Roman used to not understand the concept of 'idiot intolerance.' He thought, what could an idiot jumping around in front of him really do? At most, they'd just be a source of amusement.
But when he discovered that such an idiot was actively infringing upon his interests without even realizing it, Roman understood it completely.
And right now, a top-tier idiot was standing before him:
Cersei.
When Roman and Robert returned to the banquet laughing and chatting, Cersei could no longer restrain herself.
She had always hated Robert.
Hated Robert for killing Rhaegar, hated Robert for calling out Lyanna's name on their wedding night, and hated Robert for not standing up for Jaime.
And now, she had a brilliant idea. Right in front of all these nobles, Cersei felt she could definitely make Roman lose face.
"Ser Roman, rumors are spreading through King's Landing that you've gathered the Darry Family, the Mooton Family, and the residents of the Crabs Claw Peninsula. May I ask what great matter requires so many houses to discuss together?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent. Even the musicians lowered their volume.
The implication couldn't be clearer: what would happen when a group of former Royalists gathered together?
But Cersei failed to consider one thing: Robert's attitude toward Roman.
The King had just been laughing and talking with the person involved. For you, as the Queen, to undermine him on the spot and ask such a sensitive question—what would Roman think?
Robert was stunned by her words, momentarily shocked and enraged. Just as he was about to reprimand Cersei, Roman quickly grabbed his thick hand.
Under Robert's puzzled gaze, Roman spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly:
"To answer the Queen, the Hean Family is engaged in normal commercial cooperation with these houses. Merchants from the Riverlands and King's Landing travel between these places frequently; I'm sure they've mentioned it. Since the Queen has heard of our cooperation, you might as well learn the specific details; perhaps we could even collaborate."
Since Harrenhal wasn't forming marriage alliances right now, no matter how much she exaggerated, it was just political theater to the nobles. Duke Mace had once besieged Storms End, yet the iron throne still bought grain from The Reach just the same.
Seeing Roman answer so calmly and receiving no response from the gathered nobles, Cersei felt she was losing face and added:
"I also heard from the residents of the Crabs Claw Peninsula that you used dragonflame to make them submit. May I assume this is using the Targaryen name to win over the peninsula's people?"
Roman did not reply, because he saw Robert's face had already turned beet red. This was no longer his concern.
However, just as Robert was about to burst into a tirade, a tender young girl's voice drifted over:
"Mother, how do I eat this? Can you help me?"
Everyone turned to see a little girl with long, curly golden hair. She had fair skin and a beauty that matched Cersei's.
Undoubtedly, she was Myrcella Baratheon. Roman couldn't help but think she was truly the child of the twins Cersei and Jaime; she was almost indistinguishable from her parents.
Cersei looked at her daughter with some dissatisfaction, her eyes blaming Myrcella for being inconsiderate.
Robert seized the opportunity. He clapped Roman on the shoulder and said with a loud laugh:
"You prepared this dish, so you shall be the one to help Princess Myrcella!"
Roman nodded and walked away quickly. Lady Helaena took the chance to signal the musicians to play, and the others, as if receiving a cue, resumed their drinking and merrymaking.
Cersei wanted to say more, but Robert grabbed her hand:
"I don't care what you're trying to do, but don't embarrass me!"
"Why are you so biased toward that boy? He..."
"He knocked Jaime unconscious? Oh, for God's sake, has the great kingslayer fallen so low that he needs a woman to reclaim his honor?"
Hearing Robert mock Jaime twice in a row, Cersei instantly lost her cool, but Robert's counterattack was faster.
"If Jaime wants revenge, he can fight back later. I'll give him the chance."
After saying that, Robert returned to Eddard's side to continue drinking and boasting, completely ignoring Cersei.
When Roman reached Myrcella, he found that the plate before the princess was just Stir-fried Dried River Mussels; there was no real need for help.
He looked up at Myrcella, and her emerald green eyes sparkled with curiosity and friendliness.
Roman knew Myrcella was helping him out of a tight spot. He gave a polite bow and said:
"May I sit beside you?"
"Of course, Ser."
Under Sansa's envious gaze, Roman sat beside Myrcella and began introducing the specialty dishes to her.
The Riverlands were rich in freshwater products, quite different from coastal seafood. Roman had used existing ingredients to create various sauces, pairing them with Westeros spices to create this feast.
Roman patiently introduced the Riverlands dishes to Myrcella while conversing about things that interested her.
For a truly kind and respectable person like her, Roman was very willing to engage in conversation.
Princess Myrcella was young, but she already displayed a wisdom that neither of her parents possessed—only to have half her face and an ear cut off by Gerold Dayne later on.
At that thought, Roman's tone grew even softer, and he became more considerate toward Myrcella.
This felt somewhat novel to Myrcella; she had never experienced such treatment from her family.
For a moment, the princess felt a bit dazed. Roman's gentleness enveloped her completely, yet it wasn't overwhelming.
Suddenly, Myrcella was also drawn to Roman. This tall man was willing to discuss kittens with her, talk about honey bread, and share anecdotes she usually didn't dare speak aloud.
Myrcella gradually opened up, a genuine smile appearing on her face as she began to talk about her own life.
"Kittens are cute, but Mother won't let me keep one. She thinks they'll make a mess of the room."
"Ser Roman, I heard the dogs at Harrenhal all have jobs—catching rats, tracking, fighting. Are there any that are just for companionship?"
"Ser Roman, this fish is delicious! How did you make it?"
...
Cersei watched from the side as Roman laughed and chatted with her precious daughter. Her heart was sour with hatred, but she didn't dare defy Robert, so she could only venomously plot how to deal with Roman.
Meanwhile, Sansa bit down hard on her steel fork under the watchful eyes of her siblings, looking at Myrcella with envy.
However, Roman had many tasks and wouldn't stay with Myrcella alone.
After a while, Roman brought a plate of Lemon Cakes to Sansa.
"Lady Sansa, I heard you like Lemon Cakes. I specifically had the kitchens prepare a serving for you; I hope you enjoy it."
This immediately won Sansa over. She tossed her previous jealousy aside, immersing herself in the happiness of lemon, sugar, and her own fantasies.
Robb said somewhat helplessly, "Stop thinking about it. Your Ser Roman has gone to the Rose of The Reach!"
Jon looked at Myrcella and Cersei in confusion: "The Queen and the Princess are practically carved from the same mold. Why is there such a gap in their personalities?"
Bran, eating a Pork and Egg Dumpling, spoke up: "Speaking of which, don't you find it strange? The Princess and the Queen are almost identical, yet you can't see any similarity to the King. Their hair color is different too; the lords of Baratheon all have black hair."
Jon Arryn:???
Stannis:???
Bran's words caught the attention of Old Arryn and Stannis. They looked at each other simultaneously, then began to carefully observe Cersei's three children and Robert.
An inexplicable unease spread through both their hearts. They felt it was necessary to investigate.
As for Cersei, she had also heard Bran's words. Although the Queen showed no reaction on the surface, she was actually consumed by fear and rage.
Now, the matter with Roman was no longer worth dwelling on; a much more troublesome problem was coming.
"That Stark wolf cub!!!"
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