"Highgarden."
The King's voice spoke.
"Your next target is Highgarden. Depart tomorrow morning."
Hearing the words Highgarden, Loras Tyrell below instantly trembled, his face filled with gloom and despair.
Highgarden!
As the Commander of the Ninth Regiment, he naturally understood the terrifying power of the Royal Guard.
After witnessing the shattering collapse of one sturdy castle after another, the nightmare of beautiful Highgarden turning into dilapidated ruins had haunted him, unable to be dispelled, and growing ever deeper.
Now, the nightmare was actually about to become reality?!
At this moment, Loras didn't care about much else and quickly stepped forward to plead, "Your Majesty, please…"
"Don't be in a hurry." Joffrey interrupted the panicked Kingsguard. "Have you forgotten your duty? Be quiet, I haven't finished speaking yet."
Loras had no choice but to suppress the urgency in his heart with all his might.
Joffrey said indifferently, "Willas Tyrell, a student of the Academy, has already gone to Highgarden as a messenger to convey the Royal Family's good will and desire for peace to House Tyrell."
With the advice of these two Tyrells, Willas and Loras, could the Queen of Thorns still ignore it?
"If Highgarden pledges allegiance to the Iron Throne again and agrees to the marriage alliance, you will be the embassy to welcome Queen Margaery, and also the guards escorting Ser Garlan Tyrell to take control of the Shield Islands Fleet."
Marriage alliance with Highgarden, Queen Margaery?
Shield Islands Fleet?
Ser Garlan Tyrell?
The sheer volume of information couldn't help but shock everyone present!
What about Lady Sansa?
The generals from the Northern Kingdoms were even more doubtful.
Loras's face changed erratically.
Hearing the names of his second brother and younger sister from the King's mouth, he first felt a wave of relief, followed by an unspeakable bitterness and heaviness.
His sister's marriage was being arbitrarily arranged, and his second brother would likely become a hostage.
The result was quite humiliating.
But at least, the King hadn't made up his mind to completely wipe them out. Perhaps this was already the best outcome.
"If things don't go smoothly…"
Joffrey looked at the Commander of the Eighth Regiment, the former Captain of the River Gate Guard, "Ironhand" Jacelyn Bywater. "There's no need to force Ser Loras into a difficult choice. Jacelyn, you can handle it."
"Ironhand" placed his hands on his chest and responded in a deep voice, "As Your Majesty commands."
It was obvious.
The title of "Ironhand" was no longer suitable for the current Jacelyn Bywater.
The Priest had used Divine Grace to restore his severed hand.
At that moment, he had never felt so complete and satisfied, as if he had achieved his lifelong wish and had no more regrets.
Afterward, the iron prosthetic hand that had accompanied him for nearly ten years was decisively thrown to the bottom of the Blackwater River, never to be seen again. Only the name "Ironhand" remained.
After all, this title was a witness to that period of blood and fire, a symbol of scars and glory.
From that moment on, "Ironhand" was completely subservient.
For whatever reason, how could he refuse His Majesty the King's command? Even if it was to destroy the illustrious Highgarden, let alone merely destroy the fragile Highgarden.
Loras stared intently at this colleague of his, a Gold Cloaks Captain he had once disdained.
But at this moment, Loras saw the determination in "Ironhand's" eyes. As long as King Joffrey gave the order, this guy would actually dare to shake Highgarden!
Loras suddenly realized this.
That nightmare must never become reality! Loras immediately made up his mind to persuade his grandmother no matter what.
They really couldn't anger King Joffrey any further. Highgarden couldn't withstand the ravages of cannons.
Joffrey continued to give orders, "Earl Tarth, Priest Thoros, you two are responsible for going to the Shield Islands with Ser Garlan Tyrell to take control of and integrate the fleet."
The two stepped forward simultaneously and respectfully accepted the order.
Joffrey smiled slightly, "Loras's Ninth Regiment will be temporarily placed under your command. Also, take two hundred Ship Cannon Cores to re-arm the Shield Islands Fleet."
The two quickly expressed their gratitude, while not forgetting to quietly glance at Loras.
Loras remained silent.
The strength of the Ninth Regiment, a thousand Holy War Army warriors, was significant and difficult to part with, but what could he do?
Everyone knew that the Royal Guard would only truly obey King Joffrey and the Lord Commander "The Hound". His command as their leader was only effective in normal times.
At critical moments, no one would wholeheartedly pledge allegiance to him personally.
"Loras."
The King's voice drew Loras's gaze upwards.
Joffrey asked casually, "Do you wish to continue commanding the Ninth Regiment to the Shield Islands, or would you prefer to stay longer in Highgarden and reunite with your family?"
Loras's thoughts immediately churned, pondering the King's true intentions and how he should answer.
What was the correct answer?
Was this a trap, a test, or merely a simple question?
Not daring to hesitate for too long, he could only respond with hesitant softness, "I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to remain in Highgarden, to convey your will to Highgarden, to strengthen the alliance between our two houses, and to bring peace and prosperity to the Seven Kingdoms sooner."
Joffrey nodded with satisfaction.
"That you have this intention shows that my high regard and careful cultivation of you have not been in vain."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. Loras will certainly do his utmost and not fail your expectations." Loras was filled with gratitude, yet couldn't help but wonder in his heart what he had been highly regarded and cultivated for.
Divine Grace?
This power had already been bestowed upon thousands, and was continuously increasing.
Kingsguard?
The number was somewhat small, but there were still dozens; it couldn't be considered special treatment.
Commander of the Royal Guard?
If he could truly command them as easily as his own limbs, it would indeed be a great favor. But the reality was laid bare; the King could take away all the warriors with a single word.
Loras understood that without House Tyrell behind him, he might not even have received Divine Grace. If there was any high regard, it was for Highgarden's strength and a covetous desire for it, definitely not a good thing.
A hidden glint flashed in Joffrey's eyes. "Talents like you, of course, deserve more cultivation and a higher position."
An ominous premonition suddenly arose in Loras's heart.
"Loras Tyrell, heed my command. You are hereby appointed Governor of Highgarden, to manage and coordinate affairs in the Reach, to pacify the populace, and to look after House Tyrell. In case of major matters, you may report directly to me."
Everyone immediately erupted in an uproar!
Governor of Highgarden! Unlike any previous governor, this appointment was enough to completely shake the Seven Kingdoms! It was also a tremendous favor to Loras himself!
People thought with envy, jealousy, or worry that Highgarden was about to change.
Everyone turned to look at the newly appointed fortunate one.
Loras stared blankly at the composed King, his mind already in chaos, unable to react, and not knowing what expression to make.
At this moment.
Faces from Highgarden appeared one after another in his mind, ultimately settling on the kind smile of his elder brother, Willas.
Recalling the beautiful times when his elder brother, limping, used to play with him, Loras truly didn't dare to imagine what his brother's expression would be when they met again.
Governor of Highgarden?
Highgarden should belong to Willas; everyone knew that his elder brother was the heir to Highgarden.
Joffrey was very satisfied with Loras's reaction.
The deeper the affection between the Tyrell brothers, the more unstable Highgarden's rule and the more chaotic the succession would become.
Loving and killing each other was much more fun.
Joffrey smiled faintly. Storm's End, Old Oak, Highgarden—arrangements had been made for the three core areas of the war, leaving only the last one.
Thirty thousand men in Rising Stone Town, south of King's Landing.
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