Lady Helaena called Roman over to discuss how to receive Garlan.
Garlan Tyrell is the second son of Lord Mace. The eldest son, Willas, had his leg broken by The Red Viper and finds it difficult to travel.
"The Knight of Flowers," Loras, is too young to represent the family in negotiations.
And "the Little Rose," Margaery, is even more out of the question.
So in the end, only Garlan was suitable; he represents The Reach in visiting Harrenhal.
"Child, Garlan Tyrell has sent a formal letter. The Reach intends to befriend us."
"Befriend?" Roman was somewhat puzzled. "Isn't this a bit too early? We've only just begun to make a name for ourselves. Would Lord Mace really take an interest in a small place like ours?"
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Lady Helaena pursed her lips and smiled. "Of course, this isn't Lord Mace's idea. Such major matters are usually decided by Lady Olenna. Lord Mace would only mess things up."
Olenna Redwyne, known as 'the queen of thorns'. Compared to Lord Mace, this old lady from the Arbor is the true decision-maker of The Reach.
Although Garlan is the second son, the Tyrell family has a good atmosphere, and he is highly valued. In the original story, he eventually took over Brightwater Keep, so Garlan's visit to Harrenhal could never be just his personal wish.
"I understand, Lady Helaena. I will prepare for the meeting with Garlan Tyrell."
In the time that followed, Roman continued to adjust and optimize the medical system of the Harrenhal territory.
And began to work on integrating the water resources of the entire territory.
When Garlan arrived at Harrenhal, he was surprised to find that the various infrastructures here actually far surpassed The Reach.
Even the agricultural system that the nobles of The Reach were proud of was no match for Harrenhal.
Secondly, the living standards and knowledge of the people everywhere far exceeded his imagination. In Westeros, no matter how wealthy a lord was, the common folk were often illiterate or ignorant.
But under Roman's continuous investment, the people of Harrenhal could read simple information and understand the notices on the walls.
The closer he got to Harrenhal, the more its development surprised Garlan. By the time he finally stood before Lady Helaena, he was already thinking about how to establish a connection with Harrenhal.
The guard of honor Roman organized was very simple. Aside from people scattering flowers and playing music along the way, the surroundings were filled with soldiers in a state of war.
The wealth of The Reach allowed House Tyrell to arm every soldier with armor, but Garlan was certain that if his family's army met Harrenhal's, they would only suffer a crushing defeat.
Garlan thought to himself, "The Hean Family has returned to its peak within this year. All of this must have been created by that Roman."
He knew this was Roman showing him his strength; the other party was not one for idle chatter.
Sure enough, after Lady Helaena's brief introduction and a dinner, Roman took Garlan for a tour of Harrenhal.
The development of Harrenhal, which far surpassed that of the Westerosi nobility, solidified Garlan's cooperative attitude.
Roads, medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, metallurgy, military, and most importantly, the ability to integrate resources—none of these could be matched by The Reach.
"Lord Roman, Harrenhal is truly shining in your hands. I estimate it can only be compared to its peak during the old days," Garlan remarked with admiration.
"That statement is a bit biased, Lord Garlan. Black Heart Harren built Harrenhal with the blood and tears of the Riverlands' residents, but now the people of the Hean Family have repaired this white fortress with smiles."
Garlan also realized his impropriety and repeatedly apologized to Roman.
The heir of Harrenhal waved his hand and then got straight to the point with his question:
"Lord Garlan, I have already shown you Harrenhal's current strength. May I ask what you plan to do next?"
Seeing Roman being so direct, Garlan knew he had met a truly wise leader, and he no longer hid his intentions.
"House Tyrell intends to establish long-term cooperation with the Hean Family, focusing on trade, medicine, and knowledge exchange."
Garlan paused after speaking, looked around for a moment, and said:
"In the future, we can also consider the matter of a marriage alliance!"
"Hmm?" Roman was startled and asked, "Does Lord Mace know about this?"
Hearing this, Garlan looked a bit embarrassed. "It hasn't been finalized yet. Tyrell still needs to consider the specific candidates."
Roman's face twitched for a second, but he quickly suppressed the muscle.
"These roses really have a huge appetite! They want to win over the Hean Family without giving up a high-quality political resource like the Little Rose. How can there be such a good deal?"
But Roman said politely, "Lord Garlan, I am still young. Let's talk about such things later. Why don't we go look at the newly made porcelain now, so you can get an idea of our future trade?"
Seeing that Roman intended to change the subject, Garlan didn't make a fool of himself further and quickly started talking about trade with him.
Since The Reach often purchased Harrenhal's specialties, Garlan quickly settled the trade-related matters.
Roman gave House Tyrell some discounts, while The Reach was to introduce various talents to Harrenhal.
The Hean Family only needed House Tyrell to provide information on personnel; they didn't need them to do the recruiting.
Because Roman could provide these intellectuals with a favorable environment, it was enough to attract plenty of talent.
Roman would produce all kinds of goods in the future. Porcelain and glass are easy to obtain, but talent is hard to find.
The two spent several days touring Harrenhal. Aside from the confidential facilities, Garlan had seen just about everything in Harrenhal.
His knowledge will let the Old Rose properly assess Harrenhal's power.
And now, it was time for activities between the young men.
Roman pulled out a training warhammer and said to Garlan:
"Let's set aside those dizzying topics. You're leaving soon, so why don't we have a good match?"
"I have heard that Lord Garlan often fights many opponents at once during training in his family's practice yard. This kind of experience in simulating a real battlefield is what I lack, so please do not hesitate to teach me."
Garlan had signed a large number of trade agreements during this time and was in high spirits, so he readily agreed.
"Fine! Then please be careful, Lord Roman, I hit hard!"
The nearby soldiers immediately gathered to watch the show, while the military medic was sweating profusely, holding various potions in case Garlan was seriously injured.
The training warhammer wasn't heavy enough and couldn't cause effective damage, but it was enough to demonstrate Roman's martial prowess.
Garlan and Roman both took their stances and then began the duel.
Roman didn't test the waters; instead, he charged right away, which left Garlan a bit puzzled.
Then he understood Roman's idea. Roman was constantly attacking Garlan's weapon, as if his shield and sword were the main targets.
Garlan was completely unable to defend. His usual opponents all aimed to strike vital spots, whereas Roman seemed to want to knock away his weapon and then take him down.
The warhammer in the hands of the heir of Harrenhal swung like a swift sword; Garlan felt that even a Water Dancer might not have such speed.
A warhammer is the kind of weapon where the faster it goes, the more powerful it becomes. After just a few hits from Roman, Garlan's right hand was already numb from the shock.
In the end, poor Garlan only lasted 30 seconds before his weapon was knocked away in exhaustion.
The surrounding soldiers immediately erupted into cheers.
By the time Roman pulled Garlan up from the ground, he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Whether it was intentional or not, Garlan truly felt a sense of oppression at this moment.
A comprehensive pressure from the territory to the individual.
Garlan thought, "We must, we absolutely must not let House Tyrell become an enemy of Harrenhal!"
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