistle.
But in truth, he was sending his intent directly to Bloodwind.
A few minutes later…
A massive gray shadow leapt down from the second-floor balcony of the castle.
Despite its enormous size, its movements were incredibly agile.
Bloodwind landed atop a cart with a heavy thud, then jumped to the ground and ran straight toward Robb and the king.
"What is that?!"
"By the gods!"
"Protect the king!"
The people of Winterfell were used to it.
But the men from King's Landing panicked, rushing to shield Robert.
"Out of the way!"
Robert shouted irritably.
He had absolute trust that Winterfell would never pose any danger.
Bloodwind stopped beside Robb.
Now everyone could clearly see him.
He had grown again.
His shoulder height had reached around 1.1 meters, nearly the size of a young horse already.
His gray fur rippled gently in the wind.
Two sharp fangs gleamed from his narrow snout, like steel daggers.
His muscular, streamlined body displayed frightening strength.
Beneath his paws were claws sharp enough to tear through flesh.
The moment he appeared, everyone felt the instinctive pressure of a predator at the top of the food chain.
Bloodwind stared at the group from King's Landing.
There was a clear hint of provocation in his eyes.
Robb knew the wolf was doing it on purpose.
He gave Bloodwind a light slap on the head.
Immediately, the massive wolf rubbed his head against Robb's chest affectionately, his fluffy tail wagging happily.
From a predator… to a creature seeking affection.
"Magnificent! What an imposing direwolf!"
Robert couldn't hide his admiration.
"The title Young Wolf truly suits you!"
"Thank you, Your Grace."
Robb replied with a faint smile.
Robert then turned to Ned.
"Ned! Are there still direwolves in the North? I want to capture one—no, an entire litter—and bring them back to King's Landing!"
Eddard resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"There have never been records of direwolves south of the Wall.
These pups were the first I've seen in all my years in the North.
I'm afraid finding others is unlikely."
"Tch! Ned, you're still as dull as ever."
Robert immediately lost interest.
"I heard there were six pups. Are the others as impressive as this one?"
"No, Your Grace. The others are about the size of normal wolves."
"Ah… then that's not very interesting."
Robert sighed.
"I'm thirsty, Ned. Bring me the best wine Winterfell has."
"Everything is already prepared, Your Grace. This way."
As Robert and Ned entered the main castle, Winterfell's stewards and servants immediately sprang into action.
It was time to properly receive the noble guests from King's Landing.
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