From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

The full official title of Wiman Mandalay should be:

Earl of White Harbor, Guardian of White Blade River, Shield of the Church, Protector of the Exiles, Grand Commander of Mande River, Member of the Green Hand Knights.

The Green Hand Knights were founded by the Gardener Kings of the Reach and named after Garth Green Hand, the ancestor of the Gardener Kings and a mythical figure from the Reach.

One of the most prestigious knightly orders in Westeros during the Andal era!

The patriarchs of the Mandalay family were awarded the title of Green Hand Knights based on their illustrious family background, noble character, and superb martial arts skills.

This title thus became a hereditary honor for the Mandalay family.

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.

Count Weyman shook his head and smiled:

"It's just a similar name, there's no need to make a fuss about it."

He paused, looked around, and then continued:

"What's the attitude of the hired knights, freelance mercenaries, and, well, the merchants in the city?"

"Those hired knights and freelance mercenaries all tried their best and agreed to everything," someone responded.

"As for the major merchants, they were also very cooperative and expressed their support for the Earl's decision."

"And those small business owners, having likely heard this news, dare not ignore it!"

Earl Wyman nodded, then turned to a knight who was over six feet tall and very muscular, and ordered in a deep voice:

"Marlon, you need to be on guard now and watch out for signs of pirate activity that may appear in the Three Sisters Islands."

The knight was Sir Marlon Mandel, a cousin of Earl Wyman, Commander-in-Chief of the White Harbor Garrison, and Supreme Commander of the garrison at Newcastle and Wolf's Lair.

Sir Marlon's beard was as gray as the surface of the sea in winter, and he had a pair of deep gray eyes.

Upon hearing this, Sir Marlon immediately responded:

"Yes, sir!"

But he quickly added:

"Do those 'Sisters' really have the guts to invade? Aren't they afraid of Lord Jon Arryn's punishment?"

Someone then sneered:

"Those greedy, wicked, and fickle 'sisters' have long since lost all their reputation."

"Who could have predicted the actions of some depraved individuals! It wouldn't be surprising if they openly betrayed the Iron Throne right now!"

The Three Sisters Islands, Biting Bay's most notorious hideout, smugglers' haven, and pirate harbor.

A place known throughout the seven kingdoms for its decadence and greed.

Earl Weyman said slowly:

"The Bolton family has stirred up trouble again. Although there is no evidence to prove it, the market in Seven Territory not long ago should have been done by the Bolton family."

"And the 'Sisters' may also have been involved!"

"The North may become unstable again, and we can't attend to other places."

"But in this White Harbor, I will not tolerate anyone who wants to come here to cause destruction and chaos!"

"And we will never let our guard down towards those who may have ill intentions!"

After a pause, Earl Weyman concluded:

"Marlon, increase the alert! Eliminate any pirates that appear immediately!"

"Willis, organize a team to eliminate those raiders around White Harbor."

"We haven't paid attention to these people for too long, and I've heard they've caused quite a bit of trouble. This time, we'll wipe them out completely!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes, Father!"

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.

Don Quixote sized up the now-strong Cole before him and asked:

"Cole, how's your breathing technique coming along?"

More than three months ago, he began teaching Knight Cole the basic breathing technique.

A month ago.

Cole finally completed a proper breathing exercise on his own, accurately and completely.

After that, Don Quixote let Cole practice on his own.

Add the effect of more than ten blood apples.

Cole is no longer the skinny kid he used to be.

Upon hearing this, Cole couldn't contain his excitement and immediately said:

"My lord, I have made great progress; I can now enter a meditative state five out of ten times!"

Don Quixote nodded and praised:

"Good job, keep it up!"

Upon hearing this, Colton became even more excited.

After a moment, he seemed to remember something, and suppressing his excitement, he hesitated and said:

"My lord, Alden's mood has been off lately. It seems... it seems like it's because I've made too much progress."

At the beginning, the two were at about the same level, and it could even be said that Cole's foundation was slightly worse.

But now, Kerr is confident he can take on three Aldens at the same time!

Don Quixote thought for a moment before saying:

"I don't ask much of you, only two things!"

"First, loyalty, loyalty to your knights!"

"Secondly, loyalty, loyalty to the knight's oath!"

"If he can't understand these things, then keep copying and reciting the knightly oath! Don't expect me to teach him anything further!"

"Cole, go tell him that if he still doesn't understand what loyalty is within a year, I might send him back to Seven City!"

Alden was still a child, and his thoughts were easily influenced and changed.

If you are an adult.

Don Quixote didn't have the patience to teach someone with wavering beliefs and a tendency to change their mind for an extended period of time.

Even if it's just some basic knight skills.

Cole didn't dare say more, and bowed, saying:

"Yes, sir, I will remind Alden!"

Just as Cole was about to leave the room, Don Quixote suddenly said again:

"Cole, after this operation to wipe out the raiders around White Harbor is over, I will arrange for someone to escort you and Alden back to Seven City."

"Mrs. Nadine is getting old, so she should go back to visit her grandmother every now and then."

"And once you meet my requirements, you will be able to travel safely between Seven City and White Harbor on your own."

"I won't restrict your behavior. You can go back to Seven City whenever you want."

Upon hearing this, Cole's eyes reddened slightly.

He gripped the sword at his waist and bowed deeply to Don Quixote:

"Thank you, sir!"

Don Quixote smiled and said seriously:

"Therefore, you need to practice your knight skills and breathing techniques even harder. In a while, I will also arrange for you to have some real combat experience!"

Cole stood ramrod straight, without the slightest hesitation, his voice steady and firm:

"My lord, I will never fail your teachings and your trust!"

After Cole left, Adele quickly entered the room and smiled:

"Sir, they have all arrived."

Don Quixote nodded, and as he stood up, he said:

"Adele, how's your mission going?"

Adele pondered for a moment, then quickly replied:

"My lord, one-third of the people on the list have already received your generous help."

"They have either rekindled their confidence in life, successfully overcome a difficult period in their lives, or their shops have seen a recovery in business."

After a pause, Adele said with admiration and joy:

"And they all told me!"

"They will always be grateful for your timely help, and will repay your kindness if given the chance!"

"Nothing is more worthy of respect than a grateful heart," Don Quixote said with a smile.

"Those who accept favors with gratitude have already repaid the most important part of that favor."

"Tell them not to feel any burden, that living well is the greatest way to repay me."

One act of kindness, a lifetime of gratitude.

Don Quixote did not forget the common people of White Harbor.

Almost whenever he had time at night, he would stay in various parts of White Harbor City to find those grateful and loyal commoners.

In any world, those who encounter the most difficulties are the ordinary people at the bottom of society.

Moreover, their difficulties are often more direct and stark.

That was a survival dilemma.

Therefore, Don Quixote seeks out those ordinary people from the lower classes who would be grateful for a single act of kindness.

They may offer assistance free of charge or with very low conditions.

These people seem insignificant now.

But at certain times and in certain situations, it often becomes the most crucial and valuable force.

Where the people's hearts are, there is the inevitable trend!

……

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