Green, who had just finished tidying up, was currently looking at a letter from Impa, the Thorn Legion Commander.
Is this... Westeros hieroglyphics?
Green combined Impa's personality with the current state of the Thorn Legion, furrowing his brow and analyzing for a while before roughly inferring what Impa wanted to express.
Impa has also learned to compete with other legions for equipment? Green chuckled.
Impa, whom Green had set as the exemplary Kleber spearwife, had always performed excellently, but her personality was too straightforward.
Personality traits don't have an absolute good or bad, but as a Legion Commander, Impa still needed a bit more flexibility.
Therefore, Green was happy to see this change in Impa and even intended to encourage her slightly.
Green folded the letter and put it back into the envelope, sealing it with wax.
People like Impa are naturally unlikely to have many flaws, and this letter, combining text and images, might be one of the few flaws in her life, so Green decided to keep it.
Green was very curious what kind of expression Impa would have when she saw this letter again in the future... perhaps years or decades later.
Green cleared his throat and handed the sealed envelope to Surana, saying, "Surana, please keep this safe for me."
Surana's eyes flickered slightly as she calmly took the envelope and respectfully said, "Yes, my master."
Green then said, "Surana, write a letter to Herschel on my behalf, covering two matters... The first is to find a scribe for the Thorn Legion, and the second is to increase the allocation of new shortswords for the Thorn Legion. As for the quantity... let him adjust the specific amount."
Surana was already able to face the sudden increase in her responsibilities with great composure.
Although Surana was only a steward, she had always been in contact with the core of the Klaeb Territory.
Previously, before the Old Territory was recovered, they had more than enough manpower everywhere.
Now, the size of the Klaeb Territory had grown several times, yet it was still run by the original personnel. For a period, these reliable people could only hold multiple positions to help the lord control the Klaeb Territory.
Queen Cersei lacked patience, so Green would have to leave Klay勃 Manor soon and head to King's Landing.
After Green finished dealing with the backlog of letters, he massaged his temples.
"Oh, right, remember to prepare some clothes for Samwell as soon as possible. Mondon's clothes are still a bit too big for Sam."
Samwell Tarly, who had left Horn Hill and joined Green's faction, only had the clothes on his back. His broad and stout build meant it was difficult to find ready-made clothes, so he had to have them custom-made.
Due to Prime Minister Jon's one-month deadline, Green was pressed for time and couldn't delay, needing to travel quickly.
Fortunately, at the critical moment, the honest Mondon Wei Shui contributed one of his robes, preventing Samwell from having no change of clothes.
Although it was a small matter, it increased Green's dissatisfaction with Duke Jon.
Green was running around for "Queen Cersei," while Duke Jon, far away in the Red Keep, could use his authority to tie his hands. This feeling was very stifling.
Green showed no outward emotion, but he was a little angry inside.
Green secretly declared: The Vale is an inseparable part of the Crab Claw Peninsula.
Green was very welcoming of Samwell's addition.
Not only because of Samwell's excellent wisdom, but also because Samwell's joining would raise the prestige of House Clebber.
Not everyone was aware of the internal affairs of House Tarly; most people only knew that the eldest son of the renowned General Randyll, the Count, had become Baron Kleber's attendant.
Samwell's joining invisibly elevated what Green currently lacked most.
Surana nodded and said, "Mondon alone needs three people's worth of fabric. Now that there's an additional Samwell, should I prepare more special-sized clothes in advance?"
Green looked up and smiled, saying, "Ms. Surana, it's rare for you to joke with me."
Surana said earnestly, "My master, joking casually with a lord is an offense. I truly intend to do so."
Green shook his head, his eyes smiling: "Go on, what do you want to tell me?"
Surana nodded, stepped forward, drew closer to Green, and lowered her voice, "You've been gone for so long, why didn't I see a single Riverlands girl in the escorting party?"
Green raised an eyebrow, paused, and leaned his upper body slightly towards Surana.
The perceptive Green noticed a sparkle in Surana's eyes. Could the usually serious Steward Surana also have a gossipy heart?
Green lowered his voice and said, "I met an interesting girl."
Surana blinked, "And then?"
"Her status is too high; she wouldn't look down on your lord."
Surana was slightly stunned and said, "Did you express your affection?"
Green shook his head: "He who would grasp the Rose must bear its thorns. I don't do useless work."
Surana sighed in relief and said, "My master, I can now confirm that it's not the situation I feared most."
Green: "???"
"When I welcomed you just now, although your party looked more formidable, what I noticed was that there wasn't a single woman, and a worry I couldn't express had always been hidden in my heart."
Green rubbed his forehead, his tone rarely showing helplessness: "Ms. Surana, you were once my mother's most trusted handmaiden, and in my heart, you are like family. In front of me, you can always speak your mind freely."
Surana shrugged slightly: "I've already confirmed that it's fine. When I was attending to your bath earlier, I observed that your reaction was normal, and combined with your emotional stirrings that ended before they even began, I was overthinking it."
Green looked up and smiled: "In any case, thank you for your concern."
"My master, I have heard of many excellent young men who fell into difficult love, sought it but could not obtain it, and were ruined by love. Marigold will wither, and a woman's best beauty is actually very short-lived, while most men's love begins with intoxicating beauty.
The future Kleber Lady doesn't need to be overly noble; a noble lady slightly weaker than Kleber is an ideal choice. She will bear children for you, and you will provide her with the proper status and protection. This is a balance that can bring peace to the family.
As for captivating beauty... you can look for it in a lover. You have many golden dragons to squander now."
Green listened quietly, paused, and then said, "Ms. Surana, thank you for your heartfelt words... but I want to ask, is this a message from my mother?"
Surana nodded: "I knew I couldn't hide it from you. I don't have the brilliant wisdom of the Lady. The Lady was always worried about you. She left some words during her last days, and she instructed me that at necessary moments, I could offer you advice."
The room was silent for a while, then Green suddenly said, "Surana, can you tell me the truth now?"
Surana paused, then respectfully said, "My master, your wisdom is no less than the Lady's. I think you must have some guesses. Everything began with that war more than ten years ago."
As evening approached, Green, surrounded by his Clan Soldiers, passed through the Steel Gate and entered King's Landing.
As soon as he entered Hook Port, Green spotted Jaime Lannister riding a white horse.
Although the golden-haired Jaime still looked high-spirited, the perceptive Green noticed certain changes in him.
Compared to before, Jaime seemed to have gained a certain sharpness.
Green dismounted and handed the reins to his squire, Martial.
Green, leading Samwell, who had changed to a slicked-back hairstyle, walked towards Jaime.
Jaime's lips curved into a smile, and he also dismounted, raising his hand and tossing something to Green.
Green reached out and caught it, looking at the object in his hand, and asked in confusion, "A key?"
Perhaps distance makes the heart grow fonder; after some time apart, Green felt much closer to Jaime.
Jaime spread his hands and said, "Queen Cersei thinks you've been traveling a lot this time, so she prepared a small house for you to live more comfortably."
The 'small house' Jaime spoke of... Luxurious! Lannister is still Lannister!
Green handed the key to Samwell, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Ser Jaime, this key must have been your idea."
Jaime couldn't help but smile: "Little Baron, you guessed right. I'm not good with words, so I just picked up a key on the way. With this, it's convenient for me to express Queen Cersei's reward to you."
Samwell scratched his head, looking at the key in his hand, unsure what to do.
Green noticed Samwell's dilemma, smiled, and shook his head, saying, "Sam, just take it without worry."
Although Samwell didn't speak, his broad and stout physique made his presence very strong.
Jaime looked at Mondon, then at Samwell, a smile playing on his lips, and asked Green, "Are they brothers?"
Hearing this, Mondon and Samwell involuntarily exchanged glances.
Mondon gave a simple smile, while Samwell shyly averted his gaze.
Baron Green looked up and smiled, extending a hand as he said, "Come, Sam, this is Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard."
Samwell somewhat clumsily bowed to Jaime, placing a hand on his chest: "Good day, Ser Jaime, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Samwell Tarly, from the Riverlands, and I am Baron Green's squire."
Jaime raised an eyebrow and said, "Tarly of Horn Hill?"
Samwell moved his lips, unsure how to respond, and looked to Baron Green for help.
Baron Green nodded slightly and interjected, "Ser Jaime, Sam is a Tarly from Crabclaw Peninsula."
Jaime had only asked casually, and he nodded slightly, saying, "Let's go, I'll take you there. This is a task Queen Cersei entrusted to me."
Baron Green nodded, and together with Jaime, they set off for the new residence Queen Cersei had bestowed.
… … … …
Along the way, Jaime suddenly said, "Baron Green, I've been investigating during this time and have gathered quite a bit of intelligence."
Baron Green's heart stirred, and he looked at Jaime, asking, "Any breakthroughs?"
Jaime shrugged and said, "A lot, perhaps too much."
Baron Green raised an eyebrow: "Ser Jaime, it seems you've thrown out quite a few gold dragons."
"That's the most familiar method for me."
Baron Green pondered for a moment and said, "I estimate that most of the intelligence you've gathered is intended to mislead."
Jaime pulled on the reins, adjusting the horse's direction, and said, "Baron Green, you are indeed skilled at these things. I also felt something was off, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was."
Is he complimenting me?
Due to their previous experience in the Queen's Quarter, Baron Green, with his broad mind, was slightly sensitive to some of Jaime's words.
Baron Green nodded: "This is a very normal operation. Conspirators will naturally try every means to hide themselves, and at the same time, they will try to intentionally mislead us."
A cold glint flashed in Jaime's green eyes; he disliked such dark-minded individuals the most.
Baron Green's lips curved into a smile and he said, "Ser Jaime, I remember you told me that as long as it's detrimental to Queen Cersei, you don't fear anyone being the mastermind, is that right?"
Jaime stared at Baron Green: "Baron Green, do you already know who the mastermind is?"
Baron Green said in a deep voice, "Yes, I unintentionally gained something during this outing. This time, I'm afraid the two of us will need to join forces, of course, that's only if you're willing."
… … … …
… … … …
Highgarden Castle, Terrace.
The sky was like blue paper, with a few thin white clouds slowly drifting with the wind.
"Margaery, let me hear it."
The speaker was Margaery Tyrell's grandmother, Olenna Redwyne, known as the Queen of Thorns.
Born into Redwyne Family of Arbor, the sixty-nine-year-old Olenna Redwyne had long lost her teeth, was short in stature, and had her silver hair wrapped in a dark green headscarf.
It is rumored that Olenna needs a cane to walk and claims to be almost completely deaf, but many suspect this is a facade to deceive outsiders, a deliberate act by Olenna Redwyne.
Olenna rarely shied away from expressing her opinions; her language was witty, intelligent, and acerbic, which earned her the title "Queen of Thorns."
Although her grandmother often made fun of the Golden Rose Family members, Margaery knew deep down that her grandmother was a staunch supporter of the Golden Rose Family's interests.
Margaery understood her grandmother's impatience, and relying on her excellent memory, she immediately recounted everything that had happened in detail.
After listening to Margaery's narration, Olenna gripped the armrest of her chair and said, "I don't like this young man's tricks, but I still have to admit he has some methods. A bug that isn't afraid of Rose thorns has entered a magnificent Rose bush. How to deal with it is up to you and yours."
Margaery nodded obediently and said, "Grandmother, I know…"
"No, you don't know, my granddaughter."
Olenna first interrupted Margaery's words, then paused before saying, "I am a sharp-tongued old woman, and my words are always pointed. Regardless of how it starts, and whether you like it or not, you must make the little bug learn to pollinate the Roses. That is the essence of the ever-flourishing Golden Rose."
Margaery's brown eyes trembled slightly: "Grandmother, I never think you are harsh. I can feel that you love me, you love your family."
The elderly Olenna could no longer straighten her back, and looking at the youthful and beautiful Margaery, it was as if she was seeing her own past youth.
Olenna revealed a trace of affection: "Old woman Olenna thanks the Light of Highgarden for the praise. Come, sit beside me, and let me bask in the sunlight of the Riverlands."
Margaery's cheeks flushed slightly, and she got up and sat next to Olenna, her soft, fair hands gently holding Olenna's wrinkled hand.
Olenna's fingers were thin, but every time Margaery held them, it brought her peace of mind.
"My granddaughter, I can feel that you are uneasy. Why is that? Are you worried about my duke son, who is as foolish as a pig?"
Her grandmother was always most relentless when mocking her father.
Over time, her grandmother's mockery had become a part of the Golden Rose Family, and even her father had once said with a laugh that if he didn't hear his grandmother mock him for a while, he would start to feel uncomfortable, always feeling that something was missing from his life.
… … … …
Margaery couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.
Margaery realized her behavior was somewhat impolite, but she couldn't stop laughing for a moment, so she hastily covered her mouth, while shaking her head in denial.
Olenna, for once, laughed with Margaery for a while, then patted her granddaughter's hand and said, "My Margaery, don't be so hard on yourself. You're not a statue in a garden."
Margaery looked at her grandmother with beautiful eyes, her face red, and nodded.
Olenna laughed again and patted Margaery; she actually loved seeing Margaery's various uncommon little expressions, but she never showed it: "Tell grandmother, why are you uneasy?"
"I'm a bit hesitant… After recently interacting with the Queen's Affairs Officer from the Crownlands, I felt pressure for the first time. I found it very difficult to deal with him. Father needs my help, and I'm worried I won't be able to control him."
Olenna answered decisively: "If you can't control him, get rid of him!"
Margaery's pupils contracted.
"You see, the choice has always been in your hands, hasn't it? Baron Kleber is just one person, and behind you is the Golden Rose Family.
Look at your father; even a wild boar in his position could do better than him. Back then… I was lost in the pleasures my husband brought in bed, my mind didn't turn, and I didn't discover my son's foolishness in advance. Otherwise, when he was young, I might have been able to knock that fat head straight with a wooden spoon… Where was I?
Hmm, an individual's strength is minuscule in the face of a powerful family, even negligible.
Margaery, you are very talented, and you are still growing. Don't be eager to compare your shortcomings to others' strengths; that is not a wise display."
Olenna's advice completely dispelled the lingering cloud of unease in Margaery's heart: "Grandmother, thank you for your good words, I understand!"
Olenna stared at Margaery for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "Hmm, this time you truly understand."
Olenna continued: "This old woman can't sit still. I also looked into that young man. He reminds me of Tywin, a young man who also bore the family's burden at a young age.
The families were equally bleak when they inherited them. If they didn't achieve something, the families were destined to decline forever."
Margaery's beautiful eyes widened slightly: "Lannister?"
"Yes, that cunning Lion family that devours gold but constantly shouts 'a Lannister always pays his debts'! Now there's a Lannister Queen, and the heir to the Iron Throne even has Lannister blood. But everyone seems to have forgotten that during Tywin's father's time, the roaring Lannister Lion was a joke!"
By the end of her speech, Olenna even raised her hand to tap the armrest of her chair.
"It's rare for Baron Kleber to make Duke Mace so happy, so let him sit in the Prime Minister's position and be foolishly happy forever. This is also an opportunity for the Golden Rose."
Margaery's lips were tightly closed as she solemnly nodded at her grandmother.