The Iron Throne of Ice and Fire

The sunlight at this moment was not as blazing as the midday sun. It was soft and warm, making people feel lazy and comfortable. However, Sir James, who was heading to the White Sword Tower, was even more depressed.

what happened to him?

Looking back on what happened just now, James couldn't even remember why he suddenly got angry with Cersei and left immediately.

Is it because of his father’s sarcastic accountability?

Is it because of Joffrey?

Joffrey, his blood, his firstborn. Ser Jaime tried to remember Joffrey as a child, but no matter how he thought about it, Cersei was still in his mind.

... Jaime watched Joffrey being born, but his main concern at that time was not him, but Cersei.

...Moreover, he didn't even get a chance to hold his seed.

...Ser Jaime remembered mentioning it, but he couldn't remember why he had the urge. He still clearly remembered Cersei's warning: "You and Joffrey look so similar, it is dangerous enough."

...He didn't insist anymore. From then on, that child, that screaming pink thing, took up most of Cersei's time and love.

...He watched Joffrey become Robert I's favorite for a time.

Robert Baratheon rots and stinks in his grave, and Jaime Lannister feels he's had enough of the world's lies.

Seeing the outline of the White Sword Tower from a distance, Sir James tightened his grip on the sword handle.

When he heard about Joffrey's atrocities from Adam, he actually thought of Aerys II. What came to his mind was the scene where the Mad King executed the former Duke Stark alive in front of them, that crazy and cruel scene. The laughter seemed to still be echoing in his ears.

History seemed to be repeating itself before his eyes, and what an irony it was.

Did the Regicide create Mad King II?

Sir James couldn't help but quicken his pace. He had to do something, at least...he would never allow another Mad King to appear.

Sir James saw the four Kingsguards waiting for him in the circular Kingsguard meeting room: Sandor Clegane, Mandon Moore, Osmund Kettleblack, and Boros Braun.

Among them, Ser Osmund grinned at Jaime as if the two of them had been friends for many years.

"Awaited."

The Captain of the Kingsguard's chair was a dark old oak chair upholstered in bleached cowhide. Ser Jaime stood next to it and glanced at the people present. This seemed to be his first official meeting with the brothers of the Kingsguard since he became the captain of the Kingsguard.

He couldn't help but think of his father. He was really fulfilling his duties seriously.

Ser Jaime began the pre-meeting ceremony by raising his voice: "Who guards the king?"

The King's safety must also be ensured during meetings of the Kingsguard.

Ser Osmund replied: "My brother, Ser Osney Kettleblack."

The hound glanced at Ser Mandon and said, "Lord Green Kleb."

Ser Jaime's voice sounded again: "Can they protect His Majesty?"

Everyone shouted in unison: "Defend to the death!"

Ser Jaime nodded and said, "Please take your seats, Kingsguards."

After everyone sat down, Ser Jaime glanced at the faces of the old and new Kingsguard brothers.

There are people here who have worked with him for many years.

The Hound has always served as Joffrey's personal guard; Ser Mandon's fish eyes never show his emotions. Ser Boros's swordsmanship may be acceptable, but it is superficial; as for Osmund Kettleblack, he is a complete stranger.

He tried to imagine how Ser Arthur Dayne (Sword of Dawn) would react to seeing the Kingsguard in their present form.

He guessed that Dawn Sword would probably sigh like this: The Kingsguard have fallen to this point!

Perhaps, he had no choice but to answer: It's all my fault. I took the back door first and let others imitate.

After retracting his thoughts, Sir Jaime said: "Everyone, not long ago, Robert Arryn fell from the tallest tower on the seaside, and..."

After a pause, he also made his choice: "For the specific process, please wait for the explanation from the Imperial Council."

James also reluctantly found a reasonable reason for himself. The Kingsguard should be as "white" as the white robes on their bodies, so... they should not participate in the "dark" power game.

He hated himself even more at this moment.

After Sir James finished speaking, some people moved uneasily in their seats, some clenched their fists, and some shrugged nonchalantly.

He continued: "Everyone, the king is still underage. I would like to reiterate the duties of the Kingsguard here. Before the king comes of age, our only duty is to protect the king's safety."

"The Kingsguard swore to obey the king, but the king is only thirteen years old, and the top priority is to protect him, including not being 'harmed' by his own actions."

"Before the King comes of age, the Kingsguard will slightly adjust who is obeyed. My sister is the Queen Mother Regent, my father is the Hand of the King, and I am the Captain of the Kingsguard. Obey the three of us and nothing else."

"As you command, Captain of the Kingsguard!"

After a moment of silence, Sir James looked at an increasingly fat white knight and said, "Sir Boros, have you heard of that wedding in Riverrun? A duke heir, plus a bride. , the two of them were poisoned at the wedding banquet. Also, if I remember correctly, Prime Minister Jon was also poisoned to death."

Ser Boros nodded doubtfully, and he continued: "As a Kingsguard, I hope that he will sit firmly on the Iron Throne until his hair turns white and his teeth become loose. He will never be harmed by poison or the like again."

He announced: "I hear you love good food. From now on, you will be the first to taste every dish Joffrey eats and every glass of wine he drinks, Ser Boros."

Someone let out a low laugh, and Sir Boros's face suddenly turned red: "I am not the king's cupbearer, I am the Kingsguard!"

A cupbearer is a full-time servant who pours wine or serves tea and wine. The cupbearer also arranges seats and delivers dishes for food. The sons of nobles in the seven countries are also honored to be chosen as cupbearers for great nobles, especially those of the royal family. Serving wine is very important.

Ser Jaime's mouth showed a sarcastic arc: "Many people have seen your performance during the last riot in King's Landing (Chapter 173). Queen Cersei also saw how you happily handed over Tommen to Ser Jacelyn (former King). Lord Commander Robes, Chapter 241) told me. Since you dislike drawing your sword so much, I will give you a new weapon. From now on, when the Kingsguard is playing with the sword, you will be playing with the soup in the kitchen. Spoon."

Sir Boros's fat face trembled, and he said angrily: "You are deliberately insulting me!"

Sir James said coldly: "You should protect them to the death."

"Swear to protect Aerys II as you do?"

Sir Boros stood up suddenly, grabbed the hilt of the sword with his big hand, and said: "I...I don't accept your order. In my opinion, you should be the one to serve. Not long ago, you...you were still running. Prisoners of the city.”

"very good."

Sir James smiled and said: "It seems that I, like you, are not suitable to protect the king. Well..."

He also stood up: "Please draw your sword. If one of us falls, it will be considered as clearing the garbage for the Kingsguard."

Seeing Sir Boros's hesitation, Sir James sneered and said, "If you don't want to fight, just accept my arrangement."

"Pooh!"

Ser Boros spat a large amount of green spit at Ser Jaime's feet and walked away without looking back. He never dared to draw his sword.

The second person, Sir Jaime, looked at the Hound. After thinking about it, he found... He had to admit that the Hound had always done a good job, at least in terms of "accompanying" Joffrey.

"Ser Sandor, you may go."

"I'm not a knight." The Hound replied, and he stood up and left the circular conference room.

After James sat down again, he looked at the new member of the Kingsguard with a hooked nose: "Ser Osmund, I have never heard of your name, and I am deeply surprised about this. I have traveled all over the Seven Kingdoms, Participating in tourneys and real battles everywhere, any mercenary knight, free rider and budding squire who has performed a little bit has heard about it... But why can't I remember you? "

"I really don't know how to answer that question, Lord Lannister."

Then, Sir Osmund smiled exaggeratedly, as if he was sharing the unique fun between old friends with James: "I am a warrior who shuttles on the battlefield, not a knight who only knows how to joust."

Sir Jaime looked at him and said, "Well, let me change the question. Where did you work before you were discovered by Queen Cersei?"

Ser Osmund shrugged and replied, "I live in a state of flux. Sometimes here, sometimes there, Lord Lannister."

"I told you just now that I have traveled all over the Seven Kingdoms, from Winterfell in the north to Oldtown in the south, from Lannisport in the west to King's Landing in the east. But I have never been to 'here', nor have I Been there."

Ser Jaime leaned forward. "I ask you again, where did you work?"

Sir Osmund spread his hands and said: "On the Stepstone Islands, many of the islands there are disputed areas, so wars continue. I joined the Knights Group, sometimes fighting for the Lysians, sometimes fighting for the Tyrosi."

After hearing his answer, Sir James frowned imperceptibly. Was the person in front of him a mercenary who only fought for money?

After a pause, he suddenly said: "Who made you a knight?"

Sir Osmund shrugged his shoulders again and said: "Robert... Shidong. However, that knight has passed away, my lord."

Shi Dong...as an illegitimate son from the Valley, he actually went to the Stone Steps Islands to work as a mercenary? Maybe there really is such a person as Ser Robert Stone; or maybe... this is just a fabrication of the dead king's name by the person in front of him.

Ser Jaime couldn't help but wonder...what was Cersei thinking about putting white robes on such a person?

Although mercenaries have no sense of honor, the only consolation is that Sir Osmond should be somewhat capable, otherwise a mercenary would not be alive until now.

"Very well, you can go."

The smile on Sir Osmund's face returned to his face, he nodded slightly to James, and left in a swaggering manner.

Only Sir James and Sir Mandon were left in the conference room.

After a moment of silence, Sir James suddenly smiled and said, "Find an opportunity for us to compete?"

Ser Mandon's light gray eyes moved slightly and said: "My target is Ser Arthur Dayne."

"I suggest you give up."

Ser Jaime spread his hands and continued: "I have received instruction from the Sword of the Dawn, and I can tell you that he can urinate with his right hand and use the sword with his left hand to cut down you Kingsguards."

Ser Mandon stared at Ser Jaime expressionlessly for a while and said: "Let's make an appointment. If I lose, I will obey you."

Ser James smiled slightly: "Very well, it's settled, ser."

After Ser Mandon disappeared, Ser Jaime stretched his legs. He wanted to find another time to talk to the two remaining brothers of the Kingsguard who were guarding Cersei at the moment - Ser Meryn Trant. and Ser Balon Swann.

Without the Kingsguard as a helper, Joffrey can control the scope of his mischief, and his father will pay more attention... Sir Jaime left the meeting room suddenly, and he almost forgot about Green.

If you want to "restrict" Green, it would be best for Cersei to come forward in person. Ser Jaime rubbed his head with a headache.

Let’s forget it for today and wait and see what happens tomorrow, right?

While thinking about it, Sir James walked towards the gate of White Sword Tower.

The sun is gradually turning westward. At this time, it has withdrawn its scorching light and sheds a thick afterglow on the earth.

"Sir."

As soon as James walked out of the White Sword Tower, he saw Earl Green greeting him.

He said with some surprise: "Are you here to see me, Green?"

Green showed a smile: "It was Sandor who told me that you are here. I am looking for you to attend the dinner invited by the Queen Mother, Sir James."

It's not a banquet, but a "small" dinner. If James is absent, it will become an intimate meal for just two people.

This was what Magta's maid quietly conveyed to Green, and she also told him... Queen Cersei and Ser Jaime seemed to have had a quarrel.

Green appeared outside the White Sword Tower to take away the occasionally tough shield.

The keen Lord Green noticed that Sir James intended to refuse, and before he spoke, he said: "The waiter who came to deliver the message said that today's dinner is to reward me for my merits..."

Reward... Hearing this word again, and coming from Green's mouth again, a trace of hesitation appeared on Sir James's handsome face.

Green sighed softly and added: "If... it's because of King Joffrey's matter, there is actually no need to reward me. Of course, it is an honor for me to have dinner with Queen Cersei, and I can't help but wish for it."

Sir Jaime looked in the direction of Magta and said, "At least Queen Cersei is in a happy mood. She... is rarely like this."

Green raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "You look like a bard, sir."

Hearing this, Sir James looked away, smiled and shook his head.

Green raised his eyes and looked at the White Sword Tower, and said: "Clermont Crabb, Rupert Crabb, and 'Short' Clarence Crabb. There were three people in the Crabb family who lived in White Sword Tower." Sword Tower served.”

Sir James came to Green's side and said: "There is still some time, I can take you in for a walk, and you can also find their history in the "White Code"."