Inside the study, the clever Dick bowed, placing his hand on his chest: "Good day, Lord Green."
Lord Green's brown eyes flickered, scrutinizing the man before him. His figure was still as thin, and his eyes still habitually darted around.
Feeling Lord Green's gaze on him, Dick's heart seemed to skip a beat, and a sense of tension arose from the depths of his heart, causing him to involuntarily tense his nerves.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but when Dick's back was drenched in cold sweat, that gaze finally moved away… and he could finally breathe normally.
Lord Green's voice rang out: "My kinsman Dick, what kind of person do you think… can keep a secret forever?"
His gradually relaxed nerves tightened again, and Dick couldn't help but kneel, mumbling, "I… I… I…"
Dick's lips trembled; he wanted to say something but didn't know what to say.
Lord Green's eyebrows raised slightly, and after a pause, he rose from his chair and walked over… personally helping the trembling Dick to his feet.
Lord Green seemed not to notice Dick's abnormality, casually saying, "Have you seen Yulia? Is she well?"
Dick spoke in a daze: "My sister is doing very well…"
His body stiffened for a moment, then he quickly said, "Lord Green, thank you for your protection. We will forever remember your kindness."
Lord Green patted Dick's arm, then walked to the bookshelf, pulled out an envelope, and said, "Dick of Waters, as per our agreement (Chapter 101)…"
Lord Green turned to Dick and continued, "By the King's name, you and your sister will lawfully bear the Kleber surname…"
He revealed a gentle smile and added, "Congratulations, Dick Kleber."
Dick stood motionless, mouth agape, for a long while. He suddenly knelt, choking out, "Thank you… truly… truly grateful to you… I… cannot repay…"
"Although some unexpected situations occurred, given the circumstances at the time, your decisiveness can be considered as having completed the task."
Lord Green once again reached out to help the tearful Dick Kleber to his feet, saying, "Therefore, this is your deserved reward."
Lord Green's voice was so melodious. Dick haphazardly wiped away his tears, his gratitude inexpressible and immeasurable.
...…
Lord Green led Dick to the map, pointing to a forest located in the western part of Crab Claw Peninsula, saying, "Dick Kleber, I originally intended to reward this land to you…"
His finger tapped the map, he paused, and continued, "Your short sword prevented a tragedy, and Daenerys is grateful to you. This small piece of land no longer matches your merits."
Lord Green's finger moved above maidenpool. He was silent for a moment… Lord Green was not angry at all (Chapters 57, 62).
Collecting his thoughts, Lord Green said, "Legend has it that when Florian first saw Jonquil, he was secretly watching her and her sisters bathe here…"
He smiled, then continued, "maidenpool is one of the wealthiest lordships in the Riverlands. That is the main point."
Dick's Adam's apple bobbed; he swallowed with difficulty and said, "Lord Green, do you mean…?"
Lord Green nodded slightly and asked, "Do you like it here?"
Dick nervously rubbed his hands at first, but Lord Green's gentle gaze gave him immense courage, and he nodded heavily.
Lord Green's gaze shifted to the Crab Claw Peninsula, saying, "Dick Kleber, do you know how the Andals conquered the Crab Claw Peninsula?"
Dick nodded and replied, "I dare not forget! A thousand years ago, the Andals tried to take the Crab Claw Peninsula, but they bled in the valleys, drowned in the swamps, and met obstacles everywhere. They couldn't conquer us, so they resorted to infiltration through marriage. Later, their beautiful daughters won with kisses what their strong sons could not win with swords."
Dick's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said, "Before the Andals came to Westeros, the Muton Family of maidenpool tried to conquer the Crab Claw Peninsula."
Lord Green said sternly, "The cowardly Earl Muton of maidenpool even sent people to defame the reputation of House Clebber during last year's Kingswood Hunting. Their ambition for the Crab Claw Peninsula is not dead, and Kleber will never forget."
Dick bowed slightly, saying solemnly, "United we stand."
Lord Green reached out and patted Dick's shoulder, saying, "Kleber is already the ruling family of the Crab Claw Peninsula, and I will support you."
Then, Lord Green thoroughly informed Dick about the current situation of the Muton Family of maidenpool.
Finally, he asked, "Dick, tell me, do you like maidenpool?"
Dick glanced at the land on the Crab Claw Peninsula that Lord Green had pointed to earlier, then stared directly at maidenpool for a while. He let out a breath and said loudly, "Lord Green, I like maidenpool!"
...…
...…
Ever since Daenerys arrived in Klaeb Territory, Lord Green could clearly feel that the burden on his shoulders had significantly lightened.
For example, because Lord Green needed to "struggle" in the Red Keep, he had to be away from his territory for many years. Although his vassals guarded the territory, for a lord without an heir, it could be said to be very dangerous.
To use an analogy, if seemingly ownerless treasures were constantly piled up in front of one, over time, it would appear as if Lord Green was intentionally testing the loyalty of his subordinates, which was a completely unnecessary test.
Therefore, to minimize this situation, Lord Green, while navigating the Red Keep, had to expend a great deal of energy to micro-manage his territory through raven communications.
Now, the 'Roll King' Lord Green, preparing to go north, unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
Even if Daenerys did nothing in Whispering City, her mere presence could unite the hearts of the people.
Why would this be so? Because this is the continent of Westeros.
...…
"Giggle, giggle, giggle," Daenerys's joyful laughter interrupted Lord Green's thoughts.
Lord Green, with a smile in his eyes, asked, "Did you find something interesting?"
Daenerys was still covering her mouth and laughing, her eyes curved like crescent moons. She nodded.
After a pause, she continued, still laughing, "It's a greeting from Old Claypole. They call me…"
She shook the letter in her hand and continued, "Chief's wife!"
After speaking, Daenerys giggled again.
Lord Green smiled and said, "A very reasonable title."
Daenerys couldn't help but bend over, and then "with difficulty" waved her hand at Lord Green. Lord Green's reply seemed to have hit the princess's funny bone again.
...…
Daenerys's small face was flushed, and she picked up her goblet, taking a large sip of summer red.
Seeing Lord Green about to speak, Daenerys immediately raised her hand to stop him, her tone sounding like a plea: "Green, I need a moment."
Lord Green reached out and held the princess's hand, his lips curving slightly, and said, "It's important business."
Daenerys first looked at Lord Green suspiciously, then she seemed to remember something and said, "Green, are you leaving?"
What Daenerys thought of was the Crab Claw Peninsula's conquest of the Vale.
Lord Green nodded slightly. He pulled Daenerys into his arms and stayed quietly for a moment, saying, "I will leave the day after tomorrow. I'm leaving this to you, Daenerys."
Daenerys whispered, somewhat insecurely, "Green, I'm worried I won't handle the affairs of the Crab Claw Peninsula well."
"Daenerys, you have a heart of justice and compassion. The people will love you."
Daenerys hugged Lord Green tightly, nodding silently.
"I have appointed Samwell Tarly and Dick as your chief and second chief stewards, respectively. They will assist you."
Daenerys turned her head, looked up at Lord Green, and said, "My knight, I will wait for your triumphant return here."
After speaking, she reached up and wrapped her arms around Lord Green's neck, giving him a long, tender kiss.
The sorrow of parting soon turned into soft murmurs.
...…
...…
Seagull Town is the main port of the Vale, located southeast of Eyrie, on the shore of Crab Bay, south of Runestone.
Seagull Town has a naturally sheltered harbor. It is one of the five major cities of Westeros, comparable in size to White Harbor.
During Aegon's Conquest, Seagull Town's harbor was the site of the naval battle between the Targaryen and Arryn Families. Although the result of the war was the destruction of both fleets, it delayed the Vale's submission to Aegon I. Thereafter, the city flourished during the Targaryen Dynasty's rule.
In the early stages of the Usurper's War, Seagull Town was the center of the royalist forces in the Vale. Jon Arryn and Robert Baratheon suffered heavy losses of knights and soldiers in their efforts to capture the city.
After the Usurper's War ended, although Seagull Town quickly regained its former prosperity, its political status became awkward during the Baratheon Dynasty.
From then on, Seagull Town transformed from a vital port city with both military and trade importance into a purely commercial port with only limited defensive military strength.
Rumor has it… one night last year, dozens of unidentified bandits even burned down a merchant family in Seagull Town.
It is said… Earl Grafson of Seagull Town added ten more peacekeepers to appease the unrest among the populace.
...…
Vale, Seagull Town, Lord's Hall.
Earl Grafson sat high on the lord's chair, behind him hung the massive yellow burning tower family banner on a red background with a black triangle.
The middle-aged Seagull Town peacekeeper hurried into the hall. He bowed and said, "Esteemed Earl Grafson, an envoy from the Red Keep requests an audience."
Earl Grafson slightly widened his sleepy eyes and asked in confusion, "An envoy from the Red Keep?"
After a moment of silence, he looked at his maester.
The Seagull Town maester pondered, "My lord, I believe the Red Keep envoy is here for Lady Lysa of Eyrie."
Earl Grafson was even more puzzled: "Why would the Red Keep involve me in something like this?"
The Seagull Town maester cleared his throat and said, "I believe the Red Keep envoy's destination is Eyrie; they are merely passing through here. I heard that Lady Lysa has sealed the Blood Gate, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving."
Earl Grafson nodded vigorously: "Yes… yes… I remember now, that is indeed the case."
After a pause, he said, troubled, "Why didn't the Red Keep envoy take the Old Anchor Land route of the Malkor Family (a coastal city in the eastern Vale)?! Before the Alliance of the Righteous and the True Justice League decide a victor, I do not wish to have any contact with Eyrie!"
The Seagull Town maester advised, "My lord, the ultimate ownership of the Iron Throne is also not yet clear."
Earl Grafson agreed heartily: "We all thought Renly's army would break through King's Landing, but… but…"
Earl Grafson's attendant whispered in his ear: "Stannis…"
"Yes, Stannis. As it turned out, a few thousand soldiers from Dragonstone actually defeated Renly's hundred thousand strong army, and he even lost his life in… in…"
His attendant whispered again: "Storm's End…"
"Yes, Storm's End! The current situation is incomprehensible to anyone; only the gods know who will become the master of the Red Keep!"
The peacekeeper carefully reminded him, "Lord Grafson, the Red Keep envoy is still waiting outside for your audience."
Earl Grafson rubbed the top of his head and said, "Go tell them that I am recuperating recently and am not suitable to entertain distinguished guests from afar…"
After a pause, he added, "Try to inquire if their destination is Eyrie. If it truly is, suggest they take the Malkor Family's Old Anchor Land route."
After speaking, Earl Grafson looked uneasily at his maester.
The Seagull Town maester bowed slightly and said, "My lord, your decision is wise. It is not yet time for us to declare our stance."
After hearing the maester's advice, Earl Grafson waved his hand, dismissing the man.
Watching the peacekeeper's receding back, Earl Grafson fell into thought… In that war more than a decade ago, the Grafson Family, in support of the Targaryen's Iron Throne, did not hesitate to "abandon" the ruling family of the Vale—the Arryn Family.
This time, before the situation at Eyrie becomes clear… before the situation at the Red Keep becomes clear… the Grafson Family will resolutely maintain its neutrality.
...…
In less than an hour, the peacekeeper once again entered the Lord's Hall of Seagull Town.
Earl Grafson looked at the man below, his face showing confusion.
The middle-aged peacekeeper respectfully said, "Esteemed Earl Grafson, the Red Keep envoy heard of your health condition and expressed their concern and blessings for you."
He added, "Then, as you instructed, I hinted to them about another route to Eyrie."
Earl Grafson asked, "What did they say?"
The peacekeeper smiled slightly and replied, "The Red Keep envoy thanked me for my suggestion. They wish to stay in Seagull Town for one night and then proceed to Old Anchor Land port tomorrow morning."
"Well handled…"
Earl Grafson nodded slightly: "The Red Keep envoy's request is reasonable. Treat them well and make sure they are comfortable."
...…
The sun gradually set, its afterglow illuminating the beautiful Seagull Town, draping this bustling port city in a golden veil.
However, amidst this enchanting scene, the shadow of death was quietly approaching.
...…
As night fell, the moon quietly rose, and warriors in blue robes crashed through the ancient gates of Seagull Town, pouring in.
The swamp marigold banner fluttered in the moonlight.
"Long live Kleber!"
"Long live Crab Claw Peninsula!"
"Fight for Lord Green!"
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