iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 574 The King’s Selfishness

Count Matus also nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. Therefore, I would like to emphasize again that if a war breaks out, whether our army can quickly pass through the Neck will directly determine the direction of this war. This is crucial."

While Green was pondering, Prime Minister Mace could no longer suppress his inner excitement. This was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his art of war!
However, it seems that the operational discussions are coming to an end?
Storm's End has become his eternal regret, and Winterfell... he doesn't want to give up easily (Chapter 532, the inflatable fish has set its sights on Winterfell)!
His brows were furrowed and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He was racking his brains, determined not to miss the opportunity to prove his outstanding military talent again!
After a pause, his eyes suddenly lit up. He coughed lightly and successfully attracted everyone's attention.

Then, he stroked his beard and said slowly, "Count Matus, we can't treat war as a simple gamble, and we must not pin all our hopes of victory on assumptions without any surprises."

Hearing the Lord's "evaluation", Matus silently lowered his eyelids, while Prime Minister Mace swept his eyes over everyone and continued, "Mount Cailin is an important barrier to the North. It has been protecting the North from invasions from the South for thousands of years. It is a death trap known to all the Seven Kingdoms..."

Before he could finish his words, Princess Arianne suddenly interrupted, "Perhaps, we can ask Greyjoy to recreate the miracle of conquering Moat Cailin?"

Prime Minister Mace's face froze for a moment, but he still suppressed Arianne's presumptuous act of interrupting him. He didn't have time to argue with this Dornish woman.

He said calmly, "The defenders of Moat Cailin are definitely on high alert now, so the chances of a successful surprise attack are slim, but... we can still give it a try."

Green nodded his chin and agreed, "If we plan the time well, perhaps our army can launch a front-and-back attack on Bay Cailin."

Looking at Prime Minister Mace, the corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a smile of approval: "Good idea."

Then, Daenerys nodded gently: "Please continue, wise Prime Minister."

The King and Queen still understand me!

Prime Minister Mace's mouth almost rose uncontrollably. He slowed down a little and said, "I propose that in addition to directly attacking the legion in the Neck and launching a sea attack in the west, we also form a fleet to attack White Harbor, land troops, and march into the Bay of Cailin from the east."

After a moment of silence, Count Matus, the Minister of the Navy, hesitated and respectfully reminded, "With the current strength of the Royal Fleet, they can only transport 10,000 infantry at most. Even if they break through White Harbor, they will be easily defeated by the Northern Cavalry on the way east. They only need to send out 1,000 cavalry."

Prime Minister Mace frowned and opened his mouth but no sound came out. He wanted to mention the Redwyne Fleet in the Reach, but remembered that they were still on the Arbor for repairs and replenishment (severely damaged by the Crow's Eye, Chapter 502), and would be of no use at least in the short term.

“…” Prime Minister Mace’s cheeks slowly puffed up.

Duke Brynden's deep blue eyes swept around, cleared his throat, and broke the brief silence: "From what I know, as the food in King's Landing becomes more and more abundant, many of the grain merchants traveling between King's Landing and the Free Trade Cities have to dock at the docks for their ocean-going transport ships."

He shifted his gaze towards the main seat: "Your Majesty, perhaps we can hire them to transport soldiers, and the royal fleet will be mainly used for escort and naval warfare."

Green's eyes moved slightly, he looked at Brynden, and said, "Very good."

Then, he turned his gaze to Prime Minister Metz: "Please continue. I want to hear your thoughts on the scale of the troops."

His Majesty Green really understands me!
Prime Minister Mace couldn't help but flash a smug look on his face. After a pause, he said, "In the west, if Greyjoy can send out 10,000 troops, it will be enough to threaten Moat Cailin."

"Iron Islands..." Green tapped the armrest and nodded. "If we add the troops from Sea Border City, it won't be a big problem. I will talk to Greyjoy after the meeting."

"After that……"

Prime Minister Metz proposed to send a total of 130,000 troops, of which... the River Bend could account for 80,000 soldiers.

Finally, he waved his hand and promised to do his best to help raise the military funds needed for this war.

Count Matus: "..."

"Very well, thank you for your advice, my Prime Minister."

After a pause, Green continued, "We still have time to discuss the specific combat matters, but we must start collecting winter combat supplies, furs, thick military tents, braziers, cold-resistant horses, etc. as soon as possible. This matter."

As he spoke, his eyes slowly scanned the people present, as if he was thinking about the right candidate.

Prime Minister Mace quickly recommended: "Your Majesty Green, Your Majesty Daenerys, Lord Matus Rowan is capable of taking on this important task." Although Matus was a bit stubborn, Prime Minister Mace still valued his abilities very much. He was a kind and wise prince.

"..."

Count Matus thought for a moment, then stroked his chest and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this is my great honor."

Arianne's expression looked natural, but she couldn't help feeling irritated inside. She had to admit... she was hit by Rose's "big hand" at the moment.

She is the heir, and if she wants to mobilize Dorne's resources, she must get permission from her father, Prince Doran.

It also includes her right to choose her husband...

“Arianne.”

Green's voice brought Princess Arianne back to her senses. He continued, "I'll need your assistance to Lord Matus this time, especially with the merchants."

The notorious Minister of Justice blinked, and she smiled at him gently and said, "I will obey your orders, my majesty."

"Thank you for the next topic."

.........

After the royal meeting, Mace Tyrell returned to Rose Mansion and was thinking in the small hall with puffed cheeks.

"Father."

With a gentle call, Margaery Tyrell walked over lightly, followed by maids carrying exquisite cakes, teapots, teacups, etc.

"Oh, my Margaery, the fairest of daughters, the work of the Seven!"

Seeing his smart and well-behaved daughter, Prime Minister Metz, who had been distressed just now, suddenly brightened up his eyes and laughed heartily.

Margaret smiled shyly and helplessly: "Father~"

Seeing his daughter being shy, Prime Minister Mace laughed even louder, and the maids served fragrant food and steaming cups of tea.

After chatting for a while, Prime Minister Mace couldn't help but change the subject: "Margaery, if we decide to send troops to Winterfell, do you think I can serve as the commander-in-chief?"

Margaret's eyes were full of admiration. She smiled and replied, "I only know that my wise and brave father is qualified to be the commander-in-chief of an army of 100,000."

"Hahaha--"

Prime Minister Mace squinted his eyes and stroked his beard, while Margaret's beautiful eyes curved into a pair of crescents. She brought the teacup to her lips, blew gently, and took a sip of the fragrant black tea.

The laughter gradually died down, but Prime Minister Mace suddenly sighed and said, "Your Majesty Green can also command an army of 100,000."

Margaret smiled and said, "Father, are you worried that His Majesty the King will go to war in person?"

Prime Minister Mace wanted to sigh again, but seeing his daughter's expression, he leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice: "Do you have a way to let me lead the troops?"

"Perhaps His Majesty is not willing to send troops to the North."

Margaery took another sip of tea and said softly, "Don't forget, father, our majesty attaches great importance to the 'friendship' between families, let alone the family of Eddard Stark."

(End of this chapter)