Grimm first looked at Margaery, then was silent for a moment before saying, "Lady Olenna, Crabclaw Point needs more support, not just grain and weapons, but also farmers and blacksmiths."
Lady Olenna's cloudy eyes gazed at Grimm for a moment, then she said, "Child, you seem very anxious? Governing a territory requires enough patience."
Lady Olenna's tone was kind; she showed an old woman's benevolence, as if encouraging Grimm to say more.
"Lady Olenna, Miss Margaery, the animosity between Crabclaw Point and the Vale is an open secret."
Grimm frowned slightly and continued, "After that great war over a decade ago, the Vale Nobles, with the tacit approval of the former Hand, blockaded and suppressed Crabclaw Point for over a decade, making the chaotic situation in Crabclaw Point even more unbearable."
As he spoke, Grimm's tone grew cold: "To compete for limited survival resources, we shed a lot of blood, and this is the result of the Vale Nobles' behind-the-scenes machinations. There is already a sea of blood feud between Crabclaw Point and the Vale."
After a pause, Grimm spread his hands: "It won't be long before Kleber establishes dominion over Crabclaw Point. Under normal circumstances, Crabclaw Point would then usher in a rare period of peace for hundreds of years."
Grimm shook his head slightly: "But the result is precisely the opposite. Crabclaw Point is very special. Without the blood of the Vale, even if Kleber establishes dominion over Crabclaw Point, he cannot erase the deep-seated hatred the people of Crabclaw Point have for the Vale... Blood for blood. This is a tradition that even I, as the liege, cannot stop."
Margaery listened quietly and understood what Grimm was saying, but she found it unbelievable.
Count Grimm, a The Crownlands noble, actually dared to provoke a war of revenge against the "Kingdom of the Vale"? This...
Margaery's beautiful eyes widened slightly, and she said, "Count Grimm, are you going to war with the Vale of Arryn?"
Grimm shrugged and replied, "Miss Margaery, this is unavoidable. Even a liege cannot go against the unanimous will of all his subjects."
After speaking, Grimm added with a contemptuous tone, "I also won't forget that they nearly forced Kleber's family to extinction. Now, we are just waiting for the right moment."
Grimm seemed full of confidence, as if he could shatter the powerful Vale with a single punch.
In Margaery's view, Grimm's act of striking a stone with an egg was no different from suicide, which went against the impression he had always given her.
With Count Grimm's wisdom, it was impossible for him not to foresee the consequences of challenging the Vale. Was hatred blinding his eyes?
Margaery felt there were many ways to seek revenge and was inclined to offer advice, but then she thought of her grandmother beside her, and that this was Kleber's "private matter," so she did not speak.
...
Olenna slowly said, "The ideas of young people truly make this old woman more and more alarmed. You should know very well that the Seven Kingdoms will not tolerate your revenge... It seems that the timing you mentioned is very important?"
Grimm nodded and said, "Yes, Madam! If you agree to my proposal, I will arrange everything. You just need to wait and see, and then we will each get what we need."
Olenna smiled and said, "This old woman just needs to sit quietly and watch the show?"
Grimm reached for his wine glass, gestured to Margaery, and said, "The Golden Rose can avoid unnecessary disputes and conflicts, and calmly await a favorable opportunity."
Olenna's deep gaze rested on Grimm for a moment, then she said, "Count Grimm, the Golden Rose likes your proposal, and your honesty also pleases this old woman very much."
Margaery looked at her grandmother, seeing her subtly nod her chin.
Margaery's tone was solemn as she said, "Count Grimm, the content of our conversation today will not be known by a fourth person. This is Tyrell's guarantee."
Grimm nodded, also solemnly saying, "Miss Margaery, you will see the opportunity within half a year. This is Kleber's promise."
...
Seeing the deal concluded, Olenna clapped her hands on the table and declared loudly, "Margaery, your grandmother doesn't like leeks. Tell the servant to take away the broth and bring me cheese."
...
...
The night sky over King's Landing sparkled with stars, as if adorned with brilliant diamonds.
After dinner, Grimm bid farewell to Olenna, and Margaery specifically saw him off.
The night was very quiet.
As they walked, Margaery suddenly said, "Count Grimm, please forgive my bluntness, but you should be well aware of the consequences of going to war with the Vale."
Margaery's steps were light, and though her green dress was simple in style, it beautifully showcased her graceful figure.
The full moon hung high, Margaery's beauty reflecting the moonlight.
Grimm slowed his pace and said gently, "You are kind-hearted, and I am very grateful, Miss Margaery."
A trace of hesitation flashed across his handsome face, then Grimm added, "Some things are unavoidable, and a good outcome will be seen."
Margaery tilted her small face up to look at Grimm: "Count Grimm, I hear you don't have a fiancée yet?"
Grimm raised an eyebrow; he seemed to smell a big pie.
Margaery continued, "You met her in Highgarden. Her name is Elora Tyrell. Aeliana is my cousin; she is very charming, and also witty and clever."
Elora Tyrell? Grimm remembered that beautiful and slender girl among Margaery's retinue.
She's only eleven or twelve this year, right?
Grimm chuckled: "Miss Margaery, the delicate flowers of the South cannot adapt to Crabclaw Point, which is full of wildlings."
Grimm's words conveyed a subtle refusal.
Grimm sighed inwardly, seemingly the marriage prospects of a half-wildling noble had unknowingly and quietly upgraded... The morale of the 'King of Competition' Grimm secretly soared.
After a moment of happiness, Grimm began a rational analysis.
Olenna or Margaery herself? Grimm was more inclined to believe this was Olenna's instruction.
Did the old lady fancy Kleber's army? Taking advantage of this transaction, would she cultivate him into a loyal enforcer for the Golden Rose?
Grimm suddenly felt that marriage alliances were indeed a useful political tool.
Margaery's deer-like eyes blinked. She was a little surprised by Grimm's answer and couldn't immediately guess his reason for refusing.
Seeing Grimm's polite refusal, Margaery changed the subject: "Count Grimm, Tyrell's merchant ships will soon transport supplies to Mermaid Port."
Grimm nodded in thanks: "You are very thoughtful, Miss Margaery."
...
...
In the Godswood of Winterfell, there was an ancient weirwood tree at its center. A human face was carved into its trunk, with a long and melancholic countenance, and deep-set eye sockets full of dried red sap, looking strange and wary.
Catelyn and Maester Luwin found Eddard Stark beneath this weirwood tree.
Duke Eddard sat on a moss-covered stone, holding an oiled leather cloth and wiping the blade of "Ice."
Ice gleamed with a dull luster. It was four hundred years old, yet still as sharp as when it was first forged.
Catelyn softly called out, "Ned..."
Eddard looked up at his wife and said, "Catelyn? Where are the children?"
Ned's first question always concerned the children's whereabouts, and Catelyn had long been accustomed to it, but hearing it today, her heart inexplicably tightened.
Catelyn quickly composed herself, her smile gentle: "They are all gathered at the training ground."
Eddard's lips curved slightly, and he said, "We leave tomorrow. The household is in your hands, Catelyn."
Catelyn's eyes immediately reddened, and she nodded silently.
Eddard spoke to a solemn Luwin: "Maester Luwin, I have always regarded you as my own flesh and blood. Give Catelyn advice on all matters, big or small, and teach my children the knowledge they must have. Don't forget, Winter is Coming."
Luwin nodded and placed a hand on his chest: "My lord Duke, I will fulfill my duties! May the Gods bless you and bring you home soon."
Happy holidays! Less updated today TT, will make up for it together, haha.