Baron Green swore that it was initially just out of professionalism, cooperating with Queen Cersei.
At this moment, Baron Green couldn't help but feel a secret stir in his heart.
Baron Green had to admit he underestimated the charm of Queen Cersei, who possessed the top beauty of the Seven Kingdoms.
Although the experience of bearing three children had left traces of time on her, Cersei, with her golden curly hair and emerald green eyes, still maintained a slender figure and fair skin.
Baron Green, relying on his strong willpower, suppressed the agitation in his heart and continued his work.
Baron Green's gaze drifted, avoiding Queen Cersei's direct stare.
Inside, Baron Green's thoughts raced, while on the surface, his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed: "Your Majesty, do you have a preferred candidate to replace the King's Hand?"
Baron Green's answer surprised Cersei quite a bit, or rather, delighted her.
Baron Green truly understands me!
Queen Cersei's most preferred Hand of the King was, of course, her father Tywin Lannister, but she knew King Robert would never agree.
Queen Cersei withdrew her delicate hand with satisfaction: "You always manage to pleasantly surprise me, but you should also know that as long as Robert is still around, Duke Jon's position is unshakeable."
Cersei noticed that as she spoke, Baron Green subtly distanced himself from her.
Watching Baron Green pretend to calmly compose himself, Cersei curved her lips.
Baron Green said: "Today I discovered that Duke Jon's health is very poor. Even for his own health, as Queen, you have every reason to recommend a new Hand of the King. This way, we can set up an opponent for Duke Jon. Even if we can't push him out of the King's Hand position, at least we can damage his reputation and create a heavyweight political enemy."
At this point, Baron Green's tone shifted, and he slightly lowered his voice: "The enemy of your enemy could be your friend. You can completely sit back and watch the show, and by then, you will be in control."
After a pause, Baron Green continued: "Your position will be transcendent; only with your support will they gain an advantage."
Cersei's eyes gleamed, as if she could already foresee the elderly Duke Jon begging her to retain his power.
Queen Cersei's breathing became heavy: "How do you intend to do it?"
Baron Green had returned to his usual steady tone: "After the Kingswood Hunting, please allow me to visit Mace Tyrell of Highgarden in the Riverlands on your behalf."
"Inflatable Fish?"
A heavyweight indeed!
Although Cersei's tone was dismissive, Baron Green still caught the well-hidden apprehension in her voice.
"Inflatable Fish" was a derogatory nickname for Mace Tyrell, the head of the Tyrell family.
The prominent House Tyrell governs the fertile Riverlands. Their family sigil is a Golden Rose blooming on a verdant green field. They are second only to Lannister in wealth. They not only possess powerful land military forces, but their naval military forces are also on par with the Royal Fleet.
Baron Green said: "For a fish, King's Landing is its fishbowl, and you will eventually control this fishbowl, King's Landing."
Baron Green's clever answer greatly satisfied Queen Cersei, who was always confident.
Cersei slightly raised her beautiful chin: "Go forth and use your talents, Baron Green."
With that, Queen Cersei once again moved closer to Baron Green.
Baron Green noticed Queen Cersei's gaze shift downwards towards him.
Queen Cersei curved her lips slightly: "Do a good job and please me, and your Queen will not be stingy with your rewards."
Rewards? Queen Cersei's choice of word made Baron Green ponder.
Queen Cersei, in an even more cheerful mood, cast a smiling glance at Baron Green with her beautiful eyes, then turned and said: "Let's go, little Baron, lunch time is almost here."
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast restaurant.
Queen Cersei sat at the head of the long table.
To Cersei's right sat Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen in order, and to her left sat Jaime, Baron Green, Lancel, and Tyrion in order.
Observing the seating arrangement, it appeared to be based on status and titles, but in reality, it was arranged according to Queen Cersei's preference.
Simply by virtue of the Lannister surname, Tyrion and Lancel could be seated ahead of "country noble" Baron Green.
Queen Cersei had the potential of a dictator.
The maids served dishes in gilded bowls and plates in an orderly fashion.
First, a thick soup of mushrooms and buttered snails, followed by pine nut and egg pastries and oat bread baked with apples and oranges.
After the sweets were served, came the main meat courses: wild boar ribs, large lamb chops stewed with raisins and onions, parsley-baked fish cakes, and finally, the serving maids placed a portion of buttered peas in front of everyone.
After all the dishes were served, the maids began to pour wine, which was Tyrion's favorite summer red.
Baron Green thought that Queen Cersei's intelligence had a loophole; if she knew Tyrion loved to drink summer red, with her personality, she would definitely switch to other wines, or specifically change Tyrion's wine individually.
During the meal, Joffrey, diagonally opposite, suddenly raised his glass and gestured towards Baron Green.
Baron Green actually didn't want to have any deep interaction with this brat.
But he was Queen Cersei's most beloved son!
Regardless of what he thought internally, Baron Green appeared very proper on the surface, raising his glass in return to Joffrey "the Great."
This situation made Lancel, who was watching from the side, very envious.
Joffrey's gaze, which occasionally drifted towards Lancel, was clearly malicious; Prince Joffrey disliked him alone!
Lancel longed for King Robert to return from his hunting trip soon, so he could get away from Joffrey sooner.
During the meal, Queen Cersei announced that Baron Green would take over and be responsible for the Kingswood Hunting.
Jaime also told Baron Green that the Queen's officials had already prepared a list according to the usual practice of previous years, and that he should meet with Master of Coin Petyr before departure to collect the gold dragons needed for the Kingswood Hunting.
Baron Green was also promoted to the Queen's Chief Steward.
As Baron Green's position level increased, his salary would also rise. Although time was still tight, Baron Green felt he could continue to work hard.