Only a small portion of those who came for an audience were ladies accompanied by nieces or sisters; most were ladies accompanied by their own daughters.
Queen Cersei wore a perfunctory smile as she received wave after wave of noblewomen and young ladies.
Queen Cersei's perfunctory attitude did not diminish the noblewomen's enthusiasm in the slightest.
After the greetings, there was a long section praising Queen Cersei, then a long section complimenting Princess Myrcella, followed by a long section boasting about their own daughters, and finally, daily trifles and noble gossip; they seemed completely oblivious to Queen Cersei's almost rigid expression.
Greene guessed that these noblewomen were secretly competing, perhaps over who had a longer audience with the Queen.
When the noblewomen and young ladies were having their audience, Greene, with his handsome appearance, initially felt gazes lingering on him from time to time.
Before Greene could feel good about himself for long, as soon as Jaime entered the tent and stood opposite Greene, Greene was immediately out of favor.
Greene was now absolutely certain that he and Jaime were incompatible!
Jaime, with his flowing golden hair and red cloak, captivated everyone, young and old; although they all knew that Jaime of the Kingsguard could not marry, this did not prevent them from enthusiastically fawning over Jaime.
Seeing Jaime so popular, Queen Cersei's smile towards them became a bit more natural.
Greene lowered his eyelids, no longer paying attention to the situation inside the tent, and focused his thoughts on Riverlands, and the trip to Highgarden after the Kingswood Hunting.
...
Casterly Rock, Westerlands.
Casterly Rock, located on the western coast of Westeros, is a tall and magnificent rock castle, the capital of the Westerlands, and the seat of Lannister rule.
Casterly Rock, as its name suggests, is carved from a massive rock, making the castle's defenses even stronger.
Casterly Rock, which has never fallen, is known as the largest, wealthiest, and most well-defended castle in Westeros.
Kevan Lannister, 53 years old, has golden hair and a short-trimmed beard, with broad shoulders, a thick waist, and is somewhat corpulent.
During the War of the Ninepenny Kings, Lannister was personally knighted by Earl Roger Reyne, the 'Red Lion', for his outstanding performance.
...
Kevan Lannister spoke in a very respectful tone: "Duke Tywin, this is the latest intelligence from King's Landing."
Kevan Lannister recognized his elder brother Tywin Lannister's extraordinary abilities early on; he has served for many years as Duke Tywin's most trusted deputy, and his loyalty and reliability are widely known.
Tywin Lannister believed that some victories were won with paper, pen, and ravens.
Duke Tywin's gaze did not leave the desk, nor did he stop writing: "Kevan, any changes?"
Kevan replied: "In King's Landing now, everyone is most concerned about Prime Minister Jon's health. It was discovered that the Hand's chambers have been bugged, which angered him greatly, and he needs to recuperate for some time."
Duke Tywin's pen paused for a moment, but immediately resumed its original rhythm: "Is Lancel's matter proceeding smoothly?"
Kevan nodded slightly: "Smoothly, Lancel has already been appointed as King Robert's squire."
Although he showed no emotion, Kevan, as a father, was very happy inwardly when Lancel was confirmed as the King's squire.
Kevan's most revered elder brother, Tywin, also served as a squire to Aegon V in the Red Keep during his youth, so Lancel becoming the King's squire made him proud.
"Is Jaime still the same?"
"Jaime never slackens in his swordsmanship."
"And the clever Cersei?"
Duke Tywin's tone carried a hint of peculiarity when he asked about Cersei.
"Cersei is very satisfied with her new steward, Greene Kleber. The results of the Queen's Quarter's handling have pleased Cersei greatly, and she has already promoted him to Cersei's Chief Steward."
Having finished his letter, Duke Tywin put down his pen: "My daughter, who fancies herself clever, only understands the principle of resolute retaliation, but never knows how to act. Has she finally found a satisfactory helper this time?"
With that, Duke Tywin folded the written letter, placed it in an envelope, sealed it with wax, and stamped it with the family crest.
Kevan added: "Tyrion also highly praises Greene Kleber, and influenced by him, Tyrion has recently shown much more interest in governance."
Duke Tywin's brows furrowed unconsciously when he heard Tyrion's name.
"Jaime and Lancel both have a good impression of Greene Kleber."
Duke Tywin put away the envelope, and his pale green eyes flecked with gold looked at Kevan: "Has a fox infiltrated the Lion pride?"
"Begging your pardon, I think it's more like a fierce beast deliberately mixing into the Lion pride."
Duke Tywin had shaved his entire head bald since he started losing his hair, leaving thick golden sideburns.
Duke Tywin, 55 years old this year, had broad shoulders and still a tall, slender build.
Duke Tywin picked up the letter Kevan had brought over and began to read: "Kevan, I trust your discerning eye."
"Duke Tywin, what's the next arrangement?"
"Kevan, leave it be. My children think they've grown up, but they never know they're even more naive than children. They should also learn how to deal with clever subordinates."
"Then we will still observe."
"Now Prime Minister Jon's health is affecting his handling of kingdom affairs. Do we need to do something in King's Landing?"
"Continue to watch, it's not time yet."
...
Today was the second day of the Kingswood Hunting party's journey. Greene, diligent and responsible, was leading the guards, patrolling the entire Kingswood Hunting party.
During the patrol, Greene's ears twitched.
"Don't be deceived by his appearance; my mother has already inquired."
"Hmm, I asked too, it's too scary."
"No wonder Her Majesty the Queen would put him in charge of protection!"
Upon hearing this, Greene silently gestured, stopping his movement.
"What did you think of? I just don't understand, why would Her Majesty the Queen put such a person in charge of our safety?"
"Yes, hurry up and tell us!"
"Mmm, mmm, mmm, think about it, wildlings grow up with beasts, so their ears are different from ours; they can hear very far."
"Like the Hound?"
"Shh, shh, no matter what, he's a baron. I heard Her Majesty the Queen thinks highly of him."
"Hmph, he can't hear us. You're too timid."
"Your uncle is the Earl of Lady Spring Town, of course, he's not afraid of a baron."
...
Earl of Lady Spring Town? House Mooton? Greene pinched his chin.
"Then... that... does he really only eat raw meat?"
"My Seven Gods, you haven't given up on him yet?"
"I... I... it just doesn't look like it..."
"Wildlings are all very cunning; how could a silly girl like you see through them?"
"Oh, oh, I also heard from my mother, and... if they take a liking to you, they'll carry you directly back to their cave!"
"Listen, I didn't deceive you, did I? If it weren't for me, you would have almost become a wildling tribal wife, living in a cave and eating raw meat."
"Thank... thank you..."