Mermaid Port, Hall of Office.
Lord Green finished reading Margaery's handwritten letter, rubbing his thumb against his index finger.
Margaery's handwriting was elegant, and her choice of words… quite bold, like her grandmother.
It was difficult for Little Rose, but fortunately Lord Green was always broad-minded and never bothered with trivial details.
Lord Green put away the letter, stood up, and walked to the window, looking outside.
A gentle breeze ruffled the water, creating ripples on the sea.
Under the sunlight, the sea sparkled, like countless jewels shining.
Duke Mace, Duke Eddard, Duke Stannis, Duke Renly… Thinking of these dukes, Lord Green's eyes trembled slightly.
Lord Green also thought of Petyr and Varys; although they both had their own agendas, their goal was the same: to plunge Westeros into chaos.
Lord Green felt a bit tired from prolonged thinking; he indeed preferred a straightforward approach!
So, who did Lord Green envy most in this world?
Of course, it was Dragon Mother, who had the script of a great female protagonist's adventure. Although she was a pitiful figure in the early stages, later on… a cheat-like life needed no explanation… King Robert, who could rally hundreds of thousands of troops with a single call, was still alive, so he had to remain stable!
No recklessness in the early stages! For the tribe, Chief Lord Green regained his spirits.
Lord Green returned to his desk and picked up a quill.
First, he dealt with military affairs.
For example, Lord Green informed the commanders of various legions that he would personally meet the candidates they recommended for thirty-man leaders at their garrisons and select them directly.
Then came private letters.
The first letter was to Queen Cersei, stating: "Just arrived at Mermaid Port, will return to Red Keep in a few days."
The second letter was to Daenerys, stating: "He has safely arrived in Westeros, hoping she takes care in Pentos."
The third letter was a reply to Margaery, stating: "Will arrive in King's Landing in a few days, hoping to meet the old lady who wants to spank him…" The next day.
Lord Green sat with his legs crossed, leaning against the armrest of his chair, while Brother Zali from the General Sept in King's Landing sat upright opposite him.
The middle-aged Brother Zali had a receding hairline, a stout build, and a benevolent face.
The Faith of the Seven was the primary religious belief in the Seven Kingdoms, often simply referred to as "the Church." On the continent of Westeros, only the North, the Claw Isle, and the Iron Islands had the least influence from the Seven Gods; the Old Gods of the North and Claw Isle, and the Drowned God of the Iron Islands were more revered.
Therefore, to distinguish it from ancient beliefs, the gods of the Church were sometimes called the New Gods.
When Lord Green began to reclaim Old Claypole, the monks stationed on Claw Isle had previously contacted Whispering City (Chapter 15).
Claw Isle was located within the Crownlands but remained somewhat detached from it.
Claw Isle claimed to worship the Old Gods, but after centuries of incessant conflict, the people of Claw Isle revered martial prowess more.
Lord Green needed the Faith of the Seven to better integrate Claw Isle into Westeros and to solidify House Clebber's rule over Claw Isle.
But Lord Green remembered their old Archbishop once said that the King's law was one thing, and the Gods' law was another.
For Lord Green, Claw Isle was his private property; he was willing to adorn it with a beautiful facade, but he would never tolerate anyone usurping House Clebber's rule on Claw Isle.
"Respected Brother Zali, I have only one concern: is the right to appoint and dismiss the territorial bishop in my hands?"
Lord Green's words were respectful, but his current posture already showed his attitude.
Brother Zali's voice was unhurried: "Lord Green, we are very grateful for your trust and support, may the Gods bless you!"
Lord Green raised an eyebrow and silently thought: "But."
Brother Zali's tone was sincere: "But, the General Sept hopes to deepen this precious trust! Earl Lord Green, we are united; we have always prayed that the Gods' mercy may reach this region, and we also hope that House Clebber brings lasting peace to Claw Isle."
Brother Zali said a lot; it sounded very good, but Lord Green didn't hear anything substantial.
Therefore, Lord Green hated… anyone else's empty promises.
Lord Green leaned back a bit further, frowning slightly: "Brother Zali, please speak plainly, do you agree?"
After a pause, Brother Zali said: "To be honest, we have never had… such a precedent."
Lord Green shook his head slightly: "The situation on Claw Isle is special, I think you understand that."
Lord Green continued: "My territory is preparing for a new round of warfare. If all goes well, Claw Isle will soon enjoy a rare peace, and my responsibility will change accordingly, which is to maintain the stability of Claw Isle."
Brother Zali smiled and nodded slowly: "Earl Lord Green, thank you very much for your candor! We also yearn for peace, we are united."
Lord Green naturally sat up straight, his tone equally sincere: "You are right, honesty is the most important thing between people. We must admit that our mutual trust has been problematic for the past decade or so.
You must admit, this is not my personal opinion. We cannot ignore things we thought were in the past, because existing problems do not disappear without reason. Therefore, my conditions are not excessive; in fact, I have always been full of sincerity."
Despite Lord Green's bluntness, Brother Zali's face remained benevolent, but he was temporarily speechless.
When they were flattering the King's Hand, who would have thought such a person would suddenly appear on Claw Isle?
The monks frequently stationed on Claw Isle knew more than the great figures in the Red Keep; some even privately referred to Earl Lord Green as the King of Claw Isle.
Brother Zali said: "We feel your sincerity, which is also invaluable to us, and we will cherish this precious trust even more."
Lord Green furrowed his brow and said: "It seems you have brought a negative answer."
Brother Zali explained: "I have brought the most sincere sincerity…"
Lord Green waved him off, his tone mocking: "No, Brother, you have only brought sweet words! All I feel from your words is disdain and arrogance, and memories I had almost forgotten, almost identical!"
Brother Zali finally couldn't maintain his peaceful expression.
He was about to speak, but Lord Green impatiently interrupted him again.
"Brother Zali, Claw Isle does not welcome arrogant guests, but I still respect your and your companions' rights as guests. You may leave my territory safely."
Why did he suddenly flip the table?
Brother Zali's face showed annoyance: "Earl Lord Green, we are monks of the Seven Gods!"
Lord Green said coldly: "Brother, have you forgotten Duke Stannis?"
Brother Zali was stunned; Duke Stannis was always an unspoken pain for them.
When Stannis was 13, he personally witnessed the ship carrying Duke and Lady Steffon sink in Shipbreaker Bay, and both died.
From that day on, Stannis hated the Seven Gods who cruelly took his parents; he swore to the sky that he would never worship any cruel deity who drowned his parents.
Stannis was always a man of his word, especially on Dragonstone, which left the deepest impression.
Monks who frequently operated in a certain area knew that area very well because their channels for obtaining information were wide enough.
Brother Zali remembered that Duke Stannis seemed to value Earl Lord Green greatly, and he had also heard that Duke Stannis had brought in a Priestess of R'hllor.
Thinking of this, Brother Zali instantly lost his temper.
Brother Zali resumed his benevolent expression: "Earl Lord Green, please don't be anxious. Mutual understanding is the most difficult thing between people, and we are full of sincerity."
Sighing, he continued: "You care about peace, which is the most beautiful quality. The Gods are merciful, may the Gods bless you!"
One must be flexible in action; he was doing it all to create a new chapter in the history of his faith!
...The next day, Lord Green stood at the Mermaid Port dock, reluctantly bidding farewell to Brother Zali, who was heading to the General Sept.
While Lord Green was still regretting that he could only accompany him to the dock, he received intelligence from the Pentos merchant guild.
Daenerys killed Illyrio?
Was this an early awakening?
Lord Green rubbed his dark hair with his slender fingers. Would it be another version of the great female protagonist's adventure script?
Lord Green, the 'King of Competition,' strode towards the Hall of Office… King's Landing, Maegor's Holdfast.
Cersei Lannister, with a red mark on her face, angrily said: "I will wear this as a badge of honor!"
Robert Baratheon's voice boomed: "Then wear it quietly, or I'll honor you again."
Queen Cersei defiantly lifted her chin, glaring at King Robert before her.
"Damn it, as soon as I return here, everything gives me a headache."
Robert first complained, then shouted at Cersei: "Jon is dead. Joffrey, as my eldest son, I allow him not to feign sadness, but he absolutely cannot celebrate! And you sent him wine and delicacies, encouraging his absurd actions! What kind of mother are you! Gods, this foolish woman is still my Queen!"
Queen Cersei retorted: "Joffrey is not only the heir to the Iron Throne, he is also Cersei Lannister's son! Red Keep is his home, he can do whatever he wants!"
"You!"
King Robert's face flushed with anger at Cersei's ridiculous words, and he couldn't help but raise his hand again.
Facing an enraged Robert, Cersei, instead, fearlessly stepped closer.
"Damn it, damn it all!"
Robert, still rational, lowered his hand.
If he didn't control his anger, Robert worried he would become the first king to slap his Queen to death.
Thinking of his eldest son, and then his wife… Robert wanted to drink.
Jon died suddenly.
Besides his two younger brothers, even that timid "Inflatable Fish" came all the way from so far to join the fun!
Also, why hadn't there been any news from that bastard Ned? Were the Direwolves also going into winter hibernation?!
Robert warned: "Cersei, don't let me catch you with your foolish teachings again! If there's a next time, I'll send Joffrey to Storm's End! By then, unless I die, you won't see him again!"
Cersei angrily said: "Why?!"
"Why? Because I'm the one sitting on that Iron Throne!"
Robert snorted, said no more, turned, and strode out of the room.
Cersei trembled all over, staring at Robert's departing figure; she was furious!
...Outside the room, Robert found Jaime Lannister blocking his way, glaring at him.
King Robert scoffed: "Another Lannister? Does the Kingslayer want to go back to his old trade?"
Jaime's eyes flashed with uncontrollable rage, like an enraged Lion.
King Robert's tone was disdainful: "Lannister, if you don't dare stab me in the back, then put away your useless anger!"
With that, Robert's powerful body directly pushed past Jaime, leaving a cold snort.
Jaime's teeth ground together with a "Gege" sound, and the veins on the back of his hand gripping the sword hilt bulged… The Great Sept of Baelor, located atop Visenya's Hill in King's Landing, also known as Baelor's Sept, was the center of the Faith of the Seven and the seat of the Archbishop.
The Sept itself was a magnificent marble-domed structure, with seven crystal towers soaring above it.
Inside the Sept's corridor.
Varys clasped his hands together and complimented: "Duke Mace, only the fragrance of the Rose can soothe the sorrow of people who have lost their Prime Minister. Your timely arrival has rekindled their hope."
Duke Mace stroked his beard and said: "We all hoped Prime Minister Jon would recover. His passing is indeed grievous. Varys, I can only do what little I can!"
Varys nodded: "You are truly benevolent and humble! Compared to you, I am only left with the sudden panic of losing Prime Minister Jon."
Petyr's attire was still impeccably neat, but his tired face was evident.
"Prime Minister Jon personally trained me to become the Master of Coin, that's something everyone knows…"
Saying this, Petyr shook his head with a bitter expression and continued: "I always thought I was serving the kingdom, but now I see clearly in my heart that I was actually serving Duke Jon! My lords, I am very bewildered, I don't even know how to proceed."
Petyr's sincerity was evident, and Duke Mace quickly consoled him: "Petyr, you are too modest. I have heard of your abilities even in Highgarden. Managing the kingdom's finances is no simple matter."
Petyr's face showed gratitude: "Duke Mace, your arrival has soothed my bewilderment, and to be praised by you is a great honor for me!"
Duke Mace patted Petyr: "Masters of Coin are pillars of the kingdom. I hope you all overcome your sorrow soon; the kingdom's affairs cannot do without your hard work."
Varys smiled and respectfully said: "Duke Mace, your words bring joy to our hearts. You have inadvertently encouraged us, and we will certainly do our utmost!"
Petyr curled his lips and said: "You see, everyone is encouraged by you; you are the true pillar of the kingdom."
Duke Mace stroked his beard: "As long as we work together, the kingdom will soon be stable."
Well said! Everyone echoed him!
A cold snort broke the friendly and pleasant atmosphere.
When a stern-faced Stannis appeared before everyone, the corridor suddenly fell silent.
Stannis said coldly: "I heard your laughter from a distance. Is there a wedding being held here?"
"Haha!"
Renly laughed loudly and walked over from the side.
"Stannis, although I've witnessed your ability to break the atmosphere many times, I'm still impressed every time I see it!"
...The sky gradually awoke from darkness, and the first ray of sunlight pierced through the mist, bathing King's Landing in a soft, warm glow.
Dong~~Dong~Dongdongdong~Dong~Dongdongdong~~~~
Lord Green stood on the deck at the bow of the ship, gazing at the majestic King's Landing and the towering Red Keep, and once again the melody from his previous life came to mind.
I, Lord Green, am back!!