Baron Green was simply laughing as he recalled some deep memories, but the smile that appeared at this moment could easily be misinterpreted by others.
Baron Green forcibly controlled his facial muscles.
The attendants inside the tent moved softly, pouring a cup of summer red for Baron Green and Margaery Tyrell respectively.
Margaery Tyrell raised her cup and took a sip of the summer red, her eyes seeming to hold a hint of triumph.
Baron Green remained calm, also raising his wine glass, his mind pondering if there was a way to keep this "breakup fee" without hindering his original intention.
Baron Green put down his wine glass and said, "Lady Margaery, if I were to return like this now, do you know what consequences I would face?"
Without waiting for Margaery Tyrell's reaction, Baron Green chuckled softly and continued, "In the Red Keep of King's Landing, perhaps great figures can make mistakes, but small figures are never allowed to fail, not even once.
Great figures may not consider the safety of small figures, but small figures must learn to care for themselves."
With a calm expression, Baron Green picked up his wine glass again, paused, and then placed it back on the table: "An ancestor of House Clebber was named Clarence Clebber; he relied on the blade in his hand to become a legendary hero of the Claw Isle.
Clement Clebber, Rupert Clebber, and another who shared the same name as the legendary hero, known as Little Clarence… these three also became Kingsguard, representing Westeros's strongest knights, by virtue of the swords in their hands.
For hundreds of years, or perhaps a thousand years, or even longer… the Kleber surname, since its birth, has been accompanied by blood and sword, right up to this day."
Baron Green reached out, picked up his wine glass, and tilted his head back, drinking the remaining half of the summer red in one gulp.
Baron Green put down his wine glass, his gaze becoming sharp: "Because of the war more than ten years ago, the Kleber Family has been suppressed by the Red Keep for over a decade, and it was only with great difficulty that Queen Cersei, following the tradition of Claw Isle directly serving the Queen, re-bestowed her trust.
But now, I seem to have already foreseen the bleak future of my family.
Just as I said, in the Red Keep of King's Landing, only great figures can make mistakes; small figures are never allowed to fail, not even once.
Lady Margaery, I originally thought this errand, merely representing Her Majesty the Queen to greet the Duke of Highgarden, would be very simple, which is why I volunteered.
Until just now, I still held out hope, but now, after speaking with you, I have confirmed that I am destined to betray Her Majesty the Queen's trust."
Baron Green's words were like a heavy hammer, falling again and again, making Margaery Tyrell feel breathless.
Baron Green's current demeanor instinctively made Margaery Tyrell uneasy.
Why is this happening? Did I mess up Grandmother's arrangements? Did I make a mistake somewhere?
Margaery Tyrell suppressed a hint of panic in her heart; she trusted her judgment. Baron Green wasn't a brute. Was he acting for her?
Although Margaery Tyrell showed no outward emotion, her thoughts became jumbled for a moment.
Baron Green retracted the sharpness from his eyes, his gaze becoming peaceful: "Tomorrow, the arena will be dyed red. I will openly make every challenger bleed until the terrified Riverlands swordsmen rush forward en masse, and blood flows like a river."
Baron Green's back left the chair back; he leaned forward slightly, his tone soft but full of confidence: "Kingsguard Jaime Lannister told me that I am stronger than the Sword of the Morning. Please believe me, Lady Margaery, I can definitely do it."
Jaime Lannister did not say this; this was Baron Green's benevolent lie.
Baron Green's tone was calm, but the content of his words dripped with blood.
Baron Green was waiting for her answer. His next step depended on her choice; he had made all preparations.
Silence filled the tent as Baron Green and Margaery Tyrell gazed at each other.
Is Little Rose trying to suppress my aura with her big eyes? Baron Green naturally widened his eyes. I'll keep staring!
Does Baron Green think I'm afraid of him? I might be afraid occasionally, but never terrified! I'll stare back!
After a while, Baron Green and Margaery Tyrell almost simultaneously shifted their gazes, their expressions very natural.
After a pause, Margaery Tyrell's deer-like brown eyes looked back at Baron Green, her lips curving slightly: "It seems Baron Green has a better idea. I am willing to listen."
Baron Green raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and then sighed softly: "I imagine, Lady Margaery, you wouldn't want to see anything bad happen in the arena, would you?"
Margaery Tyrell's small face nodded slightly: "But, Baron Green, the arena still needs to be dealt with. Your arena has attracted the attention of the entire Riverlands; no matter how far or near, almost all Riverlands swordsmen are on their way."
Baron Green and Margaery Tyrell had already switched to another kind of negotiation.
Meeting Duke Inflatable Fish was possible, but Margaery Tyrell had a prerequisite: the arena situation needed a perfect resolution.
Baron Green asked, "If I were to leave here with the gold dragons, may I ask what Highgarden's original plan was for handling the aftermath?"
He's testing me again!
Tonight's interaction with Baron Green, though brief, had allowed Margaery Tyrell to grow.
Perhaps it was the sudden exposure to high pressure amidst a smooth life that spurred it, or perhaps it was a culmination of past experiences; in any case, it was a valuable gain tonight.
The current Margaery Tyrell found it easier to read people's hearts.
Baron Green seemed to be concerned about how they would handle things afterward, but what he actually wanted to ascertain was Margaery Tyrell's influence within Highgarden; more specifically, Baron Green wanted to know how much Margaery Tyrell could decide.
Margaery Tyrell, mimicking Baron Green, raised her delicate eyebrows and said, "I can be honest with you: I originally intended to take this opportunity to host a grand outdoor banquet. No matter your status, anyone could attend the banquet I hosted."
After speaking, a bright gleam appeared in Margaery Tyrell's deer-like brown eyes.
Hiss! She's indeed a rich woman!
Baron Green agreed, "Indeed, your beauty combined with fine wine would unknowingly dissipate all grievances."
Margaery Tyrell smiled like a blooming flower: "Baron Green, do you seem to have an even better idea?"
The usually composed Baron Green was slightly stunned but quickly returned to normal.
The change in Baron Green's expression did not escape Margaery Tyrell's eyes; Baron Green's recent expression greatly pleased Margaery Tyrell.
Having achieved a certain goal, Baron Green was now subtly coaxing Little Rose with his exquisite acting.
Baron Green felt a little tired in his heart, but as soon as he thought of the 3,000 gold dragons, all fatigue instantly vanished.
Since he had already taken the trouble to bring them, how could he possibly trouble Little Rose by making her take them back?
Baron Green was wondering if his voice had been a bit too loud earlier.
Among Baron Green's previous words, there was a sentence about Claw Isle having a tradition of loyalty to the Queen.
Conversely, Baron Green was also implying to Margaery Tyrell that only a Queen who had the loyalty of Claw Isle could be a complete Queen—this was tradition.
Baron Green was a person who paid attention to details.
Baron Green would use subtle details to make Margaery Tyrell feel pleased.
Of course, the prerequisite was still to achieve their new agreement first.