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Despite Mace Tyrell's extreme reluctance, with Renly also backing Arthur, he eventually agreed to Arthur's appointment as the Governor of the Dornish Marches.
Seeing his objective achieved, Jon Arryn leaned back slowly into his chair. "Good. It's getting late. Tomorrow morning, I will summon Lord Baelish to determine the compensation amount and the specifics of its execution. We can discuss the details then."
When Mace and Renly took their leave, Arthur noticed that the "Lord Pufferfish's" steps were much heavier than when he had arrived.
"Jon, why establish the position of Governor of the Dornish Marches so suddenly? And why appoint Arthur?" Eddard asked, a flash of worry in his eyes. "The terrain of the Marches is complex, and the political situation even more so. This is no easy task!"
Arthur immediately patted his chest and declared, "Uncle, if the realm requires me to serve as Governor, no matter how difficult or perilous the task, I am willing to serve with all my strength!"
He truly wanted to "make progress."
Arthur had already thoroughly consolidated his control over the Torrentine river valley. In terms of the traditional legal claims of House Dayne, he had reached his limit.
If he wanted to expand his power and influence further, aside from the wildling tribes high in the Red Mountains, he could only rely on economic ties to bind and sway the surrounding lords.
The Governorship of the Dornish Marches might be a hot potato, but it undoubtedly opened a new channel for his development. He could legitimately purge the wildlings of the Red Mountains while simultaneously integrating the lords surrounding the mountains, further expanding his own power and influence.
Seeing Arthur's earnestness, a glimmer of relief and pride appeared in Jon Arryn's eyes. He reached out and patted Arthur's shoulder. "Lad, I did not misjudge you. You are worthy of the name 'Sword of the Morning.'"
Then he turned to Eddard, speaking directly without hiding anything from Arthur. "Eddard, Robert's worry and anxiety in the Council chamber were not unfounded. Those two Targaryen children are growing up day by day."
"I do not approve of Robert using assassins. It is dishonorable and shows weakness. But I must also plan for the future of the realm."
"During Robert's Rebellion, both the Reach and Dorne supported House Targaryen. My great effort today to establish this unprecedented position of Governor, and appointing Arthur to it, is a preventative measure. It is designed to check and weaken the power and influence of both the Reach and Dorne."
"Should war arise in the future, with Arthur positioned around the Red Mountains, the lords of Dorne and the Reach will hesitate to act rashly. Highgarden and Sunspear will have to reassess the cost of following a Targaryen rebellion."
"Renly likely saw this as well, which is why he recommended Arthur for the post just now."
Ginger gets spicier as it gets older, Arthur thought, secretly clicking his tongue in admiration as he listened to Jon Arryn's blunt explanation of the twists and turns.
This was indeed a far more brilliant move than simply hiring an assassin.
Preventing a Dragon restoration was the consensus of the Wolf, the Falcon, the Stag, the Trout, and the Lion.
And everyone knew that Arthur's father and grandfather had died at the hands of the Mad King, and his uncle Eddard was a key figure in toppling the Targaryen dynasty—he had even entered King's Landing before Robert.
Arthur reckoned that if his uncle and his "Wild Wolf" father had swapped personalities, perhaps it wouldn't be Robert sitting on the Iron Throne. At the very least, there would be a King in the North.
After all, back then, Robert hadn't married Cersei yet, but Uncle Eddard had already married Catelyn, making him brothers-in-law with Jon Arryn. Arthur guessed that in Jon Arryn's eyes, he was "one of us"—a man with a clean background and total trustworthiness. Coupled with the talent and strength he had shown against the Reach, and the endorsement of the 'Sword of the Morning' title...
Even better, Arthur controlled Starfall and the Torrentine valley, located right between Dorne and the Marches. He had all the necessary elements and conditions.
This was what gave Jon Arryn the idea to create the Governorship and entrust Arthur with such a heavy responsibility.
Eddard's brow furrowed tighter and tighter, but when his gaze landed on Arthur's determined face, it ultimately dissolved into a sigh.
One was willing to give the beating, and the other was willing to take it. He didn't say anything more.
When Arthur and his uncle emerged from the small solar, they were surprised to find Renly waiting for them outside.
"Lord Eddard, Ser Arthur." Renly smiled warmly as he extended an invitation. "Would I have the honor of sharing lunch with you both?"
Arthur owed him a favor for earlier, so naturally, he wouldn't refuse. Besides, Renly was a Duke of the realm and the King's own brother; for him to wait specifically to invite them personally left no room for refusal.
Outside the Tower of the Hand, Eddard looked slightly surprised as a groom brought their horses. "We are dining outside the Red Keep?"
"Yes, at the manse I purchased in the city," Renly said, taking the reins from the groom and mounting his horse in one fluid motion. "It's not far from here, just a few minutes' ride."
Renly's manse was incredibly luxurious. As Arthur stepped inside, he saw carefully pruned flowers and plants everywhere.
It was one of the few places in King's Landing where Arthur could smell fragrance and fresh air instead of the city's usual stench.
"My brother arranged chambers for me in the Red Keep, but I generally don't stay there," Renly said, leading the two men through the garden and into a courtyard. "Because that place is full of spies from every faction, and red cloaks. There is no privacy."
In a clearing in the courtyard, servants were turning a massive spit.
A whole aurochs was rotating slowly over the fire. Golden fat dripped onto the coals, making a tantalizing hissing sound.
The sweet aroma mixed with the scent of roasting meat was mouthwatering.
"It seems we arrived just in time. This aurochs has been roasting for hours." Renly approached the beast to inspect its color. "Finally, it's basted with butter and honey until the meat is crisp and fragrant, overflowing with juices. A rare delicacy."
Eddard's attention lingered on the roasting meat for a moment. "Red cloaks? You mean the Lannisters?"
"Yes. Haven't you noticed, Lord Eddard?" Renly walked around the aurochs, gesturing for them to follow. "My brother's Queen, the squires who serve him, even the Kingsguard who protect his life—there are Lannisters everywhere."
"Though the Kingsguard are sworn brothers and good men, everyone knows the name 'Kingslayer.' Plus, my brother owes Lord Tywin a mountain of gold dragons... He doesn't seem to realize he's being surrounded by lions."
"Lord Renly, Robert and the Queen have three children together. They have no reason to harm him," Eddard said, scanning Renly's back suspiciously as they walked. "Besides, there are the ministers of the Small Council—Jon, Stannis, and yourself. With you there..."
Renly didn't look back. "I hope my worries are unfounded."
Arthur followed behind his uncle, listening to the biased small talk between Eddard and Renly while admiring the opulent mansion along the corridor.
The hallway was lined with various sculptures and fountains. He even spotted a private sept and a small training yard—it had everything one could want.