Heirs of the Realm

As his age increased, so was the lessons that were given to him. Among them was a subject that was completely new to him; something that Jon Arryn never taught to him during his time in the Eyrie.

Magic.

Ned had heard that it still existed in Essos. In the Seven Kingdoms, however, magic had been mostly extinct. The Alchemists' Guild claimed that many of the substances that they created – including the infamous Wildfire – were made through the usage of alchemy which was a branch of magic.

He wasn't sure about the truth behind the statement and – to be honest – he didn't care much about it.

In this world, magic was much more common and also nothing like a "sword without a hilt." Sure, it could be dangerous if one was not trained with it, but so was the case with any other weapon. With enough training, anyone could be an expert in that field for magic was available for everyone and anyone.

BOOM

On one side of the field stood three boys. On the other side was a scarecrow that was often used as target practice. Said fake human no longer possessed a head for it had been blown away.

"Good work, Brad," Ned commented as he patted his friend on the shoulder. "Your aim is much better."

"Only because of your encouragement, Jul." The purple-haired boy replied. "Oh, and you as well, Jilk."

"Don't think much about it." He waved it off though not without a smile.

Brad Fou Field – just like the prince and his foster brother – was also an heir of a founding house of the kingdom. House Field's loyalty to House Holfort was beaten only by House Marmoria; it made sense because the Fields were responsible for guarding the border between the kingdom and the Principality of Fanoss, a former duchy that rebelled decades in the past. Thus, their loyalty to the Crown was of utmost importance.

"So, what about you?" Brad asked. "How is your progress?"

Instead of using words, the former Lord of Winterfell decided that an act would make for a better answer. Without any warning, he let out his breath towards his two friends; breath that had become as cold as the winter of the North. He couldn't help but chuckle at their reaction.

"T-T-T-That's…" The purple-haired boy hugged himself, trying to retain as much heat as possible.

"There's…cold…" Jilk was having the same reaction. "And…then…there's…cold!"

Next time he met Angelica, the prince decided to thank her for the inspiration…on second thought, considering the event that inspired it…


Whether it was in the south or in the North, when the liege lord in the region had a son, it was natural that the vassals would send their daughters to court the son in the hope of catching his interest. This interest – hopefully – would result in the marriage between the liege lord's son and the vassal's daughter, thereby significantly increasing the power and prestige of the latter's house.

Thus, considering his position as the heir to the throne of the kingdom, Ned wasn't surprised to see girls deciding to flock around him. It was just like how his brother Brandon was popular among the females.

Considering he was already betrothed though, he gently reminded the daughters of the nobility of that fact, a way to tell them indirectly that their efforts were useless and that they were better to find another boy to court with…only for one of them to told him that it didn't matter if they were unable to become his wife. Just being "someone on his side" was enough.

Ned's opinion of the nobles that attended this party – along with his second father for his reputation must have influenced how the royalty was seen – dropped dramatically.

He was about to think of an excuse to either send them away or at least walked away from this crowd when the temperature suddenly raised, something that the girls noticed as well. Turning their attention toward the source, they saw that it was none other than Angelica Rapha Redgrave.

Ned had to blink several times to ensure that, no, he wasn't hallucinating upon seeing steam coming out from her.

"Excuse me, ladies," She spoke. "I need to have some private time with my fiancé."

Not wanting to provoke the daughter of a duke, they moved and created a path for her to approach the prince; the same path was also used by the duo to depart from the gathering.

"Thank you for that," Ned stated, trying to ignore how hot her body was.

"I am only doing my duty." The blonde waved it off. "In any case, you could just tell them to go away, Jul. As a prince, your words are…sacred, I believe the word is."

"That would be impolite." He shrugged. "Say, are you alright? All that steam coming out couldn't be healthy."

"Oh," Angelica took a deep breath before letting it out; at the same time, the steam disappeared. "It's my magic. It often goes haywire when I am… in a highly emotional situation. My father constantly warns me to keep it under control."

"I see." The prince nodded as he thought about it.

If magic could be used to heat things up, could it be used for the opposite?


Yeah, she would not like to be reminded of that event.

"You know, I can't help but think about it." Jilk suddenly said.

"About what?" Brad became curious.

"Jul's magic leans on making things cold," The green-haired boy explained. "While his fiancée is known for her fire magic."

"Yes?" Ned had a bad feeling about this.

"So, would that mean their marriage pact would be that of Ice and Fire…"

"Don't say that." He put his foot down.

"What? You have to admit that's a good name." His foster brother tried to convince him. "Ice and Fire. Two polar opposites…"

"No means no." Once more, the former Lord of Winterfell made his opinion known.


"Ugh! All these numbers are nothing but confusing!"

From his book, Ned turned his attention towards yet another heir of the founding house of Holfort, Greg Fou Seberg. From what he knew, the auburn-haired boy showed a prodigy in being an adventurer. In fact, unlike the rest of the boys and girls of his age, the heir of House Seberg already had experience in diving into a dungeon, albeit in a support position; it was, nevertheless, a valuable experience.

Unfortunately, it ignited his excitement and now he started to demand to not only go to another dungeon but also be part of the one fighting at the front. It was because of that that Lord Seberg sent his son to the capital; officially, to become friends with other boys and establish a relationship with their houses or strengthen it.

Unofficially, it was to temper his – using the North term – "wolf-blood."

"I understand your frustration, Greg." It was not exactly a lie; Ned wasn't a bookish type. "However, knowing about these numbers are necessary, especially considering one of your ancestors, Lord Patrick Fou Seberg."

"Died because he ran out of drinking water during an adventure." The boy muttered before shivering. "That's not a way for an adventurer to go."

Knowing about his fascination with the profession of adventurer, the prince decided to introduce him to the logistics of adventuring. Unsurprisingly, Greg disliked it at first. It was then Ned revealed his second card: the fate of one of his ancestors.

After that, he…still disliked going through the numbers, but he was more willing to do so to prevent himself from suffering such an undignified death.

"Hey, Julius?" The boy suddenly spoke. "Can you take a look at this?"

"Hm?" Ned put down his book and went towards his side. "What is it?"

"Well, according to this record, a party of 200 adventurers carried the supply of 400 pounds of cheeses, 250 pounds of meats, 800 pounds of bread, and 500 gallons of water." Greg listed it. "Don't you think that's…too small, especially since these are adventurers we're talking about?"

Becoming curious as well, he made a gesture of wanting to borrow the record which was obliged. He then read several next pages and did the same with the previous ones. It was then that he found the answer.

"Indeed, the numbers were too small to support their expedition. However, those supplies were likely meant for the initial phase only." The veteran of Robert's Rebellion showed a certain page. "Near their campsite is a spring from which they could gather drinking water. And the spring in question is surrounded by forest, filled with plants and animals to be foraged and hunted. And that's not counting the nearby town which is only an hour of flight away."

"I see." The auburn-haired boy put his hand on his chin. "So, while it appeared that the expedition was lacking in supply, because it could easily be replenished, in total, those adventurers had enough."

"Indeed. Logistics are not just about bringing the appropriate amount of supply, but also the ability to replenish it."

He wasn't sure why, but after saying that, his mind went back to the decades in the past when he led the allied army in chasing after the forces loyal to the Targaryens after the Battle of the Trident. In the midst of it, they realized that they had overextended their supply line and had to use…alternative method to acquire food and water.

Ned knew that this world was not peaceful with countries occasionally being at war with each other, but he hoped that with all the technology, a certain type of "supply requisition" was no longer necessary.

"Julius?" His mind returned to the present upon hearing it. "Hey, are you alright? You're just…standing there."

"Nah, I am fine, Greg." He assured his friend. "Just have…something in my mind."


"Begin!" Lady Trent said the word.

TAK

On the training field, Ned was sparring against – once again – the heir of a founding house, Chris Fia Archlight, the son of the man known in Holfort as the Sword Saint for his skill in swordsmanship. Because of that, it was not unexpected that the blue-haired boy would be skilled in using the weapon in spite of his young age.

TAK

TAK

In the beginning, the prince found himself on the defensive. Chris was nothing like any opponent that he had faced in his second life. He would usually fight either those who were still learning their ropes – Jilk being one of them – or Lady Trent and while the latter was a veteran, Ned was more than willing to take advantage of her blind spot.

TAK

The son of the Sword Saint was nothing like both of them. Not only he was more skilled than other children of his age, but he was also healthy in both body and mind. However, there was still one fact that he could take advantage of.

Chris Fia Archlight – while well-trained – was not experienced.

TAK

TAK

As he defended himself from the attacks, Ned's mind went towards that smirking, oath-breaking murderer Jaime Lannister. As arrogant as he was, his reputation as an expert swordsman was well-deserved. Thus, he compared his fight with the Lion and the one he currently had with the blue-haired boy; he noticed it.

There were flairs in his movements. Unnecessary movements that he could take advantage of.

TAK

When their wooden swords bound each other, Ned began his counterattack; with his free hand, he grabbed the blade part of his sword and pushed hard at his opponent, causing Chris to lose his balance. It was then followed by an unrelenting attack. He didn't care whether he was doing normal slicing and thrusting or performing techniques such as half-sword, his main goal was ensuring that the blue-haired boy was unable to regain his footing.

TAK

TAK

It was clear that his plan was working. Chris tried to attack back, but he was able to parry it. Seeing his movement, the boy with glasses attempted to do a half-sword technique, but it was clear as day that he was not experienced with it.

KRAK

"That's enough!"

At the sound of a wood breaking and the order, both fighters moved away from each other. Ned inspected his wooden sword and found that it was starting to break at the meeting between the blade and the hilt. He wasn't sure about Chris, but considering his expression, it was likely that his own weapon suffered similar damage.

"Well, good thing that both of you could still hear my warning." The mistress-at-arms commented. "It would be bad if I have to use force."

"Apologize for that." The prince said which was immediately waved off.

"I have never seen such a move before." The blue-haired boy commented as he fixed his glasses.

"That's called half-sword. You're unlikely to see them with plate armor no longer being common among the soldiers." Lady Trent explained before turning her attention to Ned. "I am surprised that you know such a movement."

"I have read some records." That was the answer that he gave.

"Julius, if you don't mind," Chris appeared to be rather nervous. "Can you…teach me how to do that? And any other sword technique that you know?"

"Well, my answer is," He smiled. "I don't mind."


Unfortunately, things weren't all sunshine and rainbow.

At first, he didn't notice it, thinking that – considering the size of the palace – it was natural that he wouldn't see her. But as days passed by, he realized that at the very least, he should have seen even a hair of her by now.

Curious, he went to ask one of the maids about their coworker. His question was answered right then and there.

"I failed her."

He bitterly spoke those words in front of the oak tree. It was no heart tree, but it was enough for him. The gods were everywhere and they should be able to hear him.

"I have read the records. As a reward for their service, the Alwyns received a parcel of land. This land – a demesne – was developed from generation to generation, causing agriculture to expand and the population to grow. It was then decided that they would be ennobled, becoming House Alwyn." He spoke to the tree. "Yet when it should have been a cause of celebration, that elevation has brought them nothing but misery.

"The obligations that they have to pay…they ruined them. Despite now being part of the nobility, the Alwyns were still peasants in all but name. One of them – Emily – had to work in the palace – not in a profession befitting of her status – as practically a common labor."

He still remembered the face of the maid when they had dinner together. When she revealed the woes that befell her family. The hopeful look on her face when he said that he had told his mother about it.

That look would haunt him. As if he hadn't had enough.

"Promise me, Ned. Promise me."

The only silver lining was that he never made any promise.

"It was almost night when the pirates began their raid. Normally, those wretches would focus on the vulnerable settlements, taking away items and captives. But they sensed the weakness of the noble house that protected the land." He continued. "In order to fulfill their obligations, House Alwyn cut many of their expenditures…including the maintenance of their keep and ship. With little effort, their home was breached and…and there was no survivor; House Alwyn is all but extinct."

Ned walked closer to the tree, putting his hand on the bark.

"Lady Emily told me that the situation of her house is not uncommon; meaning that there are many houses out there in a dire situation. Loyal vassals in danger." The former Lord of Winterfell stated. "I don't know why nothing was done. Perhaps something was indeed done, but a little too late. Yet I have also heard many courtiers complaining of how even the smallest act could take months before being enacted.

"However, I know one thing for sure; I could no longer just sit here and wait. My people are in danger and I must do something about it."

With that, Ned departed from his place of meditation, his goal clear in his mind. In the distance, a certain blonde heard his words, a worried look appeared on her face.


"Mother."

Not expecting any visitor, Mylene was caught off guard by the sudden entrance. She was about to ask the man to identify himself when she realized that it was none other than her son who entered the room.

She was obviously surprised by the fact that she didn't immediately notice it. Yet as she took a closer look, the queen realized the reason behind it: Julius looked…different. Any sign of warmness and friendliness that he possessed was gone. On his face, there was only cold steel determination.

"Y-Yes, Julius?" The white-haired woman spoke. "Is there something that I could help you with?"

His answer was certainly unexpected.

"I request your permission to do a tour around the kingdom."


Damn, can't believe I actually forget about this.

Answers to some reviews:

Hashirama 1710: Yep!

Vadrulesall: Kind of necessary considering Catelyn's…dividing view by fans.

noisymatchstar: In MobuSeka, at least in Holfort, the noble borders are barons. Yeah, not sure how it works, but that's how it is.

Miko 56: Nope. Rakfisk, a Norwegian fish dish.


If you have a question or suggestion, feel free to tell me.

Review, please!