Reon Hersy was dressed in dark brown leather armor, with a pink cloak draped over his shoulders. He was a younger version of Sir Gryphon, and with a somewhat shy expression, he placed his hand on his chest and said: "I salute you, Lord Kleber."
Green's eyes crinkled with a slight smile. He nodded slightly and said: "Welcome."
Then, Sir Gryphon pointed to the young lady standing on his left and said: "Her name is Miranda Hersy, she is my second daughter."
Miranda Hersy was wearing an off-the-shoulder blue gown (she had come down wearing a cloak), her chestnut hair seemingly casually tied with a snow-white hair tie, falling naturally across her chest.
A pair of bright, dark green eyes glanced gently at Green. Miranda curtsied: "Good evening, esteemed Lord Kleber, it is Miranda's honor to be received by you."
Green smiled faintly: "Good evening, charming Miss Miranda, welcome."
Green raised his hand, and the waiting attendants brought platters of bread and salt before Sir Gryphon and the others.
Green's gentle voice sounded: "Welcome you all again."
… … … …
The hall was quiet, with only the occasional rustle of turning pages.
At the table, Green was flipping through the book Sir Gryphon had presented, which detailed the wealth accumulated by the Arryn Family over generations.
Lord Green's eyebrows raised slightly. Directly or indirectly controlled territories and castles… countless jewels… storerooms full of gold, silver, and copper… precious fabrics, and so on. This was wealth on the scale of tens of millions of gold dragons.
Green rose from his chair, saying: "Sir Gryphon, I see your sincerity and loyalty."
Sir Gryphon's expression became even more respectful: "Lord Green, I think this is the choice of the Gods; I am merely following the will of the Gods."
Green smiled. His finger tapped the book and he said: "Where did the Arryn Family hide these things?"
"As wise as you are, Lord Green."
Sir Gryphon bowed slightly: "Most of the valuable assets like gold and jewels… are stored in the Eyrie. Since its construction, the Arryn Family has always believed that as long as there are no dragons, no one can breach it."
After a pause, he continued: "As for other assets… the ancient Arryn Family owns warehouses in almost every part of the Vale, guarded by dedicated personnel, many of whom are minor noble families of the Vale trusted by the Arryn Family."
Green's brown eyes moved slightly, and he asked: "Will they obediently hand over those things?"
"That is precisely what I wish to report to you…"
Saying this, Sir Gryphon turned to his daughter and said: "My Miranda, come, hand the item to Lord Green."
As Miranda approached, Green actively raised a hand. In her hand was a rolled-up parchment.
Then, as Miranda handed him the parchment, her fingertips lightly brushed Green's fingers.
Green looked up slightly, meeting Miranda's passionate gaze.
Green calmly lowered his eyes and unrolled the parchment. At this moment, Sir Gryphon's voice sounded: "Lord Jon Arryn died too suddenly, and Lady Lysa was in a hurry to flee back to the Eyrie at the time, so she couldn't properly take possession of the Arryn Family's wealth. This is a list compiled by reviewing previous records according to Lady Lysa's orders; much of the Arryn Family's property is now untraceable… Later, when I learned that Lady Lysa had poisoned Lord Jon, I hid it."
"Well done. The rest can be done slowly."
Green's finger lightly tapped the table and he said: "Sir Gryphon of the Hersy Family, please kneel."
A look of excitement flashed across Sir Gryphon's face. He and his children all knelt on one knee.
"Gryphon Huth, your wisdom and courage have proven your unwavering loyalty to me. Your family shall receive due glory and rewards in Kleber's New Territory (the Vale) and Old Territory (Crab Claw Peninsula), as a testament to your meritorious service."
After a pause, Green announced loudly: "I, Green of the Kleber Family, in the name of the Governor of the Vale, bestow Iron Oaks as the Hersy Family's ancestral castle, and enfeoff Gryphon Huth as Baron of Iron Oaks, granting him the taxes of the Iron Oaks fief. His descendants shall inherit this honor for generations."
Because Green was not yet the true ruler of the Vale, his enfeoffment was not legal. For it to become legal… it was a political understanding.
Baron Gryphon's voice trembled: "Lord Green, the Hersy Family will forever obey Kleber's command."
Green nodded slightly. He personally helped Baron Gryphon to his feet, patted his arm, and said: "Come, Baron of Iron Oaks, I have prepared fine wine and food by my fireplace. Let me listen to the counsel of a loyal vassal there."
… … … …
The wood in the fireplace was consumed by flames, crackling.
Baron Gryphon put down his wine glass, paused, and then said: "Lord Green, your renown has spread throughout the Vale; they all fear you, but…"
Seeing Baron Gryphon hesitate to speak, Green smiled and interjected: "But they will not willingly submit to my rule. Besides fear, they also harbor hatred. Gryphon, I know that fear cannot bring true rule."
Baron Gryphon sighed softly and said: "Most people still hold unrealistic fantasies about the Arryn Family. The Vale has been ruled by them for thousands of years; this notion is deeply ingrained, or rather, the people of the Vale cannot believe they are about to welcome a new ruler."
Gryven leaned back in his chair, his brown eyes moving slightly, and said: "Loyal Gryven, are you trying to tell me that even if the Kleber Family becomes the ruling family of the Vale in the future, the people of the Vale will still miss the Arryn Family… is that right?"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"