On one side of the corridor wall in Highgarden Castle hung exquisite paintings depicting historical stories, legends, and natural scenery, a feast for the eyes; on the other side was a row of narrow windows inlaid with stained glass, through which sunlight streamed in, casting colorful light and shadows.
The corridor floor was covered with a thick carpet adorned with delicate patterns, soft and comfortable underfoot, as Duke Mace and Margaery walked slowly along it.
Seeing his daughter occasionally lost in thought, Duke Mace asked with concern, "My Margaery, you seem... troubled?"
Margaery blinked, then paused, looking at Duke Mace, "Father, I was thinking about King Joffrey and Count Greene."
Duke Mace was a little surprised, "Why would you think of them? What came to mind?"
Margaery replied softly, "Father, do you remember Count Greene's assessment of King Joffrey during the dinner in Longtable Hall (Chapter 235)?"
Duke Mace recalled for a moment, then said uncertainly, "Little boy?"
Margaery reminded him, "Decisive little boy."
"Oh, right, right!"
Duke Mace remembered, paused, and then asked doubtfully, "Is there a problem with that assessment? Joffrey is only thirteen this year, of course he's a little boy. Decisive... as King of the Seven Kingdoms, he naturally needs to be decisive."
Margaery's beautiful eyes flickered, and she said, "Father, Count Greene respects you..."
Hearing this, Duke Mace stroked his beard proudly.
Little Rose continued, "Therefore, I believe Count Greene would not hide anything from you, especially matters concerning the future of House Tyrell."
Duke Mace looked at his daughter and said, "Margaery, is Greene hinting at something to me?"
Margaery nodded gently, and said, "Combining the recently gathered intelligence, Count Greene is hinting..."
After a few steps, she spoke, "Decisive means not listening to others' advice, and little boy means willful."
She looked at her father, "Combined, King Joffrey is an uncontrollable king. This conclusion makes me... think of Aerys II (the Mad King)."
After a moment of silence, Duke Mace suddenly stopped, his smile gone, "Margaery, Joffrey is still a child, and I believe with your wisdom you can assist him well."
He added, "You must remember, you are the Rose of Highgarden, and Joffrey and your children will become heirs to the Iron Throne, that is what is most important."
Margaery's eyes trembled slightly, then paused, and a relaxed smile appeared on her beautiful face, as she said, "I understand, please rest assured, Father."
Only then did Duke Mace show a look of relief, "Oh, my Margaery, my daughter, no one can resist your beauty, no one will not love you."
He patted his daughter lightly, "Don't overthink it, behind you is the Golden Rose of Highgarden. Let's go, my Margaery."
...
The oak door of the small hall was pushed open, and Duke Mace's hearty voice rang out, "Oh, Lady Olenna, my mother, did you enjoy your breakfast?"
Although a servant had announced him, Duke Mace's voice was sudden, and the teacup in Lady Olenna's hand could not help but tremble.
"Not anymore," Lady Olenna placed the teacup on the small round table.
Duke Mace laughed heartily, while Lady Olenna ignored her son and kindly said to Margaery, who appeared a step behind him, "My dear, come, sit next to Grandmother."
Without his mother's invitation, Duke Mace happily sat on the other side, motioning to a nearby servant to pour wine.
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