Game of Thrones: From a deserter to a high-ranking official

Chapter 24 Illiteracy and the "Propaganda Offensive"

Vito then turned his head and glimpsed Tiberius flipping through several books that Tiberius had demanded from Sandra—some parchment manuscripts on the history of the Kingdom of the Three Daughters, the geography and wars of the disputed lands, and commerce.

Vito raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery in his voice, and asked, "Hey, Tiberius, when did you change your ways? I remember you used to know more words than the number of people you've killed. Can you even read these books? Want me to teach you? Bookkeeping, report writing, even writing some poems or short stories—I'm way better than you at that!"

Vito's tone carried a hint of pride; in a mercenary group where most members were roughnecks, he was a rare "cultured man."

Tiberius knew that Vito had once volunteered to be the Legion's historian, writing passionate biographies of the Legion's history. He had also secretly written a collection of poems and even wrote folk poems and legends, secretly spreading the legend of the "Keeper of Faith".

The widespread fame of "The Keeper of Faith" is not only due to Jules' own efforts, but also to the influence of Vito's "The Keeper of Faith" stories.

Although, in Tiberius's opinion, those poems and stories were only second-rate.

Tiberius looked up, but instead of answering directly, he smiled meaningfully.

The original owner was indeed semi-illiterate, but that didn't stop him from learning.

"If you don't understand, you can learn, Vito." Tiberius gently closed the book. "Perhaps there will be many more places where 'culture' will be needed in the future. For example, I just thought of a very good way to make Lisandro owe us a favor again!"

"You little rascal... what kind of trick are you up to now?" Jules sneered.

"It's simple. I intend to make the Bloodwave Cape cannibalism case not just a story told by word of mouth among the common people, but also a part of the Governor's Council." Tippy smiled slightly, picking up a piece of parchment with his fingers. "Sometimes, a story needs... well, more professional guidance."

"What do you mean? What guidance?" Vito was a little confused, while Jules frowned.

"Tiberius, now that we've made some money, it's best if we don't get too involved in these internal city-state political struggles..." Jules cautioned. "You know, we're just a mercenary group after all. Compared to these big shots, we're nothing more than wolves. We have no right to get involved in their conflicts!"

Jules was worried that Tiberius was about to do something big again. To Jules, Tiberius's actions were not the battlefield of mercenaries, the place where warhammers, greatswords and crossbows were used; but another kind of battlefield, a battlefield ruled by wisdom, intrigue and cunning, and a battlefield where people were killed without bloodshed!

On such a battlefield, Jules' twin swords were no match for those enemies.

Tiberius, however, was confident: "Don't worry, Uncle. This operation has absolutely nothing to do with city-state politics, or the struggles between the Rogal, Hein, and Ferrero families. Trust me!"

Jules expressed his doubts.

Tiberius's astonishing words from back in Lisandro's mansion were still etched in his mind.

He almost stopped breathing at that moment.

This brat, does he even know what he's doing? By the Seven Gods! We've already taken our commission, that's enough. What's with all this talk about "Lord Risangzhuo's guidance..."? That's not honest at all!

And then there's the so-called "trustworthy" love story from before; now, the speed at which this story is spreading is unbelievable. Now, when the legion recruits, people are asking: So, Jules the "trustworthy," did he really become a "trustworthy" because he didn't keep a promise to a girl?

This story spread far and wide within the legion, and even some veterans couldn't help but ask their superiors for details. This made Jules somewhat embarrassed.

However, this also reflects that the "Keeper of Faith" story that Tiberius wrote for Jules was more widely disseminated than the story written by Vito earlier.

The reason is simple: people are more interested in stories of knights who set higher standards for themselves because they broke a promise in the past, than stories of mercenaries who upheld chivalry and valued their commitments.

However, when Jules turned his gaze to the parchments and gold coins, the thought of rebuking Tiberius immediately subsided.

He knew very well that without Tiberius's persuasive words, there would be no distribution of profits from the properties, no deeds to the shops and estates, no allocated ships, and no villa where they were now...

None of these will exist; there will only be those twelve thousand gold coins.

Therefore, Jules could only put aside his unease, after all, Tiberius had never disappointed him so far.

Besides... he himself said that this operation had nothing to do with politics.

"Vito!" Tiberius said smugly. "Bring me all those storytellers in the taverns and theaters, those bards, those gossipmongers who love to spread rumors!"

Vito looked puzzled. "What are you going to do? Find them? What, are you going to promote the story of 'Kid Flash' to make yourself more famous?"

Tiberius smiled. "The story of the Lightning Boy is one aspect, and the other... of course, is to promote our Governor's image as 'wise and brave,' 'devoted to his daughter,' and 'sharp-eyed,' as well as his heroic deeds of 'eliminating evil for the people'! Don't worry, I'll pay for hiring them! Vito, you just need to act as their go-between!"

"Why is that?" Jules asked. "Lisanzhuo's reputation is already established, why should we continue to work for him... well, for free?"

In Jules' view, this was equivalent to using his own money to help Lisandro lose, a completely thankless task.

"It's very simple, Uncle. Have you ever thought about this: are we really still the 'mercenary group employed by the Rogal family'? Is your current identity still simply that of Jules, the famous 'Keeper of Faith' from Essos?" Tiberius reminded him.

"..." Jules fell silent.

He wasn't stupid; he was well aware that, based on the parliamentary standoff, the White Legion and the Ferrero family were already mortal enemies.

Jules was well aware of the thoughts of the governors and wealthy merchants in Essos. Despite their immense wealth, he could not expect them to have a conscience.

In fact, every single one of these wealthy merchants and governors was involved in the process of accumulating wealth and rising to the position of governor through poison, assassination, and shady deals.

"So, we don't really have a choice... we can only cling to Lisandro's coattails!" Tibbles said with a smile. "After solving the case, when Hein and Rogar join forces, we'll have already paid our 'pledge of allegiance'! Governor Gasto Ferrero will naturally be hostile towards us!"

"so……"

"So, my choice is to make Lisandro realize our value, to make him think that protecting us is much better than pushing us out as sacrifices!" Tiberius tapped the table with his fingers, a slight smile on his face.

"What I'm doing now is 'building momentum' for Rissandra! We'll ensure the story aligns with the core ideas of the 'Bloodwave Cape Story' that Rissandra wants. This isn't expensive, and it's not sensitive. It won't cause trouble for enemies of the Rogal family like Governor Gasto Ferrero."

"...Fine, go ahead and do it!" Jules could only sigh after hearing this.

This means letting Tiberius do it on his own.

Jules increasingly felt that Tiberius's growth was exceeding his expectations...

"Kid, what you said makes sense... but let me remind you." Vito took a swig of mirth and looked at the smug Tiberius, unable to resist making a sarcastic remark.

"What's wrong?"

"My 'little scholar,' don't you realize you're holding your book upside down?"

Tiberius: "..."

He glanced down at the upside-down parchment in his hand, and without changing his expression, turned it right-side up.