Samwell, who reluctantly parted ways with Baron Green, embarked on his journey home with his sister and brother, the three siblings laughing all the way back.
As soon as they returned to Horn Hill, before Samwell and the others could even unpack, they were summoned directly into the study by their father, Randyll Tarly, the Earl.
This time, his father's scolding was harsher than ever, to the point where he even threatened to banish Samwell from Horn Hill.
Samwell trembled all over, the little bit of confidence he had just gained was completely and mercilessly shattered.
With a bang, the study door suddenly burst open.
Samwell's mother, Melissa Florent, appeared at the study doorway with Talla Tarly and Dickon Tarly.
"Enough, Randyll! I arranged it! Dickon and the others wanted to watch the tourney, and they are still young, they need their brother's protection!"
"My eldest son cannot protect his family."
...
Horn Hill.
The clear sky was suddenly obscured, the sunlight vanished without a trace, and the clouds in the sky grew lower and lower.
Samwell Tarly gazed at the sudden change in weather, his eyes vacant, and he murmured, "It's going to rain."
...
Samwell's conversation with Green was a rare and enjoyable time for him.
Samwell had no idea that Green, without a sword in hand, was actually very knowledgeable.
They discussed various topics together, including history, mythology, and legends.
Green even proposed a view that still excited him when he thought about it now: he said that knowledge was the sharpest blade in the world.
At that time, Samwell's cowardice disappeared.
At that moment, Samwell's face was beaming with confidence.
...
In the afternoon, taking advantage of his father's absence, Samwell went to see his mother.
Melissa Florent looked at Samwell, who was lowering his head and avoiding her gaze, put down her embroidery, and comforted him, "Sam, it was my mistake that caused you to be reprimanded by father, mother is very sorry."
Melissa's gentle voice instantly made Samwell's eyes redden.
"Sam, trust mother, although father is strict, he loves you very much."
Samwell looked up at his gentle mother, tears welling in his eyes: "Mother, I've found my courage, I want to leave Horn Hill."
Melissa exclaimed in surprise, "Sam, you..."
Samwell's reddened eyes were filled with tears, and large, crystal-clear teardrops rolled down his cheeks.
"Mother! I am a coward! But I will definitely make you proud of me!"
...
...
Highgarden, the plant maze.
Last night, at a small banquet, Green talked and drank with Duke Mace all night.
The banquet ended with Duke Mace unconscious.
Green strolled through the garden, the scent of Roses filled the air, but what he smelled was the scent of Golden Dragons.
Green found a cool wooden bench and sat down.
Green stretched, leaning his back against the chair.
Although the banquet yesterday was small in scale, it was of high standard.
After discussing matters, it was quite late, and Duke Mace regretfully could only summon the vassals who were in the castle.
Under Duke Mace's eager gaze, Green spoke at length about Duke Mace's unknown art of war.
A serious Green was very formidable, and with his self-consistent logic, many nobles at the banquet believed Green's words.
A joyful Duke Mace kept stroking his beard, his meticulously trimmed triangular beard even changing shape.
There's another grand banquet tonight... Green looked up at the white clouds in the sky, rubbing his swollen head with his long fingers.
Although it was a bit tough, Green's gains were substantial.
Six days of arena competitions earned him over a thousand Golden Dragons.
For Little Rose's "consulting fee," Green received three thousand Golden Dragons.
In the morning, Rowsell reported to Green that the grain purchase deal with Highgarden had been finalized, with a price that was half-sale, half-gift, and Highgarden would also be responsible for delivery to their doorstep.
Thinking of this, Green, the 'Roll King,' instantly regained full energy.
Due to Prime Minister Jon's one-month agreement, Green had to depart tomorrow, and tonight he would continue to vindicate his beloved Duke Mace.
[That summer, Green stood with his hands in his pockets, looking around, only to find no opponents]
Thinking of Duke Jon, Green's heart was once again sharpening its knife; the title of Guardian of Crab Claw Peninsula could be put on the agenda.
Green knew very well that compared to Emperor Joffrey, ennoblements during King Robert's reign had more prestige and were more widely recognized.
...
After an unknown period, Green, who had cleared his mind and rested with his eyes closed, twitched his ears.
The sound came from not far behind Green.
From the voices, Green had already guessed the identities of the women; they were Little Rose's bedchamber maidens.
...
Megga Tyrell, who was a bit plump, loudly said, "Are you still playing games?"
Megga Tyrell was a member of a collateral branch of the Golden Rose Family, and she enjoyed playing kissing games with her cousins.
Elora Tyrell, slender with lively eyes, said, "Megga, I'm so tired today."
Elora Tyrell was also a member of a collateral branch of the Golden Rose Family.
"Yeah, we played too wildly last night, now I just want to sit and do nothing."
The speaker was Meredith Klene from the Klene Family.
Yalan Tyrell, also a member of a collateral branch of the Golden Rose Family, timidly said, "If you're tired, then rest for a while. Lady Margaery is still busy for a bit. Shall I play the wooden harp for you?"
Megga Tyrell waved her hand and said, "Alright, Yalan, aren't you tired? Let's all sit down and rest for a bit."
"Thank you, Megga."
...
"Sigh, at the banquet last night, did you pay attention to Duke Mace? I've never seen him so happy."
"Of course I saw him, anyone with eyes could tell."
"Megga, why do you talk like that?"
"Don't be angry anymore, we'll definitely play games with you this afternoon."
"Sigh, I think it's because of that foreign guest."
"Are you talking about that bard?"
"Bard? Hahaha!"
The sisters burst into laughter.
"Everyone was drawn to him, he stole the show."
"As the Queen's envoy, his tongue wagged all night, I actually think he's quite impressive."
"Aeliana, I know you, you're only tolerant of knights you have a good impression of."
"Baron Green is from Crab Claw Peninsula. At the banquet yesterday, some people were privately saying that those from Crab Claw Peninsula are half-barbarian nobles."
"Barbarian? He doesn't look like one at all!"
"Could his excellent sword skills come from some mysterious power of the barbarians?"
...
"Shh, I heard an astonishing secret, I'll only tell you, remember to keep it strictly confidential."
"Don't worry, sister!"
"Don't be coy, tell us quickly!"
"Duke Mace might go to King's Landing..."
"Then Duke Renly..."
"Duke Renly? Why do you suddenly mention him? Are you hiding something? Oh, you, I'll only give you one chance, quickly share what you know with your sisters!"
Turns out, Highgarden has no secrets either!
Green's lips curved slightly, and he silently lay on the long bench, his hands clasped behind his head, closing his eyes, and continued to passively eavesdrop!
...
...
Red Keep, Prime Minister's Tower.
Prime Minister Jon's deteriorating health finally alarmed King Robert Baratheon, who was engrossed in hunting, forcing him to return to King's Landing.
Robert gazed for a while at the senile Duke Jon Arryn leaning against the headboard, his laughter coarse: "Jon, you're better than I imagined. Seeing how lively you are, we can go to a brothel together tonight."
In his youth, Robert had a very clean-shaven face, was tall, and had a forthright personality. His eyes were clear and charming, like a dream lover for young maidens.
After putting on the crown, Robert indulged excessively in food and drink, causing his weight to increase incurably, and his waistline became as astonishing as his height, leaving him breathless and sweating profusely with even a little movement. Although a thick, dark beard covered Robert's double chin, there was nothing left to conceal his rotund belly and thick dark circles under his eyes.
...
"Heh... cough cough!"
Jon couldn't help but laugh, but his throat tickled, and he coughed.
Robert laughed and sat down by the bed.
Jon stopped coughing and said, "You fat man who only sweats!"
"Fat man? Are you talking about me? Jon, how dare you speak to the King like that?"
Saying this, Robert, with an angry expression, couldn't help but laugh loudly again, and continued: "Damn it, you always hit the mark!"
Robert's smile faded, and his tone became serious: "Jon, you must get well soon. I know very well what kind of incompetent ruler I am, just like the Mad King. If I don't have you to assist me, the Gods will not forgive me."
Jon weakly shook his head: "You are not like the Mad King, you are much better than him."
Robert didn't know why he suddenly mentioned the Mad King. Thinking of the Mad King, Robert couldn't help but feel angry: "All the Gods should die! All I asked for was Lyanna, but you forced a damn crown on me! All I want is for her to return to my arms, and everything to be as it was!"
Jon quietly listened to Robert's complaints, though he had heard them countless times before.
Robert, seemingly having vented, chuckled and asked, "Jon, you know that proverb that describes the King and the Hand, right?"
Jon nodded slightly and replied, "The King dreams, the Hand builds the dream."
"A girl I slept with told me that commoners have an even better analogy: The King dines, the Hand defecates."
After speaking, Robert patted his belly and laughed loudly.
Jon covered his mouth and coughed a few times, saying, "The common people live more clearly than us. Their meaning is that the King is responsible for enjoying fine food, while the Hand is responsible for serving the King's post-meal defecation, and also for wiping the King's backside along the way."
Robert laughed again.
"Jon, you're too boring, always so serious, but... this time you made me laugh!"
...
Jon paused, then spoke: "Robert, you need to make plans soon and choose a new King's Hand to assist you. My body won't last much longer; I can't give you much time. You can't just govern the country yourself because you weren't prepared, can you?"
Robert stared at Jon for a moment, then said helplessly: "You know, I've tried. Sitting on the Iron Throne and managing state affairs is a thousand times harder than conquering the throne.
Legal arbitration is an exhausting business, and clearing the treasury is even more troublesome... And then there are those endless petitions. I sit on that damned iron chair all day listening to them complain about this and that, till my brain goes numb and my backside aches.
Everyone opens their mouth asking for money, or land, or legal arbitration... They're all full of nonsense, and my Master of Coins aren't much better.
They are either clueless or deliberately lie. I'm surrounded by idiots and sycophants; it's enough to drive a man mad.
Jon, before I came here, I had already seen the cunning Maester Pycelle. I told him that if he couldn't cure my Hand, I would smash his head in. He has already promised me that he will restore your health.
You see, Jon, I'm still more suited to govern the country with a warhammer. So, you must rest and recover, and leave the trivial matters to others. Although they are idiots, they can still run errands for you."
Jon shook his head slightly and said, "Eddard Stark."
Robert stood up: "You are truly stubborn."
"Robert... cough cough!"
"Enough, I'll consider it. My head aches now, and I don't want to hear your nagging anymore!"
...
...
Crab Claw Peninsula, Old Claypole.
The grain pressure problem, with Green's reply, the morale of the people in Klaeb Territory quickly stabilized.
House Knight Mason Baker welcomed Pel Pili, also a House Knight, and Thorn Legion Commander Impa at the new Klaeb Farm.
The sturdy Mason spread his arms and said, "Old friend, long time no see!"
Pel, with a new scar on his face, embraced Mason.
The result was a clanking and clanging of plate armor, a very enthusiastic Crab Claw Peninsula greeting.
Mason and Pel separated, then smiled at Impa and said, "Welcome, Impa!"
Although Impa was now the Thorn Legion Commander, she was not yet a knight, so her status was a notch below Mason and Pel.
Impa saluted by placing her hand on her chest: "Good day, Ser Mason."
Impa, leading her Thorn Legion, had already proven her strength through military achievements.
Mason knew in his heart that given the lord's trust in Impa, at the appropriate time, Green would knight her.
The combat prowess of Klaeb Spearmaidens was already not inferior to men, and with the establishment of the Thorn Legion, composed mainly of spearmaidens, the reputation of Klaeb Spearmaidens soared.
Furthermore, Klaeb Territory naturally had more women than men, unlike most places in Westeros, which to some extent naturally led to gender equality.
We are all brothers who fight together!
Mason smiled and nodded: "Good day, let's go inside. I imagine you're all missing Marigold Malt Wine; I've already prepared it."
The three took steps.
The three walked side by side, from left to right, Impa (175 cm), Mason (185 cm), and Pel (195 cm).
The three formed a diagonal line.
As they walked, Mason turned his head to Pel and suddenly said, "Pel, your new facial decoration looks good. Are the Mountain Barbarians' counterattacks difficult to deal with?"
Mason's words and tone conveyed his deep concern for his old friend.
Pel, who understood Mason, however, heard a strong sense of mockery in Mason's words.
Pel snorted, turned his head to look back at Mason, and said coldly, "I heard you have a new adopted son, named... Darius?"
Mason snorted coldly: "Old friend, don't be jealous. That is Lord Green's trust in our family."
Pel, who was usually not given to much laughter, forced out a strange smile to mock his old friend: "Old friend, my intelligence isn't cut off. I know this is all the credit of your eldest son, Martial."
Mason and Pel glared at each other.
They are so childish... Impa quietly slowed her steps to create distance.
Inside the house.
Pel drank a full glass of Marigold Malt Wine in one gulp, then put down the glass with a thud.
"Mason, Impa, I think we can enter the second phase of the Eastward Expansion Plan."
Klaeb's Eastward Expansion Plan was divided into two phases.
The first phase was primarily military conquest, supplemented by surrender and recruitment.
Due to the backward communication among the Mountain Barbarian tribes, they were not given the opportunity to connect and unite. During the re-conquest of the Old Territory, larger barbarian tribes were swiftly defeated.
The second phase was primarily surrender and recruitment, supplemented by military conquest.
After conquering the larger barbarian tribes, the remaining ones were mostly medium and small-sized barbarian tribes. The spoils of war obtained from them would not even cover the cost of deploying troops.
Actually, according to the custom of Crab Claw Peninsula, no one would calculate these costs. No matter what kind of battle it was, as long as there was a battle to fight, that was enough, and winning was considered perfect.
Sometimes Mason and Pel did not understand many of Green's arrangements, but their status as House Knights meant they would not question, only execute.
For House Knights who had served the Kleber Family for generations, loyalty was honor.
Mason shrugged: "I have no objection. I am currently responsible for prisoner resettlement, and for me, the more prisoners, the greater my merit. Entering the second phase will definitely increase the number of prisoners, as long as the timing is right, I am happy to support it!"
Pel's gaze shifted to Impa.
"Ser Pel, I have no objection. This time, the Thorn Legion will cooperate with the Survey Corps' actions."
Pel nodded steadily, acknowledging Impa's support, and the meeting adjourned!
In recent times, the highest-level military meeting belonging to Klaeb Territory, with Pel, Mason, and Impa, each saying only one sentence, thus ended.