Rhaenyra's eyes flashed with anger and understanding. "Sure enough... he always only thinks about himself." She stood up, "Prepare the carriage, I will go see her now."
"Now?" Redd raised his eyebrows, "The banquet is not over yet, the king and..."
"Now is the best time." Rhaenyra interrupted him with a firm expression, "While Daemon just left the banquet in a bad mood, while Laena is alone and may be at his lowest or angriest.
Father's banquet is not important, and Alicent is even less important. Winning over Laena and fighting for Vhagar is ten thousand times more important than watching them act here."
Redd looked at the renewed fighting spirit and clear determination in her eyes, and nodded appreciatively. "Do you need me to accompany you?"
"No," Rhaenyra shook his head, "I'm going alone this time. If it's between women, it's inconvenient for you to be there.
Mysaria Come with me to ensure safety and privacy on the road and during meetings."
"Okay." Redd did not insist, "Bring enough guards and keep a low profile.
I will stay here to deal with possible problems with your father, and by the way... observe the reactions of the other 'actors'."
His eyes swept over the nobles with different expressions present, especially Corlys Velaryon Earl who was drinking alone and looking slightly lonely.
Rhaenyra left the banquet hall in a hurry, followed closely by Mysaria.
Their figures disappeared into the shadow of the side door and did not attract much attention. After all, there were people coming and going at the banquet, and it was normal for the princess to leave the banquet temporarily.
Redd stayed alone in the corner, slowly sipping the wine in the glass with deep eyes.
Daemon's anger, Laena's absence, Rhaenys's wait-and-see, Corlys's weighing... these fragments are being connected together by Mysaria's intelligence network.
The action of Rhaenyra dropped a chess piece on this delicate chessboard that could change the situation.
His eyes turned to the high platform again. Viserys was trying to recreate the cheerful atmosphere. Alicent was nestling next to him.
But the glory of the two seemed to be dimmed a little by Daemon's departure and Rhaenyra's hidden words just now.
Iron Throne's inheritance battle has never been like this tonight, being suddenly pushed from a hidden corner to the front of the stage.
And, with the involvement of dragons, ships, Eastern wealth and grudges between women, it becomes more complicated and dangerous.
Redd knows that whether Rhaenyra's trip succeeds or fails, it will further intensify conflicts.
But there is no way out if you retreat. Only by pulling more power to your side can you stand firm in this inevitable storm.
He shook the wine glass gently, and the red wine reflected an icy luster under the light, like blood about to flow.
Just when Redd felt that the banquet was boring, two beautiful figures came and stopped in front of him.
One of them was Mrs. Rhea. They had had an extraordinary experience. It could be said that they were quite familiar with each other. They were so familiar that they were almost licked all over by the other party.
Although Redd knew in his heart that Rhea approached him with a certain revenge mentality, after all, he did benefit from it and took advantage of it.
As a result, Redd hurried forward to greet Rhea, and curiously inquired about the name of the beautiful lady standing beside her.
It turns out that Rhea came here with the intention of introducing the two of them to each other.
She first enthusiastically introduced to Redd, "This beautiful lady's name is Jenny Arryn, and she is the dignified Mrs. Earl!"
Then, Rhea turned around and said to Jenny with the same smile, "This person with graceful demeanor and majesty is Redd!"
After the two briefly exchanged greetings with each other, Redd couldn't help but think to himself, "To be honest, I really know nothing about Mrs. Earl in front of me!
But looking at her calm look, she must know me very well, right?
It's just that due to human feelings, I have to put on a show and pretend not to know..."
Suddenly, the nickname of Mrs. Earl flashed in Redd's mind - "Vale Virgin".
This woman had a bad fate. Her father and brother died young, and she became a duke when she was only three years old, taking charge of the entire Vale.
With such a rough life experience, is it considered a blessing or bad luck?
Losing both parents and eldest brother at an early age is truly a great regret in life;
However, by chance, he ascended the throne of Duke and controlled a land, but it seemed that he was favored by God.
While communicating with each other, Redd was keenly aware that there seemed to be an unknown secret hidden between Rhea and Irene - the two behaved in an unusually close manner, far beyond the scope of ordinary friends.
Could it be that... they are actually homosexuals?
Thinking of this, Redd couldn't help but feel doubtful.
But then he recalled the time he spent with Rhea, and he secretly thought that maybe he was too sensitive and suspicious: How could anyone love both men and women?
As the topic continued to deepen, Redd finally understood the true intention of Mrs. Arryn Earl.
It turns out that she was weighing whether to submit to and support Princess Rhaenyra in order to use her power to consolidate her position.
After all, as a member of the female class, commanding such a large territory, it would be difficult for those with ulterior motives below to keep their peace!
Redd understood in his heart, but still maintained a decent smile on his face, chatting with Mrs. Jenny Arryn Earl about Vale's customs and recent trade conditions, as if it was just an ordinary social greeting.
But both sides are aware of the trials and trade-offs under the calm waters.
"Vale is rich in products, but the mountains are high and the roads are dangerous, so communication with the outside world is always inconvenient."
Mrs. Jenny's voice was soft, with a hint of reserve that suited her status, but her eyes were keenly observing Redd's reaction.
"I heard that Lord Redd has opened up new trade routes in the east, and even city-states like Norvos and Lorath have been incorporated into your system. It's really admirable."
"It's just about exchanging what we have." Redd shook his wine glass and spoke in a relaxed tone, "Stable rule brings stable trade routes, and prosperous trade can feed back rule.
Speaking of which, Vale's high-quality wool and minerals are very popular in several markets in the East.
If we can reduce some... internal losses and uncertainties, we can certainly create greater value."
He deliberately emphasized the "internal loss and uncertainty" and looked at Mrs. Janey calmly.
Mrs. Jenny lowered her eyes slightly and took a sip of the fruit wine in her hand. When she raised it again, her eyes were less polite and more serious.
"Internal stability is indeed the most important concern of all lords.
Especially for people like me, who, thanks to Seven's favor, take on the responsibility of the family as a woman."
Her words were subtle, but her meaning was clear - she needed support to suppress possible opposition within Vale and stabilize her rule.