Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 337 Robert's Royal Council - Formal Formation

The hustle and bustle of the tournament had subsided, but the Red Keep did not return to its usual order the next day. Instead, it was shrouded in an even more somber atmosphere.

In the council chamber flanking the throne room, a meeting that would determine the future of Westeros and the foundation of Robert's rule was taking place.

The attendees gathered around a large round table, representing the core of power in the seven nations:

King Robert Baratheon sat in the main seat, his face showing the weariness of a hangover and a hint of impatience.

Queen Cersei Lannister sat beside him, her posture elegant and her expression enigmatic.

Stannis Baratheon, the king's brother, stood straight and firm as a rock, his face solemn.

Lord Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, stood expressionless, his golden eyes sweeping across the room, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

Lord Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, looked grave, clearly aware of the weight of today's topic.

Lord Mace Tyrell, Warden of the South, wore the typical Reach smile of wealth, yet his shrewdness was undeniable:

His mother, Lady Olenna Redwin, the "Queen of Thorns," though old, had a sharper self-awareness than anyone else;

King Corren Greyjoy of the Iron Islands and the newly crowned Duke of Harrenhal, Euron Greyjoy, represent the power of the seas.

Lord Horst Tully, Warden of the Riverlands, was a mature and composed man with a serious expression.

Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North and Robert's close friend, had a furrowed brow, revealing the composure and worry of a Northerner.

Ser Barristan Selmy, captain of the Kingsguard, stood guard like a white statue.

Grand Secretary Pachel, trembling, held the thick volumes of documents, ready to offer the necessary advice.

Sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor, but it couldn't dispel the tension in the air. Everyone knew that what was about to be discussed was no ordinary political matter, but a momentous affair concerning the stability of the kingdom, its financial lifeline, and even the redistribution of power.

King Robert's coronation and wedding ceremonies have concluded, but the pragmatic work of building the core of the new dynasty's rule has only just begun. The royal council, symbolizing the highest authority of the seven kingdoms, is unusually empty at this moment.

At the long table of the Council of Kings, only three high-ranking officials were seated: the Hand of the King, Lord Jon Arryn, who oversaw everything as Prime Minister; Ser Barristan Selmy, Captain of the Kingsguard, responsible for protecting the King; and Grand Maester Paishill, who wore a necklace symbolizing his learning and offered advice from the Citadel.

A well-functioning governing machine consists of much more than this. Four crucial positions remain vacant, like missing jewels in a crown: Chancellor of the Treasury: Managing the finances of the seven kingdoms, filling the empty royal treasury, and the lifeblood of the kingdom's operation. Minister of Justice: Upholding laws and punishments, maintaining order and justice in the kingdom. Minister of the Navy: Commanding the navy, ensuring unimpeded sea routes and coastal security. Chief of Intelligence: Weaving an information network, discerning all potential threats from the shadows.

These vacancies in key positions imply a vast power vacuum and endless possibilities for power struggles.

All eyes have quietly turned to this place, and a new round of competition has silently begun in the halls and corridors of the Red Fort.

Robert's booming voice echoed through the council chamber, carrying an undeniable conviction: "The position of First Lord of the Sea," he said, surveying the assembled high-ranking officials, "is the most indisputable position. It must belong to Coron Greyjoy, King of the Iron Islands."

He spread his hands, his reasoning clear and direct: "The Greyjoy family rules the seas, and their longship fleet is the sharpest naval weapon in the Seven Kingdoms. It is most fitting that they take command of the kingdom's navy."

Jon Arryn, Tywin Lannister, Olenna Redwynn, and the others present almost unanimously nodded in agreement, with no one raising any objections. This was based on undeniable fact—the Greyjoy family's massive sea kings and their Iron Fleet, through clean and decisive naval operations and victories, had already proven their absolute and convincing dominance over the vast oceans surrounding Westeros.

When the discussion turned to the crucial matter of choosing a Chancellor of the Exchequer, Grand Maester Paisell stroked his beard and, in his characteristically deliberate tone, proposed, "In my humble opinion, the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer belongs to none other than Lord Tywin Lannister. The Lannisters are known to be the wealthiest in the Seven Kingdoms. And as for his governing abilities," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the silent Tywin, "during the Mad King's reign, when Lord Tywin served as Hand of the King, he not only repaid all the royal debts but also filled the depleted treasury to an unprecedented level. Such ability and decisiveness are unparalleled."

Duke Mace Tyrell, sitting on the other side of the long table, immediately looked rather grim.

His greatest desire was naturally for the position of Hand of the King, but he knew perfectly well that his standing in Robert's eyes was nowhere near that of the King's foster father, the hardworking and meritorious Jon Arryn. As a second choice, he also coveted the crucial position of Chancellor of the Exchequer, which held the reins of the economy. He cleared his throat, about to speak up for himself, when he felt a tightening around his cuff.

Seated beside him was Lady Olenna Redwynn, the "Queen of Thorns," who subtly pulled him aside with her wrinkled yet remarkably strong hand. Then, the de facto ruler of the Reach spoke slowly, her voice low but compelling everyone to listen intently: "The gold of the Lannisters may gleam, but have you forgotten that the grain of Highgarden is the true pillar that allows King's Landing and even the Seven Kingdoms to weather the long seasons? As for the understanding of the flow of resources and the lifeblood of trade within the kingdom, my son, Lord Mace Tyrell, is equally capable of serving as Master of Coin."

Her words were like a pebble thrown into a calm pond.

Hand Jon Arryn immediately responded, his tone calm: "The Tyrells' capabilities are beyond question, and the wealth of the Reach is evident to all." He first affirmed this, then changed the subject, "The Duke of Mace may be better suited to meticulous management during times of peace. Now that a new king has ascended the throne and everything is in need of rebuilding, the kingdom needs the decisive and efficient leadership and methods of the Duke of Tywin Lannister to quickly restore financial order."

Before Lady Olenna or any other interested party could object, Jon Snow, using his authority as Hand of the King, swiftly offered another arrangement, skillfully balancing the interests of all parties: "Therefore, I propose that Duke Mace Tyrell be appointed as Master of Intelligence. With his shrewdness and competence, he will surely be able to build an efficient intelligence network, enabling the King to discern the movements of the Seven Kingdoms. This position is no less important than that of Chancellor of the Exchequer."

This move both affirmed the value of House Tyrell and guided their power in a seemingly important direction.

Robert slammed his hand on the armrest of the throne, causing the inlaid jewels to jolt and produce a dull thud. "The Prime Minister is right!" His voice, like summer thunder, rolled across the hall, carrying an undeniable decisiveness. "It's settled!"

His thick fingers swept across the crowd before finally settling on Eddard. He tried to sound amiable, but his tone still carried the king's authority: "I think you, Eddard, should take on the position of Minister of Justice. King's Landing needs the Starks' loyalty and justice."

Eddard Stark shook his head slightly, his voice as deep as the unyielding snow of the North: "Your Majesty, your trust is my honor. But the warm south is not for the direwolves; the harsh north is our true home." He paused, the familiar family motto flowing naturally like his breath, "After all—"

"Winter is coming!" Robert interrupted with a dismissive wave, his tone a mixture of exasperation with his old friend's stubbornness and a barely perceptible hint of understanding. "You keep saying that all the time!"

Before Robert could turn his gaze, Duke Horst Tully let out a weak, drawn-out cough, his withered hand lightly touching his chest, his breath slightly ragged: "Your Majesty—please forgive me. My old bones are like a candle in the wind, I am truly incapable of bearing such a heavy responsibility—let the younger generation take care of it."

Before Robert could look away, Euron Greyjoy had already offered his suggestions.

"Your Majesty," Euron's voice clearly reached everyone's ears, "I propose that Duke Stannis Baratheon be appointed as the Minister of Justice."

Euron paused briefly, making sure each word carried weight: "Lord Stannis is a man of unwavering justice, strict adherence to the law, and zero tolerance for injustice. His reputation for integrity is known throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Moreover," Euron's tone rose slightly as he scanned the reactions of those present, "he is your own brother, and it is most fitting that he, of Baratheon blood, should wield the laws of the kingdom."

The position of Minister of Justice needs someone who is both incorruptible and of high esteem.

The position of Minister of Justice is like a crown covered with spikes. It requires the wearer to be as impartial as a scale, to have a high enough position to deter villains, and to have an iron will that is not afraid to offend any powerful figures.

King Robert's gaze finally settled on his brother, whose face was serious and whose jaw was clenched.

“Stannis,” Robert’s voice echoed through the hall, tinged with a hint of uncertainty, “Minister of Justice—that’s a position that will offend countless people. I need someone who can ensure the law is truly enforced, not just a figurehead. You,” he gazed into his brother’s blue eyes, which resembled his own but were even colder and harder, “are you confident in your ability to take on this role?”

Stannis Baratheon's jaw tightened further at the sound of his voice. He didn't answer immediately, but remained silent for a moment, as if weighing the full significance of this weighty responsibility. Then, he straightened up, his movements stiff yet resolute, like a sword drawn from its sheath. He nodded solemnly, each word as if chiseled from steel: "I will do my utmost," he said, his voice low, promising, "I will not fail His Majesty's trust, nor the justice of the laws of the Seven Kingdoms."

Robert was well aware of his brother Stannis's abilities, but he never liked Stannis, precisely because of this overly rigid "integrity"—he seemed to never know how to twitch the corners of his mouth to show a relaxed smile, and his whole person was like a stagnant pool of water, strict, rigid, and utterly devoid of any interest.

Faced with this legally sound and suitable proposal, Robert simply nodded heavily and let out a muffled groan, which was taken as his approval.

Stannis Baratheon's gaze shifted to Euron, his face, perpetually shrouded in gloom, still taut, his voice dry yet clear: "Thank you." He paused, then added definitively, "Not because you proposed me as Minister of Justice today. But because when Storm's End was besieged and on the verge of collapse, your men delivered life-saving provisions, preventing those in the castle, including myself, from starving to death. This—gratitude—I will remember."

But then he changed his tone, becoming colder and more principled: "However, I will not condone your looting on Qingting Island. Burning, killing, and plundering are acts that trample on the law. In the future, if you or your subordinates commit any acts that violate the laws of the kingdom, I, as the Minister of Justice, will never bend the law for personal gain."

Euron listened to this typical Stannis-style speech, which intertwined gratitude and warning, and simply smiled his usual smile, nodding casually, clearly not taking the warnings seriously.

Robert was annoyed by his brother's extremely inappropriate and blunt "declaration of justice" at the moment of awarding prizes. He glared at Stannis, his thick eyebrows furrowed, clearly displeased that Stannis had ruined the atmosphere.