-Forests near Highgarden-

-Hunting trip-

-A Few days later-

While I learned Horse riding, I am no master considering my busy schedule till now. Even, that was enough till now. In a way it is similar case with swordsmanship for me. The skill growth doesn't compare to the growth in combat to these two.

I looked at my Gada, a brute weapon that gives easy rise in combat strength as long as I am fit enough. While true mastery might take a long time with the Gada, similar to the other two.

There is no doubt in me that I am attracted to it nonetheless, willing to put effort.

Speaking of Horse riding, I turned to look at Huric who is calmly riding his horse. The thing was the horse looks familiar for some reason. So, I asked about it.

"The horse looks familiar for some reason," I remarked.

Ironically, it was Garmond who was leading the hunting team, who explained, "It is the horse that belongs to Huric. You must feel it is similar because you brought Huric in a sack on it."

Huric irritably said, "Yes, It is really funny and insulting that from the sack to the horse needed for the kidnapping of myself are all owned by me. It feels like being bought as slave using my own money."

I remained silent on this topic, considering I don't regret it. I spent gold on his father for reputation and help. On the other hand, the former high septon is reaping fame for our deeds in the Faith of Seven, especially for our deeds of healing, ending bandits, and showing a new life to the refugees. To both of our agreement, He will be the bridge between us.

I was broken from my thoughts by a voice, "Oh! Interesting, I can imagine a story behind it."

I sighed as the main figures of this hunting team. Lyonel Tyrell, the grandson of Lord Tyrell and also the heir's heir.

"Really brother, it is a private talk between them. You shouldn't inquire like that," the last rebuke came from a 10-year-old, Olenna Tyrell rebuked her 16-year-old brother.

She frankly is quite a tall girl for her age, looking cute like any child. The thing that is jarring for me was post-dance of dragons, the Lord Tyrell is another Lyonel Tyrell who is a child according to the canon. Which means within the next 30 years these two will die, along with any of their children, leaving a child that is the current laughing youths' namesake.

The sound of Garmond's Hawk was heard signaling the finding of prey. Lyonel with a swing of the whip rode faster, shouting, "Finally, the fun begins."

Olenna again rebuked him while she herself followed him, "No, dear brother. It is not fun but the duty of a noble to hunt the wild animals causing the problems to the people. Those boars ate away most of the fields in the village."

I sighed at this. I have no choice but to babysit them considering my request for food. Yup, food. To ensure a stable supply and strong diet, I can't solely rely on the wild and the visiting towns anymore. Especially since the Travellers grew to be more than 300. I realized the open offer for every skill really is pumping up people. While some left as they found new homes, even greater numbers joined us. As far as I know, The true Blowup in numbers from the spreading of reputation didn't yet happen.

Still, there is another reason I am flattering the Great Lord of Reach, his word is enough to disperse any nobles' fears regarding the size.

As for the reason I am eager for babysitting brats, food. Frankly speaking only the Reach lords have enough food year-round to sell. Trying for a long time deal is in my interests.

I watched as Lyonel is hurling arrows under the protection of Tyrell guards. If it is becoming impossible for them, Garmond and Simba are intervening.

"Good one, Simba."

"As expected of the only true Liger in the World."

"Ser Kerith, I really wish I had a pet like yours."

Garmond answered for me, "In a way, we are blessed by Gods for having such partners, young lord."

His Hawk cried out in response to show it's agreement under the envy of the children. But, i found these guys are far better than most of the Lordlings I met till now. Some even ordered the guards to attack us in the past for their capture.

Luckily the sheer prospective backlash stayed the hand of Lord from backing his kid. Let's not talk behind people's back.

Walder, to my surprise, stayed back with the group keeping the animals and the people in control. Again, my thoughts are drifting at the changes that will occur from the spreading of the Warg rumors.

They will spread despite my numerous counter-measures with Faith and Citadel.

It isn't surprising since the source is my own group. People talk, especially in isolated travelling groups like ours, where I gave them that freedom. I am sure some of the smart ones already have an idea, but they didn't poke it because they are smart.

"Brotherrrr"

I was broken from my thoughts by Olenna's shriek. I turned to see a 6-foot boar tearing towards them, despite Simba clawing its insides out. Considering the bleeding, it is on its last legs.

Saying sorry to it, I extended my Gada and swung it in a crescent. The head of the Gada detached, made a wondrous arc in the sky and came crashing down on the boar, showing the power of Physics.

I am really starting to be happy about the training I did with AI's adjustments, as the dying cries of the boar were heard.

-A month since the start of the stay in Highgarden-

Each day passed with me exploring the libraries of Highgarden, uploading the information not found in Citadel to my AI database. Unfortunately for me, I didn't find not even a hint of the Gardner's plant magic knowledge. Probably erased or stolen by some invaders, most likely in the Conquest.

As I sighed in the lost knowledge, I was disturbed by Olenna who gave me a curtsy and said to me that the Lord and Lady are willing to meet again. I walked with her while she inquired about the designs of the clothes made by the Sewers in our group.

I explained to her, "It is because most of the repetitive work is done with a Loom we made and the true art is used with various colors made from a combination of herbs, stone, mud we found in our journey," I said.

She then replied, "I seen, it is similar to your painting you drew on that day you came to Highgarden."

Looking at the girl's happy face remembering the painting, I realized that the Lady's scheme worked. There is friendship with the young generation now. But, I am sure she will use this friendship to inspire them to better themselves using me as an example. I am sure the laughing girl and her brother will curse me in the future.

Something like this is common in any household, parents will try to motivate their children in any way possible for them. Smart ones and the lucky ones will succeed and as for the others, they will leave issues that will follow them throughout life. Not that I think that is the aim of the parents, but such is the way of life, despite their well-meaning intentions, it can lead to varying consequences.

"Ser Kerith, The youngest Ser, The Brightest Healer."

"Lady Olenna, the Beautiful Rose of summer."

With the announcement from the doorkeeper, I entered the room to see Lord and Lady dining with Lyonel.

"Come, join us for lunch young ones. The weather is quite pleasant for a small feast."

With the invitation from them, I joined their table. I was surprised to see some of the modern recipes there.

Lord Tyrell explained with a smile, "These were made based on your Traveler's recipes. I must say, I enjoy the various new dishes. Especially after our cooks gave the food their own spin."

As we sat around the table, the conversation naturally centered on the present topic-food.

Lady Florence gestured to the array of dishes laid out before us and remarked, "I must admit, Kerith, your group has introduced us to quite a variety of culinary delights."

I nodded in agreement, taking a bite of the savory stew. "Yes, our travels have exposed us to different wildlife and situations. It's been a pleasure to share some of those experiences with you."

Lyonel, his mouth full of KFC, chimed in, "Indeed! I never imagined I'd be sampling such crunky dish ever."

Olenna, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, asked, "Do you have any favorite recipes from your travels, Kerith?"

I smiled, recalling some of the memorable meals we had enjoyed on the road. "I personally am a chicken meat lover. But there's a certain vibe and emotion with having hearty stew made with root vegetables and wild game among the company of my Travelers. It ended up becoming my favorite dish now."

Lyonel nodded at that as if dreaming about the epic adventures.

As we continued with various small talk, Lyonel suddenly glanced at the sun and exclaimed, "Oh, would you look at the time! Olenna and I have a prior engagement with our friends in the Yard. We must take our leave."

Lady Florence nodded understandingly. "Of course, dear. Thank you for joining us old folk for dinner."

With polite farewells, Lyonel and Olenna excused themselves from the table and left the room, leaving Lady Florence and myself alone to discuss more pressing matters.

Once they were gone, Awkward silence set in the room.

Seeing the silence, I broke it with a joke, "It feels weird for me to be consider myself a old guy Lady Tyrell."
Lord Tyrell was the one to answer to that, "I wish my grandchildren has such steadiness in them. As for achievements and such, they can come with time if they don't lose to the various pressures in life."

He shook his head probably remembering some things but changed the mood with a simple inquiry, "Any tips for me, Little Maester?"

I answered with my true thoughts, "They are quite good even now, Lord Tyrell. They had proper parenting of that I have no doubt, just continue with that. Trust me, such skills are poorly lacking in majority of people in power."

Lady Florence leaned in slightly and said, "But, not that good when compared to you. isn't it? Ser Kerith."

Thinking of my own situation, I answered, " I am a true unique case, Lady Tyrell."

The old lady just lifted her eyebrows at that and said, "I can see you really believe that. Not a result of your achievements or some misplaced pride. You truly believe that. How interesting."

I stayed silent at that while the Lady simple brought the conversation the main objective.

"Now, Kerith, let us talk business. You want continuous supple of Food for your group that may eventually grow."

I nodded; my attention fully focused on the negotiations ahead. "Certainly, Lady Florence. I have prepared my appeal here. You don't even need to worry about transport. A Captain I know will be on this task throughout the year if you agree. As for the price and my capability to pay..."

As I returned to our camp on the outskirts of the town near Highgarden, I found the group going about their tasks diligently. It was clear that they were ready to move on to our next destination. With the decision made to head to Dorne, I knew it was time to prepare for the journey ahead.

"Everyone, gather round," I called out, catching the attention of Walder and the others. "It's time to pack up. We've accomplished what we set out to do here. We are to departure towards Dorne."

As the group began to gather their belongings and prepare for departure, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had neglected to explain my reasoning for our sudden departure. It weighed heavily on my mind as I started to pack my own belongings.

Garmon, ever perceptive, noticed my hesitation and approached me. "What's wrong, Master?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

I paused, unsure of how to articulate my thoughts. "I realized that I never explained our plans to everyone," I admitted. "And yet, they're following my lead without question."

Garmon nodded understandingly. "That's the trust they have in you, Master," he said. "They see you as a true leader, someone who has risen from humble beginnings to hold talks with Great Lords. Your accomplishments inspire them."

His words brought a mix of emotions - pride at their loyalty and a sense of responsibility for their well-being. "Thank you, Garmon," I said, grateful for his insight. "But sometimes, the weight of leadership feels like more than I can bear."

On learning my thoughts, he simply replied, "That is trust given to true leaders. Which I believe you are worthy off. Afterall, from a common orphan recruited into citadel, you already rose to a stage of having talks with Great lords. Such feat inspires them, Master."

I felt a sigh leave me at that answer. Instead of feeling happy about the increased loyalty, it feels more burdensome to my heart.