Day Four of the arena challenge.
There's always a segment of people with intense curiosity.
Before dawn, a considerable crowd had already begun to gather around the arena.
They were truly curious about what slogans would be displayed on the arena today; the challenge arena set up by Green was becoming a hot topic in the Riverlands.
Night gradually faded, and the pale red sky slowly rose.
Green did not disappoint the waiting crowd; a new title was hung up amidst the crowd's comments.
Next to "Riverlands Swordsmen Are Not Men," another one appeared: "Riverlands Swordsmen Have No Man's Heart."
Buzz! The crowd's emotions were immediately ignited.
How outrageous! Is being skilled in swordplay so amazing?
When these two slogans were combined, some people vaguely felt a certain kind of insult.
...
Day Five of the arena challenge, the added slogan was "All Riverlands Swordsmen Are Not Men."
...
Day Six of the arena challenge, the added slogan was "Riverlands Swordsmen Need a Pretty Dress."
...
...
Evening, Kleber Family's tent.
Green sat in the tent, pondering the slogan he would use tomorrow.
After the dress, should it be jewelry or cosmetics?
Green shook his head inwardly; this impact was a bit too small.
Green rubbed his chin, a husband... a Riverlands swordsman in a dress needs a husband to go with it?
Would that be a bit too much? Would it be difficult to manage later?
...
Thinking of this, Green chuckled softly.
The noble Tyrell Family, if they intend to casually dismiss Green, then they shouldn't blame him for escalating the situation.
If it gets big, then it gets big.
Green, who was wholeheartedly upholding Queen Cersei's dignity, faced with the Tyrell Family's disdain, had no mood to sit down and discuss matters except to fiercely retaliate and stomp on them.
To sit down and talk under such circumstances would itself be an insult to Queen Cersei.
The arrogant Tyrell Family first betrayed Queen Cersei's friendship.
Loyal Baron Green, however, did not betray Queen Cersei's trust; he mercilessly rubbed the Riverlands' face into the ground, reclaiming Queen Cersei's dignity.
Green decided to write a letter tonight, laying the groundwork with Queen Cersei in advance, preparing for the worst-case scenario.
...
At this moment, Steward Rosser entered the tent: "My lord, Highgarden has sent someone; Lord Velas Tyrell invites you to dinner."
Velas Tyrell? That fellow who hides his inherent arrogance with a facade of kindness?
Has the Tyrell Family finally decided to make a move?
...
As a transmigrator, Green lacked the 'fawning' nature towards so-called noble families.
Green's goal was clear, and he had no time to play games with Velas Tyrell.
Now, it was a test of patience.
Green raised an eyebrow and said, "Rosser, please decline on my behalf, and be polite in your words. Hmm... just say that I've sustained many internal injuries from the continuous challenges, and to not disappoint the enthusiasm of the Riverlands swordsmen, and to not delay tomorrow's emotional exchange, I need a night of rest."
Enthusiasm? Emotion?
Rosser was a professionally trained steward, but the muscles in his cheeks twitched almost imperceptibly.
Steward Rosser respectfully received Green's orders.
...
Although there were some twists, looking at today's situation, the stalemate has begun to loosen.
The day of meeting with Inflatable Fish Duke seems not far off.
Green sat at the table and picked up a quill.
The letter still needed to be written; it could serve as groundwork, and also as a claim for credit, at least letting boss Cersei understand Green's hard work.
...
Green re-read the written content and showed a hint of satisfaction.
Perhaps because things were finally progressing, Green's thoughts flowed like a spring, and he wrote the letter in one go without stopping.
After Green sealed the envelope with wax and stamped it, his hand paused.
Green thought of Duke Jon.
Green had not forgotten Duke Jon's one-month agreement.
Although Duke Jon had been long afflicted by illness, he was not senile and would not easily let Green off the hook.
He wondered how effective his plotting with Petyr had been?
...
Green placed the envelope aside and leaned back in his chair.
He couldn't let Duke Jon be; he had to find a way to deal with or eliminate him quickly.
Also, the hatred between Crab Claw Peninsula and the Vale Nobles—this was the greatest and most immediate hatred accumulated over the past decade or so.
Ending the chaos on Crab Claw Peninsula and gaining control of the entire peninsula was just the first step.
He also needed to prepare for a war of revenge against the Vale, using the blood of the Vale to win the hearts of the people of Crab Claw Peninsula and establish Green's unparalleled prestige.
Once these were accomplished, Green would be the true King of Crab Claw Peninsula, acknowledged and supported by all its people, and the Kleber Family would become the default ruling family of Crab Claw Peninsula.
...
Green's right thumb moved against his index finger; the Vale needed chaos.
...
...
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
Lancel Lannister, who was originally high-spirited and handsome, seemed to have transformed into another person.
At this moment, Lancel's eyes were dim, the corners of his mouth slightly drooped, and his shoulders slumped, as if he was suffocating under some immense pressure.
This was King Robert's "masterpiece."
Inside the room, there were only Queen Cersei and Lancel.
Queen Cersei looked at the timid Lancel, a hint of disdain flashing across her face.
"Cousin Lancel, are you alright?"
"Cousin, I... I'm fine."
Queen Cersei, sitting in a chair, sighed softly and beckoned to Lancel, who was standing before her: "Come here."
Lancel looked at Queen Cersei with a puzzled expression and obediently walked closer to her.
Queen Cersei gently beckoned again.
Lancel thought his cousin Cersei had something important to tell him secretly, so he leaned down.
For the first time, Lancel almost pressed his body against her, smelling the strong floral scent on Queen Cersei.
Cersei's floral scent made him dizzy.
Queen Cersei stretched out her hands and placed them on Lancel's cheeks: "Lancel, tell your cousin, do you hate Robert?"
Cousin Cersei is so beautiful... Lancel's face turned crimson, and he nodded unconsciously.
Queen Cersei curled her lips, her beautiful eyes bright: "Lancel, we must make that damned bastard Robert realize what a lion's roar is! Lannister always pays his debts!"
Queen Cersei's voice was so cold it made Lancel tremble, rousing him from his daze.
Lancel couldn't help but step back several paces in fright, his voice trembling as he spoke: "Cousin Cersei, what... what do you want to do?"
Queen Cersei gracefully rose from her chair, lifted her chin, and stared coldly at Lancel: "Lancel, you've already heard, do you still intend to pretend ignorance? Are you betraying me?"
Lancel wanted to cry; why did Cousin have to let him hear something so terrifying?
He came to King's Landing to become the King's attendant, to make his father proud of him, for the glory of the Lannister.
King Robert curses him whenever he has a moment, and now Cousin Cersei... are the King and Queen trying to force him to his death together?