I really didn't see that coming. Renly is quite the gambler, Joffrey mused silently.
Knowing so much of the truth, he still harbored the delusion of turning the tables, completely trusting Cortnay Penrose's words, and even believing in that plan.
It was a bit naive.
Since he already knew about the existence of magic, didn't he consider that Cortnay Penrose might be influenced or controlled by a similar power?
In fact, that was exactly the case.
Joffrey's ability to persuade Cortnay Penrose in just one night wasn't solely due to threats and inducements.
Trying to achieve everything with just words? That's too arrogant.
Magic was the most reliable and reassuring.
As long as Cortnay's heart wavered even slightly, magic could constantly concentrate and amplify his thoughts in one direction, ultimately overwhelming other ideas and making the decision for him.
That was normal.
Otherwise, how could Cortnay Penrose, who in the original story fought to the bitter end and refused to open Storm's End even after Renly's death, be willing to deceive his Liege Lord?
It's hard to force someone who isn't afraid of death to do anything.
Perhaps it was precisely because he knew Cortnay's character that Renly trusted him so implicitly.
Of course, it could also be that he was so desperate and cornered that, facing the last glimmer of hope for victory, he had no choice but to believe and firmly protect that final hope.
Someone about to drown has no energy left to distinguish whether they're grabbing a life rope or a noose.
The same was true for Renly.
Joffrey could say with certainty that Renly had grabbed a noose, a noose that was slowly tightening.
It was just waiting for the right moment to snap shut.
The prey Joffrey had been patiently waiting for would also step into the trap. By then, he would catch them all in one fell swoop, clean and decisive.
"Sandor," he called out to The Hound, "for the next few days, keep your men in line. Don't use the cannons. Leave only one company defending the City Walls. Everyone else stays inside the Castle obediently, so the Rebel Army outside doesn't find out."
The Hound grinned, "Your Majesty, don't worry, I understand. It's just acting, everyone's very practiced."
The Hound thumped his chest. "I guarantee we won't let the Rebel Army see our True Strength. Even if they attack the Castle for days on end, we will definitely defend it using only the methods of a normal army, and absolutely not use Magic!"
Joffrey nodded. "Also, don't forget to release some Ravens every day. Make sure they are shot down by the Rebel Army."
The Hound asked again, "The content of the letters..."
Joffrey shook his head. "Do I still need to teach you this? You know the plan. It's just intelligence about weak defenses, depleted strength, increased Magic effect at Storm's End, Sorcery失效, and requests for ships to pick us up."
Joffrey stood up and walked towards the window. "In short, just make my Uncle Renly, who is unwilling to fail, feel at ease."
Give someone a reason, and they will deceive themselves.
Joffrey gazed outwards.
The sea was a bright, fresh azure, with scattered whitecaps rolling.
There wasn't a single ship in sight.
Cortnay Penrose had given Renly an explanation that was both somewhat reasonable and somewhat awkward:
"Joffrey is trying to create a false impression of confidence to keep the Allied Forces constrained outside the Castle, unable to advance or retreat, hesitant on how to leave safely, and not daring to attack the Castle rashly.
Thus,
he can deploy a large number of troops to conquer the northern territories of the Stormlands, completely encircling the Allied Forces around Fallenwood.
Therefore, Joffrey has sent out all his ships, cutting off his own retreat, to show his confidence."
Renly probably believed it.
At least on the surface, the Lords and generals also believed it.
Playing along with the scheme.
No one questioned Cortnay Penrose's plan anymore. After all, Renly himself had already approved it, so there was nothing else for others to say.
The plan was going smoothly.
The Ravens accompanying the army had been released to return to their nests. Fallenwood was expected to receive the news tomorrow.
Joffrey was very much looking forward to it.
Duke Mace Tyrell and over thirty thousand troops were stationed in Fallenwood, along with many Lords and Ser from the Reach and the Stormlands.
Once Renly's order arrived, at least half of them would rush to Storm's End.
Over a hundred families, one-third of the Seven Kingdoms.
Storm's End would be surrounded, with the goal of capturing Joffrey the King and seizing the Iron Throne.
A life-and-death war.
By then, he could rightfully and maximally reap the fruits of victory.
Who could complain that the King's methods were not merciful?
After this battle, the Reach and the Stormlands would become the Royal Family's Base, and the overall situation of the Seven Kingdoms would be settled.
Joffrey couldn't help but think of a happy problem: seventy-seven Kingsguard members seemed to be quickly running out. Should the number be increased to seven hundred and seventy-seven?
With over thirty vacancies, the Reach alone could fill all the spots and still have plenty left over.
Truly worthy of being the most fertile land in the Seven Kingdoms.
Highgarden.
"What a busy day, a significant day for the Seven Kingdoms."
He sighed inexplicably.
The Hound, listening nearby, didn't quite understand, but he vaguely felt it wasn't a bad thing.
Joffrey sat back on the throne.
"There's business outside to attend to. Watch over my body and don't let anyone disturb me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Hound expertly closed the doors and windows and arranged guards.
This wasn't the first time.
The so-called "Prosthetic Body" was good in every way, except it was difficult to do two things at once. The Hound had seen Joffrey try to control two bodies simultaneously. While he could manage it, his energy was clearly not as focused as usual.
Therefore, unless it was an emergency, Joffrey would only concentrate his attention on the most important location.
Currently, that location was Highgarden.
...
When he opened his eyes again, Joffrey saw a swaying carriage. The air was filled with the fresh scent of plants and a faint floral fragrance.
He lifted the curtain.
As far as his eyes could see, there was a whole expanse of lush green fields and hills, dotted with red, gold, purple, and white roses, full of vibrant beauty.
The Royal Guard troops marching in a long line through it were, instead, a blight on the scenery.
Nature and violence, a stark contrast.
Joffrey stepped down from the carriage. "You may dispense with the formalities, let's focus on the journey. I'm truly eager to see what charm the beautiful Highgarden possesses."
Barristan the Bold, Loras, and others silently rose.
Joffrey gazed westward.
A magnificent white castle occupied the entire hill. Carriages and horses traveled along the two connecting roads. The wide river below flowed slowly, nourishing the vast green land.
The castle had three white circular City Walls.
The lowest wall surrounded the entire base of the hill.
Between it and the second wall was a lush green area, a meticulously maintained Hedge Maze, used to entertain guests and for recreation. Of course, enemies would also get lost in this maze and fall into traps.
The final wall was the highest and thickest.
Between the three walls stood elegant, slender round towers.
This was Highgarden.
It was indeed beautiful, with a sense of tranquil beauty.
Unfortunately, now it was sounding harsh Horns, and unsightly troops were pouring out from within.
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