Join the Night's Watch Logistics Department? What else can Alliser Thorne do besides mocking others and a bit of swordsmanship? Helping me with my work is clearly just an excuse. The real intention is likely to monitor my actions. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. The only thing Aegor truly fears is suddenly receiving a letter summoning him back to the Wall and having someone else appointed as the Chief Logistics Officer of the Night's Watch in his place. If that happens, at this stage, there's really no good solution left—except to fight to the death.
Remaining wary of others is always a good omen. It was only by staying cautious that he subconsciously blocked such a significant scheme. In this case, did Mormont have designs on the Night's Watch industries, or did he simply want to send Alliser away from the Wall so he could focus on grooming Jon Snow as his successor? Eddard Stark had locked him up for so many days before, could it be that he was cooperating with Alliser after receiving a secret letter from Mormont, only to find that he couldn't gain control of the Night's Watch industry at all, and so finally had no choice but to release him?
After calming down and thinking it over, Aegor felt it was more likely that Alliser Thorne was simply waving around a meaningless token of authority. After all, he had used this same trick on Eddard Stark when he first arrived in King's Landing. Aegor understood the approach from top to bottom. Whether it worked or not depended entirely on the vigilance of the other side.
What was Mormont really thinking by transferring Alliser to the Night's Watch Logistics Department? Did Eddard intend to help the old hedgehog control the Night's Watch industries? What exactly was going on? Guessing wouldn't reveal the truth, and it was impossible to prepare for every possible scenario. The most appropriate course of action right now was to remain steady, continue acting the part of a "loyal brother of the Night's Watch," and decisively exclude any outsiders or people of unclear background from the core of the Night's Watch industries. He would not give those with ill intentions the chance to steal the fruits of his labor.
Fortunately, Alliser Thorne was not like Janos Slynt. His position was higher, and his power was greater. Thanks to Nina's early warning, Aegor was also well aware of his intentions and movements. In any future conflict, Aegor would hold an absolute advantage.
---
As a traveler from another world, Aegor had always unconsciously maintained too high a perspective. By instinct, he believed the threats would come from the likes of Littlefinger, Varys, or from the schemes or foolish actions of key figures like Cersei. But repeated accidents and dangers had finally taught him through experience: the threats could come not only from the so-called "main storyline" or major characters, but also from minor figures like Janos Slynt—or even from people within the Night's Watch itself.
Instead of spending all day thinking about how to fight the White Walkers, maintain peace in Westeros, outmaneuver the great schemers, or continue the explosive expansion of the Night's Watch industries—those so-called "big" or "important" tasks—perhaps it was time to prioritize internal organization, protect the achievements already made, and ensure that the results of their victories would not be stolen away by others.
Suppressing these thoughts, Aegor turned to Nina and asked, "What did you say after reading that document?"
…
"I said, 'I'm sorry. I'm not a member of the Night's Watch and I don't take orders from Commander Mormont.' Then I told Ser Alliser that I would discuss the matter with you once you returned." Nina continued to apply the medicine carefully, her fingertips gently moving over the skin of the man's shoulder, feeling the defined lines of muscle beneath. She even found herself wishing the wound was longer, just so she wouldn't finish applying the medicine too soon. Then, she asked cautiously, "My lord, was that an appropriate response?"
"Exactly right. You handled it perfectly." Aegor secretly clenched his fists but responded casually with praise. "Tyrion once said you were smart. Now it seems even that assessment was too modest."
"Thank you for the compliment, my lord. I simply followed your instructions," Nina replied softly. Her sweet voice couldn't hide her happiness, though she still lowered her head shyly. "No matter what Ser Alliser or anyone else says or does, I will always remember one thing—I am yours, and everything I do is for you."
…
I'm yours?
The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly from a tense discussion of strategy to something strange, charming, and ambiguous. Aegor raised his eyebrows and turned to look at Nina in surprise. Was this just a declaration of loyalty… or was she actually flirting with him?
As they spent more time together, Nina was no longer as shy as she had been in the beginning, no longer blushing or nervously avoiding eye contact every time they spoke. Recently, she had grown bold enough to openly gaze at him with admiration, and even when caught, she would only briefly turn away, showing no embarrassment.
Being stared at by such a beautiful, adoring young woman was undoubtedly a pleasant experience. But to be honest, it was also tiring—he always had to maintain his image. He couldn't yawn, stretch, swear, pick his ears, scratch his nose, or spit as freely as he might when alone.
Aegor had grown used to being admired. But this was the first time he had been directly teased with words.
(Girl, we're alone here, half-dressed, and you're just flirting like this… Aren't you afraid I'll actually take you right here and now?)
…
"Oh? You're mine?" Aegor raised an eyebrow, amused. He wasn't sure whether he was overthinking, but her words were funny enough to make him momentarily forget about Alliser. Suddenly, he remembered something, winning Nina over had originally been part of his plan to solidify control over the Night's Watch industries, but the plan had been delayed by all kinds of chaos. Now, with so many issues settled… maybe it was time to move forward?
He looked at Nina with a smirk. "I seem to recall telling you that this sentence could mean many things. So… tell me. How should I interpret it, coming from you?"
It was meant to be playful teasing, nothing too explicit—just enough to bring them a little closer. If Nina blushed and evaded the question, the moment would pass. After all, teasing was just teasing…
But unexpectedly, the girl's neck and ears quickly turned pink. She bit her lip, then gave a bold and surprisingly mischievous reply: "Whatever you think this sentence means… that's what it means."
Hey, didn't I teach her that line? Now she's using it against me?! Aegor had only intended to tease, but this shy girl had turned the tables on him with a deadly counterattack.
---
"Whatever I think it means, that's what it means?" Aegor narrowed his eyes at her, provoked by her flirtatious reply. You said it yourself. If he kept playing dumb at this point, could he still call himself a man? Forget Alliser, forget strategy. With the girl still applying medicine to his shoulder, half-dressed and close by, he stood up and took a step toward her, bare-chested. "Then guess… what do you think I believe it means right now?"
"A-Aegor… my lord…" Nina was, after all, still a young woman. How could she match the experience of a man who had lived through two worlds and had seen it all? Startled by Aegor's sudden movement, she instinctively stepped back, still clutching the medicine bottle in her hand. Her eyes flickered anxiously, cheeks and neck flushed bright red. "The medicine… I haven't finished applying it…"
"No need."
Today, Aegor had successfully manipulated Renly into killing his enemy without shedding a drop of his own blood. The thrill of watching a powerful opponent collapse while calmly standing by, mixed with the satisfaction of victory and the relief of having survived yet another crisis, had left his blood running hot. Nina's playful response had only been the spark to ignite the flame.
After two years in this world, this was the first time Aegor's physical instincts fully overcame his reason.
What self-control? What grand ambition? To hell with all that. The old saying is right—you should enjoy life while you can. Aegor wanted to solidify his relationship with this capable woman by his side, to enjoy the fruits of his hard-won victories. He needed no lofty excuses. He simply wanted to possess her, here and now.
He grabbed the medicine jar from her hands and tossed it onto the table. The jar rolled across the surface and fell to the floor with a crisp shatter, but Aegor paid it no mind. He stepped forward, and the girl instinctively retreated again. This back-and-forth repeated until Nina was pressed against the wall, with no room left to escape.
"My lord… you…" Nina had only dared to confess her feelings on impulse. She never expected it would provoke such a strong reaction. Panicking, her mind went blank. The tough, capable woman of the Night's Watch was instantly reduced to a stammering, blushing girl.
"Nina," Aegor said softly, "ever since we first met, I've always liked your eyes… I know you watch me all the time, but you always look away when I catch you."
He didn't want this to seem like animal lust. Instead, he softened his tone, adding a layer of tenderness. He gently took the girl's soft, slightly cool hands, feeling the thin calluses on her palms—the marks of someone who had worked hard for her family, who had learned and improved papermaking techniques. He moved slowly, tracing from her delicate wrists to her arms, then to her shoulders. His fingers brushed along her smooth neck, finally resting beneath her chin. Lifting her face gently, he looked directly into her eyes and whispered, "This time, you can't run away. Lift your head… let me have a good look at you."
As if hypnotized, Nina obediently raised her head, blinking her bright, wet eyes like the morning stars. She watched in astonishment as Aegor leaned closer. Just before closing her eyes, one last silly thought crossed her mind:
"I'm doomed. If I'd known this would happen… I would've taken a nice bath today!"
(To be continued.)
***
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