"Governor Loras."
Looking at the Highgarden army slowly approaching, Joffrey calmly questioned.
"You reported that the meeting last night went smoothly and that you had reached an agreement with Lady Olenna. Have we and Highgarden not truly achieved peace? Or is this some kind of special welcome ritual?"
Everyone looked at the Knight of Flowers.
Loras Tyrell repeatedly denied, "There must have been an oversight somewhere, there must have been. Your Majesty, please be at ease, allow me to go forward and negotiate to find out the situation."
Loras could only offer a guarantee, "Your Majesty, Highgarden is absolutely not your enemy."
He was completely unaware of this.
As the King's messenger and Governor, Loras personally arrived at Highgarden earlier than the troops, allowing him to have a long talk with his family the night before the King's arrival, finally settling the family's decision.
Wasn't it all agreed upon?
Marry his sister Margaery to King Joffrey, Highgarden would resubmit to the Iron Throne, abandon all resistance, support the King's new policies, in exchange for a pardon for the family's involvement in the rebellion, and Lord Renly's life.
Although Sansa's engagement to the King would still not be broken off, Margaery could not be the one and only Queen;
Although the King demanded a lot of wealth;
Although Highgarden lost a part of its autonomy, and the order of succession to the rule had been shaken;
Although their reputation was damaged.
But at least, the family could survive, Highgarden would not become a ruin of disaster, and the Tyrells would still be the leaders of the Reach. They could no longer ask for more.
However, what was this now?
Did they really intend to attack King Joffrey with just these 20,000 ordinary new recruits?
Was the information I revealed not clear enough?
Loras looked around.
Thousands of Royal Guards had stopped, and each squad and platoon was forming defensive formations and linking up with each other. The formation seemed loose, but it was sturdy enough for the Royal Guard, and extremely efficient at killing enemies.
Even in close combat, they were absolutely no match for any ordinary army.
Moreover, the Sorcerers had also gathered near the supply wagons. The pre-prepared steel was by their side, and in just a few breaths, hundreds of cannons would be born in the hands of the Sorcerers, firing steel and fire.
At this distance, the cannonballs could even directly hit inside Highgarden Castle.
How could they show hostility at such a moment?!
They must stop!
Seeing that the King did not object, Loras immediately kicked his horse's belly and quickly galloped forward.
"Stop, everyone stop!"
Loras reined in his horse and stood across the front of the formation, shouting orders in a hurried voice.
The leading armored Knight raised his right arm to signal the army to halt. The Knights beside him obediently pulled on their reins, and the Knights whose faces were covered lifted their visors.
The atmosphere of the formation was quite calm.
Loras breathed a slight sigh of relief, it seemed the situation had not reached the worst point.
Why was that?
He looked forward with confusion, they were all familiar faces.
The family's Captain of the Guards - Ser Aegon Leywell, the Master-at-Arms of Highgarden - Ser Fortimer Crane, the Earl of Starfall - Lord Titus Peake, his cousin Olenna's husband - Ser Leo Blackbar...
In the very center was his second brother, Garlan Tyrell.
His second brother wore his personal sigil - two golden roses on a green field.
Then I should be the Three Golden Roses.
Three Golden Roses. The Governor knew, however, that he probably wouldn't have this honor.
The Governor and Garlan Tyrell exchanged glances.
His second brother was taller and stronger than him, and had a beard. He was smiling.
Garlan the Gallant.
His second brother was much better at swordsmanship than he was, and never got injured even when practicing against half a dozen soldiers at once. It was probably hard for anyone in the Seven Kingdoms to compare with him.
However, personal bravery was always insignificant in war, and would be even more humble in the future.
The Governor tried to show his imposing manner.
"Garlan, what did Grandmother want you to do? Why are you with the army? If His Majesty the King gets angry, the consequences are not something we can bear!"
Garlan Tyrell smiled at his brother.
"Loras, don't be nervous, it's just Grandmother's sudden idea, trying to express Highgarden's warmest welcome and sincerity to His Majesty."
"Besides."
Garlan turned his head back, "Where is there any army? I only see Highgarden's Honor Guard, peaceful, grand, and sincere."
That's it? Loras had to doubt, "That's it?"
Garlan rode forward and patted Loras on the shoulder. "That's how it is. Highgarden's decision hasn't changed. Besides, how could we possibly deceive you, little brother?"
"His Majesty's arrival is Highgarden's supreme honor."
Garlan's eyes were complex. "Go back and report to His Majesty. All is well, and Highgarden remains His Majesty's loyal subject. Governor, my lord."
Loras's breath hitched, sensing something unusual in those words.
"Second brother, I..." He gazed deeply at Garlan, a thousand words in his heart, but when they reached his lips, they turned into a blank, unable to say anything.
Growing Strong. His thoughts were a jumble, only the family's motto remained clear.
"Growing Strong," Garlan responded with a sigh.
"Go."
Loras scanned his surroundings. The familiar faces seemed to have instantly become much more distant, not just in expression or action, but something deeper.
He raised his head, looking up at the clean and elegant Highgarden before him.
Ever since he could remember, Highgarden had always been this clean and beautiful, never changing, and perhaps it wouldn't change for countless years to come.
I'm home.
The dazzling castle gradually blurred in his vision, as if turning into a phantom in a dream.
Am I really home?
Tyrell, Highgarden, Governor, Golden Rose.
Finally, he turned his horse around and, under everyone's gaze, galloped towards the King in the east...
"Honor Guard."
Joffrey nodded thoughtfully.
"So that's it." Joffrey looked at the dazed Loras. "Lady Olenna's hospitality was hard to refuse, but it was too sudden."
Testing my bottom line? Trying to maintain Highgarden's independence?
"Loras."
Joffrey's tone was slightly dissatisfied. "As Governor, you bear the primary responsibility."
"Knowing you lack experience, I'll let it slide this time. But if anything like this happens again, you must handle it carefully and report it in advance, understood?"
Loras said nothing, kneeling on one knee.
An attendant led a white horse forward. Joffrey mounted his steed. "Continue forward."
The Royal Guard resumed their marching formation, lining up in twenty columns, each with dozens of men moving in sync. The baggage and carriages followed at the end of the line.
Loras knelt blankly on the green grass.
Ser Barristan the Bold slowly walked to his side, sighing silently.
He smelled a familiar sadness and confusion on Loras. Compared to Highgarden's attitude, many in House Selmy found his return even harder to accept, as if he were a complete outsider.
In fact, if he hadn't voluntarily given up his right of inheritance years ago, he would have long been the head of Harvest Hall, with children and grandchildren.
But no one was willing to bring up the past anymore.
Ser Barristan the Bold helped Loras up. "A person's life has many crossroads, and every choice leads us down a different path. Retreat is impossible; the only thing we can do is move forward."
"You and I are the same."
Loras remembered the captain's admonition and reined in his chaotic thoughts.
"Highgarden's golden roses are in full bloom."
Loras showed a fragile smile. "I hope you like them."
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