From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

These words struck at the heart of the matter.

The life of a freelancer may seem glamorous, but in reality, it's tough.

Especially since there haven't been any major wars in the North in recent years, they can hardly find a job even once a month.

Moreover, the harsh winter is coming to the North!

If we don't stock up on some gold dragons and silver deer, let alone drinking and eating meat, it's uncertain whether we can even survive the long winter that's coming.

One hundred silver deer per month, including food and accommodation.

This kind of treatment is quite generous.

As for leaving the North for the South.

Not many people are considering it.

Except for not wanting to leave their hometown.

It is also because the competition in the South is too intense that it is even more difficult for freelancers like them, who have no reputation outside the region, to find suitable jobs.

Tom scratched his head and didn't say anything more.

The other knights also resigned themselves to their fate and stopped complaining.

The expressions of the two Seven City soldiers were somewhat better, no longer cold and gloomy.

"This Don Quixote is quite sensible; I really underestimated him before."

The two Seven City soldiers had been to the Iron Axe Tavern many times and were more familiar with Don Quixote than with other unfamiliar knights.

However, they hadn't really thought much of Don Quixote before.

They thought Don Quixote was just a down-on-his-luck knight.

They've seen plenty of people like this.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, Don Quixote became the adult who could command them.

They had heard from their companions about the spectacular duel between Don Quixote and Sir Keller.

Although I didn't personally witness that exciting scene, my opinion of Don Quixote changed considerably.

"This Don Quixote is an upright knight!"

The two Seven City soldiers exchanged a glance, understanding each other's meaning.

Besides following Don Quixote's orders, the two of them also had other tasks to perform.

That is to secretly monitor the actions of these free knights.

If any egregious behavior occurs, they will report it directly to Lord Liam.

Don Quixote then spoke again, his voice steady:

"Everyone has worked hard these past few days, please do your patrols carefully!"

"When it's time to rest, I'll treat everyone to drinks at the Iron Axe Tavern."

"Meat is plentiful! Alcohol is plentiful!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up!

"Vice Captain, you're so magnanimous! It's just a patrol, no big deal!"

"Don't even mention circling this market three times, I could circle it five times, I could handle it!"

"Exactly! With hot ale to drink, it's worth it even if it's frozen!"

"The vice-captain really understands us!"

The crowd, who had been full of resentment just moments before, instantly broke into smiles, and even the discomfort caused by Chen Han subsided considerably.

...You are too young to know that every gift that fate bestows has a price already secretly marked on it!

Don Quixote's gaze swept lightly over these people, a deep glint in his eyes.

A person's true nature is easily revealed at the dinner table, especially when they are drunk, as many things become harder to hide.

He planned to start by screening these people at the dinner table.

Those that are suitable will be kept for further observation.

If they are not suitable, find an opportunity to remove them from the guard squad.

Such opportunities are not hard to find.

He needs trustworthy people, people who won't easily betray him!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Time flies.

Two days later.

The temporary trading market outside Seven City has officially opened.

Don Quixote quickly ate his breakfast and then led his six men to guard the main entrance to the trading market.

Not long after.

Many figures on horseback appeared in the direction of Seven City.

They are driving this way.

Seeing this, Liam quickly whispered:

"The Earl is here! Everyone, perk up and stand in line!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone quickly abandoned their casual attitude, straightened their backs, and became solemn.

Don Quixote straightened up slightly and looked in the direction from which the group of people had come.

In the morning light.

A group of knights escorted a man slowly as he walked towards them.

The man, wearing a dark brown wool cloak with silver trim and a jeweled longsword at his waist, was none other than Count Meggie.

Raymond, the butler, followed beside Earl Machi.

Sir Keller stood guard on the right side of Earl Machi.

Several elite cavalrymen from the Seven family followed behind him.

These elite cavalrymen were all dressed in full plate armor.

His gaze was cold and stern, and his aura was intimidating.

"She's here too."

Don Quixote's gaze swept quickly over the group of people, finally settling on one of the ladies.

Jolie Seven!

She was dressed in a sleek dark gray riding outfit, with a black wool cloak trimmed with silver thread over it.

Her long, dark brown hair was tied into a high ponytail, secured with only a silver hairpin, which made her neck appear fair and lovely.

The gentle tenderness she had shown when they first met was gone from her eyes; now she exuded the unique heroic spirit of a woman from the North.

The oak fence at the market entrance was already surrounded by local tenant farmers, hunters, and small vendors.

"My Lord Earl!"

Upon seeing Earl Meggi's arrival, everyone bowed in respect.

The once slightly noisy market entrance suddenly became quiet.

Count Mitchell reined in his horse, his gaze sweeping over the fairly well-organized guard before him, and nodded in satisfaction.

He then turned to look at the market inside the fence.

Inside the oak fence, dozens of stalls have been set up, and nearly ten stone and wood huts have been neatly built.

Everything was in good order.

Count Mitch looked at Raymond and smiled:

"Well done."

Raymond immediately replied:

"Your Excellency's plan was well-thought-out. I was merely following orders and taking care of these follow-up matters."

Earl Megi smiled slightly upon hearing this, even more pleased.

He looked around again, his gaze settling on the tenant farmers, hunters, and merchants around him, and said loudly:

"Today, this temporary trading market outside Seven City officially opens!"

"From now on, merchants from the south and north can trade here."

"The Seven family abides by the rules, will not mistreat merchants, and will not oppress ordinary people. We hope that everyone can get what they need and live a peaceful life."

Winter is coming!

"Only by sticking together can we survive the long, harsh winter!"

As soon as Count Mitchell finished speaking, the crowd by the fence responded enthusiastically, their faces filled with joy.

Markets are extremely rare in the North.

There is only one city.

—White Harbor!

White Harbor is located at the mouth of the Whiteblade River in the southern part of the North and is ruled by the Mandalay family.

They acquired the ancient castle—Wolf's Lair—from House Stark!

It was gradually developed into the prosperous port it is today.

Although there are trading areas within Seven City, many strict restrictions have been imposed to protect the Earl's safety.

For many people, it is still not very convenient.

The trading market outside the city seems different now.

No need to abide by the strict rules of Seven Castle, no need to be mindful of the city guards' attitudes.

Tenant farmers and hunters could easily reach the area and exchange some daily necessities.

Merchants from the south no longer need to stay in the cramped and expensive inns of Seven City.

The stalls inside the fence also looked bright and spacious.

Those few stone and wood huts might still be able to store some goods that are susceptible to dampness.

It's much more comfortable than staying in that cramped trading area in the city.

Count Mitchell then said:

"Once the market is established, the rules must also be firmly established."

"Anyone who engages in forced buying and selling, or who steals and causes trouble, will be dealt with severely once discovered."

"I hope everyone will abide by the rules and conduct legitimate business!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!" the crowd replied.

……

PS: (Please recommend and read this!)