Mrs. Rhea interrupted at the right time, with a hint of intimacy and reminder in her tone. "Jenny has always managed Vale very well, and everyone at the Eyrie respects her.
It's just... there are always some old-fashioned people, or people with ulterior motives who like to talk about 'tradition'."
As she spoke, she glanced vaguely at a few Vale nobles who were talking in the distance.
Redd understood what they were saying. Janey Arryn needs strong external endorsement to deter potential internal challengers.
And supporting Rhaenyra, a princess who also faces "traditional" pressure (female inheritance rights), if successful, will undoubtedly greatly strengthen the legitimacy of Jenny's own rule.
At the same time, if Redd, the Eastern ruler, can promise to give Vale preferential trade or security guarantees, that will be a real benefit.
"Tradition is important, but times are also changing."
Redd said slowly, his eyes scanning the banquet hall, as if he meant something, "Westeros's 'tradition' once stipulated that the king should be elected by the Great Council (Great Council), rather than simply passed down from father to son.
There are also 'traditions' that say women cannot inherit... but history has proven that intelligence and ability are sometimes more important than mere gender or birth order.
Princess Rhaenyra's dragon, her determination, and the support she has received all prove that she has the qualifications and power to rule."
He didn't promise anything directly, but mentioned Rhaenyra's "support," which apparently includes himself.
He also hinted that "history has proven" that women can break tradition - which is what Lady Janey most wanted to hear.
Mrs. Jenny's eyes brightened slightly, but she was very cautious and did not express her position immediately.
"Princess Rhaenyra's courage and strength are indeed impressive.
Especially tonight..." She paused and did not explain clearly the confrontation between Rhaenyra and the king and Alicent just now, but they understood each other tacitly, "She showed the magnanimity that a prince should have."
"A princess needs like-minded friends," Redd took over, his tone becoming more direct, "especially at this critical moment.
A true friend will not only raise a toast at the banquet, but also provide firm support and... reciprocal cooperation when needed." He specifically emphasized "reciprocity."
Mrs. Jenny nodded slightly and showed a faint but sincere smile, "House Arryn has always valued friendship and vows.
The foundation of Gates of the Moon is built on loyalty." This is the famous oath of Vale.
Redd knows that this is a preliminary tacit understanding. Mrs. Jane has expressed her preference, but more specific conditions and opportunities are needed to consolidate this "friendship."
And Redd also needs to see actual support actions from Vale.
"Loyalty is one of Seven Kingdoms's most precious qualities." Redd raised his glass, "I hope we can all find allies worthy of our loyalty."
Perhaps soon we can explore this in more detail,
How to make Vale's products enter the Eastern market more smoothly, and... how to ensure the safety and stability of trade routes."
This hints at a possible military or security agreement.
Mrs. Jenny also raised her wine glass. "Looking forward to such a meeting, Mr. Redd."
The two wine glasses clinked lightly, making a crisp sound. It was not noticeable in this noisy banquet, but it may set off waves that will affect the Vale and even the Seven Kingdoms pattern in the future.
Mrs. Rhea watched the two of them reach an initial consensus, a hint of complexity flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly covered up by a smile.
She held Mrs. Jane's arm affectionately and smiled at Redd, "It seems that you have a very good conversation.
I won't interrupt you discussing 'serious matters', Jenny, come with me to try the new honey cake over there?"
Mrs. Jenny nodded politely to Redd and left with Rhea.
Redd Looking at their backs cuddling closely, the previous speculation about their relationship came to mind again.
However, this is not important. What is important is that the important chess piece Vale seems to have the intention to move closer to the Rhaenyra chessboard.
He tasted the remaining wine in the glass alone, feeling that this night's banquet was finally not so boring.
Rhaenyra went to win over Laena and Vhagar, and here he solicited the potential support of Vale for Rhaenyra.
The layout of both lines is quietly unfolding.
Daemon's angry departure, Viserys's embarrassment, and Alicent's anxiety are all just small episodes at the beginning of this grand drama.
The real storm is still behind. Redd once again cast his eyes in the direction of Iron Throne, his eyes deep.
The chessboard has been laid out and the chess pieces are in place, and he will never be content to be just a spectator or a simple "supporter".
The banquet finally came to an end, and this feast undoubtedly made all participants feel extremely happy and satisfied.
However, at this moment, King Viserys, who was so intoxicated that he lost consciousness, needed to be carefully supported by others before he could leave.
On the other side, Redd quietly returned to his room and was concentrating on reading the pile of books that had been delivered.
These books, without exception, all revolve around the mysterious main island of Basilisk Isles - the Island of Tears.
According to the book, this island was once a deserted land specially used to exile serious criminals.
Although this is no longer the case, a group of evil wizards who study Blood Magic are still active on the island.
Not only that, but according to legend, there is a strange half-man, half-animal creature that lives here, giving the entire island a weird atmosphere.
To make matters worse, plagues and various vicious curses are rampant and terrifying here.
After reading this information, Redd couldn't help but fell into deep thought, "This is really an interesting place!
Maybe... there is really some kind of special radiation source hidden there? It's just that the locals call it 'magic'." He thought to himself.
In fact, based on Redd's understanding of modern scientific knowledge, there is no essentially huge difference between the so-called "magic" and "radiation".
In the classification system of previous lives, they were nothing more than one being considered harmful and the other relatively harmless.
Moreover, there are many subdivided types of radiation itself, the most common of which are the two categories of ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation; if we continue to delve deeper, it can be subdivided into many different types.
Thinking of this, Redd decided to find a suitable time to send people to the mysterious Island of Tears for an on-the-spot investigation.
If I really have no other choice, I can only go on this trip with King Ghidorah.
At this moment, a slight and rhythmic knocking on the door came.
Redd didn't even raise his head, he just said lightly, "Please come in!"
As the door opened gently, a figure slowly walked in.