Greene Kleber stood on the reef, watching Petyr Baelish's small boat depart.
Not far away, Varys emerged from the darkness, his steps light as he came to stand beside Greene.
Varys clasped his hands, as if sighing with emotion, "It's truly heartbreaking. I wonder if there will be an opportunity in the future to work with Lord Petyr again."
Greene looked up and smiled, saying, "It's a pity Lord Petyr can't hear you, otherwise he would surely be very touched."
Varys smiled and shook his head, pausing for a moment before saying earnestly, "Count Greene, as per our agreement... now we just have to wait for the results."
Greene's eyebrows raised slightly: "Lord Varys, you seem to have already determined that Queen Cersei is the victor."
Varys looked at Greene, his eyes gleaming: "You are the only variable, Count Greene."
The hesitation on Greene's face flickered, and he sighed softly, saying, "I tried my best, but Duke Ned's sense of honor is unshakeable."
Varys also sighed, "Duke Direwolf's noble character is beyond question, but good people are not suited for the game of power, because good people cannot resort to any means to achieve their goals like bad people."
Greene was silent, but in his heart, he was sighing... Once you're at the table of the game of power, is there still a distinction between good people and bad people?
Greene pulled his thoughts back and said solemnly, "Lord Varys, as per our agreement, no matter the outcome, Eddard Stark must be safely returned to Winterfell."
Varys's eyes flickered, and he smiled, "It seems you've already guessed the outcome."
"Lord Varys, perhaps everyone inwardly respects Duke Stannis, but they don't like him, and they fear him even more. When Duke Ned chose Duke Stannis as the heir to the Iron Throne, he had already lost, in fact."
Varys said softly, "We also cannot let Duke Stannis inherit the Iron Throne; the Seven Kingdoms would put aside their grievances for the sake of one man."
Greene chuckled, saying, "That will certainly be the case. With a common enemy, even for self-preservation... even the greatest grudges will be temporarily set aside. Perhaps this is Duke Stannis's... charm?"
After hearing Greene's "teasing," Varys also laughed.
Greene and Varys started walking, discussing as they went... The two "loyal subjects" whom Viserys himself didn't even know about, were meticulously planning for him.
Before parting with Varys, Greene looked up at the towering Red Keep and said wearily, "Lord Varys, this place is too complicated. If possible... I want to leave this place that exhausts me physically and mentally as soon as possible."
Varys's eyes were bright, and he showed a benevolent smile, reaching out to pat Greene, as if offering silent comfort.
The eastern sky began to show a touch of pink, gradually spreading.
King's Landing, Steel Gate.
Greene pulled on the reins to stop his horse, observing the busy Kleber's Blue Cloaks.
Soon after, Pel Pili strode over and saluted him up close.
Greene sat on his horse, looking down at the solemn Pel, and said, "My most loyal Knight Pel, is everything going smoothly?"
"My Lord, we have taken control of the Steel Gate, but the former Steel Gate captain of the guard refuses to hand over the keys. He insists that he will never hand them over to us without an order from Count Janos."
The Steel Gate is one of the seven city gates of King's Landing. Like other city gates, its guard area has its own armory, stables, granary, wine cellar, cells, etc., like a military fortress.
Pel was referring to the keys to the storeroom managed by the former captain of the guard.
Greene raised an eyebrow: "What's the situation now?"
"That man is guarding the armory with a dozen Gold Cloaks, and he's used heavy objects to barricade the armory door. Besides them, the other Gold Cloaks have already been disarmed by us."
Pel had been on standby near the Steel Gate. After receiving Greene's order, he held up the letter of appointment stamped with the Hand of the King's seal and led his troops directly into the Gold Cloaks' guard area of the Steel Gate.
The Steel Gate's guard area is very large, with all kinds of facilities, like a city within a city. However, because it was not wartime, there were usually about 200 Gold Cloaks stationed there.
Taking advantage of the deep night, and with the Hand of the King's order in hand, Pel quickly took control of the Steel Gate, except for the armory where those men were holed up.
After listening to Pel's report, Greene spoke, "Mondon."
Hearing this, Monton Wei Shui urged his horse to Greene's front, his wide, bewildered eyes looking at his liege lord.
"You go send them to meet the stranger."
After Mondon left with a group of Blue Cloaks, Greene dismounted from his horse.
"Pel, not a single stranger can be left in this place, and the Survey Corps must check every stone. We cannot leave any opening for the enemy."
Pel nodded solemnly: "My Lord, I will remember your command. The enemy is everywhere."
In fact, another Kleber's sworn sword, Mason Baker, was more skilled in military duties such as defense. However, among the generals of Klaeb Territory who could stand on their own... there were only three.
Mason Baker was responsible for the defense of Klaeb Territory, Impa was responsible for the final stages of the westward advance on Crab Claw Peninsula, and the offensive-minded Knight Pel was Greene's only choice.
Greene patted Pel's arm... Given the opportunity, perhaps those skilled in offense would more easily learn how to defend against enemies.
"Accompany me on a patrol..."
Whoop whoop whoop whoop whoop, a horn suddenly sounded from the tower.
The steady Lord Green was surprised. This was the horn signal for an enemy invasion... He had just been appointed captain of the Steel Gate guard. Who was so bold?
To exit the Steel Gate from within the city, one must first pass through a large guard area gate, similar in size to the Red Keep's main gate.
At this moment, outside the Steel Gate guard area's main gate, dozens of riders were gathered, and someone was shouting, "In the King's name, open the gate!"
Creeaaak, the two iron-clad gates slowly opened, and the arrogant knights suddenly fell silent.
Facing them were dense ranks of Blue Cloaks soldiers. The faint morning light reflecting off their armor added a layer of sternness.
The commotion on the inner wall also attracted their attention. They saw soldiers drawing bows and nocking arrows, and sharp-eyed individuals were the first to spot the aimed scorpions.
Clip-clop, Greene's horse stepped forward. He noticed that the riders in front were Renly's guards.
Greene knew Renly would leave King's Landing to return to the Stormlands, but why didn't he use the southern gate? Was he worried that someone with ill intentions would guess his direction of "escape" from King's Landing and set an ambush, deliberately choosing the least likely direction to leave? Westeros's version of feigning an attack while making a diversion? Whether it was or not didn't matter. Duke Renly seemed to be falling into Lord Green's hands... Ahem, luck is also part of strength.
Behind the riders, the dense sound of hooves approached, and looking back, dozens of Marigold banners fluttered.
Greene stopped his horse and called out, "Within five counts, dismount, lay down your weapons, and kneel, otherwise... by the crime of disturbing the gate, you will be killed on the spot!"
After speaking, Greene raised one hand, palm facing the opposite side, and said, "Five!"
The atmosphere was tense, and Renly's guards' mounts stirred restlessly.
"Four!"
"You know..."
The man's impatient voice was interrupted by Greene: "Three!"
Greene said unhurriedly, "Two!"
"Wait!"
Greene's and Renly's voices sounded almost simultaneously. Then Renly's guards all made way, and Duke Renly, dressed in a dark green cloak, urged his horse forward.
Greene cocked his head, sizing up the grim-faced Renly.
"Well, if it isn't our Master of Laws. Are you leaving the city?"
Duke Renly scrutinized Greene, who wore a disdainful expression, and countered, "Kleber, why are you here?"
Greene lightly kicked his horse's belly, and the horse trotted towards Duke Renly.
"Duke Baratheon, my new position is Captain of the Steel Gate Guard."
As he got closer, Greene stopped his horse and unfolded the letter of appointment signed by Eddard Stark.
After Duke Renly withdrew his gaze from the letter of appointment, he said with a forced smile, "Congratulations, Count... Kleber."
Renly gazed at Greene for a while longer. There wasn't much unusual visible on his face, but inwardly he was unsettled... Everyone knew Greene was a confidant of Cersei Lannister, and the current situation made him unable to help but overthink.
Duke Renly couldn't help but look around. He was surrounded... his current situation was very dangerous.
To leave safely, Duke Renly not only dressed discreetly but also deliberately chose to leave King's Landing through the Steel Gate, which was in the opposite direction of the Stormlands. Who had betrayed his whereabouts? Who?!
Duke Renly's first suspect was Varys, the Master of Whisperers... Then, he sharply scanned his personal guards.
Greene lightly coughed, drawing Renly's attention, and said, "Duke Baratheon, in the name of the Queen, from today onward, King's Landing can only be entered, not exited."
Greene had no ill intentions; he thought about it... Next, for Duke Stannis, it was an internal struggle within House Baratheon. He couldn't let Duke Stannis lose his primary target due to his interference. Stannis and Renly were, after all, brothers; if there was a problem, they should close the door and resolve it within the Stormlands first.
Greene glanced at the dilapidated inner wall of the Steel Gate guard area... Hmm, it would require gold dragons.
So, let Duke Renly slightly misunderstand Queen Cersei.
Hearing what Greene said, Duke Renly stared at Greene and said in a deep voice, "Count Kleber, I must remind you that Cersei has no such authority."
Greene shrugged indifferently: "Duke Baratheon, if you have doubts, I can send someone to report to Queen Cersei."
Duke Renly: "..."
The sky was already faintly bright, and Duke Renly could not delay too long. He absolutely could not fall into the hands of the Lannister... So, he tried to communicate with Greene.
Duke Renly took a deep breath: "Count Greene, my brother has passed away, and the Seven Kingdoms need a new king."
Duke Renly's solemn expression changed, naturally revealing a carefree demeanor.
"My nephew is still young, and as the King's brother, I cannot stand idly by and watch the Lannister control the Iron Throne. You should be very familiar with the Lannister's cruelty; they are destined to be jointly crusaded by all those with a sense of justice, and the evil Lannister will also be destined to fail."
Duke Renly spread his hands and continued, "Count Greene, I heard that Ned admires you greatly. I think someone valued by Ned must have justice in their heart, and the Gods will also bless a righteous heart."
Ignoring his personal guard's obstruction, Renly rode his horse alone to Greene's side. Their horses stood parallel, their heads facing opposite directions.
Duke Renly showed a hearty smile, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Count Greene, there are no other eyes here. I will not forget your righteous act, and we will toast together sooner or later. Or..."
Renly's gaze swept over the Blue Cloaks soldiers who stood as still as statues... These were elites.
Duke Renly's eyes flickered, and he continued, "We can leave together, and in the future... you will be my brother."
Greene was not moved by Renly's sincerity. He shook his head slightly and said, "Duke Renly, Kleber directly serves the Queen. This is our tradition, and I have no choice but to decline your offer."
Greene's inner thoughts: Stop making empty promises, give me something practical. I don't want to make things too difficult for anyone.
Renly's face froze for a moment... Was he liked by Ned because he was also stubborn?
Greene's gaze occasionally drifted towards the dilapidated city wall, while Renly was silent for a moment... Perhaps Greene's hint was too subtle, as Duke Renly seemed to have completely missed it.
"Count Greene."
Greene heard Margaery Tyrell's voice. His brow furrowed imperceptibly, and he looked in the direction of the voice.
Margaery, also wearing a dark green cloak, rode out from among her heavy escort.
Greene nodded slightly, saying, "Miss Margaery? Why are you here?"
Margaery pulled back the hood of her cloak: "Count Greene, I am truly delighted to see you before leaving King's Landing."
Margaery's eyes and brows were smiling, and the morning light seemed to cast a soft golden edge on her, making her both gentle and beautiful.
Hesitation appeared on Greene's face; he merely forced a smile and remained silent.
Margaery skillfully hid the anxiety in her eyes and said gently, "Count Greene, your Queen somewhat dislikes..."
Greene raised his hand to stop Margaery from speaking, paused, and then said, "Miss Margaery, please give my regards to Duke Mace."
After speaking, Greene pulled on the reins, turned his horse around and left, then gestured for the soldiers to withdraw.
Margaery watched Greene silently leave first, and the hand holding the reins tightened. Finally, she smiled, pulled up her hood, and covered her face.
Prime Minister's Tower.
Duke Eddard spoke, "Sansa, Arya. In a little while, Greene will pick you up. He will send you back to Winterfell."
Arya Stark excitedly said, "Father, really? That's great, I've been homesick for a long time..."
As she spoke, she rolled her eyes and added, "Can I take Syrio with me?"
Duke Eddard stroked his little daughter's fuzzy head and smiled, "My daughter, you need to ask Greene about that."