Months Later:
"I, Joffrey Baratheon, the son of King Robert Baratheon, would like to say something as the heir of the Seven Kingdoms."
Joffrey's voice echoes throughout the training ground. Before he knew it, everyone's gaze was focused on him.
Some farmers gulped down their saliva; some woodcutter clenched their fists unconsciously; some brewer also had their lips twitching.
This situation was something no one had ever imagined.
Sir Norman, a senior knight of house Hightower, was defeated. He was trampled on not by a knight, but by Joffrey, the King's son who they thought was nothing but a rascal.
"What a surprise," said Ser Gerold. "I never expected him to be this good."
*** SYSTEM: ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED - SHOVEL KNIGHT - JOFFREY AND HIS FOLLOWERS WILL GAIN 2 POINTS OF INFAMY FOR EACH BATTLE WON YIELDING A SHOVEL ***
That alone was quite shocking
However, that wasn't the end. Joffrey continued to attack him with his shovel even after the duel ended.
And when that happened—
"Aah!"
—the audience started to cheer wildly.
"Curse you! Curse you! Curse you!"
The crowd went wild when the other knights saw what happened.
"This shows you how to better respect the others, Ser Norman." Said prince Joffrey.
Hightower's Master of arms Ser Gerold Stoneworth was impressed. Didn't the young prince got only what, ten namedays? To be able to defeat a seasoned knight. And using a shovel of all things.
But what none of them suspected was that Joffrey had brought to this world Lloyd's ability to circle Mana in his heart. Giving him superhuman abilities.
Abilities that Joffrey was cautious to show.
So, why did Joffrey use his shovel?
Simple.
To make people forget he was a king's son.
Even if that meant he had to humiliate someone in front of a crowd.
And up till now. It was working!
No one looked at him as Joffrey Baratheon, the spoiled prick from KingsLanding.
They were looking at Joffrey Baratheon, the son of the famous demon of the Trident.
That was the reason why Joffrey didn't mind to fight with Sir Norman.
It was at this moment that Lord Hightower, who was only observing the duel from afar, approached the crowd.
"Young Joffrey, you don't have to do this..."
The old man said while nervously looking at the young prince.
"Just tell me what happened!" he added.
Lord Hightower was a little worried. Prince Joffrey had came to Old Town just a couple days and already was giving him headaches.
"This "Ser" Norman. This man who says is a Knights was annoying the smallfolk women who made the morning deliveries for the kitchens. When my peer Samwell Tarly approached and said him to stop. This Norman then disrespecting his oaths decided to make fun of Samwell Tarly and I decided to intervene." Said the prince.
"That's not true!" the disgraced knight denied. "I never said that!"
"IS THAT TRUE?" Lord Hightower asked the crowd and waited for an answer.
"Yes!" Everyone replied.
Joffrey raised his shovel in the air.
"How can you doubt me, my Lord? Look around, everyone's cheering for me."
"So. Do you truly defeat this man? With only a shovel?" Asked Lord Hightower.
Joffrey lowered his shovel. "Not exactly. I used my shovel so the other knights would believe I defeated Sir Norman with it." Joffrey omitted the part about using his mana rings to overwhelm the older knight, of course. His plan was be associated with the "Ours is The Fury" house Baratheon. Then he would have Samwell Tarly come out and say he won with just a shovel. "He made fun of the shovel, and we shoved it back at him, right Tarly?"
"W-What are you talking about?" Said Samwell Tarly looking at the housewives. "I mean...I-its exactly like that!"
The housewives also whispered and chattered loudly with their friends who were next to them. They made guesses and tried to rack their brains. However, no matter how much they thought about it, it was unlikely that Sir Norman would be free from harsh punishment. But Joffrey wasn't worried. He would put forth the next part of his plan.
And Samwell Tarly was part important of his plan. He was surprised in see the Heir of Hornhill here. It was suggested by Lord Arryn. Seem like the old Eagle wanted to use his fostering to make connections that would be favorable to the hold of the Iron Throne over the Reach.
"Good! I knew I could trust you, Samwell Tarly." Joffrey said as he walked closer to the young man.
Samwell was confused and perplexed. How did Joffrey know his name
"T-this is nothing... Y-your Highness!" Tarly remember to add.
"Nonsense! Here, let's talk. I heard you were interested in the Citadel and their books. What about we make a deal, hmm?" Said Joffrey with a devious smile.
"D-deal? Your Highness?" The young man stuttered.
"Yeah, a deal. You can teach me your knowledge of the Citadel and their books. And in exchange, I will reward you later. How does that sound?"
Joffrey was smiling. Everything was going accordingly to the plan!