Dragonstone, Map Room.
Duke Stannis Baratheon scrutinized Greene with sharp eyes, then nodded slightly and said, "Good day, young man. Can you complete the task King Robert assigned?"
Duke Stannis's cheekbones were sunken, and his lips were pale, thin, and tightly drawn, as if he had long forgotten how to smile.
Duke Stannis had taken a liking to his abilities… Greene's brown eyes trembled, and he hesitated.
Greene Kleber Lannister Tyrell was hesitating whether to add Baratheon to his name.
...
Stannis was the second son of Duke Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont, with Robert as his elder brother and Renly as his younger brother.
When Stannis was 13, Duke Steffon and his wife were returning to Storm's End from across the Narrow Sea when their ship sank in Shipbreaker Bay, and both the Duke and his wife perished.
From the day Stannis witnessed the Stormdancer wreck and sink, he began to hate the Seven Gods who cruelly took his parents. He swore to the heavens that he would never worship any cruel deity who drowned his parents.
During the War of the Usurper, Stannis endured the siege of Storm's End by the Golden Rose under extremely difficult conditions, yet after the war, Robert thanked Eddard Stark for relieving the siege of Storm's End instead.
Stannis conquered Dragonstone, but Robert, ignoring the fact that Viserys and Daenerys had already fled before Stannis captured Dragonstone, blamed Stannis for letting the Targaryen remnants escape.
King Robert, who ascended the Iron Throne, granted Dragonstone to Stannis, but gave the more fertile Baratheon ancestral lands of Storm's End to their youngest brother, Renly Baratheon.
Stannis regarded Robert's slight as an insult, but none of this affected his diligent and responsible performance of royal duties.
...
Stannis waved his hand and said, "You may all withdraw."
Davos and the others bowed and exited, leaving only Stannis and Greene in the hall.
Greene's tone was steady: "Duke Stannis, this is a heavy responsibility I cannot refuse."
Tap, tap, tap… Stannis rose from the stone chair, his tall figure standing beside the long table.
Stannis stared at the table, which was carved with a map of Westeros, and said, "Earl Greene, I can ask King Robert to cancel the task assigned to you."
What would Stannis's next words be? 'Only if you are willing to pledge your loyalty to me'?
Stannis was a very oppressive person, and Greene did not want to face a choice that was difficult to answer.
Moreover, if the task was truly canceled, what about his 150,000 gold dragons?
Greene had to make Stannis retract such a dangerous idea.
Greene sighed and said, "Duke Stannis, I don't like to conceal things; it makes me seem hypocritical. In the beginning, I did consider trying to push this troublesome task away, because from my perspective, this task came out of nowhere."
After a pause, Greene shook his head and continued, "Later, I still decided to accept it. No matter what, it's a matter of royal affairs, and I didn't want to make Queen Cersei difficult, as it concerns honor after all."
Tap, tap… Greene also walked to the side of the long table and added, "Duke Stannis, I don't want to hide it, aside from being time-consuming and labor-intensive, I haven't seen any other difficulties with this matter for now. The Red Keep has spent so many gold dragons every year for over a decade, why has there been no effect? I'm a bit curious."
Stannis snorted coldly and said, "Fools coupled with parasites, you needn't be curious about that."
Greene stated directly, "Therefore, I'd rather do something within my power, even if it's insignificant."
Stannis's gaze left the detailed carved map and fixed on Greene.
Greene noticed Stannis's gaze and also looked up from the map, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if his previous words were merely a momentary Feelings.
Stannis seemed to see his own reflection in Greene… So, Stannis suspected that Greene's words had an intentional component.
Stannis had seen too many cunning individuals, but no matter how cunning they were, they couldn't escape his eyes and received their due punishment.
While his character was being doubted by Stannis, Greene also successfully diverted Stannis's attention.
Stannis's gaze now held an undisguised scrutiny.
Greene spread his hands: "Your Grace, do you need me to withdraw?"
"You are an interesting young man, much more interesting than I imagined."
Stannis tapped his finger on the edge of the table and added, "Earl Greene, I have inspected the Queen's Quarter in King's Landing, and you have managed it well."
"I can only say that temporary stability was achieved through swift suppression. I had already handed it over to the Red Keep before I left King's Landing."
Stannis tilted his head to look at Greene: "Do you like King's Landing?"
Greene shrugged and replied, "Not as much as I did at first. I was very happy at first, but later I always felt it was tiring."
Stannis nodded slightly: "A good insight, Earl of Whispers."
Though it didn't show on his face, Greene had been pondering why Stannis would suddenly ask him if he liked King's Landing. The simple question made him feel as if he had grasped something.
Greene's heart stirred, and his tone conveyed helplessness: "I don't want to hide it from you, Your Grace. In fact, this earldom leaves me with regret. I originally thought I would be enfeoffed as the Earl of Crab Claw Peninsula."
As Greene's words fell, the hall was silent for a moment.
Stannis's brow furrowed: "That land is rather special; you have your own traditions. The current Red Keep can't even handle slightly complicated matters."
Stannis turned around and continued, "Earl Greene, your abilities are outstanding. I can offer you an opportunity to display your talents."
Greene was slightly stunned and asked in confusion, "Display my talents?"
Stannis nodded imperceptibly and said, "I will make the Red Keep find justice again. I can bring you in there."
A capricious rich boss lady replaced by a workaholic boss who tolerates no sand in his eyes?
This is not a matter for hesitation!
Greene placed his hand on his chest and said, "Your Grace, thank you for your regard, but the Crab Claw Peninsula has always pledged direct loyalty to Her Royal Highness the Queen."
The astute Greene noticed Stannis's lips curve slightly, very subtly, but he still caught it. "Are you refusing my invitation? Have you not considered that I am saving you?"
Saving me? Greene had already confirmed that Duke Stannis intended to become Hand of the King, but now he heard another question concerning himself.
Greene's thoughts raced, and he thought of Queen Cersei, it could only be her.
In the original plot, Stannis suspected that King Robert's three legitimate children with Queen Cersei were not actually Robert's flesh and blood, and he told this suspicion to Duke Jon, who then began to investigate the matter.
...
Stannis did not disregard Greene due to the difference in status; on the contrary, it could be said that he valued him greatly.
On the surface, this was the case, but Greene didn't think it was that simple; Stannis was also a player of power.
Greene quickly got his answer.
Stannis's tone was very cold: "King Robert doesn't trust me, and my personal appearance would easily be mistaken for a conspiracy. I entrusted the matter to Duke Jon, which also gave him an opportunity to uphold his honor."
Greene looked stunned, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.
Stannis didn't state it directly, but it wasn't for nothing.
Once the truth came out, according to normal developments, because of today's conversation, Stannis would easily gain Greene's loyalty.
Greene now understood something as well.
Stannis's character disdained deception. He valued Greene's abilities, but that wasn't the main reason.
Stannis was interested in the army Greene commanded; he was already preparing in advance for possible warfare, or rather, for the Lannister counterattack.
When war broke out, the status of military nobles would rise sharply, and the patience of the great lords would also become abundant.
Emmm~ Did his Crab Claw Peninsula also have no secrets?
Tap, tap, tap… Stannis's tall figure reseated itself on the stone chair.
Stannis looked at Greene and said, "Earl Greene, you have given me many surprises, and I also value your talent, but there's no need to rush. You still have King Robert's task. Seemingly mundane things can better hone oneself. When you return here to see me again, your current doubts will naturally be answered."
Stannis gestured towards the door, and soon after, Davos re-entered the Map Room.
"Davos, my meeting with Earl Greene has concluded. Prepare food and wine, and entertain him well on my behalf."
Stannis displayed the arrogance befitting a great lord.
Among nobles, differences in identity, status, and lineage existed like law.
According to Westeros tradition, Stannis's treatment of Greene was already considered courteous. According to the normal script, Greene should have been grateful.
Greene would not harbor resentment because of these things; he would objectively view what he saw and heard, after all, he was the outsider.
Greene merely secretly missed Duke Mace, who was far away in Highgarden.
...
...
Red Keep, afternoon.
Lancel, who had finally managed to snatch some free time, his handsome face looking haggard, happened to run into Jaime.
When Lancel saw Jaime, he unconsciously felt a sense of guilt.
"Good day, Cousin Jaime."
Jaime also knew that Lancel's life wasn't easy, so he wasn't surprised by Lancel's unusual demeanor.
"Good day, Lancel, you look very tired, are you all right?"
Lancel's face was sorrowful: "Cousin, for Lannister, I am fine."
Jaime took good care of his kinsmen, but he truly couldn't help with this matter.
Lancel's character was a problem; a weak Lion would eventually be abandoned by the pride. He also felt this was an opportunity for training; a Lannister Lion must eventually learn to roar.
Jaime patted Lancel and said, "Where are you going?"
"I was going to look for Earl Greene. I haven't had time to congratulate him in person. I just remembered he had already sent someone to tell me he had left King's Landing. Cousin Jaime, I know he's going across the Narrow Sea to Essos. Do you know how long it will be before he returns?"
Jaime patted Lancel and said, "It'll be a while… Greene told me about your assistance. You were very brave; the stag did not make you fear."
Jaime's rare praise made Lancel's eyes sparkle: "Ha ha, I owe Greene a favor. That day I happened to come across an opportunity, but there were too many eyes around, so I could only hint discreetly. Fortunately, Greene understood my meaning right away, which finally made me relieved! At that time… and also… the result…"
Jaime looked at the chattering Lancel, his lips twitching.
Jaime patted Lancel's shoulder, this time with more force: "Lancel, I have something to do."
With that, Jaime didn't wait for Lancel's reply. He swung his white cloak and strode away.
His words suddenly interrupted, Lancel rubbed his shoulder and looked with confusion at Jaime's retreating back.
...
Maegor's Holdfast Garden, still filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.
Jaime spotted the red figure, a smile appearing on his face, and walked towards Cersei.
Queen Cersei frowned slightly, breaking off a flower branch.
Jaime smiled indulgently and said, "Cersei, don't you like it anymore? Shall I arrange for the gardener to plant other varieties?"
Cersei withdrew her hand and said, "Never mind, I don't like waiting."
Jaime's gaze shifted, and he said softly, "Has something happened?"
Cersei looked at Jaime and said, "Tyrek Lannister told me that Robert wrote a personal letter to Winterfell, and the messenger had already left secretly. Tyrek Lannister only discovered this by chance."
Tyrek Lannister Lannister was a member of Lannister, the son of Tygett Lannister and Darlessa Marbrand. Under Queen Cersei's arrangement, eleven-year-old Tyrek Lannister became King Robert's squire.
...
Jaime asked in confusion, "Why didn't he use a raven? It's not close there."
Cersei couldn't help but break off another flower branch, saying coldly, "That drunkard, when sober, doesn't trust anyone in the Red Keep, except for that old man Jon."
Jaime smiled and shook his head, advising, "Cersei, be careful not to hurt your delicate hands."
Cersei glanced sideways at Jaime and held out her hand: "Knight, clean it for your Queen."
The sap from the flower branch left faint marks on Cersei's fair fingers.
Jaime curled his lips and said, "A swordsman's hands aren't suited for delicate work, and even if by accident, I wouldn't want to hurt you."
Cersei snorted, withdrew her hand, and said, "Jaime, be serious with me. I really want to know what illicit schemes Robert is plotting in secret."
Jaime said helplessly, "Cersei, we can no longer intercept it. Don't underestimate King Robert."
Cersei's tone held some anger: "What is Lancel doing? He's with Robert every day, does he only pour wine all day? The younger Tyrek Lannister is more alert instead."
Jaime moved his lips but still didn't tell her the truth about having just seen Lancel.
To appease Cersei, Jaime said jokingly, "Cersei, should I contact Greene? I think even if he doesn't see the content, he might be able to guess some things. That lad is good at that."
Jaime thought he could also ask Tyrion, but he knew the result of saying it, so he simply gave up.
Cersei was somewhat tempted but immediately dismissed the thought.
Cersei didn't want to be underestimated by anyone; doing so would make people think she couldn't do without Greene.
After a moment of thought, Cersei couldn't help but break off another flower branch: "Jaime, that drunkard's very existence is a disgrace. Always so passive, I can't stomach this!"
...
...
The next day, Mermaid Port.
The merchant ship carrying Greene and his party slowly docked at the pier.