The Mountain of Ice and Fire

Vagrant Gaal said, "Captain Jaime, no need to dismiss me, I resign from the position of Minister of the Navy. Today's meeting of the Small Council is my last meeting."

Mace looked at the Mountain, who remained unmoved, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

Margaery Tyrell immediately understood that the Mountain and Jaime had reached some kind of agreement, otherwise, Vagrant Gaal would not have resigned voluntarily.

Mace looked at Margaery, and immediately understood from her eyes that Vagrant's withdrawal was a political deal, and he was immediately relieved.

His daughter Margaery was most loved by her mother, Lady Olenna, who said she was smart, capable, wise, and responsible. He could rely on Margaery for his future political affairs.

Ensuring the safety of King Tommen and Queen Margaery and securing the Iron Throne was Mace's main task. The King controlled the highest power in the kingdom, Margaery controlled the King, and he controlled Margaery. This was the best logical order.

Mace felt reassured. Jaime's goals were consistent with his, which was good. With Vagrant's withdrawal from the Small Council, the Mountain's side would have one less vote in future meetings, while their side would have one more.

This was a very crucial vote!

The Royal Navy was also a very important military force. In case of trouble, the Blackwater Rush crossing and the 'Water Gate' at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush would no longer have to worry about being blockaded by the Mountain's men.

The Royal Navy soldiers, on board as navy, ashore as army, five thousand troops, returned to the royal family in the blink of an eye. The Mountain's military strength in King's Landing was immediately weakened by half, while the royal family's strength doubled, and the balance of military power immediately reversed.

Thinking of this, Mace's courage suddenly became strong.

"Commander Vagrant, I accept your resignation," said Lord Mace, the Hand of the King, in a steady voice, full of vigor and confidence.

As long as the Lannisters and Tyrells were united, this kingdom would be as stable as a mountain! The Mountain would not be able to stir up any trouble.

King Tommen and Queen Margaery were both paying attention to the Mountain's expression. Fortunately, the Mountain did not show any displeasure, nor did he seem to be angry or about to go berserk.

Tommen's admiration for his uncle Jaime arose spontaneously!

As soon as Uncle Jaime returned, the Mountain handed over the power of the Royal Navy fleet. This was something that others could not do at all. If Uncle Kevan could have done this, he might not have been killed by the Mountain.

The Mountain promoted the establishment of the Royal Navy fleet. Vagrant went to Crackclaw Point to gather many tribal warriors with good water skills. This navy was a fruitful result, which Jaime reached out and picked.

Margaery Tyrell caught Jaime's gaze and returned a humble, friendly, and slightly submissive smile. Jaime was the backbone of the Lannisters, and he was clearly more powerful and decisive than Hand Kevan. Although the Mountain's force was very strong, as long as the Lannister and Tyrell families worked together, they could suppress him.

Bronn was very worried about the Mountain's outburst. The Mountain had the strongest military force in King's Landing. If he insisted on disagreeing, no one would dare to do anything to him. Jaime and His Majesty could only maintain the status quo for the time being, but the Mountain did not erupt, and Commander Vagrant Gaal also expressed his voluntary resignation. This made Bronn's tense heart quietly relax, but he was still in shock and disbelief.

The reversal of power seemed too incredible.

At this time, the Mountain had the strength to act as Hand of the King! His troops were the strongest, and his unparalleled military prestige and political capital after killing Kevan had reached their peak. Both commoners and nobles respected and feared him. Whether it was according to ancient duels or army teams, no one could beat him at present.

The Mountain showed rare calmness and restraint!

But this made Bronn even more alarmed: the Mountain had completely turned into another stranger! He didn't show anger when he should be angry, and he didn't erupt when he should erupt, but his strength was obvious: his personal military power had surpassed the private power of any noble family.

Bronn, who was very experienced in leading troops to fight, knew that with Vagrant's departure, a large number of naval warriors would definitely follow. The naval warriors of Crackclaw Point would definitely leave with him. The Mountain had lost a vote in the Small Council, but the strength of the Mountain's direct naval warriors would inevitably double. The Mountain had two places where these navies could be stationed, one was Dragonstone, and the other was Lannisport in the Westerlands.

From the consequences of the power change, Bronn knew that the Mountain had gains and losses. The country spent a lot of money and materials to train a group of naval warriors, but in the end, they became the Mountain's naval warriors. However, after the Royal Navy warriors were shuffled, the new naval warriors would be completely royal power, which outweighed the immediate gains and losses!

Jaime said, "Your Majesty, Lord Hand, I propose that the position of Minister of the Navy be temporarily held by Commander Bronn, until we find a suitable general who is good at naval warfare, and then appoint a new Minister of the Navy."

"I agree!" said Lord Mace immediately.

He had to show an aura of consistency with Jaime from now on, which was very important for future cooperation with the Lannister family.

After this meeting, Lord Mace decided to sit down and have a good talk with Jaime, first to hold the wedding of Margaery and Tommen, and second, on the basis of marriage, the two families needed to unite sincerely and be consistent with each other.

The Mountain was noncommittal about Jaime's proposal. He chose to be an audience. After Vagrant stepped down as Minister of the Navy, he no longer cared who would be the Minister of the Navy.

Jaime Lannister pressed his advantage: "Lord Hand, I recommend Bronn and Podrick Payne as the Captain and Vice Captain of the Maegor's Holdfast guard. We need to immediately rebuild the new Royal Guard."

The Mountain raised his eyes to look at Jaime. Bronn and Podrick were his people. After the Mountain rescued Tyrion, the two turned to swear allegiance to the Mountain. But since Jaime dared to say this, he must be confident in controlling them.

Bronn was a true villain who valued profit and forgot righteousness. Whoever gave him more benefits, he would work for. He had the typical mercenary character. Podrick Payne was a rare loyal young man. Once subdued, he was a capable assistant, usually shy, but brave and fearless in battle, loyal and trustworthy.

"Lord Jaime, Bronn and Podrick are my generals and attendants," the Mountain said in a deep voice.

"Yes, Lord Gregor, that's why I brought it up at this meeting. I hope that you can do your part for the safety of the royal family and are willing to send your generals and attendants to guard Maegor's Holdfast."

Lord Mace and Bronn both felt a thud in their hearts!

King Tommen and Queen Margaery also exchanged glances.

The closest personal guard to the royal family was managed and commanded by the Mountain's people?!

Jaime didn't dare to use the Mountain's people in the Royal Navy fleet, so why did Jaime dare to use the Mountain's people in the Maegor's Holdfast Royal Guard, which was closer to the King?

Bronn and Podrick followed Jaime on a trip to Dorne. Were they subdued by Jaime?! Even if they were subdued, would the Mountain agree to release his generals and attendants?

Bronn was brave and fearless, and his swordsmanship was superb. He had always been Tyrion's personal guard. Before becoming a knight, he had always been a mercenary. Everyone's impression of Bronn was not very good. But Jaime dared to use Tyrion's former guard captain Bronn. Bronn went to Dorne with Jaime not long after he became loyal to the Mountain. Did Jaime and Bronn develop friendship or camaraderie on the way back and forth?

"Lord Gregor, Ser Bronn is now the husband of the Countess of Stokeworth, a King's vassal in the Crownlands," Lord Mace said in a humble tone. "Captain Jaime recommends Bronn to be the Captain of the Maegor's Holdfast guard, which shows that Jaime has full trust in you and your generals."

Mace chose to support Jaime without understanding the situation too much! Although his political talent was not enough, he was not stupid. He believed that Jaime, like him, would not do anything that would harm Tommen and Margaery. Based on this alone, he decided to support Jaime first.

"Okay." The Mountain decided to take a step back. "General Bronn's swordsmanship is superb, and he is a top talent in leading troops to fight, attack and defend. As long as he agrees, I will allow him to serve as the Captain of the Royal Guard in Maegor's Holdfast. But Podrick Payne is my attendant, and he must return to my side."

"Thank you, Lord Gregor, for agreeing to let Ser Bronn be the Captain of the Maegor's Holdfast guard," Jaime said immediately, expressing his gratitude. He was very sensible and did not insist on having Podrick Payne and Bronn together.

"Lord Jaime, if Bronn himself is unwilling, I cannot force him," the Mountain said. Implying that as long as he said a word, whether Bronn came or not, the power was still in his hands.

Jaime nodded in agreement with the Mountain's statement! He looked at Lord Mace and felt a natural tacit understanding with Mace, which gave Jaime more confidence in the future royal politics. After Lord Mace's pearl Margaery Tyrell married Tommen, the two families should have been one family, but once Cersei returned, things would become complicated... Cersei and Margaery, the two of them would probably find it difficult to be peaceful and harmonious...

*

This was a very long meeting of the Small Council. Jaime vaguely became half of this meeting. Perhaps he himself was unintentional, just wanting to try his best to deal with the current chaotic situation.

Many thorny issues were resolved at the meeting. The first was the change of personnel: the Commander of the Royal Navy, that is, the Minister of the Navy, was concurrently held by the current Commander of the King's Landing Garrison, Bronn; Jaime Lannister was elected as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard; Lord Mace Tyrell was elected as the Hand of the King; Ser Bronn suddenly rose to prominence and became the Captain of the Royal Guard of Maegor's Holdfast.

The seven members of the Kingsguard, which had not been filled for a long time, were now all filled at once. The new members were three: the brave Garlan Tyrell; the three Gubber brothers from Hammerhorn: Gerold, Gormond, and Gylan.

In terms of political affairs: the Northern army went south, and the Iron Throne sent ravens to negotiate peace. As long as Robb Stark pledged allegiance to the Iron Throne, the territory of the Riverlands would belong to the jurisdiction of the Warden of the North.

On the Wall: Jaime and the Mountain both agreed to transport a small amount of supplies to the Wall. These supplies included weapons, cloaks, woolen blankets, flour, and beer.

In Dorne, Doran Martell proposed to release more than 300 Dornishmen. The Iron Throne agreed and held a farewell ceremony for more than 300 Dornishmen the day after tomorrow. The Iron Throne decided to abide by the promises made with Doran Martell.

In terms of the royal family, a team would be sent to the Kingsroad to welcome Dowager Cersei back to King's Landing, and then a grand royal wedding would be held for Queen Margaery and King Tommen.

…………

Finally, the meeting passed the political affairs concerning the Iron Islands. As long as Lord Gubber and the Clegane army conquered the Iron Islands, the royal family would appoint Lord Gubber of Hammerhorn as the new Governor of the Iron Islands, and summon Lord Gubber to King's Landing to receive awards, and swear never to betray.

*

Night, Mountain's Stone Room.

The Mountain was sitting, and Bronn was standing as tall as he was.

"Jaime recommended you to be the Captain of the Royal Guard of Maegor's Holdfast, what do you think?" The Mountain looked at Bronn with peaceful eyes.

Bronn had no edge: "Lord, I will listen to your arrangements."

"I want you to report to me some key things that happen in the royal family, and arrange for soldiers to monitor Queen Margaery's every move. I am worried about the safety of Dowager Cersei and King Tommen. You must always remember the incident of King Joffrey being poisoned. The Red Keep is full of conspiracies and betrayals, and you must be careful yourself."

"Yes, Lord."

"If anything happens, you can discuss it with Berne Clegane, or pass the message to him."

"Yes, Lord!"

The Mountain did not have high expectations for Bronn's loyalty, but he did not show it.

"Earl Rosby's cough is serious. Even if you don't touch him, he won't live long."

"Yes, Lord." Bronn was as obedient as a primary school student, but the Mountain knew this was an illusion.

Bronn was a sophisticated egoist.

"What you need to care about is who can inherit Earl Rosby's territory. In this regard, Jaime Lannister may be able to help you."

"I remember, Lord!" A cold light flashed in Bronn's eyes.

Bronn's ambition was not small. After marrying Lollys Stokeworth, his eyes were set on Earl Rosby's territory and wealth, which were richer, had more geographical advantages, had more money-making businesses, and had more shops in King's Landing than the Stokeworth territory.

The second wife of Earl Rosby, who had no direct descendants, was Lollys's cousin. After Earl Rosby died, Bronn hoped to use this kinship to have the right to inherit Earl Rosby.

Lollys Stokeworth had given birth to a boy. Bronn named the child Tyrion Tanner. He used the name of Tyrion Lannister to express a kind of thought for Tyrion Lannister.

"How is Tyrion Tanner?" The Mountain's tone was soft and gentle, and he turned to the topic of Bronn's son. No one knew who the child's father was except the Seven Gods.

During the riot in King's Landing, Lollys was separated by the rioters. When the Kingsguard found her, she was wandering the streets in a state of complete infantility. She was raped by dozens or hundreds of rioters, and then became pregnant with Tyrion Tanner.

Bastards should have been named Waters, but Bronn refused to admit that the child was a bastard. Although he was a knight, he had never had a surname. His education was also very limited, not as good as his sword, so Bronn named the child Tyrion Tanner.

"The child is very good, the little guy is very active, and his body is good, his bones are big, and his muscles are strong." There was a layer of glory on Bronn's face.

The Mountain looked at Bronn. This guy still had a certain amount of humanity and human touch, but he couldn't be lenient with him, otherwise he wouldn't have any awe.

"I need to remind you that because you named the child Tyrion, after Queen Cersei returns, you likely won't remain Captain of the Tower of the Hand's Guard for long. Cersei will find a reason to get rid of you."

The position of Captain of the Tower of the Hand's Guard is prestigious, honorable, and a position of central power. The salary and benefits are also very high; it's an absolute plum job! Bronn had tasted the sweetness of power as Captain of the Hand's Guard before. Once he becomes Captain of the Tower of the Hand's Guard and sees the bowing and scraping royal courtiers begging for favors, he won't be willing to relinquish the power and status of Captain of the Tower of the Hand's Guard.

Bronn's expression changed slightly. He absolutely hadn't considered that using the Imp's name would offend Queen Cersei. The Mountain's words reminded him, and he gained a personal understanding of the Mountain's ability to 'see through people'.

The Mountain was warning Bronn, and he believed Bronn would understand the intention behind his words. The Mountain could 'foresee Cersei's future dissatisfaction with Bronn'; by the same logic, the Mountain could also see through Bronn.

Bronn was indeed alarmed. He was a refined egoist and, even more so, a hero who cherished his life: "Lord Gregor, no matter what official position I hold, I will not forget the oath of allegiance I swore to you."

The Mountain nodded, glanced at the door. Bronn understood and immediately took his leave.

Afterward, Podrick Payne entered: "My Lord, you sent for me?"

"Sit!" The Mountain, who had been stern with Bronn, now smiled.