Brynden Tully's weathered face looked exceptionally stern.
He exchanged a glance with Robin Lygg beside him, then turned to Arthur, who had walked to the opposite side of the long table and sat down:
"What are your demands for negotiation?"
Arthur sat in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the tabletop, producing a dull sound.
A smile appeared on his face, so open and direct as he replied:
"I have no claim to his land."
"Return my lands, agree on a ransom for the prisoners I hold, and rebuild Dreadfort for me."
This answer stunned both Brynden and Robin; these were indeed very straightforward demands.
Arthur's gaze swept over the two of them, and he continued: "I've said it before, it's not me who has consistently refused to negotiate, but the Legge Family."
"I do not like war, good sir."
He paused, his tone as relaxed as if discussing the weather, and spread his hands, his posture appearing even more sincere.
"If Riverrun is willing to provide a guarantee or issue me an order, I can withdraw my troops immediately, even before the negotiation results are finalized."
"If you doubt my sincerity, I am willing to go to Riverrun alone and discuss this matter with Roger Lygg under Hoster's presence."
"If necessary, and if it helps the negotiation, I will lead my army out of Willow Wood City tomorrow."
Brin narrowed his eyes, like a shrewd old hound, carefully scrutinizing the young man before him, yet finding only sincerity and openness:
"Regarding the troop withdrawal, there's no need for that for now."
"But tomorrow, I need to enter the inner keep, meet Roger Lygg, hear his explanation on this matter, and agree on the negotiation terms. Do you have any objections?"
Arthur nodded gently, stood up, and clapped his hands.
"Of course, good sir."
"I accept all of Riverrun's rulings."
He turned to his guards beside him, raising his voice slightly.
"You two have traveled a long way and worked hard."
"Please rest well here tonight; I have arranged the best rooms and a banquet for you."
"Be sure to treat our guests well, bring out the best wine from Willow Wood City's cellar."
The guards bowed and withdrew, and Arthur looked back at the delegation, his smile unwavering.
"I hope you can persuade the stubborn Roger Lygg."
"I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
The negotiation seemed to have achieved an unexpected breakthrough, and the tense atmosphere instantly relaxed. Besides Brynden and Robin, the brows of over twenty Riverrun soldiers all unfurled. They hadn't expected such a respectful attitude and such a smooth journey.
Watching Arthur turn and leave, Brynden turned to Robin: "What do you make of this young man?"
Robin Lygg, touching his bald head, admitted with some embarrassment: "He is respectful towards Riverrun, and he even presented the Valyria steel sword instead of keeping it."
Late at night, moonlight, like a thin layer of frost, sprinkled upon the walls of Willow Wood City's inner keep.
The night wind blew, carrying a biting chill, and Arthur wrapped his outer robe tighter.
He ordered Brin behind him, his voice low but cutting through the wind: "Bring him over."
Several soldiers carried a stretcher forward. On the stretcher lay a corpse, dressed in the full plate armor of the Legge Family, with the family crest of a weeping willow carved on the breastplate.
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