Chapter 320

"Aegor!" Nina's voice barely concealed her surprise as she turned, but her formal greeting was cut short when he strode forward with a broad smile, wrapping her in a bear hug before planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Stop that... so many people are watching," she whispered, flustered, her face already flushed.

"And who dares to comment?" Aegor declared, his grin unyielding as he glanced around. The workers at the unloading docks quickly busied themselves, pretending not to notice.

If there was anyone besides Tyrion Lannister who had contributed the most to Aegor's cause, it was Nina. From the moment he left King's Landing, she had tirelessly managed the Night's Watch enterprises, ensuring funds and supplies flowed steadily to the Wall. Aegor understood that such contributions, made without complaint or demand for recognition, were rare treasures. He wanted Nina to know she was valued—not as an afterthought, but as someone essential to his success.

Whether in Crown's Rest, Castle Black, or even Shadow Tower, Aegor would have found some way to publicly show his appreciation for her. Let anyone try to criticize him—would Robb Stark really waste time chastising him for "keeping a woman" while the world teetered on the brink?
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Nina, once a composed figure of authority, was now reduced to a blushing mess, her limbs soft as she struggled free of his embrace. Despite the chaos of the moment, her flustered demeanor only made her seem more endearing.

"Alright, alright. Let’s catch up properly," Aegor said with a chuckle as he draped an arm over her shoulder. Together, they strolled through Crown's Rest’s bustling streets, their steps unhurried as the workers and guards respectfully parted ways before them.

He took his time observing her. Gone was the timid girl she had been in King's Landing. Now she walked with an air of quiet confidence, her demeanor more regal than many noblewomen of Westeros. Though she still lacked title or rank, Nina carried herself like a queen in her own right—a transformation that only deepened Aegor's admiration. She wasn’t just any woman; she was his.

Finally breaking the silence, he asked, "How’s the work in King’s Landing? Smooth, I hope?"

"Thanks to you and King Stannis, everything’s been progressing steadily," Nina replied, her tone calm and assured. Though she couldn’t completely hide the joy of their reunion, her professionalism remained intact. "The Iron Throne has punished the Crownlands lords who supported Renly’s rebellion, which allowed us to reclaim almost all of the Night’s Watch enterprises. With strong funding and well-designed systems in place, the operations are thriving."

She paused briefly before adding with a hint of pride, "Your strategies—yours and Lord Tyrion's—are brilliant. The policies practically run themselves. I mostly just monitor and manage, plugging gaps where necessary. The risk-investment model you implemented has been especially effective; we've invested in several promising projects over the past year. Even if some fail, the losses will be manageable."

"You’re too modest," Aegor said with a smile, shaking his head. "No system is perfect. The success of the enterprises wouldn’t be possible without your hard work. But," he continued knowingly, "I imagine you didn’t come all the way here just to share good news. Let’s hear the ‘but.’"

Nina blushed faintly, her admiration for him growing as she straightened herself to deliver the truth. "But... the old families in the Crownlands are regaining their strength, and the lords who supported King Stannis are solidifying their positions in King’s Landing. These nobles are already eyeing the profits of the Night’s Watch enterprises, trying to claim their share. Stannis is fair, but he can’t monitor everything—especially with Aegon’s rebellion still unresolved. They haven’t resorted to open theft, but they’re using subtler methods to chip away at our control."

Aegor nodded knowingly. "Let me guess—they’re forcing you to take their money, framing it as investments, and demanding recognition as shareholders?"

"Exactly," Nina said with a sigh. "They’re not even subtle about it. Most of these new projects aren’t particularly profitable, but the nobles expect returns as if we were still minting gold with dragonglass and books. We’ve been able to maintain a monthly profit of nearly three thousand gold dragons, but once dividends, operational costs, and bribes are accounted for, the amount left for the Night’s Watch is shrinking. Keeping even a thousand for the Wall is becoming difficult."

Aegor clenched his jaw, his thoughts racing. The aristocracy’s greed was an ever-present obstacle, and there was no reasoning with them. But as much as he wanted to declare war on these parasites, he couldn’t afford to divide his attention with the White Walkers looming.

Before he could respond, Nina hesitated, lowering her voice. "That’s not all. Some of the nobles—like certain members of House Florent—aren’t content with just money. They’ve started pursuing me as well."

"The Florents?" Aegor groaned, rubbing his temples. "Great. As if royal in-laws weren’t enough trouble already. Did they hurt you?"

"Of course not," Nina said with a soft laugh, touched by his concern. "They wouldn’t dare. People in King’s Landing still remember what happens to your enemies. But they’ve been persistent—too much so. I left the business in my deputy’s hands and came north to escape them."

"Good call," Aegor said, though inwardly he worried about the deputy’s competence. Before he could dwell on it, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Master—!"

Arya’s voice rang out, breathless with urgency as she sprinted toward them. Aegor hadn’t seen her so flustered in a long time.

"What’s wrong?"

"What’s wrong?!" she snapped, glaring at Nina. Clearly upset, she opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself, casting Nina a frustrated look before stomping her foot. "You—you’re the problem! Hmph!"

And with that, Arya spun on her heel and bolted, leaving Aegor and Nina bewildered.

"What was that about?" Aegor muttered, watching Arya’s retreating figure. "You didn’t do anything to upset her, did you?"

"I haven’t even spoken to her yet," Nina said, equally confused. Then her eyes lit up with realization. "Oh, I forgot to mention—on my way here, I stopped at Winterfell. Lady Stark sent two soldiers with me to escort Arya back home."

Aegor’s eyes brightened at the news. "Finally! Someone came to take her home."

Turning to a nearby guard, he barked orders. "Seal the inner keep. Mobilize everyone available. Help Lady Stark’s men escort Arya back to Winterfell—and don’t tell her it was my idea!"

As the guards scrambled to obey, Aegor felt a weight lift from his shoulders. At long last, some peace and quiet. For now, at least.