Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 149 An Encounter – Lannister

As the procession marched along the rose-lined avenue, they unexpectedly encountered another extremely distinguished group. One of them carried a banner that read: a golden, roaring lion on a scarlet earth—the Lannister family's massive entourage.

Leading the group was Tywin Lannister, Duke of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West. He sat upright on his horse, his expression as cold and unyielding as a rock.

Beside him was his most trusted brother and right-hand man, Kevan Lannister.

His children were also among them: Cersei Lannister, beautiful yet sharp-eyed; Ser Jaime Lannister, with his gleaming blond hair and dashing appearance; and young Tyrion Lannister, observing everything with his overly intelligent eyes.

This encounter caused Oberyn Martell and Arianne Martell's expressions to darken almost instantly, and an undisguised aversion flashed in their eyes.

This animosity stems from the past: back in 273 AC, when they were still teenagers, they accompanied their mother, Queen of Dorne and ruler of Dorne, on a visit to Casterly Rock. At that time, their mother hoped to arrange a marriage between Oberyn Martell, Elijah, and Tywin Lannister's twin children (Cersei and Jaime). However, the timing was extremely unfortunate, as Tywin Lannister's beloved wife, Lady Joanna Lannister, had just passed away, and the entire city of Casterly Rock was immersed in grief.

Lord Tywin not only rudely rejected the marriage proposal, but also suggested that Tyrion, who was still an infant at the time, be engaged to Elijah in place of Jaime. This proposal was seen by Oberyn's mother as a great humiliation to the Martell family, and the meeting ended badly.

Tywin Lannister then pushed hard for the marriage of his daughter Cersei to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, attempting to bring his family into the heart of power.

Unexpectedly, the "Mad King" Aerys II, out of suspicion of Tywin, resolutely refused and instead allowed Prince Rhaegar to marry Elia Martell.

This decision undoubtedly deepened Tywin's resentment and dissatisfaction with Dorne.

At this moment, the two families, burdened with old grudges, reunite on Rose Avenue, and it seems as if invisible sparks are crackling in the air.

Although that old grudge was unpleasant, there were no other irreconcilable direct conflicts between the Lannisters and Dorne.

Superficial etiquette must be maintained perfectly.

Oberyn Martell and Arianne Martell, representing Dorne, and Euron Greyjoy, representing the Iron Islands, rode forward to greet Lord Tywin Lannister with impeccable manners, as if their past discord had never occurred.

Cersei Lannister remained breathtakingly beautiful, like a meticulously crafted, cold jewel, yet a barely suppressed rage always lingered deep within her emerald eyes.

Shortly before she set off for Harrenhal, she received news that infuriated her: the Lannisters were to form a marriage alliance with the Tullys, and her perfect twin brother Jaime was to be married to Lysa Tully, the second daughter of Lord Hoster Tully, ruler of the Riverlands.

She vehemently opposed the marriage to her father, but as expected, she was met with Tywin Lannister's cold rejection and sarcastic remarks: "When did Jaime's marriage become your decision? What right do you have to object?!" "A useless brain!"

In stark contrast to his sister's gloom, Jaime Lannister was overjoyed to see Euron. The blond young knight spoke of the upcoming tournament at Harrenhal with excitement in his eyes, eager to participate.

Tyrion Lannister eagerly pushed his way forward, not only overjoyed at the reunion but also impatiently mentioning the book Euron had given him—"Miracle"—and asking with shining eyes when the next sea adventure would begin, as he couldn't wait to see the vast world across the Narrow Sea once more.

Two teams with the same goal—one representing the Dornish sun and spears, and the other symbolizing the lions and gold mines of the Westerlands—naturally joined forces and traveled along the Rose Road toward Harrenhal.

At lunchtime that day, exquisite food and fine wine were laid out on long tables under the temporary, ornate tents.

During the gathering, Lord Tywin Lannister sat in the main seat, his demeanor as cold and dignified as ever. Unexpectedly, the Warden of the West did not engage in much small talk, but instead steered the conversation directly to the war that had spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, landed precisely on Euron Greyjoy at the table. His voice was steady as he said, "Greyjoy, I'm quite interested in the skirmish you commanded near Green Pavilion not long ago." He deliberately chose relatively neutral language, but each word carried a heavy weight. "Would you be willing to share some details? For example, how did you end the battle so—efficiently—despite perhaps having a numerical advantage?"

The atmosphere at the table seemed to freeze slightly. Everyone understood that this was no ordinary chatter or curiosity. What Duke Tywin Lannister was truly considering was the military talent, tactical style, and the maritime threat—or rather, the potential—that this young man from the Iron Islands represented.

Euron, facing Lord Tywin's question, remained composed and responded concisely and clearly: "First of all, we held the absolute moral high ground in this battle. It was Greentree Island that first plundered our merchant ships, insulting Greyjoy's honor, which forced us to retaliate." His tone was calm yet carried undeniable weight. "Before the battle, we gave them ample time to admit their mistake and return the loot, but at the same time, we were fully prepared for their insistence on fighting."

He paused briefly before continuing to explain the core of his tactics: "A victory in a single naval battle does not equate to the end of the entire campaign. To truly destroy the will to resist on Qingting Island, we must deliver a fatal blow from within. Therefore, before the fleets clashed head-on, I personally led an elite force to infiltrate from the rear and sneak into their core castle ahead of time."

Euron didn't want to dwell on the matter, so he subtly shifted the conversation to Tywin, his words carrying just the right amount of respect: "In fact, Lord Tywin, you have always been a role model for me in military strategy. Many of the ideas in this operation have drawn on your classic battles from the past."

A barely perceptible flicker seemed to cross Tywin Lannister's usually stern face. He keenly caught Euron's hint and slowly continued, "Including that now widely known poem—'The Flames of Greenbeard'?"

Upon hearing this, Euron made no attempt to conceal his thoughts, instead laughing frankly and unrestrainedly: "Your Grace, I apologize for the impromptu performance. It was merely an impromptu piece, intended only to boost morale, and naturally cannot be compared to your classic 'Rainy Season in Castamere.'"

Cersei Lannister suddenly clapped her hands lightly a few times, the crisp sound standing out starkly against the somewhat somber atmosphere of the dining table.

She raised her beautiful yet deliberately provocative face, her voice as smooth as silk: "I feel this luncheon is lacking some entertainment. Where are our musicians?" Her gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on her father's face, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Come, sing a piece for our distinguished guests—'The Rains of Castamere'."

Duke Tywin's sharp, icy gaze immediately turned to his proud and beautiful daughter. His rock-like expression remained unchanged, but a barely perceptible trace of deep weariness and helplessness flashed in the depths of his cold green eyes, as if he were sighing heavily in his heart at this untimely and metaphorical provocation.

That piece of music wasn't meant to be played during meals...