Meanwhile, at Harrenhal in the The Riverlands.
Tywin Lannister stood before a map, his expression betraying neither joy nor anger. Kevan stood by his side, reporting the latest intelligence.
"News from King's Landing says Viserys has taken Rosby Castle and is less than three days' march away. That is to say, it's highly likely that as we speak, Viserys is already attacking King's Landing. Even with Tyrion's help, the city is currently in utter chaos. However, even if we rush there now, it will probably be too late."
Tywin remained silent for a moment before speaking, "What does Renly have to say?"
"According to reports, Renly is prepared to defend Storms End to the death. The Dornish army has captured Blackwater Bay and is closing in on Storms End. In The Reach, that Old Rose Olenna has publicly declared her support for the Targaryens. Although Mace Tyrell still stands with Renly, he lacks Olenna's prestige."
Kevan paused and added, "The Reach army under his command is also restless. Many minor lords are secretly in contact with Highgarden. Renly can only truly rely on his Rainbow Guard and a few Stormlands loyalists now."
Tywin simply nodded at this, saying nothing.
Kevan looked at him, hesitated, but eventually asked, "Brother, what should we do next? Do we continue this stalemate with the Northerners, or follow the previous plan—abandon King's Landing and quickly withdraw our troops to the Westerlands?" In any case, that was indeed what Kevan was thinking.
Upon hearing Kevan's question, Tywin finally turned around, a sharp light flashing in his green eyes. He walked to the window and gazed at the gloomy sky outside. Rain was mercilessly washing over the crumbling walls of Harrenhal; the cursed castle looked even more sinister in the wind and rain.
After a long while, he spoke slowly in a tone that brooked no argument, "Return to the Westerlands? Kevan, we have already missed the opportunity to return."
Kevan said with some confusion, "We could easily retreat while Viserys is attacking King's Landing. Besides, the Northern and The Riverlands armies across from us don't have many cavalry; they shouldn't pose much of a threat to us, right?"
Tywin explained, "Don't forget, Viserys has dragons. It won't take him long to get here. Based on the confirmed reports we have, our army would be no match for him in open terrain."
During this time, Tywin had been very focused on gathering information about Viserys, following his journey from the moment he led his army away from Whisperfell. It was because of this that Tywin placed more and more importance on the dragons.
He paused and continued, "Furthermore, scouts reported today that tracks of Vale cavalry have appeared in our rear. In my view, the reason they are still holding back is that we can rely on the walls of Harrenhal for defense. Once we move out, even those Vale cavalry alone would be enough to crush us."
Kevan's heart stirred upon hearing this, but he still asked tentatively, "Then what is your intention now? Do you plan to sue for peace with the North? Or do you wish to bend the knee to Viserys?"
In any case, Kevan felt that Tywin's recent behavior was almost unimaginable for someone who had always been so proud. Thus, he truly couldn't guess what Tywin would do next.
"Peace?" Tywin sneered, though his voice carried a trace of imperceptible exhaustion. "Will the Little Wolf of House Stark accept our peace? His father's head was once mounted on the walls of King's Landing, and his sister is still in Cersei's hands. Between us and the Starks of the North, there is already a blood feud that cannot be easily resolved."
"And then there's Viserys. Jaime did kill his father, after all. How do you think we can earn his forgiveness? Should I take the initiative to hand Jaime over? That would only make House Lannister look weak and exploitable."
He turned back to the map, pressing his finger firmly on the location of Harrenhal. "Harrenhal, this cursed castle, is now our only bargaining chip. We can only hold our ground here and wait for a turning point to appear."
"Wait for an opportunity?" Kevan was puzzled and asked, "Viserys's army is closing in, Renly is trapped in Storms End, and King's Landing is in peril. What opportunity are we waiting for?"
Tywin spoke unhurriedly, "Opportunities always arise, Kevan. The scales of war do not tilt toward one side forever. Although Viserys is powerful, his current rule is not yet stable."
"Furthermore, that Little Wolf in the Westerlands has made a significant mistake. He has provoked a Cunning Weasel. The game of thrones is not something an underage wolf pup can control. And that Old Kraken who refuses to die has started stretching his tentacles toward Westeros again."
He paused, his eyes turning deep. "Only when the situation becomes increasingly chaotic can we find a chance for House Lannister's survival. We must let Viserys know that House Lannister still possesses enough power to be a force he cannot ignore. We must make him take the initiative to seek our cooperation."
Kevan spoke instinctively, his tone filled with doubt, "Cooperation? With Viserys?"
A cold curve formed at the corner of Tywin's mouth. "Viserys has dragons, but he is young and lacks a foundation. He still needs the power of the great houses of the Seven Kingdoms to consolidate his rule. In the Westerlands, House Lannister is his best choice."
"After all, in the game of thrones, only interest is eternal. That is the opportunity for House Lannister to survive. Before then, any rash move could lead to total destruction."
Kevan fell silent. He knew some of what Tywin said was true, but much of it sounded like nonsense. House Lannister was now like a wounded giant that had to lie low and wait for the perfect moment.
But he didn't believe Viserys would seek their cooperation so easily, so Tywin must have other plans he hadn't shared. Much like Jaime, who had been missing for several days; Kevan didn't know what Tywin had sent him to do.
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