The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Ned could see the confusion in Aoto's eyes and brought out a map from one of the side shelves, laying it out on the table. There, Ned showed him the location of Bronzegate. Aoto understood, and Ned explained that although it was a castle in a state of disrepair, some people still inhabited it.

Aoto asked for more details on how they would proceed. Ned and Aoto discussed how to ensure that people around them wouldn't question them, especially the Lannisters and other families, given their location in the south where it was impossible to escape their scrutiny.

While discussing, a knock echoed on the door.

"Who is it?" Ned barked, a little irritated by the disturbance during his deep conversation with Aoto.

"Sir, it's the Queen herself," the guard outside the door shouted back. Ned was taken aback and looked at Aoto, who shrugged, indicating they could let her in. Ned got up from his seat and opened the door himself.

Although Ned didn't care much for the Queen and her brother's life and death, he felt obligated to extend general courtesy to them in the Capital and their 'home.'

"Welcome, my Queen," Ned said as he saw Cersei standing outside with her brother and the Mountain. Cersei nodded without replying, walking straight in, followed by her brother and the Mountain.

Aoto, sitting on his chair, turned around, surprised to see the Mountain. Unlike the time when he almost died and had to wear a helmet, the Mountain's face was visible, displaying a healthy yet menacing demeanor. Cersei's presence made Aoto shudder, while Jaime, behind her, composed himself, showing only a slight rattle in his emotions.

Observing the Mountain, Aoto suddenly realized why Cersei brought him as her bodyguard along with her brother. She sought assurance, and the Mountain was the best man for the job. Ned allowed Cersei to sit beside Aoto, while two guards stood beside her. Ned resumed his seat, and an awkward silence settled in.

Aoto was the one who finally broke the silence.

"How did you know I was here?" Aoto asked. His question made Cersei and Jaime flinch, and the Mountain slowly reached towards his sword. Aoto noticed the movement but remained unfazed.

"I have my spies around," Cersei replied stiffly, unsure of how to respond. She feared Aoto after their last encounter.

"No, you don't. Probably Littlefinger or Varys shared the information that some unknown man showed up at the door of The Hand. It was Littlefinger, wasn't it? Yeah... Thought so," Aoto said.

"You will not talk to the Queen in that manner," the Mountain growled. Thankfully, the doors were soundproofed with the help of magic, a little trick that Corazon had taught him. Though not as perfect as his, it served its purpose for Aoto.

Aoto turned and looked at the Mountain, and his right hand lit up. Without any warning, he slung his arm in an arc. Jaime and the others could only see a flash of light from Aoto's hand, and in the next second, they felt a splatter of warm liquid on Cersei's face. Jaime, sensing danger, had his sword in his hand.

Ned and the others turned to see a head rolling over while the Mountain's body stood for a second before falling down. Aoto had decapitated the Mountain without uttering a word of threat, maintaining a straight face.

Cersei screamed at the top of her lungs, and Aoto made some hand signs to silence her. Jaime trembled, and even Ned was taken aback by the brutality Aoto displayed, killing one of the King's important guards in his own home.

"This will be hard to cover," Ned said.

"That was not very intelligent," Jaime tried to inject humor, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"And it was not very intelligent to bring this man and think I will be threatened," Aoto replied. Jaime hung his head, realizing the severity of the situation. He had tried to dissuade Cersei when he heard about Aoto's arrival and more so when he saw the Mountain following her.

"Aoto, you have put me in a terrible situation," Ned remarked.

"Tell Arya to clear the scene and erase the memories of the people outside," Aoto instructed. Ned's eyes sparkled as he realized that his daughter was skilled with illusions too. Thinking of this, Ned got up and went out to search for Arya, who was in a shop they had set up.

After Ned left, Aoto removed the bindings on Cersei's mouth, allowing her to speak. Jaime used his clothes to wipe away the blood on his armor and face. Cersei, more distraught, tried hard to remove the blood splatters. She didn't know what to say, and one could see that her hand and arm had turned completely black. While she could move and work with the arm, she felt no pain—only a constant numbness that had been festering and growing.

Sometimes she could feel as if some kind of bugs were crawling under the skin and made her feel like vomiting. She was scared but also angry. At time she remembered that prediction that said she would be the one ruling the realm and now with how the things looking she would not even be able to live long. 

After a few mins, Ned came back with Arya and Jon. As soon as they entered and seeing the Mountain's body lying on the floor, it gave her a broad smile on her face. Before arriving she had already wiped away the memories of her arrival and even the arrival of the Queen. 

Ned had already told her of what had happened. And this made her all elated and happy. 

"You should have called me. I have always wanted to kill him." Arya said. 

"He wanted to kill me first and I didn't have time to debate of who gets the first dips on the guy." Aoto defended himself. 

"Let's get this over with. Loki will not be happy if we are not back at the shop within minutes." Jon said never acknowledging the presence of Jaime and Cersei.