The coast of Mulin Hall.
Mulin Hall is located on the west coast of Tarth Island in the Stormlands, near Shipbreaker Bay, and is the ancestral home of the House Tarth.
Waves upon waves, pushing and surging forward, formed giant swells, each reaching its peak height before bursting into a cluster of snowy white foam.
Selwyn Tarth stood in the distance, watching Brienne practice her sword skills, a gentle smile on his face.
Selwyn Tarth, 52 years old this year, is the head of the House Tarth, Earl of Mulin Hall, and Earl of Tarth Island; he is known as the Evening Star.
The Evening Star is the title of the Lord of the House Tarth on Tarth Island, and it is rumored that this title can be traced back to the Dawn Age.
Selwyn Tarth's wife passed away before Brienne could remember her, his eldest son, Galladon, drowned at the age of eight, and his two youngest daughters both died in infancy.
Therefore, Brienne Tarth became Selwyn Tarth's sole heir.
...
Brienne noticed her father strolling towards her, so she put away her sword and wiped the sweat from her face.
Selwyn praised her kindly, "My daughter, your sword skills impress me more and more."
Brienne moved her lips, her eyes somewhat evasive, "Father, I don't want to get married."
Selwyn shook his head and said, "Brienne, believe me, I have given up on finding a marriage partner for you. I firmly believe the Gods already have a plan."
Selwyn added reassuringly, "Although I love music more than longswords, I have seen many famous swordsmen, and you are by no means inferior to them. Ser Goodwin trained you very well. Perhaps the House Tarth will produce a female knight renowned throughout Westeros. I am very grateful to him; his passing deeply pains me."
Brienne paused and said, "Father, it's difficult. No one will like a woman in armor, even if I defeat him."
Selwyn looked at his tall daughter with gentle eyes and said, "Composing music is also difficult, but people still flock to it. It is precisely because they know that creating greatness is not easy that they become more determined."
Selwyn spread his hands and said, "Don't mind your father; men from the Stormlands are all full of themselves. I don't care what others say; I only care about my child."
Brienne turned her face away.
Selwyn, as if unaware of Brienne's unusual behavior, continued, "Brienne, I have almost finished my investigation."
Brienne, with reddened eyes, couldn't help but turn her head back, "That fast?"
"Of course, it has to be fast, my daughter. You never let me help you after you grew up, and I am honored by that."
Although Brienne's expression remained stiff, Selwyn still detected her faint smile, which greatly pleased him.
"The Kleber Family is on the Claw Isle. They are old nobles of the Claw Isle, skilled in combat, and the Kleber Family has produced three Kingsguard. The Claw Isle has countless barbarian tribes, like stars, and it might be the only place in Westeros that has never known peace."
Brienne looked at her father, who seemed to be reciting poetry as he spoke, and asked, "What do you think of that place?"
Selwyn pinched his chin, thought seriously for a moment, and said, "A paradise for warmongers, a hell for peacemakers?"
Brienne hesitated for a moment and then said, "That red-haired stranger told me... their lord would invite me to watch a knight's knighting ceremony."
Selwyn asked suspiciously, "Baron Green? How did he know you... Anyway, it's better than being unknown!"
Brienne stared at her somewhat embarrassed father for a while, then said, "It's for knighting a female knight..."
Selwyn was stunned for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face, "Brienne, my daughter, I support you in going. Be bold. I will prepare the best armor for you, and your father still has enough ransom."
Although Brienne had her father's support, she was still undecided.
Brienne, who could only endure the mockery of others in the Stormlands and secretly harbor a crush on Duke Renly, now suddenly had an... extremely good path for herself.
For some reason, Brienne's heart was troubled for the first time.
...
...
Prime Minister's Tower, Prime Minister's study.
Petyr Baelish noticed Jon Arryn's gaze, and his grey-green eyes shifted, their gazes meeting for a moment.
Petyr subtly nodded.
Petyr maintained a faint smile, and as Robert Baratheon stopped laughing, he suddenly said, "My King, it's a pity. Baron Green has managed the Queen's Quarter very well. I originally thought we could increase a lot of tax revenue this year. Now, Baron Green has been entrusted with an important task by you, and I can only pray that the next administrator of the Queen's Quarter can maintain the stability of the Queen's Quarter."
Listening to Petyr's words, Green's brown eyes trembled slightly.
Green's mind raced. Petyr suddenly bringing up the Queen's Quarter was just a starting point; he must have other motives.
King Robert loudly said, "Petyr, you might as well say you've seen an Other dancing with a swaying waist; perhaps I'd believe that more. Damn it, it seems not all my Crownlands vassals are full of nonsense. That's the most unbelievable thing!"
As King Robert's words fell, Petyr looked at Green, his eyes bright and gentle.
Green's voice was a bit louder than usual: "My King, the Queen's Quarter is dirty and chaotic. I can only manage it like a military camp. The short-term effect is very significant, but the people are not soldiers after all, so it's not a long-term solution."
King Robert laughed, then his tone suddenly became heavy: "Green, I agree with that. Leading an army and governing a kingdom are two different things. I deeply... Damn, I'm thirsty!"
Before King Robert could say another word, Lancel very quickly handed him an already filled wine glass.
King Robert raised the cup and took a large gulp, exhaling contentedly, and said, "Petyr, my Prime Minister needs rest. This matter is up to you."
Petyr curved the corners of his lips and nodded, "As you command, My King."
King Robert's large eyes looked at Duke Jon: "Alright, I'm here to say goodbye to you today! Damn it, you've wasted so much of my time! Jon, I hope when I see you next, you're bouncing around in front of me!"
Duke Jon couldn't help but cough a few times and said, "Although this matter makes me lose face, Baron Green still has some significant merits that require your instruction."
Although King Robert was already very impatient, he still grumbled as he walked to the side of the bed and sat down.
"King Robert, some matters cannot bypass you. Although Baron Green is Queen Cersei's steward, he is also your direct vassal. You are the King and need to be fair in rewards and punishments."
Upon hearing this, the astute Green already understood Prime Minister Jon's intention and couldn't help but curse inwardly.
King Robert's right hand slightly lifted, a black shadow flashed, and Lancel immediately appeared, a full wine glass already in his hand.
"Jon, I heard about that matter. Don't expect me to comfort you!"
King Robert raised his wine glass and took a sip, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, and then said, "That's trouble left behind by the Targaryen. We can't just tear down everything here! The Red Keep has no secrets anyway, which is why I hate staying here. Here, I always feel like I'm naked for people to admire... Hmm, you too!"
With that, King Robert burst into laughter.
Is this something I should be hearing?
Green glanced at Petyr, who was listening with relish. No problem, this is Westeros!
...
"Cough, Robert, discovering this is no small merit, and also..."
King Robert drained the remaining wine in his cup, threw the empty glass to Lancel, and said, "Jon, don't be so slow! Tell me everything in one breath! Or, just tell me what to do!"
Jon's cloudy eyes looked at Robert's impatient, fat face, and a smile appeared on his own face: "Cough, cough, I'll try to be brief. The Claw Isle is full of barbarians. After the war ended that year, the Kleber Family didn't have the strength to protect their original ancestral lands, so we designated a relatively safe area for them to relocate to.
This year, Baron Green, who just inherited his family's title, repelled the Mountain Barbarians and recovered his family lands.
He is your direct vassal, and perhaps before long, that place will be able to pay taxes to you."
Green, standing with downcast eyes, twitched his ears.
Taxes?
After the War of the Usurper, the debts imposed by the Red Keep had not yet… Green thought of the 150,000 gold dragons and decided to hear what he had to say first!
...
King Robert seemed to recall something and said, "Damn it, I remember now, the wars were all over, but that place never stopped, always busy fighting back and forth!"
King Robert suddenly turned to Petyr and said, "Master of Coin, tell me, is Crabclaw Peninsula part of the Crownlands? Why do I never recall seeing a copper star from a vassal there?"
Petyr shrugged, "My King, that place is full of Mountain Barbarians.
The Mountain Barbarians never care who the King is; they only understand that they can fill their bellies by winning.
You can imagine the hardships of the nobles on Crabclaw Peninsula in recent years.
I can't let your vassals starve to death; that would detract from your wisdom."
King Robert nodded and said, "Speaking of which, they're not bad; at least they haven't pestered me with endless petitions… Damn it, my demands on the Crownlands vassals are truly merciful.
I thought as long as they didn't cause me trouble, it would be fine.
How ridiculous!"
Petyr smiled and said, "My King, under your rule, everything is improving."
After a pause, Petyr, with a smirk, continued, "Just as Duke Jon mentioned, it won't be long before you receive a brand new coin from your vassals on Crabclaw Peninsula."
King Robert laughed heartily, looking at Duke Jon, and said, "Jon, I told you this fellow is very hypocritical!
As long as he can reduce my troubles, I am the most generous King."
Duke Jon smiled and nodded, "My King, you are naturally endowed with the justice of a monarch."
King Robert restrained his smile and said, "I understand.
What do you think the reward should be, my Prime Minister?"
Duke Jon said, "With the new family lands added to the old, and some merits in King's Landing, your young vassal, he deserves the title of Earl."
...
Although Green's expression didn't show it, his thoughts were racing.
Alienation… Green could already imagine Queen Cersei's reaction upon hearing the news.
Queen Cersei would definitely think I had betrayed her!
Green glanced at Petyr, and Green happened to meet Petyr's gaze.
Petyr's shoulders slightly shrugged: Don't look at me; we are all pawns of important figures.
Green's eyebrow slightly raised: Let's talk in detail tonight!
In the shadows, Green and Petyr instantly completed their eye contact.
...
Under the gaze of King Robert's large eyes, Duke Jon nodded slightly.
"Petyr, go get paper and pen, find a table, I'll speak, you write!"
Petyr nodded, sat down at a nearby table, and the attendant in the room prepared paper and pen for him: "My King, it's ready."
King Robert looked at Green, his voice like a bell: "Green, come here, stand before me."
Green exhaled, suppressing his excitement on his face, straightened his back, walked in front of Robert, and with a thud, knelt on one knee.
"I, Robert I of House Baratheon, by the Andals and whatever else… write down all my damn titles, Petyr, you know which ones!
Hereby confer upon Baron Greene Kleber the title of Earl of Whispers!"
Green loudly said, "My King, Whispering Fort will forever be at your command."
King Robert grunted and said, "Earl Green… Hmm, it does sound a bit more imposing than Baron.
Damn it, I'm too generous; I've wasted half a day on your matter!
Let me hear good news as soon as possible, and also, stay away from my Queen; it won't do you any harm!"
With that, King Robert waved his large, fat hand, signaling everyone in the room to withdraw.
...
Outside the Prime Minister's study.
Green and Petyr looked at each other and shrugged almost simultaneously.
Petyr curled his lips, his eyes sparkling: "Congratulations, Earl Green."
Green nodded in thanks: "Lord Petyr, thank you for your frankness.
My treat tonight."
Petyr's smile was very elegant: "It seems tonight will be a night of no return.
The pleasure is all mine."
Green nodded again, bade farewell to Petyr, turned, and walked away.
Petyr watched Green's retreating figure, a smirk on his lips.
...
Stepping out of the Prime Minister's Tower, Green paused and looked up at the sky.
The cloudless sky was like a clear blue canvas.
Because of what happened last time in the Prime Minister's study, Duke Jon already knew Green's perception was keen.
The strong smell of medicine was to cover the smell of alcohol on King Robert.
The silently busy attendants in the room were also to conceal King Robert in the shadows.
Due to its special environment and traditions, coupled with the War of the Usurper, Crabclaw Peninsula had almost severed ties with the Red Keep.
However, Crabclaw Peninsula belongs to the Crownlands, and all the nobles of Crabclaw Peninsula are King Robert's vassals.
If Green had shown even a slight hint of sympathy for House Targaryen during the conversation to shirk the task, Green believed the furious King Robert would have directly expelled him from King's Landing.
Lancel's identity as the King's attendant, Varys's hint of shadows, Petyr… Green had to admit that Petyr's implied loyalty immediately made Green grasp the key point.
Combining the seemingly normal yet oddly abnormal situation in the Prime Minister's study, Green saw through Duke Jon's scheme.
As for how Duke Jon managed to keep the impatient King Robert quietly hidden in the back… Prime Minister Jon was very familiar with King Robert; he definitely had his own methods, but now Green only wanted to maliciously guess the process.
Phase one concluded with Green becoming the executor of the dragon-slaying plan and obtaining 150,000 gold dragons in funding.
Phase two, Duke Jon used an open and honest scheme.
Duke Jon, in front of King Robert, patiently and meticulously listed Green's merits, legitimately and legally making Green an Earl.
Could Green have refused on the spot? Why refuse? With what excuse refuse?
This is Westeros, and Green is legally King Robert's direct vassal.
Robert Is not an easy King to talk to.
These are just superficial traps.
Duke Jon's true purpose was to openly alienate Queen Cersei and Green.
Duke Jon must have understood Queen Cersei's character very well and tailored the scheme to her traits.
...
Green resumed his steps.
Green's good mood and bad mood were mixed, making his heart complex.
150,000 gold dragons were not Green's end goal; Green still needed to continue strengthening his power through Queen Cersei's influence.
His beloved Duke of Highgarden was still waiting to reunite with Green, and this matter could not be accomplished without Queen Cersei's push.
Because Queen Cersei was his backing, it actually made Green have fewer concerns when doing things.
When Green was in the Riverlands, he set up the arena and was even ready to kill his way out if the situation got out of control… One of the important reasons for Green's confidence was having Queen Cersei behind him.
Green was on a mission for the Queen.
As long as Duke Tywin didn't interfere, when things escalated, the stubborn Queen Cersei wouldn't care if it was the Riverlands or the Riverlands; she would just tough it out to the end.
...
Green thought about it.
Although Queen Cersei was a bit "too" willful, her generosity in rewards was enough for Green, who was in the position of an employee.
Green nodded to himself; overall, Queen Cersei was a good boss.
However, Green was certain that Queen Cersei would be very angry.
When Queen Cersei made up her mind about something, no one's words could get through to her, including Jaime's.
Green looked up at the sky once more… Did he really have to sacrifice his charm to regain Queen Cersei's trust?