The King's Selfishness

Count Mathis nodded as well. "Yes, Your Majesty. Therefore, I wish to emphasize once again that if war breaks out, whether our army can swiftly pass through the Neck will directly determine the course of this war. This is of vital importance."

As Gryn pondered, Hand Mace could no longer contain his excitement. This was a perfect opportunity to display his art of war!

Yet the discussion of military operations seemed to be nearing its end?

Storm's End had already become his eternal regret. Winterfell... he did not want to give it up so easily!

His brow furrowed tightly, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead as he racked his brains. He absolutely could not miss another chance to prove his outstanding military talent!

After a pause, his eyes suddenly lit up. He first gave a light cough, successfully drawing everyone's attention.

Only then did he stroke his beard and say unhurriedly, "Count Mathis, we cannot treat war as a simple gamble, nor can we place all our hopes of victory on an assumption that nothing will go wrong."

Hearing his liege lord's "assessment," Mathis silently lowered his gaze. Hand Mace swept his eyes over the crowd and continued, "As an important barrier of the North, Moat Cailin has guarded the North against southern incursions for thousands of years. It is a death trap known throughout the Seven Kingdoms..."

Before he could finish, Princess Arianne suddenly interjected, "Perhaps we can have Greyjoy recreate the miracle of breaching Moat Cailin?"

Hand Mace's expression stiffened for an instant, but he suppressed his irritation at Arianne's presumptuous interruption. He had no time to quibble with this Dornish woman for now.

In an even tone, he said, "The defenders of Moat Cailin will certainly be on high alert now, so the odds of