Asoiaf: I Have a Wolverine Template

Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Lionheart Meeting and Night Ride
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Maria POV

I took my seat at the head of the Lionheart round table, filling in for Richard. The meeting room felt both imposing and dignified.

Lionheart crests adorned the walls—statues, paintings, delicate engravings on every ornament—displaying the family's power in Lannisport.

The room, bathed in warm light from a chandelier and oil lamps, cast the perfect glow over the table. Shadows lingered just beyond the windows as the hour grew late.

My gaze swept over the four men seated around me, each of them young but capable and hardened by their roles.

Laenor, the master of coin and underboss of the western district, managed our business dealings and tracked our earnings.

Conrad, the master of assassins and underboss of the eastern district, trained recruits and carried out missions in the shadows.

Jon, our master of soldiers and underboss of the southern district, led the daylight operations—his men enforcing the family's presence openly in the city.

And then there was Addam who is the underboss of the northern district, our master of spies, who gathered intelligence from every hidden corner of Lannisport and beyond.

Together, these men ensured every facet of our operations ran smoothly, all under Richard's orders.

I leaned forward, setting the tone as I opened the meeting. "I trust business is well?"

A chorus of nods and murmurs of assent followed. Satisfied, I moved to our first order of business. "Let's begin with the matter of the septon. Has the new one accepted our assistance?"

Laenor was quick to respond. "Yes, my lady. Septon Triston has accepted our... bribes. He's expressed his gratitude for the funds we provided to build more septs, as well as an orphanage and new soup kitchens."

I smiled. Richard would be pleased. "Good. The new sept will raise his standing—and ours as well. And the orphanage and kitchens will help those in need. This benefits the Septon, and it keeps the people mindful of who truly provides for them."

Laenor nodded. "He's also sent over books and parchments as a sign of gratitude. Might be useful in... broadening our knowledge."

"Excellent," I said, my voice firm. "Continue to monitor him. We want him aware of his position—and just who gave it to him."

I turned to Conrad. "How's the recruitment of the Ironborn, Ragnar, coming along?"

"He woke up this morning, grateful for our rescue," Conrad replied with a faint smile, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Our assassins arrived just in time to save him from the knight," he continued, his pride barely concealed. "He's been resting and healing under our care since then. The wounds will take about a week to mend, but he's already thanking us for saving his life."

"Good," I replied, curiosity stirring at the implications. "And his crew?"

"Already dealt with," Conrad assured me smoothly.

"I paid them off to leave Lannisport, so when he's back on his feet, he'll find himself alone—and relying solely on us. I'll be working to ensure he sees our family as his only path forward. He's even mentioned repaying us."

I nodded, Richard had ordered Ragnar's recruitment, and Conrad was proving himself a worthy executor, ensuring every detail aligned to draw the Ironborn into our fold.

I turned to Jon, the sturdy master of soldiers. "How is the city's protection, Jon? I trust there have been no... disturbances?"

Jon gave a curt nod, confidence evident in his voice. "No crimes worth mentioning, Lady Maria. We had some trouble from visitors—smallfolk and nobles from other cities—but it was handled swiftly."