As his voice fell, silence descended upon the dining table.
After a pause, Hand of the King Tywin's voice rang out: "Joffrey, according to your idea, the Lords of the Seven Kingdoms can no longer have their own armies, correct?"
Joffrey's face was filled with excitement. He nodded and said: "Of course, from now on, all nobles of the Seven Kingdoms will be directly protected by the King."
After staring at Joffrey for a moment, Hand of the King Tywin's gaze shifted to the opposite side and he said: "Duke Green, are you willing to cooperate with Joffrey's plan?"
As his words fell, everyone looked over. Green smiled calmly and said: "If time and opportunity allow…"
He bowed to Joffrey: "I am willing to support the King's great endeavor."
Joffrey clenched his left hand into a fist. He was very satisfied with Duke Green's immense loyalty and chuckled: "I truly did not misjudge you. As a just King, loyalty will surely be rewarded. At that time, I will entrust you with command of a Royal Army."
Hand of the King Tywin looked with complex emotions at Green, who was thanking Joffrey, then glanced at Cersei… His "good" daughter was staring with full affection in Green's direction.
The Old Lion's surging fury could no longer be suppressed.
"Joffrey." The warm dining room suddenly felt as if winter had arrived.
Hand of the King Tywin's voice carried the tremor of suppressed anger: "I have heard enough of your foolish remarks tonight."
Cersei's body trembled slightly. She knew her father; she could feel that Joffrey had completely enraged the Old Lion, and the consequences of that…
She immediately reached out and grabbed one of the Old Lion's arms: "Father…"
Hand of the King Tywin coldly eyed his pleading daughter, then, after a pause, looked at Margaery. His tone held a hint of kindness: "Miss Tyrell, thank you for preparing dinner. I very much enjoyed tonight's dishes. Also, please convey my regards to Lord Mace… And, if you would be so kind, please inform him of my wish to have breakfast with him tomorrow morning."
Margaery rose and gave a graceful, slight smile: "I will, my Hand of the King Tywin. It is my honor to serve you."
Glancing at the window, Margaery turned and gave a slight bow to Joffrey: "King, my father retires early. To avoid disturbing his sleep, please allow me to take my leave."
It seemed… Joffrey had been temporarily stunned by the Old Lion's outburst of anger. His composed, handsome face managed a slight smile towards his cautious fiancée, and he waved his hand: "Hmm, go. I'll take you riding tomorrow."
Green then walked over: "King, please allow me to escort Miss Margaery."
Joffrey looked up at the gentle-eyed Green, nodded slightly, and said: "Go."
After Crabb and Tyrell left, Jaime also rose to take his leave. Hand of the King Tywin looked at his eldest son and nodded.
Seeing Jaime about to leave, Joffrey, sensing the increasingly "strange" atmosphere, immediately spoke up to stop him: "Uncle, you are my Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, you cannot leave first!"
Ser Jaime's steps did not falter. As he walked, he said: "Joffrey, when you come of age, I will heed your command."
He looked at the Hound: "Sandor Clegane, I command you to leave with me."
The Hound: "…"
He didn't hesitate much, then lifted his large foot, a swish of his snow-white cloak, and followed behind the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
This scene was very familiar. Joffrey's voice was filled with panic: "Hound, I forbid you to leave! I command you to stay, I am the King!"
Seeing this, Cersei immediately walked over and hugged her son. Just as she was about to speak, Hand of the King Tywin's voice rang out: "Cersei, you may leave."
At this moment, with a clang, the sound of the heavy door closing echoed.
Feeling Joffrey tremble, Cersei looked at the Old Lion, forcing a smile: "Father, please believe me, Joffrey must have had too much to drink tonight. I promise, I will teach him well… In the future… I will let him drink less, or… only let him drink low-alcohol…"
"Enough, Cersei."
The Old Lion stood up. He no longer paid attention to Cersei, who only indulged her son, and gazed at Joffrey: "Tell me, who taught you this?"
Hearing this, Cersei wanted to subtly hint for her son to find a scapegoat, but Joffrey's bewildered expression had already given Hand of the King Tywin his answer.
Utterly foolish!
Hand of the King Tywin's broad chest slowly rose and fell. He said coldly: "Do you know, if your foolish plan were to get out, how many rebels would appear in the Seven Kingdoms tomorrow? Stark, Tully, Greyjoy, Stannis, they would celebrate all night, because their common enemy… Joffrey Baratheon, personally buried his own kingdom."
Hand of the King Tywin's tall figure was full of oppressive power. Joffrey's body unconsciously trembled again, but… it seemed his Mother, who was hugging him, gave him courage. He stiffened his neck and said: "Grand…Grandfather, my plan is to establish an army loyal to the Royal family. How can you say I am burying the kingdom?!"
Hand of the King Tywin was like a Lion about to pounce and tear. He gritted his teeth and said: "You take away the Lords' armies, what will they use to protect their lands, castles, and children? The King's protection? Why should they trust you? Just because you want to destroy all the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms? Do you think they are as foolish as you?!"
The Old Lion roared: "Why do you think the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms recognize you as King? Let me tell you… it's because you are Robert's bloodline. You have it, they don't. That is the only reason."
"Father, please…"
"Ser Adam!"
No sooner had Hand of the King Tywin's words fallen than Adam Marbrand, leading a dozen Lannister red cloaks, pushed open the door and strode in.
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