Year 298 of the Conquest White Harbor
The largest city north of the Neck welcomed another clear morning in the long summer.
The White Knife River flowed into the sea here, and the large fishing boats of the harbor set out for a day's work.
The ruling Mandell family lived in the New Castle atop the high hills within the city, and today was a significant day for the entire Mandell family.
The three-generation heir, Kray Mandell, concluded his two-year trade city tour and returned to the Mandell family.
Kray's father was originally the second son of the current Lord of White Harbor, Wyman Mandell. According to the inheritance laws, Kray was not supposed to be the third-generation heir.
However, just six months ago, Kray's uncle's wife unexpectedly had a miscarriage, deemed by Maester Syoan as an indication that she could no longer bear children. Lord Wyman, aging and eager, urgently sent messengers to recall Kray from the trade cities.
Except for Lord Wyman and his two sons, all members of the Mandell family went to the port to welcome the young man who was about to become the heir.
What nobody knew was that the slowly descending young man from the ship had already been replaced by a soul from another time and space.
This soul from another time and space had just been complaining about the next-gen update of a certain Witcher game before suddenly arriving in this familiar world of ice and fire.
After absorbing the memories, Kray realized that he had become the third-generation scion of the Mandell family, someone who had never existed in the original world.
Not long after arriving in the trade city, he received an urgent recall letter from the family, personally delivered by the family elder, Ser Marlon Mandell.
"White Harbor is still the same, smells of fish." Kray's feet touched the land of the Westeros continent, sniffing the lingering strong fishy smell in the air, and remarked with emotion.
"Well, it seems you've gotten used to the scent of Pentos perfume?" Sir Marlon said lightly. He was a person with a strong sense of family, a bit dissatisfied with the young master who had been away from the family for two years.
On the inner harbor's dock, the fully armed guards of the city defense force had already formed up. The mermaid banner fluttered high, and in the middle of the two guard formations, a group of people waited.
"Come, meet your two sisters." Sir Marlon led Kray towards the crowd. The Mandell sisters, Wylfeid and Vira, dressed in deep green long skirts, led the remaining people to welcome Kray's arrival.
"Oh, Seven Gods, sister, look, he has grown so much in just two years we haven't seen him." Fifteen-year-old Vira, holding her sister's hand, exclaimed excitedly.
Kray was a bit older than Vira, having celebrated his sixteenth nameday on the ship.
He walked up to the crowd, under the stern gaze of Sir Marlon, and the Mandell sisters and the remaining collateral family members solemnly bowed to Kray.
Despite Kray's young age, his status as the heir elevated him above everyone present.
Since the bloody internal strife of House Targaryen's blood dance ended, the establishment of heirs, especially male heirs, had become a top priority for the entire Westeros nobility.
After the formalities were done, the eldest sister Wylfeid, who appeared very dignified, took the initiative to hold Kray's hand and smiled, saying: ...
"Kray, my lord grandfather is waiting for you in the New Castle. Let's go quickly."
Kray nodded. He also wanted to see his grandfather as soon as possible, as only the approval of Count Wyman would solidify his position as the heir.
Mounting his horse, Kray and his entourage crossed Fishmonger's Square and ascended the castle stairs. A majestic and towering white stone fortress emerged from Kray's memories, appearing once again before his eyes.
This gigantic fortress, ranking among the top three in the entire North, was the ancestral home of House Mandell. Differentiated from the old castle at the foot of the mountain, it was known as the New Castle.
Guided by his sisters, Kray entered the Mandell family hall, symbolizing the core of power in White Harbor, also known by a grander name — the Mermaid Palace.
Although Kray had visited here many times in his memories, stepping into it again, he marveled at the family's profound financial foundation.
The palace-like hall was constructed with cleverly joined thick wooden planks for both the ceiling and the floor. These valuable woods were meticulously carved by the skilled craftsmen of White Harbor, depicting a variety of intricate marine creatures. In the center of the visitor's field of vision, a giant padded throne stood on a raised platform, representing the absolute authority of House Mandell.
Comparing in his mind, Kray found that the style of this hall was definitely more luxurious than the Stark family's Great Hall in Winterfell. Although there was still some distance from the throne hall of the Red Keep, it was undoubtedly unique based on the foundation of the title of Count.
Seated on the throne was a tall and sturdy old man, with silver strands of hair glaringly evident under the candlelight. Kray knew very well that he was his own grandfather, Count Wyman Mandell, the Lord of White Harbor.
Wylfeid led her pouting sister to step aside, leaving Kray alone standing in the center of the Mermaid Palace, facing the old man on the throne with a cold face. Taking a deep breath, Kray walked forward and saluted his chest: "Grandfather, I'm back. 99."
For a while, the two of them confronted each other in silence, Kray with his head lowered not knowing how long it had passed.
"Stormy Seas." Count Wyman suddenly shouted loudly.
A little stunned, Kray quickly reacted. This was the family motto. He immediately raised his head, looking into the old man's eyes, and responded with an equally loud voice, "Stormy Seas!"
The crimson ice on Count Wyman's face melted and shattered. He grinned broadly, "Haha, good to be back!" The old man's robust figure bounced off the throne, quickly walking to Kray's side, circling him, carefully examining him. His speech was rapid, "Not bad, this is my grandson. The mustache on your lips has grown, heh... didn't see it. When you were a child, you were as ugly as your father. Now you look much better. Good! You're back. Rest for one night, and tomorrow I'll take you to see Lord Eddard for a marriage contract..."
Kray listened with a helpless expression. In the hall, Vira had burst into laughter. While Wylfeid could maintain the demeanor of a lady, the corners of her mouth still revealed her inner joy.
Count Wyman continued muttering. When he saw the appearance of his two granddaughters, he realized that he had said too much. He glared fiercely at the two granddaughters, muttering, "You two will be married off next month."
Probably because the voice was a bit loud, both unmarried ladies closed their mouths. They ostrich-like retreated to the corner.
"Alright, Kray, you can go for now. Crossing the entire Narrow Sea is not an easy task. Go to your room; it has been cleaned for you for two years. We'll talk more during dinner. Your father and elder brother have also rushed back." He turned to Kray. "For the next month, I'll have to find a marriage contract for you with Lord Eddard Stark."
Agreeing with his grandfather's words, Kray nodded. Quick-thinking Wylfeid promptly led the foolish-looking sister and Kray out of the Mermaid Palace. Leaving him here would inevitably result in another scolding from the old man.
Lying on the unchanged bed from his memories, Kray contemplated. Count Wyman Mandell had a point. He did have something important to do, a trip to Winterfell...