After leaving the Hall of Office, Lord Green found a shady spot nearby and stopped.
The play had to continue; it just needed an ending.
Lord Green frowned, stood for a while, and then his ears twitched as he heard footsteps.
"Count Green," it was Varys's voice.
Coming back to his senses, Lord Green looked towards Varys and asked, "Lord Varys?"
Varys clasped his hands and bowed his head, saying, "I apologize, my thoughtless words seem to have troubled you. That was not my intention."
Lord Green shook his head and said, "It's my own issue. Your words made me realize some problems I hadn't considered."
Lord Green's location, near the Hall of Office, was relatively secluded and offered a wide view.
This was a suitable place for a conversation.
Varys stared at a spot, his tone cool: "People unconsciously ignore things they don't want to face; this is human nature, including me, and those who are still living in luxury and wealth. We are all oathbreakers of the Targaryen."
Varys then looked at Lord Green, his expression gentle: "That event happened only a little over a decade ago, and many people still remember it vividly, including me.
Count Green, you are different. You are unfamiliar with the Targaryen, and your impressions are entirely based on past records.
However, I saw your thoughts suddenly become complex. I believe it is the precious qualities passed down through generations by the Kleber ancestors, already etched into your bloodline. You might have realized this."
Lord Green sighed softly and said, "Perhaps the Kleber tradition of staying away from the Red Keep is correct. I should not have left the Crab Claw Peninsula, left my home."
Varys comforted him: "Count Green, but I know you had to come out. The Red Keep has always been wary of the Crab Claw Peninsula, and there is a lack of trust between them. The Crab Claw Peninsula's location is precisely within the Crownlands.
Since you've discovered the blade hanging over your head, and you don't know when it will fall... under such circumstances, anyone would choose to save themselves.
Therefore, I agree with your choice and support it. Self-preservation is a human instinct; it is reasonable and beyond reproach."
Lord Green's eyes shifted, and he asked, "Thank you, Lord Varys, your words have comforted me. But, if I may be so bold... you seem to be implying something else."
Varys took out an unsealed envelope and handed it to Lord Green, saying, "Your eyes can discern good from evil; that is truly enviable. Take this letter. I still stand by what I said: sympathizing with someone is not the same as pitying them. It depends on how you view it."
Lord Green took the unsealed envelope, puzzled: "This is?"
Varys smiled and nodded: "No need to be puzzled. You can open it and read it now."
Lord Green nodded, opened the envelope, took out the letter, and lowered his gaze.
Lord Green's brown eyes trembled. This was a letter from Varys to Governor Illyrio of Pentos.
In the letter, Varys first praised Lord Green's character and explained that Lord Green's purpose was for trade between the two regions, namely Mermaid Port and Pentos.
Lord Green quickly finished reading and put the letter back.
Varys clasped his hands, his tone gentle: "I think this letter will at least ensure your safety in Pentos, and you will have leeway, so you don't have to worry so much."
Did he act too well?
Inviting a wolf into the house, isn't Varys worried that I'll directly kill the dragon?
Varys continued: "I think even though a long time has passed, out of consideration for our past friendship... at least Governor Illyrio won't deliberately make things difficult for you.
I still have some people in Pentos, and I can also look after you a little, Count Green, as long as you can prioritize your own safety."
Lord Green could only bring a few dozen people at most. Could a few dozen people take down Pentos?
Lord Green had revealed his idea of a surprise attack on Pentos, and Varys already knew.
Since Varys already knew, Illyrio would naturally also know. They are always cautious, and even if Lord Green's words sounded reckless, they would make thorough preparations.
Moreover, Varys's little birds are everywhere; nothing unusual can hide from them.
Carefully chewing on Varys's words, although his words surface seemed to be looking out for him, they contained a hidden threat.
Was I being threatened by an egg? Lord Green wasn't angry at all... In the game of power, only the outcome matters.
Varys gently patted Lord Green's... arm, his gaze kind: "Go out and see. The Red Keep now cannot tolerate noble loyalty. You still have three years. Think more for yourself. Perhaps you can find a new answer that no longer troubles you."
...
Hook Alley, Kleber New Residence.
Near noon, Anguy, who had been on a "mission" to the Stormlands, returned safely, and Butler Leyton welcomed him.
Leyton opened his arms to Anguy and said warmly, "Anguy, welcome home."
Dust-covered Anguy embraced Leyton and said, "Leyton, thank you for the welcome. I like this feeling."
Leyton smiled and said, "The timing is perfect. A bath first? Or should I prepare food for you first?"
Anguy rubbed his stomach shyly and said, "I'm too hungry. Believe me, if you let me take a bath now, you'll find me drowned in the tub."
Leyton laughed heartily and said, "I don't want to call the Silent Sisters. Do as you wish. This is your freedom; this is the Lord's Law."
Why did Leyton mention the Lord's Law?
After Lord Green took over the territory, to change bad habits and optimize customs, he had to standardize everything with the Lord's Law, considering the environment of the Crab Claw Peninsula.
One of Lord Green's purposes in formulating various laws was to increase the cohesion of the soldiers.
For example, Anguy's current situation.
Because of the task assigned by Lord Green, Anguy traveled far to the Stormlands to meet Brienne.
According to the laws formulated by Lord Green, upon returning from a mission, someone must welcome them, and their first meal must include meat and wine, plus a hot bath.
This was the operation of the "Roll King" Lord Green, who used detailed Lord's Laws to strengthen the soldiers' sense of belonging.
Lord Green believed that many of his custom-made laws, which didn't seem like laws, although originating as laws, would eventually become excellent traditions of the Crab Claw Peninsula over time.
Anguy, having finished lunch, was now lying in the bathtub, eyes slightly closed, looking utterly blissful.
Anguy felt that the most correct thing he had done in his life was to trust the unfamiliar fat man—Mondon Wei Shui.
Having been a Sellsword, Anguy was very wary, especially of a stranger.
That day, at the Blackwater Rush... Anguy recalled that Mondon's simple honesty, combined with an indescribable feeling, made him drop his guard and willing to trust the person in front of him for once.
The Gods had not abandoned him; Anguy became Lord Green's personal bodyguard and had always been trusted.
Anguy exhaled. He was thinking about what Mondon had told him: the girls in Klaeb Territory were enthusiastic and very proactive.
Anguy's understanding of matters between men and women was limited to pulling out the gold dragons from his pocket, so he preferred to be passive.
Mondon had said that he would definitely be very popular with the girls in the territory, and Anguy believed him!
Perhaps this time, returning to Klaeb Territory with Lord Green, he would be able to get married immediately and have a complete life!
...
A week later, Klay勃 Manor.
Dick's days during this period were both painful and happy.
The happy thing was that he could share a hearty dinner with his sister Yulia every day.
Yulia's attitude towards him, compared to before, had fewer smiles, but it gave him a warmer feeling.
Each time, Dick would cheer up and happily eat and chat with his sister. He found that as long as he diligently studied the various courses arranged by Jeffrey, his sister's clothes would get better and better, her jewelry would increase, and the food on the table would become richer.
Of course, Dick didn't do well at first. He had already developed a lazy, nonchalant personality, and even when facing the terrifying Jeffrey, he would habitually try to cut corners.
It was only when he saw Yulia wearing coarse cloth dresses and a few pieces of black bread on the dinner table the next evening, and compared it to yesterday's treatment, that Dick realized his cleverness had not escaped Jeffrey's eyes.
Yulia didn't complain. She bit into the hard black bread, still happily recounting childhood memories of Dick that he had long forgotten.
...
"You don't want to see Yulia living a hard life because of you, do you?"
Dick finally fully understood the meaning of this sentence.
From the bottom of his heart, Dick began to diligently study the various courses arranged by Jeffrey.
This was the source of Dick's painful days.
What pained Dick was not the sword skill lessons, but the etiquette lessons.
Although the sword skill lessons were tiring, Dick quickly grew to love the feeling of swinging a sword and gradually became tireless.
What truly caused Dick physical and mental suffering was the etiquette lessons... The female housekeeper named Ms. Surana, who wore a short sword at her waist, was extremely strict.
As soon as Dick slightly hunched his back, Ms. Surana would strike his back with a wooden stick.
And there were various subtle gestures; almost every part of Dick's body, except his face, did not escape Ms. Surana's striking.
"Remember, a noble should not..."
Then came, *smack, smack*!
Dick gasped in pain, wanting to retort... He wasn't a noble; he was just a bastard!
But Dick's intuition told him not to say it; the outcome would only be worse.
So, the clever Dick held back, silently accepting Ms. Surana's etiquette lessons.
...
*Smack*!
Oh~ Dick couldn't help but cry out in pain, clutching his seemingly splitting head.
Ms. Surana, expressionless, said coldly, "Mr. Dick, everything else is improving, but that look in your eyes, to this day, I haven't seen any improvement.
Every time you're thinking, you get a thief-like look in your eyes. Your eyes actively tell everyone that you're about to do something bad.
That look of yours isn't even good enough for a thief. Everyone will instinctively be wary of you. It's like carving 'untrustworthy' on your face."
Dick found his head already swollen and pressed it painfully, saying, "I'm very sorry, Ms. Surana, I don't know how to change this... habit."
Dick himself wasn't aware of this characteristic, but he didn't doubt the truthfulness of Ms. Surana's words.
According to Ms. Surana's words, if 'untrustworthy' was carved on his face... Dick felt that 'trustworthy' must be carved on Ms. Surana's face.
...
Ms. Surana nodded slightly and said, "Willingness to apologize is a good habit, after all, humility is a virtue, but don't use it as an excuse for weakness.
Since Lord Green arranged for you to study, I just hope you put more effort into it and meet Lord Green's requirements soon, so I can also be freed from this boring teaching task sooner.
Also, a kind piece of advice: don't test anyone's patience. This is a matter of life and death. Think more about your sister Yulia."
Dick swallowed, hastily saying, "Madam, I promise, I swear, I absolutely haven't been lazy!"
*Smack*! Dick was once again mercilessly struck by Ms. Surana.
"Have you forgotten your dignified posture?"
Dick forced himself to resist rubbing the painful spot, because if he did, it would result in another strike from Ms. Surana.
Dick couldn't help but ask, puzzled, "Sorry, Madam, what dignity?"
Only then did Ms. Surana remember that Dick had not yet progressed to this lesson.
This situation naturally didn't stump Ms. Surana. She moved on to the next topic, which quickly captured Dick's attention.
"Mr. Dick, I have prepared a mirror for you. It will help you become a sincere gentleman."
...
The sea was tumultuous, with rows of mountain-like giant waves roaring and rolling towards the shore with overwhelming force, crashing against the rocks standing by the sea, stirring up white foam, and emitting thunderous sounds.
Dragonstone, Docks.
Lord Green, who had just disembarked, looked up at the dragon-shaped castle and then surveyed his surroundings.
Dragonstone was ancient and sturdy, but Dragonstone's vassals were few, and the island was sparsely populated, making it difficult for the Lord to raise an army.
However, Dragonstone was a fortress difficult to breach with conventional military force.
"Good day, Count Green, welcome to Dragonstone."
The person who came to greet Lord Green was none other than Ser Davos Seaworth.
Hadn't Davos gone to the Stormlands?
Lord Green was puzzled because when Davos visited Lord Green, Lord Green remembered Davos telling him that he would be going to the Stormlands the next day.
...
Lord Green immediately beamed, opening his arms and embracing Davos like an old friend.
"Good day, Ser Davos, I didn't expect you to greet me personally. I am deeply honored."
Facing Lord Green's enthusiasm, Davos's tone remained humble: "I was just reporting military affairs to Duke Stannis when I heard the news of your imminent arrival. I volunteered to come and greet you."
After speaking, Davos introduced, "This is my third son, Matthos seaworth, who serves as my first mate on the black bess."
Matthos was tall and thin, bearing a third of Davos's resemblance, and greeted Lord Green, saying, "Good day, Count Green."
Matthos's demeanor was as humble and polite as his father's.
Lord Green returned the greeting: "Good day, Mr. Matthos. The black bess is Ser Davos's pride, and I imagine you are also his pride, serving as first mate."
Matthos's eyes lit up. He chuckled shyly and nodded to Lord Green in thanks.
Davos's gaze was kind. He reached out and patted Matthos, saying, "The waves are merciless; he still needs more training."
...
Lord Green followed Davos, walking along, seeing dragon-shaped carvings and decorations everywhere. Although the Targaryen had lost the Iron Throne, the imprint of the Targaryen was deeply etched here.
Lord Green ascended the steep stone steps and arrived at the Stone Drum Tower, Dragonstone's main castle.
It earned its name, Stone Drum Tower, because its ancient walls would rumble and echo during storms.
Legend has it that a hidden passage in the Stone Drum Tower's dungeon leads to the heart of Dragon Mountain.
Without a word, Lord Green and his party arrived at the Map Room, located at the very top of the Stone Drum Tower.
The Map Room was a circular room with a massive table in the center, intricately carved with a detailed map of Westeros. Four tall, narrow windows faced the east, west, south, and north directions.
Here, Lord Green met Duke Stannis, who had a stern expression.
Lord Green bowed with a hand over his chest: "Good day, Duke Stannis, I am deeply honored to meet you."