Eddard had a rough idea of what Robert would say next.
Eddard disliked King's Landing; it was filled with Stark's pain, yet he couldn't ignore his deep affection for Robert.
Eddard sighed inwardly and said, "Your Majesty, I am always at your service."
Eddard spoke with difficulty, but Robert seemed not to be listening to him.
Robert continued, talking to himself, "Think of the days we spent together in Eyrie… Damn it, what a wonderful time! Ned, I want you by my side again, not hiding alone at the end of the world, useless."
Robert looked at Eddard, a smile on his face: "My old friend, silence those incompetent fools immediately! I will appoint you as King's Hand, to issue commands and govern the Seven Kingdoms in my stead."
Eddard missed his wife's warm embrace, his children, and Winterfell; that was his home.
He did not value power.
His purpose in going south was to investigate the cause of Old Jon's death and verify the authenticity of Lysa's secret letter.
Additionally, he had an obligation to protect the women and children Old Jon left behind.
Once his tasks were done, Eddard wanted to return home as soon as possible. He stiffened his resolve and said, "My abilities are insufficient for the position of King's Hand."
Robert knew his old friend's character well and ignored Eddard's polite refusal.
"Ned, if I truly cared for your well-being, I wouldn't have called you from the North. I intend for you to govern the country and lead armies, while I indulge in eating, drinking, and merrymaking, and enjoy watching your perpetually troubled face in the Red Keep!"
After speaking, Robert threw his head back and laughed, while Eddard maintained a serious expression.
Robert's laughter stopped, and he complained, "Damn it, you're so boring! Can't you at least smile with me?"
Eddard's tone was calm: "Stark has always lacked a sense of humor."
Several attendants had already set up folding tables and chairs by the riverbank, laden with fruits and wine pitchers, and the two men sat down.
Robert's large hand picked up an orange and tossed it to Eddard, saying, "Remember who sent Jon a barrel of these oranges? But they all went rotten, so I threw my share at Dykes, hitting him square on the nose. You remember, don't you? Redford's pockmarked squire. He threw one back, and Jon didn't even have time to fart before oranges were flying all over the Eyrie's hall."
Eddard couldn't help but smile as he recalled the past; this was the boy who grew up with him, the Robert Baratheon he knew and loved.
He believed that if the Lannister were proven to be Old Jon's murderer, Robert would surely deliver the most just judgment.
If Duke Tywin dared to raise an army in defiance, he would bring all the forces of the North to assist, and Robert would mercilessly crush the Old Lion, just as he had shattered Rhaegar on the Trident River years ago.
Eddard's previously heavy heart lightened considerably, and his smile became more frequent.
"Since you helped me get this damned iron chair, you should help me keep it! Ned, we are destined to govern the kingdom side by side."
Robert picked up his wine cup and took a large gulp, letting out a satisfied sound, and said, "If Lyanna were still alive, we would now be connected by marriage, truly brothers in every sense.
Fortunately, it's not too late. I have a son, you have a daughter. Joffrey and Sansa will unite our two houses, just like Lyanna and I once were."
"Your Majesty, this is the highest honor."
Eddard hesitated before adding, "Could you give me some time to consider? I need to tell Catelyn; she is the children's mother."
Robert waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, alright, of course! You scoundrel, go tell Catelyn, just don't make me wait too long, you know I have no patience."
With a thud, Robert placed his wine cup on the table: "Ned, I trust you can manage those cunning Master of Coin and govern this terrible kingdom well."
Robert had already considered Eddard his Hand of the King.
Eddard sighed helplessly. Robert would not allow him to refuse the position of Hand of the King.
Eddard was not an indecisive person; since things had come to this, perhaps it was for the best… They would always be brothers fighting side by side.
"But on the other side of the Narrow Sea, the dragon's spawn has quietly grown."
Eddard looked at Robert. He knew Robert's hatred for the Targaryen was almost insane; he still remembered the events of over a decade ago as if they were yesterday.
They had their first fierce quarrel, and it was only after Lyanna's death that they reconciled.
Eddard understood the implication: Robert hoped that once he became Hand of the King, he would prioritize the hunt for the remaining Targaryen.
Eddard did not rush to argue but advised, "Your Majesty, the war ended over a decade ago, and you are now the King of the Seven Kingdoms. As far as I know, the youngest is only just over ten years old. Surely, you wouldn't slaughter the innocent like Duke Tywin, would you?"
Rhaegar Targaryen's son and daughter… Tywin Lannister ordered the tearful little girl to be dragged from her bed and executed, and the son, a swaddled infant (little Aegon), was smashed against a wall.
"Ned, a ten-year-old girl? You are still naive. Before long, she will spread her legs and breed a pile of vile dragon spawn."
Eddard continued to persuade, "Even so, murdering children is not an honorable act."
Robert cursed loudly: "To hell with honor! What honor is there in dealing with the Targaryen?"
He took a sip of wine, then continued, "Even now, some in the Seven Kingdoms still call me a usurper. Have you forgotten how many nobles, great and small, raised armies to fight for the Targaryen back then?
They seem obedient now, but secretly they are stirring, just waiting for an opportunity to take my life and my son's!
That beggar king across the Narrow Sea, who calls himself the true King of the Seven Kingdoms, if he ever crosses the sea with an army, those traitors will surely rally behind him.
Varys provided several excellent opportunities to kill the remaining dragons, but Jon, like you, had a bad heart. I was persuaded to back down, so I'm an idiot!"
Ned chuckled and assured him, "He can't cross the sea. Even if he does come, we can work together to drive him back."
Robert laughed loudly: "The more the merrier! My warhammer will completely resolve this problem."
Eddard nodded in agreement. No one in this world could stand against Robert's invincible warhammer.
"Ned, I hate trouble now. If it can be solved simply, I'd be happier! I've given this matter to Kleber, so don't be like Jon and get in the way!"
Eddard frowned and said, "Kleber?"
The remaining wine in the cup was drained by Robert. He exhaled and said, "You should remember that stubborn and fearless pregnant woman, ha, or rather, the little girl with a big belly! She should have been executed, but I spared her because you pleaded for her."
Eddard recalled the poor, fiery-tempered girl: "She was just a pregnant woman. We were the victors; we should have shown clemency…"
Robert interrupted, "Brown hair, brown eyes… trembling with a frail body, yet tightly gripping a dagger, looking ready to die together! She reminded me of Lyanna…"
He sighed, then continued, "Otherwise, why would I have spared those people! Damn it, I already killed Rhaegar, only the people of Crab Claw Point refused to surrender until their death!"
Eddard helplessly explained, "Some of the First Men's descendants are stubborn!"
Hearing his words, Robert burst into laughter: "Just like you, all stubborn."
Eddard calmly said, "Your mercy won their loyalty."
Robert sighed, "Time flies so fast; that girl's child has grown so big now… Damn it!"
He suddenly said angrily, "None of my The Crownlands vassals give me peace of mind! According to Varys's intelligence, that reckless boy almost stormed into the Governor of Pentos's residence trying to hunt down the Targaryen!
It was satisfying, but it almost caused a bigger problem, and he had to pay so many gold dragons in compensation. Now he's back, badgering Petyr for an additional twenty thousand gold dragons?!
By the Gods, that's 150,000 gold dragons in less than three months! Why does he still dare to ask my Master of Coin for more gold dragons? I'm the most foolish king in this world!
At least that boy is smart enough to hide from me. If he appeared before my eyes, I'd definitely hang him at the city gate and whip him!"
Eddard smiled. He knew Robert always liked brave warriors, and though he seemed angry, his admiration outweighed his displeasure.
As for the 150,000 gold dragons… the Duke of Winterfell didn't mind it; he remembered that the Targaryen had left Robert mountains of gold and silver treasures.
Eddard said, "Perhaps you could at least hear his reasons first."
Robert scoffed, "Ned, abandon your ridiculous notions! The Red Keep's ministers are best at fabricating reasons; you'll only be left with a stomach full of anger after listening to them!"
He paused, then added, "I'll leave everything to you from now on. I don't care how you handle it; I might even prefer to see your frustrated face, haha!"
Eddard quipped, "I'll drag you along to enjoy it."
Robert laughed heartily.
When Robert stopped laughing, Eddard said seriously, "As your Hand of the King, I will not support your arrangement for Kleber to continue hunting the Targaryen."
Robert was not angry: "I told you, I've left the kingdom for you to govern. You can handle it however you wish."
Robert picked up the wine pitcher and poured, saying, "Perfect, you can also meet the child. Ha, the child's parents fought against us, and now he's serving me. This world is truly full of irony."
Eddard shook his head and said, "War, it's just war, and it's over."
Robert took a sip of wine, looked at his serious-faced old friend, and said, "Ned, I hope our enemies think the same way."
After speaking, Robert stood up: "It's time to go. We'll reach the inn before dark and find a handmaiden to warm our beds tonight."
Eddard merely shook his head helplessly.
The two walked side by side. Robert stared for a moment at the lean figure tending to the horses, then suddenly said, "Is that your bastard? He looks just like you when you were young, though you, my boy, were never truly young!"
Eddard followed Robert's gaze, a slight smile appearing on his face: "His name is Jon."
Jon seemed to sense something; his figure quietly hid behind the horses.
Jon Snow's appearance was almost identical to his own when he was young… Eddard wondered, if the Gods so disliked bastards, why did they fill men with desire?
...
Robert grew interested: "What was that girl's name again? Becca? No, she's mine, God bless her, with that shiny black hair and sweet big eyes, she makes it hard for a man to pull away. Yours was called… Arlyna? You mentioned her once, or was it Meryll? You know which one I'm talking about, right? I'm asking about the woman who bore your bastard."
Eddard's face stiffened as he said, "Her name was Wylla. I don't want to talk about her."
Robert chuckled: "Yes, Wylla! A woman who could make Duke Eddard Stark temporarily forget honor, even if only for a brief hour, she must not be a simple girl. You never did tell me what she looked like; I'm truly curious!"
Eddard's face showed some anger: "Robert, don't say another word. I'll never tell you."
Robert waved his hand: "Ned, you're too hard on yourself. I don't think any woman would want to sleep with you anymore."
He continued to complain, "Fine, if you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. Damn it, sometimes when I see you all prickly, I think you should use a hedgehog as your sigil."
Robert took the reins from a guard and agilely swung his corpulent body onto the saddle.
...
...
Inside the study, Lord Green rubbed his temples with his eyes closed.
Splash, splash… Ms. Surana picked up a wine pitcher and poured, gently placing the wine cup in front of Lord Green.
Lord Green opened his eyes, stared at the wine cup for a moment, then said, "Surana, prepare yourself. I need you to return to Whispering City."
After speaking, Lord Green picked up the wine cup and took a sip of summer red.
Ms. Surana nodded and said, "My Lord, rest assured, I will depart tomorrow."
Lord Green leaned back in his chair, smiling as he said, "Ms. Surana, you are always so thoughtful."
After a moment of hesitation, Ms. Surana's green eyes looked at Lord Green: "Do you have any specific instructions?"
Lord Green's eyes flickered. He paused, then shook his head: "Take good care of Lyanna. When you return, bring her more beautiful jewelry from King's Landing. She's always loved shiny things since she was little."
Ms. Surana stepped forward and stated directly, "There are some matters you can leave to me."
Lord Green looked up at the solemn-faced Ms. Surana. He understood the meaning implied in Ms. Surana's words.
"Surana, her emotions are likely sensitive right now. I will not force her to do anything she doesn't want. After you go, take good care of my cousin. My cousin is very fond of you. Unless she brings it up herself, do not ask her anything."
Lord Green tapped the table a few times, then continued, "Surana, as long as it doesn't harm Kleber's actual interests, she will always be Kleber's most esteemed lady."
If she wished, Lord Green wouldn't mind her keeping a few more people in her estate, male or female, it didn't matter, as long as she was happy.
Lord Green had always been strict with himself but very generous to others.
After hearing his Lord's reply, Ms. Surana couldn't help but feel relieved, whether for herself or for the lady.
Ms. Surana solemnly advised, "My Lord, Kleber needs a mistress."