From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

Five round, thin, cool, bright silver coins gleamed.

The obverse of the silver coin features a crowned stag with its head held high and hooves raised, its antlers clearly forked.

The reverse side is engraved with the abbreviation of the Baratheon royal motto – "Wildfire"!

"Money gives a man courage!"

In the bitter cold of night, Don Quixote, the poor boy who had been poor for twenty-one years, touched the few silver coins he had suddenly become wealthy and found it hard to fall asleep.

"I have trouble falling asleep at night~"

"What can be used for anesthesia?"

Having been transported to the world of Game of Thrones for many years, Don Quixote, who had never suffered from insomnia before, began to have unusually wild thoughts that night:

"It's not my fault, it's the money's fault!"

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.

"Little Don Quixote, come with me." Madame Vera suddenly approached.

Don Quixote, who had just finished a hearty breakfast costing 30 coppers and was digesting his food, was slightly taken aback. He quickly stood up and followed behind Madame Vera.

Mrs. Vera found a quiet corner and slowly said:

"Little Don Quixote, you need to find a place to stay in the city."

"The Iron Axe Tavern needs someone to keep things quiet at night too."

Upon hearing this, Don Quixote immediately laughed:

"Madam, I am considering this matter."

He left the tenant village and Seven City with old Valentine a long time ago, and recently returned to Seven City because the old man missed home.

Old Valentine was from Seven City.

Born here and buried here, it can be considered a perfect ending.

But for Don Quixote, since the unexpected death of his parents in this life, he had long lost all emotional ties with the city of Seven and the village of his tenants.

He was quite casual about where he lived.

I used to live in a tenant village, not because I missed the old days, but simply because the house there was simple but free.

At that time, he was down on his luck and confused, so he didn't dare to spend money recklessly.

He still doesn't have much money, but he has confidence.

The pointed-roof wooden house in the tenant village was too simple; living in it was only slightly better than sleeping in the wilderness.

More importantly, the villages surrounding Seven City are almost completely dark at night.

In the Northern Region, candles still have some value.

Although ordinary people rarely indulged in the luxury of lighting candles, they generally used simple, primitive light-emitting tools such as pine resin torches, tallow lamps, and firewood flames.

Even so, ordinary people rarely keep their rooms brightly lit for long periods of time. Only in situations such as mending clothes at night or when temporary lighting is needed will their houses be slightly lit.

The scarcity of lighting tools and firewood meant that nighttime life was virtually nonexistent in the villages surrounding Seven City.

This greatly displeased Don Quixote.

He had been considering moving to a different place to live for the past few days.

Mrs. Vera nodded and said:

Do you have any ideas?

"It's already there. I plan to go and see Windsor Cottage," Don Quixote said with a smile.

Mrs. Vera pondered for a moment and said:

"There is indeed a way to stay in the city long-term at Windsor Cottage, but it's quite expensive. If you can't afford that price, you can stay in a small room in the back of the tavern."

Don Quixote: "Hmm."

Mrs. Vera didn't ask any further questions, but suddenly changed the subject and said:

"Ronan told me about what happened yesterday."

Don Quixote met Madame Vera's gaze, his expression calm:

"I don't think I did anything wrong. That bastard insulted the Old Gods in public and needs to pay an extra price."

"Besides, other guests will also be satisfied with an extra glass of ale."

Mrs. Vera smiled with satisfaction:

"Heh, I didn't expect you, Don Quixote, to be such a loyal believer in the Old Gods."

"Of course, although I am not yet a knight of oath," Don Quixote said seriously, spouting nonsense.

"But I have been faithfully believing in the Old Gods for a long time!"

Hearing this, Mrs. Vera was even more pleased.

Mrs. Vera was naturally a devout believer in the Old Gods.

"I didn't mean to criticize you," Mrs. Vera said with a slow smile.

"I just wanted to remind you that if you continue to be so tough, you might offend a lot of people."

"Few people reflect on their own mistakes; they only blame others!"

...He, Don Quixote, is no longer the lowly cat or dog he once was; now he is a systematic and ruthless beast!

Don Quixote squinted, exuding an air of adolescent angst.

He had no concern whatsoever about being resented.

At this stage, the people he can provoke are most likely not any powerful figures.

Although his strength has not grown much yet, his mindset is gradually opening up, and he is no longer timid and hesitant.

A strong person not only needs outstanding personal strength, but also enough courage.

However, Mrs. Vera did have an ambiguous relationship with old Valentine, so she could be considered his elder.

And when he was most confused and helpless, Mrs. Vera also reached out to help him.

Thinking of this, Don Quixote earnestly replied, following Madame Vera's words:

"Madam, I will be more careful in the future and try my best to gently dissuade those disobedient guests!"

Madame Vera scrutinized Don Quixote closely, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She has been running the Iron Axe Tavern for many years, which means she has to deal with all sorts of people.

She's developed a keen eye for people.

At this moment, Madame Vera suddenly noticed that Don Quixote had something extra on him.

Compared to the first day we met, her demeanor seemed to have changed a lot.

Yes, at their first meeting, Don Quixote was just like many other down-on-his-luck hired knights and commoners she had ever met.

He only dares to say a few words when he's drunk.

He usually appears honest and humble.

But now.

He stood there, his back straight, his eyes clear.

This child seemed to possess the same confident and unassuming nature as the other aristocratic children she had met from the Seven family.

Yes, it gives people a sense of confidence that they can be in charge.

Mrs. Vera frowned and said:

How much did you drink today?

Don Quixote, puzzled, asked:

"I just had a glass of ale this morning to warm myself up."

After a moment of silence, Mrs. Vera suddenly laughed:

"You don't need to worry too much. If there are any bad people who won't listen to advice, just do what you think is right."

"My Iron Axe Tavern has been able to operate peacefully in Seven City for many years, not because anyone can act recklessly!"

In the end, Mrs. Vera also became more assertive.

She is no weak person for being able to run a tavern in a male-dominated society.

"Yes, madam." Don Quixote was not surprised by Madame Vera's attitude.

In the past few days, he had inquired about some things at the Iron Axe Tavern and about Lady Vera.

Mrs. Vera's husband, who passed away many years ago, was the butler of the Seven family.

The eldest son is currently the captain of the city wall patrol in Seven City.

The second son is currently a Ranger in the Seven family, guarding the Seven family's private hunting grounds.

My youngest daughter is currently a virgin.

These things were no secret around Seven City, and it was against this backdrop that Iron Axe Tavern firmly established itself in Seven City.

"Find a place to stay in Seven City as soon as possible. You'll need to watch over the Iron Axe Tavern at night."

Mrs. Vera gave another instruction, and then added:

"Your performance this time was quite good, so we'll give you a raise."

"You are Old Valentine's squire, and I trust his judgment!"

"Hmm, 20 copper coins a day, from now on you'll help me guard the tavern."

She paused, a hint of weariness in her voice:

"My health is deteriorating, and I'm afraid I won't have much energy to manage the tavern in the future. Perhaps my daughter will take over the tavern!"

"If my daughter really comes to run Iron Axe Tavern, please take care of her for me."

Recalling Don Quixote's transformation, Madame Vera concluded:

"Of course, if you find a better way out in the future, just tell me, and I won't stop you."

"Thank you, Madam. Please take care of yourself!" Don Quixote said gratefully.

"If Miss comes to take over the tavern, I will definitely cooperate with her."

He no longer cared about 20 copper coins a day.

However, the recognition that a raise represents always makes people happy.

After finishing his conversation with Madame Vera, Don Quixote returned to the vicinity of the bar.

Ronan, who had been secretly observing Don Quixote's conversation with Madame Vera, glanced at the approaching Don Quixote and casually remarked:

"Did Mrs. Vera give any instructions?"

Don Quixote's smile vanished instantly:

"Something bad has happened to me."

...Heh, serves you right!

Upon hearing this, Ronan chuckled inwardly and continued to ask directly:

"What is it?"

"20 copper coins."

"What?"

"Mrs. Vera gave me a raise; I'm now making 20 copper coins a day!"

After saying that, Don Quixote immediately changed his expression and burst into laughter.

He then turned and sat on a worn-out wooden bench in the corner, resting with his eyes half-closed while surveying the tavern.

"That awful bastard..."

Ronan's hand, which was wiping the cups, froze in mid-air, and his expression remained unchanged.

The smile was successfully transferred.

……

PS: (Please recommend and read this!)