The morning sun burst forth, piercing through the clouds.
King's Landing, in front of Greene Clegane's Mansion.
With a bang, a teeth-grinding crash echoed from the front yard.
Samwell Tarly, with a look of horror, deeply inhaled the cool morning air.
"Damn it, someone help me up!"
"Bloody hell, Sorell seems to have fainted! Medic! Medic!"
Fully armored, Mondon Wei Shui pulled down his visor and said Silly: "Don't worry, I held back. Sorell's body is very strong, he'll wake up in a bit."
"…"
The air seemed to freeze for a second.
"Mondon, you son of a bitch!"
"You motherfucker!"
"You bastard!"
The Klaeber Tribe Soldiers present erupted in curses.
Mondon chuckled, ignoring the angry crowd, and walked towards Samwell on the other side.
Samwell sized up Mondon, who was also wide and stout, blinked, and said, "Mondon, I've directly experienced your strength this time. It truly is precisely as indescribable as words can't convey."
Mondon's dull eyes glanced at the noisy Clan Soldiers, and he leaned close to Samwell, whispering, "I'm telling the truth, I really did hold back."
Samwell couldn't help but ask, "How much did you hold back?"
Mondon took off his bucket helmet and said, "Specifically… about half?"
… … … …
"Baron Green, the Master of Coin invites you…"
In the mansion's dining room, Baron Green, who was eating, saw Samwell walk over, panting.
Samwell wiped the sweat from his brow with his hand, nodded, and said, "Baron Green, I have something to report."
Baron Green smiled and nodded, motioning for Samwell to sit down, and said with a smile, "Sam, sit down first, have a glass of water."
After speaking, Baron Green asked the attendant, "Where is Earl Petyr arranging to meet?"
"Shataya Brothel."
Baron Green raised an eyebrow, paused, and said, "Reply to Earl Petyr for me, I will visit after sunset."
… … … …
"Sam, what is it?"
"Baron Green, it's about Mondon Wei Shui."
Samwell's face showed excitement as he continued, "Mondon is very strong. His current plate armor is almost like cloth for him. I think we can specially forge a thickened plate armor for Mondon. I've talked to him, and it can be at least half thicker than his current one. If we achieve this, Mondon will become everyone's nightmare."
Baron Green nodded slightly and said, "Sam, you know a lot about armor?"
Samwell smiled shyly: "I… I can't go to the battlefield, so I've studied more about this kind of knowledge."
Towards the end of his sentence, Samwell lowered his head.
Baron Green reached out and patted Samwell's arm, saying, "Sam, don't dwell on bad memories. Your life has just begun, and wars are not only decided on the battlefield.
Your current idea is very good. If these are achieved, Mondon might become an invincible presence on the battlefield, and you will also have credit for it.
I like Mondon very much, and I support your idea. How about I'm responsible for getting the gold dragons, and you're responsible for taking Mondon to get things done?"
The formerly poor Baron of Crab Claw Peninsula now finally spoke with the scent of gold dragons.
Samwell nodded heavily and said, "I will do my best!"
Baron Green's eyes moved slightly, and he said, "I heard that a blacksmith named Tobho Mott is very famous. You can go find him. His smithy is built on the top of Steel Street on Visenya's Hill. His smithy is larger than other shops on Steel Street, and there are two stone knights carved on either side of the shop's main door, making it easy to recognize."
Unable to contain himself, Samwell immediately stood up and excused himself: "Baron Green, I remember! I'm going to find Mondon now!"
Baron Green's eyes held a smile: "Sam, congratulations on finding a new beginning."
… … … …
… … … …
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
At this moment, Baron Green was feeling a bit pressured.
After finishing breakfast, Baron Green took his guards directly into the Red Keep and came to Maegor's Holdfast to meet Queen Cersei Lannister.
Baron Green was currently enjoying Queen Cersei's reward… standing with Jaime Lannister and "watching" Queen Cersei bathe.
Baron Green glanced at Jaime, but received no response from him.
Well, I'm the anomaly!
Recalling his thoughts, Baron Green lowered his eyes and began to report his progress in Highgarden to Queen Cersei.
Cersei, who had her eyes closed, opened her beautiful eyes, looked at Baron Green, and curved her lips: "Baron Green, you are full of the courage I admire. You have done very well."
Baron Green patted his chest and said, "Your Majesty, my courage comes from you."
Cersei showed a satisfied expression and said, "Baron Green, you may withdraw."
Upon hearing this, Baron Green silently pointed towards the garden to Jaime, then very decisively left the room.
After Baron Green left, Jaime moved his feet, looked down at the beautiful scene in the bathtub, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he said, "Cersei, you seem to be in a very good mood?"
Cersei glanced sideways at Jaime, scoffed, and said, "Jaime, he's very cute, isn't he?"
Jaime's tone was helpless: "I'm not jealous. Baron Green is a rare upright knight, and… he doesn't understand the joys of intimacy yet. I'm worried you'll scare him away."
As he finished speaking, Jaime couldn't help but twitch his lips.
Cersei played with her hair, her eyes slightly lowered, and her trembling eyelashes concealed the gaze beneath: "If he can't even withstand this much, how can I trust him in the future?"
Jaime shrugged and said, "So, I chose to be your sword. I don't want to deal with these complicated things."
Cersei looked at Jaime, and extended a finger, beckoning him closer.
Jaime smiled and shook his head, lowering himself.
Cersei's index finger hooked Jaime's chin and said, "Ser Jaime, I feel like you're trying to take credit. Are you asking for a reward?"
"Cersei, I can't refuse you, but I have to tell you, I'm wearing armor right now."
… … … …
Red Keep, Maegor's Garden.
Baron Green had just seen off the administrative official from the Prime Minister's Tower.
Baron Green frowned slightly. The administrative official from the Prime Minister's Tower informed Baron Green of the specific time for his audience with Duke Jon this afternoon.
Baron Green had thought it would be tomorrow at the earliest. Why was Prime Minister Jon in such a hurry to arrange his meeting? It seemed very urgent… Something was out of the ordinary, and Baron Green sensed an unusual flavor in it.
Baron Green gazed at a sea of flowers, his right thumb moving against his index finger.
Tap, tap, tap.
Jaime, with one hand on the sword tucked at his waist, walked towards Baron Green.
Baron Green's gaze shifted to Jaime, who was in silver armor and white robes, and he nodded in greeting, but his heart stirred.
Yes, armor!
The perceptive Baron Green had already sensed Queen Cersei's "dangerous" change.
Aside from Jaime, who wasn't entirely reliable as a shield, he needed the close protection of plate armor.
Plate armor was troublesome to put on, and even more troublesome to take off. A man needed the protection of plate armor in dangerous situations!
From now on, Jaime would be Baron Green's role model; from then on, as long as he was in the Red Keep, his armor would never leave his body.
If he got into Cersei's bed and wanted to get off Cersei's ship, with Baron Green's current strength, he would have to pay a considerable price.
For Baron Green, the optimal choice was to stall for time in the struggle, while avoiding being consumed by his boss, Cersei.
Baron Green had to maintain a good balance, satisfying his boss Cersei while also maintaining a safe distance and leaving himself room to maneuver.
Baron Green decided that to deal with Cersei's increasing demands, he would add a trait called 'sly' to his persona.
However, Baron Green worried… he was a sunny person by nature, and he feared he wouldn't be able to convincingly portray a sly man infatuated with Cersei's beauty.
… … … …
Jaime had no superfluous words, and said directly, "Baron Green, most of the intelligence I've gathered points to the Riverlands as the mastermind."
Baron Green nodded and said, "Ser Jaime, a conspiracy of this level is itself a fog."
After a pause, Baron Green added, "Duke Hoster Tully is terminally ill, and the Riverlands currently have no energy to participate in the power games of the Red Keep. The Tully Family can be ruled out."
Jaime's tone carried a hint of anger: "The Duke of Riverrun's situation is no secret, which is precisely why I… I've almost scoured all of King's Landing."
Baron Green showed a smile and said, "Ser Jaime, I can understand your feelings. I imagine your sword is already thirsting for action."
Baron Green's words suddenly improved Jaime's mood considerably: "So, I temporarily gave up the investigation. I've been waiting for you to return."
"Thank you very much for your trust. I can sense that you are losing patience now. I'm glad I returned in time, otherwise Queen Cersei might have ordered me to lead troops to attack Riverrun."
Jaime smiled: "You and Tyrion both possess the magic of language, able to soothe moods unknowingly…"
Saying that, Jaime patted Baron Green: "Little Baron, don't underestimate me. Tell me, who is the mastermind?"
Baron Green gazed at Jaime and said, "Renly Baratheon."
[Renly Baratheon, the third son of the late Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont, is the youngest brother of Robert Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon.]
Upon hearing this, Jaime furrowed his brows.
Baron Green added, "He is King Robert's brother, the Master of Laws on the Small Council, and the Duke of Storm's End."
Renly was summoned to the Red Keep by Prime Minister Jon shortly after coming of age, to serve as King Robert's Master of Laws on the Small Council. During Renly's time in the Red Keep, Ser Cortnay Penrose of House Penrose acted as the castellan of Storm's End, responsible for managing the castle's affairs for Renly.
… … … …
Jaime's green eyes trembled slightly, and he suppressed the anger in his heart, saying, "Baron Green, is the intelligence reliable?"
Baron Green spread his hands: "Highgarden Castle is like the Red Keep, there are no secrets there. It's not a secret there."
Jaime showed his white teeth in a smile, his perfectly straight white teeth seemingly ready to devour someone: "Renly is nothing more than a duke who knows how to dress."
Baron Green raised an eyebrow; Jaime had indeed become sharper.
Jaime said in a deep voice, "Baron Green, tell me, why does Renly want to deal with Cersei? What is he planning?"
Jaime, like Baron Green, was well aware that Baratheon was very powerful at the moment.
Jaime now needed a way out.
After Robert seized the Iron Throne, he enfeoffed Storm's End of House Baratheon to his youngest brother Renly, while Stannis, who had made great contributions during the War of the Usurper, received the remote and barren Dragonstone.
Robert's distribution after ascending the Iron Throne had left Stannis constantly dissatisfied, and over the years, the relationship between the three Baratheon brothers had become more like that of enemies.
The farsighted Baron Green also did not want Jaime to become the catalyst for reconciling the relationship between the three Baratheon brothers.
Renly is so terrifying, untouchable? Only temporarily, a power player never lacks patience.
… … … …
Baron Green reached out and patted Jaime's arm: "Ser Jaime, what do you intend to do? Whatever your final decision, I will stand by you. This is also for Queen Cersei, you can trust me."
Baron Green, with a serious expression, thought to himself: Knight Jaime, when your heart truly lets go of Cersei, that will be the moment for us two to work together.
Baron Green's words brought a smile to Jaime's face: "Little Baron, do you have no fear in your heart?"
Baron Green shrugged and said, "I have a retreat. Crab Claw Peninsula never fears any invading enemy."
Baron Green gripped the hilt of his longsword and continued, "When foreign enemies appear on Crab Claw Peninsula, no matter how deep the blood feud, it can be put aside, and we will unite closely until all invaders are eliminated. This is our thousand-year tradition.
Ser Jaime, if they unite to attack Crab Claw Peninsula, remember to command the armies of the Westerlands and kick their asses from behind."
Baron Green's desperate demeanor actually helped Jaime regain his composure.
Jaime sighed deeply: "It would feel great to just think about it, but Cersei… the Queen would be in great danger, and I cannot let her be in peril."
Upon hearing this, the killing intent on Baron Green instantly dissipated, and his face became gentle: "For Her Majesty the Queen, we can also plan slowly, if you have the patience."
Jaime's eyes moved, and he said, "Baron Green, do you already have a plan?"
Baron Green nodded, gazed at Jaime, raised his right hand, and extended five fingers.
Jaime smiled broadly, but his hand froze when it reached his waist.
Earlier in Maegor's Holdfast, Jaime had left in a hurry to escape Cersei's temptation, and Lannister had forgotten his purse.
Jaime's expression was slightly awkward: "Ahem, you know, Lannister always pays his debts."
… … … …
… … … …
Afternoon, Prime Minister's Tower.
Baron Green, who was about to enter the Prime Minister's Tower, suddenly stopped and looked towards the direction of the Throne Room.
Baron Green saw Lancel, hiding behind a tree, staring motionless at him.
The sunlight was dazzling, and Baron Green squinted slightly.
The scorching sun was like fire, with not a single cloud in the sky, nor a single breeze, as if the air itself had solidified.
Baron Green subtly withdrew his gaze, resumed his steps, and entered the Prime Minister's Tower.
As Baron Green walked through the hall, he noticed Varys, the Master of Whisperers, walking towards him.
Baron Green nodded in greeting, without stopping his steps.
Varys, with his hands clasped, also merely nodded slightly in return, without stopping his steps either.
As the two brushed past each other, Varys's lips closed several times.
Baron Green's ears twitched; although Varys's voice was very low, he still heard the content clearly.
"Beware of shadows."
Would it kill him to say a few more words? Baron Green hated riddle-makers, unless their identities were swapped.
Baron Green's heart stirred, and combining it with Lancel's unusual behavior, his thoughts churned.
Baron Green stepped onto the stairs.
Sorry, something came up today and delayed my writing. I'll make it up later.