While King's Landing lay in ruins, the northern Crownlands enjoyed peace and growing prosperity. The year was drawing to a close, and it was time for the annual harvest festival.
Roman's military campaign had targeted only the nobility while protecting the common folk. He had poured enormous resources into developing the newly conquered lands. After a single year of proper cultivation and fair governance, the people of the Crownlands discovered something they had never known before: they could grow enough grain to feed their families and still have surplus to sell.
Harrenhal's advanced handicraft industries and efficient logistics network meant that goods produced in the heart of Roman's territory reached even the most remote markets within a month. A dazzling variety of products—tools, fabrics, preserved foods, and simple luxuries—filled the stalls.
For the first time, the harvest festival was no longer an event only great lords could afford. It had come to the homes of ordinary people.
Amid the cheerful atmosphere, Roman decided to visit the festival in Duskwood City.
He had only wanted to sleep in and recover his strength, but Fili shook him awake before dawn.
Looking at the pale sky, Roman asked groggily, "What is it…"
The girl's face glowed with uncontainable excitement. "Lord Roman! The harvest festival has started. All kinds of shops and stalls have opened across the city. You have to come see!"
"Ugh… Fili, does it have to be this early? Let me sleep a little longer. We can go later."
"But—"
Roman cut her off. "If you don't behave, you're not getting into my bed for the next month."
"Eek!" Fili squeaked. "I was wrong, Lord Roman! I'll wait outside right now!"
After getting a proper amount of sleep, Roman finally stretched lazily in a way he hadn't done in months.
"Sigh… ever since Eddard was captured, I haven't slept this well even once. Fili mentioned a harvest festival… I suppose I should take a look."
He rang the bell. Moments later, Fili stepped inside.
"Is something urgent? I saw you waiting outside the whole time."
Fili smiled shyly. "The people of Duskwood City want to thank you for everything you've done for them. They've set up stalls all over the city and are hoping you'll visit."
Roman finished washing up and stepped outside. The sun was already high. It was still 298 AC, and the Long Summer had not yet ended, so even late in the year the weather remained pleasantly warm.
"Have you eaten breakfast, Fili?"
Her stomach growled loudly the moment he asked. Her face turned bright red and she scratched her cheek in embarrassment.
Roman chuckled and gently touched her cheek. "Being hungry isn't something to be ashamed of. Since the whole city is celebrating, there must be plenty of food. Come with me and eat something."
Fili's eyes lit up again. "Lord Roman… you're not angry with me?"
He tapped her forehead lightly. "Am I that petty? I just wanted a little more sleep."
Fili rubbed the spot, stuck out her tongue playfully, then took his hand and led him outside with a bright smile.
Duskwood City was lively beyond words. Since Roman had taken control, he had ordered major renovations. The walls had been strengthened, outer defenses built, and inside the city new public facilities had sprung up everywhere.
As a port city, Duskwood was remarkably clean. The stench of waste and garbage that once plagued every corner was gone. Roads and even the former slums had been cleared, people were given work, and infrastructure rose on every empty plot.
With the harvest festival underway, locals displayed their own goods alongside merchants who had traveled from afar. City officials maintained order without needing reminders from Roman. Stalls were neatly arranged by type, and crowd flow was managed smoothly.
Roman watched everything with quiet satisfaction. These officials were all veterans trained in Harrenhal and then sent to work at the grassroots level. They had proven themselves reliable.
"People who trained at Harrenhal and then gained real experience on the ground really are dependable," he murmured.
Fili pulled him eagerly toward the food district, pointing out one delicacy after another.
"Lord Roman, look at that grilled octopus! It was caught just a few days ago—completely fresh!"
"Lord Roman, the baker at this stall once catered for us. You have to try his cakes!"
"Oh! Those are sweet wines from the Reach. They taste wonderful and won't make you drunk. They're perfect for you!"
She had promised to show him the food, but before long Fili was the one buying everything that caught her eye. When she finally noticed, Roman still hadn't eaten anything.
The girl froze like a child caught misbehaving. "Lo-Lord Roman, I'm sorry! I got too excited and—"
Before she could finish, Roman reached out and fondly ruffled her hair.
"As long as you don't eat until your stomach hurts, it's fine. You take care of me every single day. It's okay to relax and enjoy yourself today."
"Lord Roman…"
Fili stood there, embarrassed yet deeply moved, unsure what to say.
Roman leaned closer, sniffing the treats in her hands with a smile. "Our Chief Steward has bought so many delicious things. Will you share some with me?"
Tears welled up in Fili's eyes. She closed them for a moment, then gave him the brightest smile.
"Yes! I'll get you some right away, Lord Roman. There are so many hearty and tasty dishes here—you're going to love them."
Roman watched the busy girl beside him and felt his tightly wound nerves finally begin to loosen. The long months of warfare and constant planning melted away in the warmth of the festival.
Today Fili wore a simple white shirt, a plaid skirt, and brown boots—clothes that could now be mass-produced across his territory. She had tied her blonde hair into four playful ponytails. If not for her striking beauty, no one would ever guess that this cheerful young woman was the Chief Logistics Steward and Master of Ravens for the entire Harrenhal army.
Fili led him through every corner of Duskwood City. What he saw satisfied him deeply. The people truly lived in peace and contentment.
Whenever residents spotted Roman, they greeted him warmly and expressed their gratitude. Without his light taxes, cleanup of criminal gangs, new hospitals and schools, and massive investment in infrastructure, they would still be struggling in the mud.
After a full day of enjoyment, Fili finally felt content. She sat beside Roman, gazing at the orange-red sunset, and suddenly asked,
"Lord Roman… can you take me flying again? It's been so long since I've been in the sky!"
Roman looked at her eager little face and smiled. He spread his dark blue-black wings.
"Come on, then. This time we'll go high."
He didn't fly slowly. In one smooth motion he carried her straight up through the clouds.
The air grew colder and the wind stronger. Roman wrapped her in a gentle layer of white flame to keep her warm.
From this height, almost the entire continent of Westeros spread out beneath them—from the Wall in the distant north to the Hightower of Oldtown in the south.
Fili could see towns and farmlands scattered like stars across the land. The most densely populated and prosperous region was clearly the territory controlled by House Whent.
Clouds drifted past them. The setting sun glowed like a fiery orb resting on white silk, bathing everything in soft golden light.
The girl couldn't hold back any longer. She let out a joyful cheer. The feeling of soaring freely through the sky was indescribable. In that moment she finally understood why Roman preferred flying to traveling by carriage.
She looked at Roman's focused profile. The warm orange light painted his sharp features in shades of red and gold.
Fili felt a happiness so complete it almost hurt. Once again she was grateful that she had met Roman—that her life had escaped the mud and risen into the light.
"Thank you, Lord Roman," she whispered.
She pressed her face gently against his back, savoring his warmth.
Now Get The FULL AVAILABLE NOVEL at Once!
At Lowest Price Ever!
@patreon.com/Authorizz/shop