Dick's hands trembled slightly: "Yulia, can she…? I'm worried… will her husband…?"
"Governor Dick, your sister is Yulia Crabb. You and your sister must adapt to your new identities as soon as possible."
After a pause, Lord Greene spread his hands and quipped, "I am also getting used to my new identity."
Dick haphazardly wiped the hot tears from his face and choked out, "Lord Greene, I can never repay you…"
Lord Greene smiled gently and said, "Remembering your responsibilities and duties as a member of Crabb, that is the best reward, loyal Dick."
...
Five days later, at noon, the Crabb fleet from Gulltown transported the Vale Noble captives to maidenpool.
...
Two days later, in the early morning, Lord Greene led the Vale Noble captives out of maidenpool. Their destination was King's Landing to the south.
...
...
Red Keep, Throne Room.
The heavy wooden doors were pushed open, and the tall figure of Tywin Lannister appeared. He stood still, looked up at Joffrey, who sat alone on the Iron Throne, and then began to walk.
Tap, tap, tap, tap… In the vast and silent hall, the sound of footsteps on the stone floor was exceptionally loud.
Duke Tywin's figure gradually became clearer. Joffrey, seated high above, couldn't help but shift, and he straightened his back again.
Duke Tywin stopped at the foot of the Iron Throne's steps, staring expressionlessly at the person above, until Joffrey's face showed undeniable tension. Only then did he symbolically nod slightly and say, "King."
King Joffrey clenched his hands into fists, lifted his chin, and responded arrogantly, "Grandfather."
Duke Tywin said in a flat tone, "The Kingsguard told me you wished to see me?"
King Joffrey lifted his chin and said, "Yes, Hand of the King Tywin."
Under Duke Tywin's direct gaze, his eyes darted away slightly: "I want you to report on the situation of the Small Council."
Duke Tywin's brows furrowed slightly, and he said, "You are always welcome to observe the Small Council, King."
Joffrey's eyes widened as he asked, "Observe?"
Duke Tywin's tone remained unchanged: "You heard correctly. Clearly, you are not yet of age, King."
Joffrey clenched his fists and raised his voice slightly: "I am the King! I can inquire about all important affairs of the kingdom, and it has nothing to do with age!"
Duke Tywin did not argue: "Very well."
Seeing Duke Tywin concede, Joffrey lifted his chin as if he had won a battle, and added, "I heard you moved the Small Council meeting place to your Prime Ministers Tower?"
Duke Tywin nodded: "That's right."
After a moment, King Joffrey saw Duke Tywin remain silent, and he couldn't help but ask, "Shouldn't you report to me the reason for doing so?"
He spread his hands: "Why?!"
Duke Tywin replied unhurriedly, "I handle state affairs in the Prime Ministers Tower. Traveling from there to here would waste time. The time saved, I can use for other things."
King Joffrey said incredulously, "You mean… if I want to attend the Small Council, I have to climb all those steps to the Prime Ministers Tower?"
Duke Tywin gazed at the exaggerated King Joffrey. His chest slowly rose and fell, and then… he stepped onto the stairs.
Tap ~ Tap ~ Tap ~ Tap ~ The Old Lion's steps were slow. He approached step by step. The questioning and mockery on Joffrey's face gradually faded, and he leaned back nervously.
Tap, Duke Tywin stood before Joffrey, looking down as he answered the previous question: "You can have someone carry you over."
King Joffrey dared not meet the Old Lion's gaze. He shifted uncomfortably and stiffly changed the subject: "Someone told me… you won't allow me to personally receive the Vale Noble captives in the Great Sept…"
Duke Tywin asked, "Many of the captives are waiting to kneel before you and pledge fealty, yet you wish to humiliate them in plain sight instead?"
King Joffrey licked his lips, a flicker of excitement in his eyes: "Grandfather, I want to personally judge their crimes! I want everyone to know the fate of traitors!"
Duke Tywin's face tightened as he repeated, "Many of them are waiting to kneel before the King and pledge fealty, yet you wish to humiliate them in plain sight instead?"
King Joffrey pouted and said, "Begging for mercy now? Traitors are not worthy of the King's forgiveness…"
Duke Tywin's voice suddenly rose: "Then you will make us completely lose the hearts of the Vale!"
King Joffrey trembled involuntarily, then, angered by his own reaction, he shouted, "I am the King! I can do whatever I want!"
Duke Tywin seemed not to hear Joffrey's roar. His voice returned to its previous calm: "Do you have anything else?"
King Joffrey breathed heavily and remained silent.
"You can receive the captives in the Red Keep."
After speaking, Duke Tywin nodded slightly and turned to leave.
He walked down one step, stopped, turned his head, and said, "Remember, those who like to loudly declare 'I am the King' cannot be true Kings."
Joffrey shouted angrily, "I'll tell my Mother about this! She'll definitely support me!"
At this moment, Duke Tywin was on the fourth step. He stopped again and said, "If you don't want to be looked down upon by Tyrell, I suggest you at least try to look like an adult."
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