"Hands in the Dark..
Tywin repeated the word slowly, chewing it carefully, as if tasting the risk and value behind it, a look of relief flashed in his green eyes.
Seeing this, Corleone knew that the heat was on, and immediately struck while the iron was hot. "Yes, sir, a pair of Hands in the Dark."
"A pair of hands that can clear your way when necessary without tarnishing your glory."
"And I...Vito·Corleone, am very willing to be the pair of hands you need."
As soon as these words came out, the study room fell into complete silence.
The air was completely quiet, except for the flames in the fireplace that were still jumping tirelessly, and the subtle crackling sounds of burning wood, which were amplified in this extreme silence.
Corleone can even hear his own heartbeat.
Tywin's face remained expressionless, with no emotion on his face, but his eyes remained firmly locked on Corleone, as if he wanted to see through it.
Very strange.
This unknown and unknown commoner saved the most important heir of the Lannister family, but when facing the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms, he did not pray for anything, not even a word about the bathtub Gold Dragon that Jaime originally promised.
But that doesn't mean he's cowardly.
On the contrary, in Tywin's opinion, this boy is simply bold.
Because he dared to make such an arrogant proposal and ask for the privilege of controlling the dark side of King's Landing.
This kind of courage to tie one's own ambitions to the interests of the other party, coupled with his extraordinary negotiation skills, even made Tywin Lannister, who had been Prime Minister for twenty years, look askance at him.
"Interesting."
After being silent for what seemed like a century, Tywin looked directly into Corleone's eyes again and said in a serious tone, "I am the King's Hands, and you want to be my hands. It's a very unique idea."
"But how can I make sure...
"Will these hands be used by me all the time, instead of pulling out the knife and stabbing me in the back at a critical moment?"
As soon as the words fell, heavy pressure fell on Corleone's shoulders like a real substance.
He knew very well that Tywin had basically agreed to his proposal, because this sentence was not a question, but a test.
But if his answer fails to satisfy Tywin, all previous efforts will be in vain.
Facing the gaze that would make ordinary people afraid, Corleone looked very calm.
He did not make any solemn guarantees or swear allegiance, but was very calm and gave an answer that Tywin did not expect but that was natural, "Because, you are Tywin Lannister."
A short sentence and a calm look in the eyes made Tywin's pupils shrink.
The message it expresses is very rich: because you are Tywin Lannister, because you are invincible, because no one can bear the price of betraying you, and because our interests are aligned at this moment.
No one will dare try to challenge your authority.
The two looked at each other, and only they could understand the meaning expressed in each other's eyes. In the end, Tywin nodded slightly, seeming to have reached some kind of consensus with Corleone in the silent communication.
But at this moment, a slightly noisy sound came from far and near, breaking the silence of the Prime Minister's Tower.
"Hurry up!"
"You lazy, useless trash, do you want your king to use his noble legs to climb the two hundred steps himself?"
A sharp and impatient voice sounded in the corridor outside, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Hearing this voice, Tywin, who had always been indifferent to emotions and anger, suddenly felt a trace of irritation in his eyes.
Although fleeting, Corleone captured this subtle expression very accurately.
He knew clearly and probably guessed the identity of the visitor.
Sure enough, as heavy and messy footsteps approached, the heavy door of the Prime Minister's Office was pushed open again.
A young man of about fourteen or fifteen years old, wearing a velvet robe with a stag embroidered with the Baratheon family crown.
He has blond hair and blue eyes, and his appearance is considered handsome, but his brows are full of perverse and violent expressions. At this moment, he is sitting on a simple sedan in a majestic manner, being carried in by two attendants!
There are not many stairs in the Prime Minister's Tower, and the two attendants were obviously overwhelmed and panting.
Next to the young man was a Kingsguard wearing snow-white armor.
It wasn't until they completely entered the room that the Lannister guard who had previously blocked James at the door leaned half out of the door in a panic and said in panic, "I'm sorry, my lord!"
"Your Majesty He...
But before he finished speaking, he was stopped by Tywin's cold eyes, and he quickly lowered his head and retreated.
"Your Majesty."
Tywin stood up, his movements still calm, but there was a hint of helplessness in his tone.
Seeing that the Prime Minister was standing up, Corleone naturally did not dare to sit still. He immediately stood up and bowed to the young man.
An emperor through the ages!
He lowered his head, cursing secretly in his heart.
The legendary Emperor Joffrey Baratheon is indeed worthy of his reputation!
Entering the Prime Minister's Office in a sedan chair is like climbing a mountain and riding a skateboard, so I asked who else is there?
"Put me down, idiot!"
Joffrey was quite rude, or rather uneducated. When he saw that the attendant carrying the sedan chair was stunned, he raised his hand and gave him a crisp slap in the face.
The attendant did not even dare to show an angry expression, and quickly and carefully lowered the sedan chair with his companions.
After adjusting his robes, Joffrey walked down with a frivolous expression, shaking his head like a child who had not grown up.
He arrived at Tywin's desk in a few steps, without even glancing at Corleone next to him.
"Lord Tywin."
The king raised his head and asked in a voice that he thought was full of majesty, "I once told you that every decision of the Royal Council must be notified to me in advance. Have you forgotten?"
Hearing this, there was no emotion or anger on Tywin's face, and he just answered patiently, "I remember it very clearly, Your Majesty."
"The next imperial meeting will be held after lunch tomorrow. You can come over in this sedan chair then."
As he spoke, he glanced at Corleone calmly and added, "But now, I am just meeting a guest and talking about some not-so-important matters."
"These things are tedious and trivial, and I don't think there is any need for you to waste your precious time on them."
But with Joffrey's smooth brain folds, he didn't seem to understand the implicit meaning of expelling guests in Tywin's words.
Not only did he leave without understanding, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in his green eyes inherited from Lannister blood.
Under Tywin's gaze, the young king raised the corners of his mouth, walked carelessly to the chair where Corleone was sitting just now, and shook the hem of his robe, as if he was the owner of this room.
"Talk about business?"
Joffrey raised his chin and said arrogantly in a childish tone that deliberately imitated an adult, "Marga Miss Li told me that even a king who has many things to do is still should take time to review his affairs occasionally. It just so happens that I have a rare free time today."
"You guys talk, I'm here to listen, let me see what my Prime Minister is working on the Seven Kingdoms on weekdays.
, these self-righteous words made Tywin couldn't help but cast a layer of gloom between his brows.
He took a deep breath, as if to suppress the helplessness in his chest. As the Duke of Casterly Rock, he had been wise all his life, but he always felt inexplicably irritable when facing his grandson.
In Tywin's view, Joffrey is stupid, cruel, and unpredictable, and will always appear at the most inopportune times, in the most troublesome ways, and make the most unexpected moves.
For example, cutting off Eddard Stark's head...
However, the king gave the order, and Tywin, as Prime Minister, had to take his seat again.
"Vito·Corleone."
Tywin spoke, returning to the previously interrupted conversation, "What are your specific thoughts on what we talked about earlier?"
His posture was still majestic, his eyes turned to Corleone, and he gave an extremely obscure look.
Seeing this, Corleone immediately understood and bowed slightly to Joffrey respectfully. "Your Majesty, my lord."
"As I mentioned to Lord Tywin before, King's Landing is a great city, but it is also home to many idle civilians."
"As we all know, idleness can easily lead to trouble and consume the energy of the capital garrison, so I decided to open a...Free Fighting Arena."
In front of Joffrey, he deliberately chose this relatively neutral and entertaining word.
"Fighting Arena?"
Sure enough, upon hearing this word, Joffrey instantly showed strong interest.
Originally bored, he leaned forward, his eyes bursting with a cruel and excited light.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Corleone's lips curved into a just right smile.
He knew Joffrey too well. This child was spoiled by power and longed to become as powerful as his "father" Warrior and be recognized by others.
It's just that unlike Robert, Joffrey is timid and cowardly but extremely moody. He is also jealous and advocates violence and blood. It is simply a complex of contradictions.
"This will be more than just a simple Fighting Arena."
Facing Joffrey's excited self-light, Corleone continued to say in a very provocative tone, "In my vision, it will be a stage to display courage, strength and fighting skills. Warriors from all over the Seven Kingdoms, even across the Narrow Sea, can compete fairly here, and the winner will win honors and rewards."
"Like a tourney?" Joffrey pressed.
"Similar to, Your Majesty."
Corleone nodded slightly. "But the martial arts competition is a bit monotonous. Even though there are various methods of swordsmanship, archery, spear duel and group competition, it always has limitations."
"And the Free Fighting Arena I plan to open will have no rules or restrictions!"
"As long as you have the courage to participate, even civilians, savages, and even death row prisoners can participate. The only rule is to survive in the battle!!!"
Corleone made the bold statement while observing Joffrey's reaction. Seeing that his breathing seemed to be quickening, he immediately invited him appropriately. "At that time, if Your Majesty is interested."
"Perhaps you can take some time out of your busy schedule and observe it in person."
"As we all know, your late father, Robert Baratheon Your Majesty, was a mighty Warrior unmatched by any of the Seven the Seven Kingdomss. He single-handedly slew Rhaegar Targaryen!"
"And you have perfectly inherited his great bloodline, with the blood of Warrior flowing in your body!"
"At that time, we can arrange an absolutely safe exhibition match, with you personally participating, so that your people can witness the fearless and heroic appearance of the king!"
"I have no doubt that everyone will be crazy about it and give you the warmest cheers for your bravery!"
These words were extremely inflammatory, and they hit the point in Joffrey's heart that he most longed to be satisfied.
He ascended the throne at a young age, but was "slandered" about the purity of his bloodline, and met an extremely powerful prime minister like Tywin.
Even as stupid as Joffrey is, he knows he must prove that he is not a puppet but the true ruler!
"What a great idea!"
Joffrey's cheeks were slightly red with excitement, and he almost jumped out of his chair.
As a king, he shouted without any image, "Where is it? Where are you going to build this Fighting Arena?"
"It has to be near the Red Fort so I can go there anytime!"
Seeing this, Corleone still kept smiling.
That's it?
It's just a little sweetness, but you are so impatient. If I give you a few more books like "Speaking of Difficulties" and "Lonely Anger", and then tell you about the real experience of an emperor through the ages, you won't be able to take off, right?
But even so, Corleone has not forgotten who has the final say in King's Landing now.
The light swept over the eager Joffrey and finally fell on the face of Tywin, who had been silent all this time, seeming to be asking for his opinion.
After receiving a nod from the other party, Corleone spoke in a calm tone.
"Flea Bottom."
"Ah????"
This term made the excited Joffrey feel as if he had been showered with cold water. The flush on his face instantly faded and turned pale, even showing a hint of fear.
Not long ago, he was attacked by a mob at Flea Bottom.
In that chaos, stones and feces were thrown like raindrops, and the royal guards that he was proud of were in chaos.
He even saw with his own eyes Allen Santaga, Ser, the trainer of the Red Keep, and Preston Greenfield, Ser of the Kingsguard, being overwhelmed by a crazy mob, and the bodies recovered afterwards were all eaten to pieces.
The fear of being shrouded in death and the naked humiliation were deeply imprinted in his memory like a nightmare.
At this time, the Kingsguard on the side stood up, pointed at Corleone's nose and cursed, "You have ulterior motives!"
"Joffrey Your Majesty is the leader of the Seven Kingdoms and his status is extremely noble. How can he go to a stinky and dirty place like Flea Bottom?"
"This not only undermines the majesty of the royal family, but also puts Your Majesty in unpredictable danger!"
Seeing his indignant look, Corleone asked, "Danger?"
"If I remember correctly, whether Your Majesty is dangerous or not depends on you, Your Majesty the Kingsguard."
"Or... are you very unconfident in your martial arts and think you can't protect the king?"
"You...
", the Kingsguard immediately took a step forward angrily.
However, before he could attack, Tywin directly called out his name.
"Marin·Tlan Ser."
Hearing Tywin's voice, Marin immediately froze on the spot.
He turned around and saw the Prime Minister staring directly at him, cold sweat instantly covering his forehead.
"Lord Corleone is right, if a Kingsguard thinks he can't protect the King, then you can take off this armor now and leave the Red Keep."
"Alternatively, between helping Queen Regent misbehave, you can also take the time to practice your sword skills."
In response to this extremely humiliating rebuke, Marin Tran, who had always been arrogant, just swallowed his saliva and did not dare to speak.
After all, although he is cruel and loves to bully women and children for fun, he knows very well where his power comes from.
From Tywin's words, Marin could tell that the Prime Minister was very dissatisfied with the fact that he had indulged Queen Mother in this period of time.
Seeing that he stopped talking, Tywin nodded with satisfaction and turned to Corleone: "Continue."
"Yes, sir."
Corleone bowed slightly, then raised his voice slightly, appearing very powerful. "Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
"Since I have the confidence to invite you, I will naturally make all preparations!"
"Two months!"
Under Joffrey's gaze, he stretched out two fingers. "I swear to the Seven Gods, Flea Bottom will completely transform in two months at most!"