Eddard has roughly guessed what Robert will say next.
Eddard doesn't like King's Landing, which is full of House Stark's pain, but he can't ignore the deep feelings he has with Robert.
Eddard sighed secretly and said, "Your Majesty, I will always be at your disposal."
Eddard said this sentence with difficulty, Robert seemed not to be listening to what he said.
Robert continued minding his own business, "Think about the days we spent together at Eyrie... Damn, it was such a wonderful time! Ned, I hope you can stay with me again, and don't hide alone at the end of the world, useless."
Robert looked at Eddard with a smile on his face, "Old friend, shut up those incompetent people immediately. I will appoint you as Hand of the King and issue orders to govern Seven Kingdoms on my behalf."
Eddard misses the warm embrace of his wife, misses his children, misses Winterfell, that is his home.
He doesn't value power.
The purpose of his going south was to investigate the cause of Jon Arryn's death and verify the authenticity of Lysa's secret letter.
In addition, he also has the obligation to protect the women and children left behind by Jon Arryn.
After finishing the work, Eddard wanted to go home as soon as possible. He bit the bullet and said, "I am not qualified for Hand of the King's position."
Robert knew his old friend's character very well and ignored the polite refusal in Eddard's words.
"Ned, if I really thought about you, I wouldn't have called you here from the North. I planned to let you govern the country and lead the troops to fight, while I would eat, drink and have fun myself, and by the way, enjoy your frowning face all day long in Red Keep!"
After saying that, Robert raised his head and laughed, while Eddard still had a serious face.
Robert stopped laughing and complained, "Damn, you are so boring, why don't you smile with me?"
Eddard's tone was calm. "Stark has always lacked a sense of humor."
Several waiters had set up folding tables and chairs on the river bank, with some fruits and wine bottles on them, and the two of them sat down.
Robert's big hand picked up an orange and threw it to Eddard, saying, "Do you remember who gave Jon a bucket of these oranges? But they were all rotten, so I gave my share to Dax threw it and hit him right on the bridge of the nose. You remember, right? It was Redfort's pockmarked attendant. He also threw one over, but Jon didn't even have time to fart, and the entire Eyrie hall was filled with oranges."
Eddard couldn't help but smile when he thought about the past. This was the boy he grew up with, this was the Robert·Baratheon he knew and loved deeply.
He believes that if it can be proven that Lannister is the murderer of Jon Arryn, Robert will definitely give the most fair trial.
When Lord Tywin dares to raise troops to resist, he will use the North's troops to help, and Robert will mercilessly destroy Old Lion just like he smashed Rhaegar on Trident.
Eddard's originally heavy heart became much lighter, and the smile on his face became more numerous.
"Since you helped me get this damn Iron Chair, you should help me keep it! Ned, we are destined to rule the kingdom side by side."
Robert picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and said with a refreshing voice, "If Lyanna were still alive, we should be brothers by marriage now, worthy of the name."
Fortunately, it's not too late now. I have a son and you have a daughter. Joffrey and Sansa will combine the two families together, just like Lyanna and me back then."
"Your Majesty, this is the highest honor."
Eddard added hesitantly, "Can you give me some time to think about it? I want to tell Catelyn that she is the mother of the child."
Robert waved his hand impatiently. "Okay, okay, of course no problem! You bastard, go ahead and talk to Catelyn. Don't teach me to wait too long. You know I don't have much patience."
With a bang, Robert placed the wine glass on the table. "Ned, I believe you can manage those cunning ministers and this terrible kingdom."
Robert has regarded Eddard as his Hand of the King.
Eddard sighed helplessly, Robert would not allow him to refuse Hand of the King's position.
Eddard is not a person who hesitates. Now that things have come to this, maybe it's just right... the two of them will always be brothers fighting side by side.
"But on the other side of the Narrow Sea, the evil dragon's seed has quietly grown up."
Eddard looked at Robert. He knew that Robert's hatred for Targaryen was almost crazy. What happened more than ten years ago was still fresh in his memory.
This was the first time the two of them had a fierce quarrel. Later, it was because of the death of Lyanna that the two reconciled.
Eddard can understand the meaning of the words, Robert hopes that after he becomes Hand of the King, he will pay attention to hunting down the remnants of Targaryen.
Eddard did not rush to argue, but persuaded, "Your Majesty, the war has ended more than ten years ago, and you are now the king of Seven Kingdoms. As far as I know, the youngest is only in his early ten years. You will never kill innocent people like Lord Tywin, right?"
Rhaegar·Targaryen's son and daughter...Tywin·Lannister ordered the tearful little girl to be dragged out of the bed and executed. As for the son who was knocked to death against the wall, he was still a swaddled baby (Young Aegon).
"Ned, a ten-year-old girl? You are still naive. It won't be long before she spreads her legs and breeds a bunch of dragon poison."
Eddard continued to advise, "Having said that, murdering children is not an act of honor."
Robert cursed, "Fuck your M's honor! What nonsense are you talking about about honor with Targely?"
After taking a sip of wine, he continued, "To this day, some people in Seven Kingdoms still call me the Usurper. Have you forgotten how many nobles, big and small, raised armies to fight for Targaryen?"
They look honest now, but secretly they are eager to take action. If they get the chance, they can't wait to take my life and my son's life!
Beggar King, who calls himself True King of the Seven Kingdoms across from the Narrow Sea, if one day he comes across the sea with his troops, these traitors will definitely support him.
Varys provided several excellent opportunities to kill the remnants of the evil dragon, but Jon is as evil-minded as you, and I actually gave up my hand under persuasion, so I am a fool!"
Ned smiled and promised, "He can't cross the sea. Even if he does come, we can work together to drive him back."
Robert laughed loudly, "It's better if you come, my war hammer will completely solve this trouble."
Eddard nodded in agreement, no one in this world can match Robert's invincible war hammer.
"Ned, I hate trouble now, and I would be happier if it could be solved simply! I'm leaving this matter to Crabb, don't be like Jon and get in the way!"
Eddard frowned and said, "Crabb?"
Robert drank the remaining wine in the cup. He exhaled and said, "You should remember that stubborn and fearless pregnant woman, ha, or rather the pregnant girl! She should have been executed, but it was you who begged for mercy that allowed me to let her go."
Eddard thought of the poor girl with a hot temper, "She is just a pregnant woman, we are already the victors and should be forgiven..."
Robert interjected. "Brown hair, brown eyes... her weak body is trembling, but she holds the dagger tightly in her hand, looking like we are going to die together! She reminds me of Lyanna..."
After sighing for a moment, he added, "Otherwise, how could I let those people go! Damn it, I have already killed Rhaegar, and only Crackclaw Point men refused to surrender until his death!"
Eddard explained helplessly, "First Men's descendants are a bit resigned to death!"
Hearing his words, Robert laughed loudly, "Just like you, they are all stupid."
Eddard said calmly, "Your kindness has won their loyalty and service."
Robert lamented. "Time flies so fast, that girl's child has grown so big... damn it!"
He suddenly said angrily, "None of my Crownland Bannerman will make me worry. According to the intelligence of Varys, that reckless boy almost broke into Magister of Pentos's house in order to hunt down Targaryen!
I was happy, but I almost caused a bigger trouble. I paid so much Gold Dragon in compensation, and now I'm back to pester Petyr for an additional 20,000 Gold Dragon?!
The Gods, it has only been less than three months, and that is 150,000 Gold Dragon. Why does he dare to ask me to add Gold Dragon to my Master of Coin? I am the stupidest king in the world!
That kid is quite smart and knows how to avoid me. If he appeared in front of me, I would definitely hang him at the city gate and whip him!"
Eddard smiled. He knew that Robert had always liked the brave the Warrior. Although he looked angry, he was actually more appreciative than dissatisfied.
As for the 150,000 Gold Dragon...Winterfell Duke didn't take it seriously. He remembered that Targaryen left Robert a mountain of gold and silver treasures.
Eddard said, "Maybe you can listen to the reason first."
Robert mocked. "Ned, give up your ridiculous idea. What Red Keep's ministers are best at is making up excuses. You will only be angry after hearing this!"
After a pause, he added, "I'll leave everything to you in the future. I don't care what method you use. I might prefer to see your depressed face, haha!"
Eddard joked, "I will pull you to enjoy it together."
Robert laughs.
When Robert stopped laughing, Eddard said seriously, "I, Hand of the King, will not support your arrangement of Crabb continuing to hunt Targaryen."
Robert was not angry. "I said, I will leave the kingdom to you to govern. You can deal with it how you want."
Robert picked up the jug and poured wine, and said, "Just in time, you can still meet that child. Haha, that child's parents are at war with us, but now he is working for me. This world is really full of irony."
Eddard shook his head and said, "War, it is just a war, it is over."
Robert took a sip of wine, looked at his old friend with a serious face, and said, "Ned, I hope the enemy will think the same as you."
After saying that, Robert stood up and said, "It's time to set off. We'll get to the hotel before dark and find a maid to help us warm the bed at night."
Eddard just shook his head helplessly.
The two walked side by side, Robert stared at the lean figure taking care of the horses for a while, and suddenly said, "Is that your illegitimate son? He looks exactly the same as you when you were young, although your kid has never been younger!"
Eddard followed Robert's gaze and looked over, with a smile on his face, "His name is Jon."
Jon seemed to have noticed something, and his figure quietly hid behind the horse.
Jon·Snow looks almost like himself when he was young... Eddard is thinking, the Gods hates illegitimate children so much, why should he fill men with desire?
Robert became interested. "What's your little girl's name? Beca? No, she is mine. God bless her. Her black hair and sweet big eyes can make people difficult if they are not careful. Self-extrication. Your name is...Alina? You mentioned it to me once, or is it Meryll? You know which one I'm talking about, right? I'm asking about the woman who gave birth to your illegitimate child."
Eddard said with a stiff face, "Her name is Wylla, I don't want to talk about her."
Robert chuckled, "Yes, her name is Wylla! She can make Eddard·Lord Stark temporarily forget her honor, even if it is just for an hour. She must not be a simple girl. You haven't told her yet, I'm really curious!"
Eddard had some anger on his face. "Robert, stop talking, I won't tell you in the future."
Robert let it go. "Ned, you are too strict with yourself. I don't think any woman will want to sleep with you anymore."
He complained and continued, "Forget it, since you don't want to say it, I won't force it. Damn it, sometimes you look like you are covered in thorns. I think you should really use a hedgehog as your family emblem."
Robert took the reins from the guard and jumped onto the saddle flexibly with his fat body.
In the study, Gryn closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.
Wow...Surana picked up the jug and poured wine, and she gently placed the wine glass in front of Gryn.
Gryn opened his eyes, stared at the wine glass for a while, and said, "Surana, get ready, I need you to return to Whispers."
After saying that, Gryn picked up the wine glass and took a sip Summer Wine.
Surana nodded and said, "My master, don't worry, I will set off tomorrow."
Gryn leaned on the back of the chair and said with a smile, "Lady Surana, you are always very considerate."
After hesitating for a moment, Surana's green eyes looked at Gryn: "Do you have any specific instructions?"
Gryn's eyes moved slightly, he paused, and he shook his head. "Take good care of Lyanna, and bring more beautiful jewelry from King's Landing with you when you go back. She has liked shiny things since she was a child."
Surana took a step forward and said bluntly, "You can leave some things to me."
Gryn raised his eyes and looked at Surana, who had a solemn expression on his face. He understood the meaning behind Surana's words.
"Surana, she should be more emotionally sensitive now. I won't force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. Take care of my cousin after you go. My cousin likes you very much. Unless she takes the initiative to ask, don't ask anything."
Gryn tapped the table a few times and then said, "Surana, as long as Crabb's actual interests are not harmed, she will always be Crabb's most distinguished lady."
If she is willing, Gryn doesn't mind if she raises a few more people in her manor. It doesn't matter whether they are male or female, as long as they are happy.
Gryn Lord has always been strict with himself and very generous to others.
After hearing the lord's answer, Surana couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know whether it was for herself or for the lady.
Surana solemnly said, "My master, Crabb needs a mistress."