Tywin's aura is so strong.
The moment he stepped into Sept with his unsheathed sword, the air seemed to freeze.
The nobles lowered their heads automatically, and the women clutched their skirts tightly, their knuckles turning white.
The Archbishop subconsciously took a step back, and his fat body hit the edge of Altar.
Cersei was the first to react.
The reserved and disdainful smile originally hung on her lips, but when she saw the unsheathed sword in her father's hand, her smile instantly froze.
Her fingers subconsciously grasped the hem of the crimson dress, and her mind was racing.
Why?
Why did the father enter Sept with a sword?
Did he know something and plan to...
Thinking of this, her eyes suddenly turned to Corleone in front of Altar.
That Farmer was still kneeling on one knee, with his back straight.
Did his father really want to kill him in public?
This thought made Cersei's heart beat faster, but the smile gradually appeared on her lips.
Great!
Although this Vito·Corleone has a good brain, it is difficult to control. If he waits until the moment his father is about to take action and speaks out to save him, this guy will definitely be grateful to him.
However, before she could be happy for too long, the king next to her took a step forward.
"Lord Tywin!"
Joffrey said loudly, trying to sound like a majestic king, "Do you have any special arrangements for entering Sept with a sword?"
Tywin didn't answer. He walked slowly and steadily.
Longsword is slightly drooping in the hand. The blade of the sword is flowing with a cold luster under the light. The tip of the sword drags across the smooth marble floor, making a subtle friction sound, as if it is directly scraping on everyone's heart.
This attitude angered the king. He felt that his majesty was challenged and opened his mouth, wanting to say something more to show his authority.
But Cersei beside her quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it behind her to stop her son from continuing to act stupidly.
"Queen Mother Your Majesty."
Seeing their little actions, Marga Li next to her turned her head and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Will the Prime Minister be too offensive to the Seven Gods and the Iron Throne?"
"After all, this is a canonization ceremony, Sept should...
"Seven Gods?"
Cersei interrupted her softly, with a provocative arc on her lips. "No, the Seven Gods live in power, and power is currently in the hands of my father."
Hearing this, Joffrey was still struggling and wanted to step forward to scold him, but Cersei held him firmly and would not let go no matter what.
Tyrion stood in the queue of nobles, looking up at his father's figure, not knowing what he was thinking.
He tugged on James's trouser leg next to him and asked in a low voice, "How long has it been since you saw your father holding a sword?"
James frowned and stared at the sword in Tywin's hand. "At least twenty years."
"Why did he...
He knew that his father was very good at swordsmanship when he was young.
Everyone knows the Seven the Seven Kingdoms. Tywin Lannister made great achievements in the War of Nine Copper Penny Kings. Jaime was not yet born at that time.
But since becoming the Hand of the Mad King Aerys Targaryen, Tywin rarely touches the sword again.
Power no longer needs to be fought for with steel, but with parchment, gold coins, and marriage.
Now, he has not been seen holding a sword in a formal occasion for decades.
Hearing what James said, Tyrion suddenly narrowed his eyes. "Yesterday I heard that Corleone designed to rescue the king in order to obtain the knighthood."
"Littlefinger once went to Uncle Kevan to complain. He said he had a nose and eyes. Is it true?"
"No way!"
James almost instinctively retorted, "Corleone is an upright person.
Halfway through his words, he suddenly paused.
He remembered the journey of escaping from the Warriors, how Corleone dealt with Urswyck, how he sowed the relationship between the Warriors, how he negotiated with Roose Bolton at Harrenhal, how he rescued Ellie ia from the Karstark soldiers at the God's Eye Lake...
Every strategy is subtle and every calculation is ruthless.
He... seems to have never been just an "upright the Doctor"!
James's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
But the next second, he shook his head again, as if to convince himself. "Even if it is really his design, it is because he is worthy of becoming a knight!"
"If nobles of noble birth need to rely on conspiracy to advance, why can't a commoner?"
As he spoke, there was even unsuppressible anger in his voice, and he blamed himself. "It's all my fault!"
"If it weren't for the fact that I carry the title of Kingslayer", I could have personally canonized him in the name of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and let him share the honor with me. There is no need to let him do this scene...
", Hearing this, Tyrion's eyes widened and he looked at his brother in disbelief.
This Corleone... didn't it just save James' life?
Why does James trust him so much?
Bronn had saved him so many times, but Tyrion didn't trust him unconditionally like Jaime did!
"With his father's temper." After thinking about it, Tyrion reminded in a low voice, "He will definitely not let this guy mess around. I'm afraid the canonization ceremony will not be able to proceed, and he may even be tried in public!"
Jaime was shocked when he heard Tyrion say this.
He looked at Altar. Corleone was still kneeling on one knee, with his back straight.
Kevan stood aside, his face cold, and he held the ceremonial sword tightly in his hand.
When I looked at my father again, he had already reached the middle of Sept. He had a steady pace and clear goals. It seemed that he and Kevan had already planned everything.
It can't be like this.
James stepped forward almost subconsciously.
"James!"
Unexpectedly, he was so impulsive. Tyrion exclaimed and tried to grab him, but only caught a corner of the white cloak.
The silk slipped over his fingertips, and Jaime had already stepped out of the queue, blocking Tywin's path.
There was an exclamation in Sept.
The king, who was still angry at first, suddenly lit up.
There was a good show to watch.
Tywin stopped.
He raised his head and looked calmly at his son who was standing in front of him with his green eyes. There was no surprise, no anger, or even any emotional fluctuations in his eyes. It was like looking at a stone blocking the road.
"Please step aside, Jaime Ser." Tywin's voice was terrifyingly calm.
James refused to give in, straightening his back, trying to look more imposing.
"May I ask why you entered Sept with a sword?"
He asked stiffly, "This is the place where the Seven Gods watch. It is a canonization ceremony, not a battlefield."
Hearing this, Tywin stared at him, as if he was sizing up a stranger, and said solemnly, "Even if you are Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, you are not qualified to question the King's Hand. Get out of the way."
"Corleone did nothing wrong!"
James's voice rose and he seemed a little excited. "Even if he really committed a crime, he should be tried through regular procedures, not... not like this!"
"Coming in with a sword like you're about to execute a criminal, father!"
"I must remind you that this is Baelor Great Sept, not your dungeon in Casterly Rock!"
As he spoke, his left hand clenched the hilt of the sword at his waist. This action was so natural and instinctive, as if the proud blond boy from twenty years ago was back.
This action could not escape Tywin's eyes. His light fell on Jaime's hand holding the sword, and then he slowly raised it, met his son's eyes, and asked word for word, "You said you wanted to be the Kingsguard, and I allowed it. You said you didn't want to inherit Casterly Rock, and I won't force you anymore."
"But... what have I done to deserve you to disrespect me so much, Jaime Lannister Ser?"
This sentence was like a slap in the face.
James's face instantly turned pale, but he still stood there and refused to leave.
There was deathly silence in Sept.
Everyone held their breath and watched the confrontation between the most famous father and son in the Seven Kingdoms.
The corners of Cersei's mouth raised again.
Ever since Tywin ordered her to marry Loras Tyrell, she has resented her ruthless father.
Yes, that's it!
Go on, James...
Continue to challenge his father's authority.
Let everyone see how the eldest son of the Lannister family openly defied the proud Lord Tywin!
Beside him, Joffrey's eyes brightened even more, and he almost laughed out loud, but he still managed to hold back.
This is a serious occasion. He is the king and must maintain his dignity.
But the excitement in his heart almost overflowed.
Yes!
Quarrel!
Fight!
Let everyone take a good look, the king's majesty cannot be challenged!
Marga Li's hands grasped the hem of the skirt tightly. She looked at James and saw the knight with only one hand straightening his spine in front of Tywin. She couldn't help but think of her brother Loras.
If the proud Knight of Flowers were here, he would probably be as brave as him.
"How ironic...
Watching this great drama, Petyr joked softly at the right moment, "The father held the sword, but the son lost the hand holding the sword."
"Power and powerlessness, control and resistance, this is simply more exciting than any stage play."
Hearing this, Varys just shook his head. "I suggest that we just watch, Lord Petyr, but don't.
Jumping to conclusions too early."
As soon as he said this, Petyr cast a sinister look at Varys.
He always felt that this eight-clawed spider seemed to know something...
"Don't be impulsive, James!"
At this tense moment, Tyrion finally squeezed out of the crowd and ran quickly to Jaime's side.
He was too short, so he could only hold on to his brother's trouser legs, like a child trying to dissuade an angry adult.
"This is father! This is Baylor Great Sept!"
"Are you going to draw swords against your father in front of the Seven Gods and all the nobles? This will bring shame to the Lannister family!"
He was extremely anxious.
What kind of ecstasy soup did that Corleone pour into Jaime to make him openly defy Tywin in front of the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms?
James looked down at his brother, but still didn't move.
He raised his eyes again and stared at his father, with complex emotions surging in his green pupils.
Anger, unwillingness, grievance...
There is even some kind of deep... desire that even he himself doesn't want to admit.
What do you desire?
Craving your father's approval?
Longing for the man who tapped him on the shoulder so many years ago and said, "You will become a great knight?"
Just then, a voice sounded.
"James Ser."
It was Corleone who spoke.
He still knelt in front of Altar and did not look back, but his voice came clearly. "No matter what the Prime Minister decides, I have a clear conscience."
James turned around sharply.
He saw the back of Corleone, wearing simple dark gray armor and a straight spine.
He didn't defend, didn't plead, or even fight for himself.
He just knelt there, like a man who calmly accepted his fate.
"Corleone..." James' voice choked.
He must have done this for himself, to prevent himself from falling out with his father!
As if sensing James' gaze, Corleone finally turned his head slightly, his side face looking particularly determined in the light, his dark eyes full of determination. "Please step aside, Ser, this is my own path, and I should finish it by myself."
"You... have done enough for me."
James looked into those eyes.
He recalled Corleone's attentiveness when handling Severed Wrist for him on the muddy road in the Riverlands.
I remembered that on the Harrenhal school grounds, Corleone and Brienne fell down and got up again and again while practicing sword practice.
I remember Corleone's strategic calmness when he rescued Ellie Asia from the Karstark soldiers at the God's Eye Lake.
This man had saved his life more than once. He gave him the courage to hold the sword again and gave him a reason to fight.
However... I can't do anything!
James gritted his teeth and moved his eyes back and forth between his father and Corleone. Finally, he took a deep breath and took a step back to the side reluctantly.
"Thank you, Ser."
Seeing this, Tywin nodded slightly, acting politely like he was treating a stranger.
Since the last time, Jaime admitted that he did not want to take off his white robe and inherit the family business, Tywin has not spoken to his eldest son for a long time.
At this moment, the phrase "thank you" sounds more like "you finally understand."
With everyone watching, the Prime Minister continued to move forward.
The boots made a clear and regular sound when they stepped on the marble floor.
He walked past Jaime, past Tyrion, past Cersei and Joffrey.
At this moment, Joffrey suddenly broke free from his mother's restraints, pointed at Tywin and shouted angrily, "Lord Tywin Lannister, I promised to have Uncle Kevan canonize Vito·Corleone as a knight. The king should keep his word!"
Tywin stopped and looked sideways at his grandson.
The lion-like eyes made Joffrey shrink his neck subconsciously, but he soon puffed up his chest.
As if to emphasize that he is a king and cannot show weakness.
"The king should keep his word." Tywin repeated calmly, then looked at Kevan: "But this canonization is indeed inappropriate."
"Are you going to disobey the king?" Joffrey gritted his teeth and said, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
As a king, he only felt that his prestige was almost nonexistent in front of the prime minister.
So he wants to go against Tywin everywhere. He supports whatever Tywin opposes, and opposes whatever Tywin supports.
It was childish defiance, but it was all the smooth folds of his brain could think of.
Tywin didn't answer.
He didn't even look at Joffrey anymore, as if he hadn't heard those words.
This kind of indifference is more hurtful than direct confrontation.
Joffrey's face turned red and he wanted to say something else, but Cersei quickly grabbed his arm.
Then, Tywin continued to walk towards Altar and came to Corleone.
He was still kneeling on one knee, his back straight and his head slightly bowed.
From Tywin's perspective, one could only see his meticulously combed hair and his simple but exquisite armor, and then he slowly raised Longsword under everyone's gaze.
Petyr's heartbeat quickened.
Yes... that's it...
Cut it down...
With Tywin's character and the Duke of Casterly Rock's method, he should expose this scam in public and punish Farmer for daring to fool the royal family. This is the most reasonable ending!
Cut it down!
Petyr almost laughed.
But the next second, his smile froze on his face.
Because under everyone's gaze, the sword blade drew an arc in the air.
Then.
Ding~
The tip of the sword lightly touched Corleone's right shoulder.
The moment the iron Longsword touched the armor, it made a crisp metal impact sound.
Tywin spoke, his voice echoing throughout Sept: "In the name of Warrior, I ask you to be brave."
Then, the sword was moved to the left shoulder.
"In the name of Father, I demand justice from you."
The sword returned to the right shoulder again.
"In the name of Mother, I ask you to protect the weak and innocent."
"I, Tywin Lannister, Hand of the Seven Kingdoms, Lord of Casterly Rock, Warden of the West...
Tywin's voice reached its highest point, like a lion roaring, "I hereby canonize you, Vito·Corleone, for...
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms!"
The voice fell.
There was deathly silence in Sept.
Then, Tywin withdrew his sword and turned to look at the High Septon.
This chubby guy was completely stunned and stood there blankly.
"Give him the cloak," Tywin ordered.
The Archbishop hurriedly stepped forward and handed the cloak to Tywin with trembling hands, not daring to put it on Corleone himself.
Tywin took the cloak.
White silk, embroidered with gold thread on the edge, and a simple coat of arms embroidered on the front - a black palm with five fingers spread out.
He put the cloak on Corleone's shoulders with his own hands. He fastened the buckle on the collar and adjusted the position of the cloak. His movements were precise and meticulous, as if he was completing an important military deployment.
Take a step back.
"Get up, Ser Corleone."
Hearing this, Corleone finally raised his head and stood up slowly.
The dark eyes were extremely calm, and there was no expression of excitement, gratitude or pride on his face.
He turned to Tywin and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Prime Minister, I will carry your glory and continue to move forward."
Tywin looked at him for a long time before nodding.
Then, he turned around and faced the entire Sept nobles. His eyes swept over the relieved Jaime, and finally landed on the face of the confused Petyr. His voice sounded again, "In King's Landing, under my rule."
"Loyalty will be rewarded and contribution will be recognized."
After saying that, he stopped looking at anyone.
Tywin picked up the sword that was still unsheathed and walked straight to the door of Sept.
The crowd parted again.
More awe and more fearful than before.
He walked through the long nave, without stopping when he passed by Jaime, without bowing his head when he passed by Tyrion, and without even turning his head when he passed by Cersei and Joffrey.
Finally, Sept walked out and disappeared into the morning light.
It was only now that Corleone slowly turned around and faced everyone. Looking at Old Lion's leaving back, he couldn't help but sigh.
Birds eat crickets.
If he were a native, he might be grateful for Tywin's move and wish he could devote his life and loyalty to him.
It's a pity...
The morning breeze flowed into the temple along the door, blowing Corleone's cloak, and the black palm badge fluttered high.
Since then, Seven the Seven Kingdoms has gained a true knight.
Vito·Ser Corleone.