Greene Kleber lowered his gaze; Melisandre's hands were slender and long, with distinct joints, her fingertips like beautiful harp strings, radiating an alluring glow.
Greene looked up, his brown eyes meeting the red eyes of the priestess: "Lady Melisandre, I believe Duke Stannis's ship invited me here not to discuss unfamiliar faiths."
After speaking, he glanced at the ruby at her throat, then walked past Melisandre to the Map Room.
Melisandre's low voice resounded: "Count Greene, the Lord of Light watches over every mortal on earth."
Greene gazed at the Map Room and said, "Whether it's a true god or a false god, I am just a small lord. All I care about is whether my people can eat their fill."
He paused, then looked at Melisandre: "The new bishop of Crabclaw Point is on my ship right now. He might be very willing to pay homage to your power."
In Melisandre's blood-red eyes, candle flames seemed to dance wildly: "Holy fire will protect believers and cleanse all evil."
A cold light flashed in Greene's eyes, and his right hand slowly hovered over the hilt of the longsword at his waist.
Stannis Baratheon's cold voice suddenly rang out: "Intent…"
He muttered a word, then continued: "The Map Room is not a missionary hall."
Davos Seaworth shifted his feet, his body naturally blocking the line of sight between Greene and Melisandre.
Davos's gaze turned to Greene, his voice friendly: "Count Greene, if you don't mind, I'd like to hear your advice. I've always admired your military talent."
As Davos finished speaking, Stannis's gaze moved back to Greene. Beneath his thick brows, his eyes were like two wounds.
Greene nodded slightly. He stared at the map of the Seven Kingdoms on the Map Room table and paced a few steps, saying, "Duke Stannis, as a friendly guest, please forgive my presumption."
Duke Stannis nodded imperceptibly.
Greene pointed to the Vale and said, "There, the criminal who poisoned Prime Minister Jon is awaiting judgment from a just person, and therefore, it is very likely to fall into civil war before judgment comes. It can be said to be a place preoccupied with its own affairs."
Greene's finger pointed to the Riverlands: "This place will soon become a battlefield for lions, wolves, and fish."
He pointed to the Stormlands: "You understand the situation here better than anyone."
Finally, his finger rested on the Riverlands: "According to the current situation, it can be said that the support of the Golden Rose Family can determine the final outcome of the war."
Greene leaned his hands on the edge of the Map Room table and looked up at Duke Stannis, who was gazing at the Riverlands.
"Duke Stannis, I understand the Siege of Storm's End from more than a decade ago, but I must advise you, with my limited wisdom, I believe the support of the Golden Rose is crucial."
After a moment of silence, Davos sighed: "Count Greene, this… is difficult."
Duke Stannis snorted coldly and said, "The timid ones want to hide behind city walls, waiting to see which way the wind blows. The bold ones want to pledge allegiance to Renly. What does Renly have? In the Small Council, he only jokes with Littlefinger. At tourneys, he puts on his pretty armor and gets unhorsed by a skilled lancer. That sums up my brother Renly's accomplishments. What sin did I commit to be associated with such a brother in this life?!"
Selyse Florent's sharp voice suddenly came: "Stannis, the so-called advice they offer is foolish. As the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, can you only beg and grovel?"
Duke Stannis frowned and looked at the person he called his wife: "Woman, when have I ever begged and groveled?"
Tap, tap, tap, Lady Selyse walked over: "I am very pleased to hear you say that. According to the will of the Lord of Light, you are the true ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Stark, Golden Rose Family, your brother Renly, and others should rightfully pledge allegiance to you. If so, wouldn't it be undignified to plead for their assistance, or even bargain for it?"
Duke Stannis's jaw moved silently… He had always been poor at dealing with women, even his own wife. When he went to the Red Keep to assist Jon Arryn in governing the kingdom, he would leave Selyse and his daughter on Dragonstone, and his letters home were few, visits even fewer, performing the marital duty that brought him no joy only once or twice a year.
After a pause, Duke Stannis said coldly: "Again with the intent… Madam, I remind you again, what I need is an army, not some blessing."
"My brothers and uncles have armies, and House Florent will fight for you."
"Two thousand soldiers from Florent? I'm afraid I don't have as much faith in them as you do. Selyse, Florent's lands are too close to Highgarden. I think your brothers and uncle won't dare to oppose the Golden Rose Family."
Lady Selyse leaned in and took Stannis's hand: "It is destined that you will sail from this isolated island, sweeping through armies, just like Aegon the Conqueror did. Your era is about to begin. R'hllor, the Lord of Light, is the heart of the holy flame, your most powerful ally."
Duke Stannis maintained a taut expression and asked: "How many armies will the Lord of Light give me?"
Lady Selyse spread an arm and said: "Melisandre has seen the prophecy in the holy fire… Your army will be as large as you need… Starting with the forces from Storm's End and Highgarden…"
Greene suddenly coughed lightly, interrupting Lady Selyse's words and attracting the attention of those present… Lord Green was preparing to leave.
Lady Selyse angrily shrieked in a sharp voice: "Half-savage count, this is an offense, an unforgivable offense!"
Stannis narrowed his eyes, staring at him. Greene calmly said, "Your Grace, if you are destined to be king, I think a marriage alliance might be more reliable than so-called intent."
Davos first glanced at Lady Selyse, who was being restrained by Lady Melisandre, then looked at the silent Duke Stannis, and said: "Count Greene, what do you mean?"
Greene shrugged and said: "If he is destined to be king, Lord Stannis needs a queen who can bring him a hundred thousand soldiers."
Lady Selyse sharply retorted: "The one true king already has the one true queen!"
Tap, tap, tap, tap, Duke Stannis stepped forward and stood in front of Greene, saying: "Count Greene, I do not like hypocrites."
Duke Stannis's gaze was sharp: "When you offered me advice, you already knew I would not accept it."
Greene met Duke Stannis's gaze and nodded frankly: "Respected Duke Stannis, your insight is like a torch. I must confess, this is one of the reasons I respect you."
He put his hand to his chest and said: "Under more than a decade of continuous blockade and suppression by the Vale Noble, Crabclaw Point has been in constant turmoil. The Kleber Family fought to end the fighting, paying the price of extreme weakness, only then did we manage to achieve a rare peace. Kleber cannot afford another defeat. Just as you are, please allow us, the weak, to hide behind the city walls and see which way the wind blows."
After a moment of pause, Greene added: "I assure you, whether out of respect for you or out of the legal order of succession, Crabclaw Point will never serve Duke Renly."
After a moment of silence, Duke Stannis said coldly: "What about Lannister?"
Greene's expression showed no hesitation: "Cersei Lannister has shown great kindness to Kleber, but in my eyes, she is not Lannister."
Duke Stannis's gaze was scrutinizing: "Then let me rephrase that. Will you be loyal to Cersei to the end?"
Greene's gaze was firm: "Duke Stannis, I am a knight who has not yet lost his heart of honor."
Duke Stannis turned around, his gaze moving to the Map Room table. Greene did not speak again.
After standing motionless for a moment, Duke Stannis, with his back to Greene, said coldly: "You may withdraw. Remember your promise, Greene Kleber."
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