#463 - Chapter 197: The Dragon Returns
#463 - Chapter 197: The Dragon Returns
Pycelle looked embarrassed and was about to argue when Cersei interrupted him, "We are now suffering from a severe crisis from the Northern border, and no one knows when Daenerys will lead her troops south. Prime Minister Kevan and the Minister of War must defend King's Landing and control the overall situation; Qyburn needs to focus on intelligence gathering and the improvement and repair of defensive fortifications; as for General Aurane and Earl Addam Footly, their qualifications are too shallow to bear the responsibility of representing the Iron Throne. Besides, as far as I know, the charming women on Silk Street are all saying that you are strong and energetic! Do you have no intention of sharing the worries of His Majesty the King?" After she finished speaking, there were bursts of low laughter from the crowd.
Everyone knew that Silk Street was a notorious place in King's Landing, and Pycelle was a frequent visitor there. At some point, a mysterious rumor began to spread quietly inside and outside the court—it was said that Grand Master Pycelle, who always wore loose robes and looked old and weak, actually hid a strong and muscular body! This incredible claim made people wonder if his aging appearance was just a disguise.
At this moment, Pycelle, standing in front of the Queen, looked uncertain, his face turning blue and white. He knew that he could no longer refuse this mission, but deep down he still wanted to gain some benefits from it. So, he pretended to be humble and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, this mission to Storm's End is long and full of dangers and crises. If I am fortunate enough to return safely, can you grant me some reward?" His words revealed a hint of anticipation and greed.
Hearing this, Cersei's lips curled up slightly, revealing a subtle smile. She thought to herself: This old guy is indeed as greedy as the rumors say. However, on the surface, she remained calm and replied in a peaceful tone, "If you can truly complete the task satisfactorily, I will consider advising His Majesty to seek a reward for you. I vaguely remember that the royal family seems to have several vacant manors outside the city..." She deliberately left the sentence unfinished.
Hearing this, Pycelle was overjoyed, and a flash of excitement appeared in his eyes. He quickly bowed and said that he was willing to accept the order and set off to Storm's End immediately. Seeing Pycelle agree so readily, Cersei nodded with satisfaction and turned her gaze to King Tommen beside her.
After receiving the Queen's hint, the young Tommen did not hesitate to make a decision, "In that case, the person to be sent to Storm's End for negotiations must be Grand Master Pycelle. As for the official documents required for the mission, I will naturally have to trouble you to write them yourself." After speaking, he looked at Pycelle with a smile, his eyes full of expectation.
"I will do my best and never fail to live up to His Majesty's trust. I will do my best to promote peace talks between the two sides and safeguard the peace of the kingdom!" After saying that, he bowed deeply and gave a standard salute, then slowly straightened up, turned around and walked out of the solemn hall.
Having received the mission, Pycelle specifically sought out Qyburn before leaving the Red Keep and had a far-reaching and in-depth conversation with him.
Pycelle looked at Qyburn with a solemn expression and said slowly, "Qyburn, during my absence, I will leave the Citadel in your charge. In fact, I know very well that you have always coveted this place. But it doesn't matter, I have recorded every item in the tower in detail, and I only hope that when I return, nothing here will be missing."
Faced with Pycelle's words, a trace of embarrassment appeared on Qyburn's face, but he quickly returned to normal and quickly replied, "Grand Master, you must have misunderstood. I am just taking care of some affairs on your behalf while you are temporarily away."
However, Pycelle was not moved by Qyburn's explanation. He snorted coldly, stared at him sharply, and said mercilessly, "Humph, you are just a guy who was expelled from the Citadel. Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Without the support of the Queen Mother, you are nothing. The kingdom is not up to the Queen Mother alone."
After speaking, Pycelle said no more, and resolutely led twenty elite guards from the Tyrell family, boarded the Queen's luxurious carriage, and embarked on the long journey to Storm's End.
After the gorgeous carriage gradually moved away until it disappeared from sight, Qyburn breathed a sigh of relief, and then said a sincere word with a calm expression, "To be honest, I really can't trust that old guy Pycelle."
"I don't believe him either, but we really can't find anyone more suitable than him at the moment." Cersei said with a worried face, shaking her head helplessly. Qyburn frowned, and said worriedly, "I hope he doesn't do anything treacherous." However, Cersei's eyes suddenly became sharp and fierce, as if to penetrate all obstacles, and said coldly, "If he dares to have the slightest disloyalty, I will make him pay a painful price!" The decisiveness and ruthlessness in those words made people shudder.
At the same time, in the mountains behind Highgarden, three huge and majestic dragons circled and soared above the city several times before slowly landing in the dragon's nest.
Ben Plumm led a group of dragon guards and had been waiting here for a long time. Seeing the dragons return, he hurried forward and said respectfully, "Warmly welcome your triumphant return, Garion! We can handle the following matters. In addition, Her Majesty the Queen is currently in Rhaegal's nest, you can go straight there."
Hearing this, Liu Yuan was very surprised, and thought to himself: Daenerys's due date is approaching, and if there are no special circumstances, she should normally stay in the Lord's Mansion.
So, he waved his hand to everyone and said, "You all go back first! I'll go and see what's going on with Rhaegal." After speaking, he walked towards where Rhaegal was.
A group of dragon guards wearing light dragon scale armor, holding various tools, walked towards the huge dragons with firm and powerful steps. These behemoths were already accustomed to such scenes, and they bowed down without any resistance, as if expressing their trust in the dragon guards.
The dragon guards moved skillfully and swiftly, quickly removing the heavy and sturdy armor and exquisite saddles from the dragons. Then, they carefully wiped the dragons' shiny scales, removing the many stains left by the smoke.
ebookpocket.com