"Lineage, resilience…" Hearing this, Lord Green's eyes flickered slightly.
It seemed Duke Eddard would soon discover the issue with the royal bloodline.
The Starks were pure; their noble character could even move their enemies, but their weaknesses were too obvious.
The Starks' unwavering sense of justice would push opportunists towards their opponents, and Queen Cersei's personality was a natural counter to the Starks.
The Game of Thrones had no place for the pure.
Lord Green had no confidence in persuading Duke Eddard to abandon his original principles and adapt flexibly. Moreover, if Duke Eddard won, Stannis Baratheon would inherit the Iron Throne, which also did not align with House Clebber's interests.
Lord Green rubbed his hair. His original plan was to rescue all the Little Wolf Cubs at the critical moment, which would repay Duke Eddard's kindness.
Lord Green listened intently to what Duke Eddard was saying, who was completely open and unguarded with him.
Even if Lord Green was "ambushed" by Duke Eddard's sincerity with his wisdom, he could still maneuver back and forth according to his original plan.
He felt that Duke Eddard seemed to be his nemesis, because Lord Green knew his own character; he couldn't be hard-hearted towards good people.
Lord Green sighed inwardly, he was, after all, not a perfect power player.
… … … …
Lord Green's handsome face showed a faint smile. Let's just say the capable do more… Lord Green is omnipotent!
Duke Eddard's mood had improved considerably. He sighed, "So, I really miss the simplicity of the North, where the only enemies are the cold and the wildlings."
Lord Green nodded understandingly. In fact, he also preferred direct methods.
After a pause, Lord Green said seriously, "Duke Ned, out of courtesy… we can initially respect the existing rules of the game here, but…"
He clenched his fist and continued, "If it doesn't work, we'll do it the Northern way! King Robert trusts you, and you are the Hand of the King, so they should adapt to you, not the other way around."
Duke Eddard was somewhat moved. He had to admit that Lord Green's words were very appealing, and the reasons were compelling enough.
Duke Eddard thought of Robert, and his heart wavered, causing him to frown.
Lord Green's brown eyes stirred slightly; he guessed the reason for Duke Eddard's hesitation.
"Duke Ned, forgive my presumption, are you worried about King Robert?"
Duke Eddard looked at Lord Green, paused, and said frankly, "Lord Green, you are very perceptive. Robert and I are like brothers, and I am here to help him. I don't want to make things difficult for Robert."
Lord Green was silent for a moment, then said directly, "Duke Ned, your and His Majesty's reputations are known throughout the Seven Kingdoms, but I must remind you… you are not the King of the Seven Kingdoms!"
The Direwolf's eyes suddenly sharpened, but quickly softened: "My boy, I never had such a thought. I want to hear your reasons."
Lord Green picked up the wine glass, paused, then placed it back on the table.
"Forgive my presumption, you are the Hand of the King, yet you are considering problems from the King's perspective, which is why you feel constrained. You are a Stark, you have your own way. Whether King Robert finds it difficult or is willing, those are problems for King Robert to consider, you cannot do it for him."
Duke Eddard's tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed. He felt as if the gloom in his heart was gradually disappearing.
Lord Green added, "Many people think the First Men's methods are crude. At most, we can be a little gentler. A righteous heart fears no criticism."
Duke Eddard's large feet left the table, and his tall, strong body rose from the wooden chair. He paced a few steps and said, "Lord Green, you reminded me well. I am here to solve Robert's problems. I almost forgot that."
Lord Green also rose and stood before Duke Eddard, saying, "Duke Eddard, thank you for being patient with a young man like me."
Duke Eddard's large hand patted Lord Green's shoulder, and with a faint smile, he said, "My boy, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. Wisdom is not limited by age."
Lord Green nodded with a solemn expression.
After a pause, Lord Green suddenly smiled and said, "Given King Robert's temper, if he could rule the country with a warhammer, he would certainly be willing to sit on the Iron Throne every day."
Duke Eddard curled his lips: "Most likely he would."
Lord Green spread his hands and said, "Duke Ned, things have become much simpler."
"Have you already thought about how to begin?"
Duke Eddard looked at Lord Green.
The descendants of the First Men lacked some flexibility. Although Lord Green had the distinct appearance of the First Men, through their interactions, Duke Eddard discovered that this child possessed the nimble wisdom of the Andals, and his sense of honor was sufficiently firm.
He had saved an excellent child… Duke Eddard felt relieved. He did not consider this an act of charity; his sense of honor believed that women and children should naturally be treated with leniency.
Lord Green analyzed, "Duke Ned, Maester Pycelle is clearly hiding something…"
… … … …
Prime Minister's Tower dining room.
Arya straightened her small back and looked at Jon Snow, who was sitting at the very back. He and Mondon were sitting there, chatting and laughing.
Her brother rarely showed such hearty laughter, and Arya was happy too. She was very curious about what they were discussing.
Arya's eyes darted around. She noticed that Sansa was always secretly looking at Count Green sitting beside her. That smile was so annoying!
Arya and Lord Green were sitting on the same long bench. She wiggled her small bottom, moving a little closer.
Lord Green, who was discussing First Men legends with Duke Eddard, seemed to sense the movement beside him. He reached out and gently patted Arya's head.
Arya lifted her chin towards Sansa. Annoying Sansa, don't even think about stealing my good friend!
Sansa Stark noticed Arya's little gesture and quietly rolled her eyes at her sister.
… … … …
"Duke Ned, House Clebber has finally restored the glory of its ancestors. The peaceful Crab Claw Peninsula will also be able to contribute to maintaining the stability of the kingdom in the future."
Duke Eddard nodded slightly and said, "Good boy, peace is precious. You have done very well. Your mother would be proud of you."
Duke Eddard sighed inwardly. He had already learned from Lord Green about the conflict between the Vale and the Crab Claw Peninsula. Their hatred could almost be said to be irreconcilable, and Duke Eddard found it difficult to mediate.
He knew very well that such things could not be forcibly suppressed; that would only lead to deeper hatred, accumulating more and more.
Duke Eddard could not consider too many things for the time being. The affairs within the Red Keep consumed most of his energy. He first had to deal with the problems at hand before he had the capacity to handle other state affairs.
Duke Eddard believed that Count Green was not a warmonger, and he would have enough time to find a secure way to resolve the grievances and prevent war and conflict between the Vale and the Crab Claw Peninsula.
… … … …
The Red Keep at midnight was dark and quiet.
Lord Green and Duke Eddard led a few guards out of the Prime Minister's Tower. Several gold-cloaked guards on watch noticed their presence but remained silent.
Duke Eddard was the Hand of the King; no one dared to meddle.
They waved away the nearby guards, and everyone stopped in front of Maester Pycelle's bedchamber door.
Lord Green glanced at the Maester's symbol on the door and said, "Mondon, break down the door."
Everyone made way, leaving the broad-shouldered Mondon, who held his round shield in front of him.
With a loud crash, the wooden door was broken open by Mondon, and a woman's frightened scream came from inside.
Lord Green and Duke Eddard exchanged glances, motioned for the guards to stay outside the door, and then led the way in.
Lord Green tore down the bed curtains and saw a naked young woman. She was cowering, both ashamed and afraid, desperately trying to cover her suggestive parts, wishing she had more than two hands.
Lord Green raised an eyebrow. Wasn't this Maester Pycelle's little handmaiden? Hmm, good figure!
The little handmaiden stared wide-eyed at Lord Green, pleading, "Please, don't hurt me."
Lord Green glanced at the bulge in the blanket beside the young woman and called Jon Snow over.
Jon Snow scanned the room, then glanced at his father's grim face, and nodded, "Lord Green."
Lord Green pointed to the bed and said, "Jon, she's yours to watch over. Take her out of here."
Jon turned to look at his silent father. Seeing him nod, he then lowered his eyes and led the little handmaiden out of the room.
Lord Green poked the bulge on the bed with his sword sheath.
"Grand Maester Pycelle, since when did the Citadel allow Maesters to share a bed with handmaidens?"
Duke Eddard had not expected to see such a disgraceful scene upon arriving. He stepped forward and pulled back the blanket.
A naked Pycelle said in terror, "Duke Eddard, what do you want? I am the Grand Maester of the King, why do you trespass into my bedchamber?!"
Looking at Pycelle, who was trying to argue, Duke Eddard clenched his fist and angrily said, "Pycelle!"
Lord Green, worried that the enraged Direwolf might punch the old man to death, spoke up, "Maester Pycelle, the Prime Minister received a report and had no choice but to come and investigate personally. We never expected you to actually commit such an act that defiles the Citadel and the Maester's identity."
With a clang, he drew his sword and turned his head to look at Duke Eddard.
"Prime Minister, if this matter spreads… it would be very bad. I suggest we execute him on the spot. That would also preserve Maester Pycelle's reputation."
Pycelle shouted, "You cannot treat me this way! I have been the Grand Maester of the Seven Kingdoms for nearly forty years, I… I… Ah…"
Pycelle looked at the sword tip close to his face, shrieked, and wet the bed.
Pycelle pleaded mournfully, "Noble Duke of Winterfell, I am an old man, your loyal servant. Please spare my life, please let me go."
Duke Eddard stared at the constantly pleading Pycelle for a moment, then took a deep breath. Was this Robert's Master of Coin?
"Lord Green, he's yours."
Duke Eddard pulled over a chair and sat down.
Pycelle looked at Lord Green again, and continued to plead mournfully, "Count Green, I… I… am loyal to Queen Cersei, we are on the same side."
Was Pycelle trying to drag him into this?
Lord Green sheathed his sword and said, "Yes, we are all loyal to Her Majesty the Queen…"
As he spoke, he drew his dagger, then grabbed one of Pycelle's hands and placed it on the bed. With a squelch, the dagger pierced through the back of his hand and into the bedboard.
"Ah! Ah!" Pycelle shrieked.
After a while, Lord Green noticed Pycelle's screams subside, so he pulled out the dagger, followed by another series of screams.
Pycelle gripped his injured hand tightly, his whole body trembling. He struggled off the bed and crawled to Duke Eddard's feet, kneeling.
"Duke Eddard, I am your humble servant, I beg you to forgive me…"
After a moment of silence, Duke Eddard spoke, "Lord Green, give him a chair."
… … … …
Pycelle looked at Lord Green standing beside him in terror, and tremblingly sat down.
Duke Eddard stared at Pycelle and said in a deep voice, "Tell me the cause of Prime Minister Jon's death."
Pycelle weakly said, "Prime Minister Jon… he… indeed died of poisoning… I tried my best to save Duke Jon, I swear…"
Lord Green crouched down, and his dagger appeared before Pycelle's eyes.
"Maester Pycelle, you don't seem to understand the current situation. You are my prey. Why do you want to deceive the hunter?"
"I… I… Ah!!"
… … … …
Pycelle whimpered, "Cormon wanted to help him detoxify, so I sent him away. Queen Cersei disliked Prime Minister Jon, they all disliked Prime Minister Jon… But it wasn't me who poisoned him, absolutely not me! I swear!"
Duke Eddard said coldly, "Was it Queen Lannister who poisoned him?"
Pycelle was already in tears. He weakly said, "No, it wasn't Queen Cersei, it shouldn't have been her. I don't know who it was… Go ask Varys. It must have been that boy, Prime Minister Jon's attendant, named Hugh. It must have been him. Go catch him, go interrogate him!"
Lord Green asked, "Maester Pycelle, what poison was Prime Minister Jon poisoned with?"
"It was Tears of Lys, very rare and expensive. Its taste is as sweet as water, and it kills the victim like a bowel illness. Ordinary Maesters cannot detect it at all."
"Damn it!"
Duke Eddard cursed, then angrily said, "Jon Arryn has been Prime Minister for fourteen years, what did he do that they had to kill him?!"
Lord Green comforted him, "Duke Ned, I believe you will soon catch the murderer and avenge Prime Minister Jon."
Duke Eddard sighed with a bitter expression.
After a pause, he glanced with disgust at Pycelle, who was still trembling, and said, "How should this person be dealt with?"
Because of Lord Green's suggestion, tonight's investigation had yielded considerable results. Duke Eddard wanted to know if Lord Green had any other arrangements for Pycelle.
Pycelle raised his head and pleaded, "Duke Eddard, my crime is not punishable by death, please forgive me…"
"Duke Ned, please wait a moment."
Lord Green led Pycelle to the desk and said, "Maester Pycelle, your right hand is temporarily intact…"
He pointed to the blank parchment and continued, "Please write down all the crimes you have committed, one by one. If you are honest enough, perhaps we will keep a servant who is both honest and obedient."
Lord Green's slender fingers tapped the table and he added, "If a lie is discovered, I think you certainly know what the consequences will be, right?"
After speaking, Lord Green took a robe from the hanger and threw it over… It was too unsightly, Lord Green could not bear it anymore.