In the ancient Age of Heroes, Garth Gardener I, the eldest son of Garth the Greenhand, settled on this high hill beside the Mander River.
After countless millennia, it eventually evolved into today's Highgarden.
The ancient glory continues.
Although his descendants, House Gardener, have perished, House Tyrell, which replaced them and served as High Stewards of Highgarden for generations, did not deliberately choose to forget.
To this day.
The legend of Garth the Greenhand lives on.
The topmost Tower of Highgarden is still named Garth's Thumb.
This "thumb" is also still the center of Highgarden.
Naturally, the important meeting that King Joffrey was to preside over was scheduled to be held in this ancient tower, just like the starting point of many historical chapters in the past.
The sunlight gradually dimmed.
Apart from the King himself and Margaery, all other attendees had arrived.
The atmosphere in the meeting hall was very subtle.
Ser Aegon Leywell, Captain of the Guard of Highgarden, led the House Tyrell Guards to stand on the left side, while the proud Royal Guard protected the right side.
Clearly delineated, yet the two sides exchanged Guards.
Directly in front of Ser Aegon Leywell was the highly respected Captain-General of the Kingsguard, Barristan the Bold. He was positioned second on the left, and only Governor Loras was closer to the King than he was.
In front of the Royal Guard were naturally all members of House Tyrell.
Seated in the principal position was Olenna Redwyne, the Queen of Thorns. To the Lady's right was the heir to Highgarden, Willas Tyrell.
Following were Garth the Gross, High Steward of Highgarden, Garlan the Gallant, Highgarden's second son, Maester Lomys, and Ser Fortimer Crane, the Master-at-Arms.
To the left of the principal position, Governor Loras Tyrell was at the head.
Behind Barristan the Bold sat Lord Beric Dondarrion of Blackhaven and Governor, Ser Jacelyn Bywater, Commander of the Royal Guard and Ironhand, Red Priest Thoros, and Maester Leo Tyrell.
Six against six.
What a coincidental number, just like the Six-Pointed Star in the decree issued by the King.
Of course, if King Joffrey and Margaery were included, it would be exactly seven against seven, subtly aligning with the Seven-Pointed Star passed down for thousands of years.
Six, or seven?
Olenna Redwyne, the Queen of Thorns, quietly observed every expression on the opposite side, calculating in her heart how to respond to secure the greatest benefit for Highgarden.
Direct confrontation was undoubtedly impossible.
During this half-day, not only were the soldiers and servants of Highgarden implanted with the King's Dragon Glass, but even the Queen of Thorns herself was not spared.
She had also personally experienced that miraculous power, as if it could heal everything and save from death.
Coupled with the retreat of the City Walls and the exploding Fire.
What Loras said was true.
King Joffrey indeed possessed great power, and it was not scarce, countless times more than Aegon's Dragons.
Resist?
Too foolish. If House Tyrell could bow and surrender Highgarden to Dragon King Aegon back then, allowing them to survive and prosper to this day, they would naturally be even less likely to resist now.
Bow again. What could they gain?
The submission back then won House Tyrell Highgarden and the entire Reach. It was naturally impossible to have such a good opportunity now, but there was still room to maneuver.
Fortunately, there was Margaery. Lady Olenna thought with emotion.
With the marriage as a bond, House Tyrell also had leverage for negotiation. Show appropriate weakness, demand reasonable rewards and favors, and slowly grow stronger.
Although there was also Sansa.
But compared to the cold Duke of the North, Lady Olenna considered herself a better ally or partner and believed this proud King could recognize which side was more important.
She also believed in Margaery's beauty and cleverness. Perhaps she could conquer the King from another angle?
The Queen of Thorns closed her eyes to rest.
Regardless, they had to get through tonight first. In a formal meeting, what did King Joffrey want?
The air was quiet and tense.
Everyone in the room harbored deep thoughts, calculating silently, with different ideas and attitudes.
The only common point was eagerness and doubt:
Why hadn't the King arrived yet?
After much anticipation and a long wait, people finally heard a servant call out, "His Majesty has arrived~"
Everyone stood up and bowed, "Welcome, Your Majesty."
Joffrey sat on his exclusive throne, holding Margaery, and said, "You may rise."
The twelve people took their seats in order.
Joffrey smiled, first looking at his own people on his left, then turning to the newcomers on his right.
"Lady Olenna, the flames of war in the Seven Kingdoms are about to reach their peak, and military affairs are busy, so we have to seize the time to start the talks on this first day of meeting. I hope you don't mind."
Olenna Redwyne's voice was weak, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, Highgarden understands your difficulties. We are family."
Joffrey smiled faintly.
"Indeed, I was being too formal. Since we are family, what can't be said openly?"
He then sighed, a look of worry on his face.
"To be honest with you, the Royal Family is currently facing unprecedented difficulties."
Olenna Redwyne knew that blood was about to be shed.
Joffrey counted on his fingers one by one, "Financially, there is too much debt and high expenses. My uncle Tyrion complains every day that the Royal Family is on the verge of bankruptcy and will run out of its last copper coin at any time.
There is also not enough food. To feed the many refugees who have fled into the city, the Red Keep's granaries are almost empty, and food prices are still rising constantly.
Even worse, the flames of war have spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
The Wildlings and Others beyond the Wall are watching covetously, and once they find a weakness, they will immediately break through and head south.
Lady Lysa of the Vale is ill with worry and too sensitive, actually viewing the Royal Family as an enemy.
The chaos in the Stormlands goes without saying.
Dorne has always been reluctant to submit to royal rule, and now it has even seceded, seemingly on the verge of splitting the country.
Even in the Reach,"
Joffrey glanced at the people around him.
"There are also the rebel armies of Lord Rowan of Old Oak and Ser Fossoway of Rising Stone Town causing trouble!"
Everyone was slightly stunned.
Highgarden had already submitted, were the armies of Old Oak and Rising Stone Town still a problem?
Joffrey looked expectant, "Lady Olenna, the Royal Family needs Highgarden, and the Kingdom needs Highgarden. As long as you lend a hand and avert disaster, the people of the Seven Kingdoms will thank you for your kindness and generosity."
Olenna Redwyne coughed twice, "Please feel free to command, Your Majesty."
Joffrey seemed a little embarrassed.
"Although it's difficult to say, to salvage the current situation, it will require two million Gold Dragons, five million tons of grain, and the deployment of Highgarden's entire army."
The Tyrells' expressions changed, and they almost couldn't help but stand up directly.
Was he trying to empty Highgarden?!
Margaery's lips moved, but she didn't open her mouth.
The "Queen of Thorns" calmly nodded, "For the Seven Kingdoms, for Your Majesty, Highgarden is duty-bound."
Joffrey was slightly surprised, then quickly broke into a sincere smile.
"Lady Olenna is indeed a heroine! She has the demeanor of a great lady, no wonder even Lord Mace listens to you the most."
He clapped his hands, and a Royal Guard walked behind Willas.
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