"Storm's End is not the only one," he said. "Cape Wrath and all the castles in the Marches have been recovered by His Majesty the King."
What?!
The expressions of the generals in the large tent became even more spectacular.
Especially the lords and sers from these families, anxiety and panic were clearly written on their faces, as if they were about to grab their swords and return to reinforce.
Renly remained silent, his gaze heavy, waiting for his governor to reveal more information.
Cortnay Penrose's face was indifferent.
"Ser Garth of House Wylde has become a Kingsguard, and now governs Rain House City under the title of 'Governor'."
Everyone was surprised and suspicious.
"Rychard Wylde has inherited the family name and submitted to the Iron Throne as Earl of Rain House City, swearing to dissolve all other contracts, including allegiance to Storm's End."
Footsteps rustled outside the large tent.
Many people lowered their heads in thought, some looked at King Renly, and some cast concerned glances towards the elderly Ser Mond Wylde.
Cortnay Penrose looked at Mond Wylde.
"Unfortunately, your nephew, Earl Casper Wylde, unfortunately died in battle. The warriors with higher inheritance priority than Earl Rychard were very brave, but also..."
Ser Mond Wylde's beard and hair trembled.
"A glorious death in battle should not cause enmity. But I still have to ask, what is a 'Governor'?"
Everyone immediately pricked up their ears.
Following instructions, Cortnay Penrose explained seriously:
"Times are about to change.
For the unity and peace of the Seven Kingdoms, to better face the Doomsday challenge, and to make the country prosperous and strong, His Majesty will gradually promote institutional reform under his rule, governing the country with appointed officials such as governors.
However.
Nobles still enjoy respected status, titles are inherited as usual, and governors can be preferentially selected from within their own families."
The reassurance in the latter half of the sentence had no effect. People noticed the words that should have appeared the least.
Preferential? Selected?
Isn't it a matter of course for a lord to rule his own land?
Even if the lord is an idiot who knows nothing, it should be handled within the family. How can the King interfere in the domestic affairs of nobles?
There has never been a precedent!
The Free Cities across the Narrow Sea do use ridiculous elections to decide their rulers, and the result is frequent unrest, with constant conspiracies and assassinations. How can they compare to nobles who have been inheriting for thousands of years?
The air in the large tent became more oppressive.
However, the King has already done this. With the war unfavorable, how should they respond in the future?
Everyone had different expressions.
"Earl Elton Estermont." Cortnay Penrose looked at the three generations of the Estermont Family.
"Your brother, Ser Lomas Estermont, has been appointed Governor of Greenstone. Fortunately, Greenstone has not suffered much damage, and I believe you will see a more beautiful Greenstone after your safe return."
The heir of the old Earl Estermont, Ser Emon, still couldn't hold back, "In terms of both power and ability, I am more suitable than Uncle Lomas!"
Cortnay Penrose shook his head, "It's a pity you weren't there at the time, Ser."
Before Emon Estermont could speak again, Cortnay had already looked at the next person, "Ser Donnel Swann, your brother, Ser Balon Swann of the Kingsguard, has become the Governor of Stonehelm."
Donnel Swann's expression was complex, and he did not speak.
Then came another one.
"Earl Bryce Caron, your bastard brother has been legitimized by His Majesty the King and serves as the Governor of Nightsong under the name Roland Caron."
"Earl Lister Mullendore, you..."
Only Cortnay's pronouncements remained in the large tent. Every time he finished speaking, at least one person's face changed drastically, at a loss.
Finally.
"Ser Loras Tyrell of the Kingsguard has been appointed Governor of Highgarden and is on his way to Highgarden to arrange the marriage with Miss Margaery."
Cortnay Penrose bowed and finished his speech.
After a brief silence, the large tent instantly erupted. Everyone vented the emotions accumulated in their hearts, arguing and shouting with flushed faces, directly suggesting a decisive battle, subtly advising, repeatedly questioning, and speaking passionately...
Earl Randyll Tarly's gaze was calm, observing King Renly's reaction without a word.
The situation had completely reversed in just one day.
Both the south and the north had become enemy territory, Storm's End and the coast to the east blocked the way, and the choice of the "Queen of Thorns" would determine whether the west was a dead end or a way out.
Would Highgarden choose the losing side?
King Renly's face was calm. Randyll Tarly withdrew his gaze and turned to look at his son Dickon.
Train for three to five years, and Dickon will become an excellent warrior and general. After ten or eight years, he can also be a qualified Lord.
Is that too long?
Will Horn Hill also have a "Governor"? Who will the King choose, Sam?
Is there still hope of winning the war?
Randyll Tarly is never blindly optimistic. Even based on the known intelligence alone, King Joffrey's strength is already far beyond what the allied forces can handle.
The size of the Royal Fleet is only limited by the number of skilled crew members, and can maintain at least several hundred warships.
Castles and fortifications are still solid shields against King Joffrey's army, but they are of little use to our side, and sometimes even hinder mobility.
Bright light and loud noise, not to mention the unconfirmed fire and healing...
Randyll Tarly couldn't help but sigh silently.
The battlefield experience that has been common for hundreds and thousands of years is probably going to be outdated. Will there still be evenly matched wars in the future? What will they look like?
Randyll Tarly suddenly wanted to see it.
The commotion lasted for a while before gradually subsiding. The people who had quieted down all looked at the King, who remained calm, hoping that he would make a decision.
Renly and Cortnay Penrose looked at each other deeply.
"Ser, what if my answer is no? Will you continue to support Joffrey and draw your sword against me?"
Renly opened his chest.
"If it must be so, come, Ser. Stab me with your sword, I will not resist. Let's end this war right here!"
People were dumbfounded, not knowing what the King meant.
"Ah~"
Cortnay Penrose sighed melancholically, "Please look at me, where is my sword?"
In an instant.
The text on the Divine Grace Light Screen turned red, and Edric's face and King Joffrey's voice simultaneously filled his entire mind.
What choice should be made? What is betrayal? What is worth protecting?
Cortnay Penrose knelt on one knee.
"Since you are determined to do so, I can only accompany you to the end. No matter what, it is just death. Of course, it is best to succeed and let you sit on the Iron Throne that you rightfully deserve."
"Your Majesty Renly."
Everyone in the large tent was stunned, unable to accept this shocking reversal for a moment.
"Your Majesty."
Cortnay Penrose raised his head calmly, "I have a plan."
Renly laughed heartily.
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