Chapter 133: The Viper and the Rose
Compared to the Cersei and Jaime duo, Janos Slynt was hardly a heavy hitter. The fact that such a man had designs on Nina was a minor issue compared to the suffocating weight of the rumors circulating in the city. The Night's Watch industries were now intertwined with numerous factions in King's Landing; they had no reason to fear a mere head of urban management. Egger pushed the matter aside. After finishing his meal and washing up, he lay in bed, and after a brief, fruitless attempt to devise a strategy against the rumors, he soon fell into a deep sleep.
Summer days are long, perfect for sleeping early and rising with the sun. As soon as dawn broke, the inhabitants of the manor stirred. After a bit of bustling, Egger led several subordinates to the office.
According to previous arrangements, Casey headed to the industrial park outside the city to participate in training and supervision, while also delivering a warning to the other titan of the industry that Slynt might be looking for trouble. As for Nina, although she had her own tasks, Egger needed time to familiarize himself with the sudden explosion of workload at the office—thus, the former female manager was transformed into a temporary assistant.
With no time to procure a second desk, she simply pulled up a chair and sat beside Egger, providing explanations and assistance at a moment's notice.
...
As soon as Arya arrived at the office, she began clamoring to challenge her master. Egger, neck-deep in work, waved her off, telling her to go to the backyard and warm up with Jaqen. The scale of the Night's Watch industries had expanded several times since his departure, but the operational model remained the same system he and Tyrion had established. Despite some changes, it wasn't difficult for the returning founder to adapt. Give Egger a day or two, and he would have the office firmly back in his grip.
After handing off a batch of work, Egger decided to rest for a moment. He leaned back in his chair and watched Nina sitting nearby. Among girls of common birth, she possessed beauty far above the average. While he hadn't felt she was quite as extraordinary as Tyrion had boasted, he reconsidered: in a world where mere literacy made one a talent, being able to stand in for him at the office for a period without a single mistake—to the point where even a modern man like himself couldn't find a flaw during the handover—this lack of error in itself represented a high level of competence.
Those who are favored often act with impunity. Previously, Egger subconsciously felt Nina was already in the bag. Thus, he had calmly enjoyed her admiration and affection without rushing to respond, and amid his busy schedule, he lacked the motivation to make a move. But now, finding someone else coveting his dish, he felt a twinge of tension. It was like a child's toy—whether it sat idle was his business, but even if it gathered dust, no other child was allowed to touch it.
This selfishness and possessiveness are human nature; only those who overcome such nature can achieve great things. If Nina's suitor were a normal young man seeking marriage, Egger would let her decide for herself. But Janos Slynt, a married man, clearly intended to toy with the girl. As the pillar of the Night's Watch industries and the backbone for all its members, he could not stand idly by.
Controlling one's lower half is meant to avoid trouble, but if controlling it still brings trouble, then what?
...
"Nina, where do your parents live now, and are they in good health?"
The girl looked up, surprised that Egger was suddenly interested in her family. "They are well. They live outside the city in our old weaving house. Lord Tyrion wanted them to move into the city, but they refused."
Egger nodded and continued with small talk for a while before pivoting to the main point. "Nina, you are a vital member of the Night's Watch industry and my capable subordinate. I won't watch you be bullied. If you encounter any man making advances or intending harm, and you don't like it, find a way to tell him directly: you are my person. Understand?"
"I am... your person?" Nina repeated, her heart skipping a beat. The phrase held so many possible meanings that she blushed instantly. "My Lord, what... what does that mean?"
"Whatever you think it means, or whatever others think it means when they hear it—that's what it means. It's meant to provoke various interpretations. That is the effect this sentence needs to achieve. Do you follow?"
Nina was nearly dizzy from the wordplay. She wanted to say she didn't understand, but her mind moved quickly. She soon realized Egger's intent—he was marking her as claimed to protect her from harassment. How overbearing... yet how safe it feels! But it was so sudden. Her face burned, her mind whirled, and for a moment, she lost the ability to think straight.
It seemed she understood. Having taken this step, Egger felt a sense of relief, followed by a slight pang of guilt. This young girl, likely in love for the first time, had been claimed by his tactical maneuver before they had even shared a moment of romance. Such overbearing CEO lines usually only work in romance novels; only in a situation where beauty is in the eye of the beholder would he not be dismissed as a lunatic.
He truly lacked the time and energy for a sentimental, slow-burning romance. He could only respond in this straightforward manner. With this foundation laid, he would give her time to prepare mentally, then find a natural opportunity to truly make her his and settle the matter. In these turbulent times, everything had to be simplified; the missing steps of courtship and emotional accumulation would have to be made up later.
A knock sounded on the heavy, soundproof door. The receptionist from the lobby poked her head in. "Lord Egger, there's a group outside calling themselves a Prince of Dorne. Shall I let them in?"
"A Prince of Dorne?" Egger froze, snapping out of his overbearing boss mode and sitting bolt upright.
...
The scandal involving the Lannister twins was the greatest crisis, as it could destabilize the Seven Kingdoms and the foundation of the Night's Watch industry. Janos Slynt's interest in his subordinate was a minor annoyance. Both threatened his career. However, the Prince of Dorne—the Red Viper, Oberyn Martell—was likely interested in him personally!
Subjectively, the threat to his person was far more terrifying than the previous two.
It would be a lie to say he wasn't afraid. Against an enemy, one can meet troops with generals; but against someone trying to turn you? Egger had zero experience. He stood up to greet them but changed his mind after one step. "Invite the Prince in!" He looked around the room and grabbed his literal lifeline. "Nina, come here, quickly!"
"Huh? I'm right here, My Lord!"
"Stand up, come to my side!"
"Why?" They were sitting at the same table, less than two meters apart. Why get closer? Nina, already mentally overwhelmed, couldn't process the strange command. She blinked her bright eyes—the kind that immediately catch a man's attention—and looked at her boss with a dazed, innocent expression, hesitating.
"No time to explain, just play along!" Egger stomped his foot. Seeing time was up, he strode over and stood behind Nina, one hand resting on her shoulder and the other bracing on the table, striking the pose of a lecherous man making a move.
"Lord Egger?!" Nina was completely stunned.
"Don't move, I'll explain later!" Egger commanded.
The Night's Watch oath forbids marriage and children, and with the scarcity of women at the Wall, rumors in the south persisted that the Night's Watch are all gay. If he didn't quickly prove his orientation to Oberyn, any misunderstanding caused by his celibacy in King's Landing would lead to endless trouble.
...
What is he doing? If we were at the manor, anything would be fine, but here? Does the Master fear the Prince of Dorne will also take a liking to me, so he's declaring ownership immediately? Nina sat there, the warmth of Egger's palm seeping through her shoulder. Intimidated by the undeniable authority in his voice, her heart fluttered so hard it nearly leaped out of her throat. Her mind went blank, and she sat perfectly still.
The two held the pose, both tense... until the visitor stepped into the room.
"Oh—" a crisp, delicate female voice rang out. "It seems we've come at a bad time?"
Egger focused his gaze. Why was it Margaery Tyrell? Didn't they say the Prince of Dorne? Can people just lie about their titles?
"How so?" Fortunately, the Red Viper followed her into the room. He saw Egger's hand on Nina's shoulder, showed a hint of doubt, then smiled. "I wouldn't want to disturb the Chief Logistics Officer's interests. Shall we step out?"
"You're joking, My Lords." Having achieved his goal, Egger patted the girl's shoulder—which felt remarkably fine to the touch—and let go. "Please, sit. Nina, fetch some drinks for our distinguished guests."
In the hierarchy of visitors, these two were top-tier. However, the Red Viper and the Little Rose—one a Martell uncle with a taste for the taboo, and the other a Tyrell maiden—walking together was truly bizarre. Yet, in King's Landing, it made sense. As the two Great Houses that backed the wrong side during the Rebellion, Dorne and the Reach had been sidelined from the core of power for over a decade. Here in the capital, they were noble but unaccepted. It was understandable they would huddle together for warmth.
There was no need to overthink why they appeared together. If it were Oberyn alone, it might just be for fun. But since he appeared with the calculating Margaery... it would only take a few words to find out what they were after.
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