"Horses?"
Muttering, King Joffrey suddenly cackled, "Count Crabb, how many Gold Dragons do you plan to charge Lord Arryn this time?"
Then he laughed aloud, "Will it be more expensive than a carriage ride?"
Greene looked up and smiled, amused by Joffrey's peculiar thought process. At the same time, he subtly gestured, and Monton, growing more proficient in his role, once again led the group in laughter.
Once King Joffrey stopped laughing, Greene leaned his upper body slightly towards him, lowering his voice to say, "Perhaps, a captive seated on a tall horse can better highlight the King's majesty."
King Joffrey looked suspicious, and Greene continued, "I heard that King Robert did something similar when he was young. I think… at that time, the more formidable the captured enemies appeared, the more powerful King Robert, who defeated them, seemed, and the more he was feared."
Excitement gleamed in Joffrey's eyes. Greene gestured broadly with his hand and said, "At the very least, you can lead him yourself."
And so, at Lord Greene's suggestion, Little Robert was placed on a horse. Then, when it was time for the binding, Sandor was kicked several times by King Joffrey for refusing to do it.
Finally, the task of binding fell to Ser Osmund, who quickly finished and handed one end of the rope to King Joffrey.
The procession set off for King's Landing. King Joffrey, surrounded by the Kingsguard, personally led his captive—the Lord of the Eyrie—striding proudly at the very front.
Behind them, Greene, Jaime, and Tyrion rode abreast.
Ser Jaime looked ahead with a complex expression and said, "Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?"
Greene's brown eyes flickered, glancing at Jaime, remaining silent.
After a pause, Tyrion spoke, "At least it's not too good a thing."
Ser Jaime turned his head and asked, "Tyrion, what are you talking about?"
Tyrion smiled and countered, "What are you asking, Jaime?"
"…" Ser Jaime rubbed his head as if in pain and said, "I'm clearly not suited for word games."
Tyrion chuckled, then his eyes darted about, his tone like he was complaining, "Brother Jaime, if it weren't for you, your obedient younger brother would have been tied up by the ruthless Greene just now. Luckily, I have a magnificent elder brother, otherwise I'd be paraded around by Joffrey like the little Duke."
As his words fell, the Lannister brothers, with a shared understanding, both looked towards Greene.
Lord Greene calmly met their gaze. He first pointed to his mouth, then to his head.
That's it? What then? Ser Jaime looked at Tyrion, but saw him staring ahead, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.
Noticing Ser Jaime's concerned gaze, Tyrion smiled slightly and said, "Brother, Greene is reminding me that Joffrey is, after all, the King."
He pointed to his mouth and continued, "Everyone who knows me knows my mouth is faster than my brain."
After a moment of silence, Ser Jaime's face showed apology: "You did it for me…"
Tyrion waved his hand, smiling, "I dream of being a good uncle, but unfortunately, Joffrey loves me as deeply as Cersei… Well, outsiders probably can't understand the mutual affection of the Lannister family."
Ser Jaime curled his lips and said, "If you would rein in your tongue a bit, my sword could protect you better, my good brother."
Tyrion grinned. He was a Lannister; when facing certain people… submissive and silent behavior was indeed his best shield, but his tongue was Dwarf's only weapon. Without its sharpness, he guaranteed that the familiar taunts and disdain… would soon 'revisit' him.
Tyrion gave a self-deprecating laugh, perhaps… he was relying on the Lannister name… well… The Seven Gods for his kind father's good health… The streets of King's Landing were bustling with crowds on both sides, lively and festive, as if it were a holiday.
Greene surveyed the sea of people. He had to admit… the people of King's Landing truly loved excitement; wherever there was a 'hot spot,' they flocked to it.
King Joffrey, majestic, led his captive, riding amidst the cheers of the populace, occasionally raising his hand proudly to acknowledge them.
King Joffrey's triumph didn't last long, as the enthusiastic women of King's Landing were soon completely captivated by the tall, handsome, golden-haired Jaime Lannister.
Riding a magnificent white horse, he wore a crimson silk robe embroidered with a roaring golden lion on the chest, along with black knee-high boots and a long black satin cloak… Ser Jaime, whom the women of King's Landing longed for, had finally returned.
Ser Jaime smiled, occasionally blowing charming kisses to them, each time igniting greater fervor and cheers.
Their cheers resounded through the entire street like a tempest, as if a grand feast had been specially held for Ser Jaime.
Lord Greene seemed to have underestimated Ser Jaime's charm in the hearts of King's Landing women… Well, with the Knight of Flowers gone, he had become their sole love.
Crabb silently slowed his horse's pace. He disdained continuing to ride alongside the perfect Ser Jaime.
At the very front of the procession, King Joffrey, showcasing his military achievements, finally noticed that the cheers were amiss.
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"