Game of Thrones: King of Harrenhal, starting with a blue hand stat panel

Chapter 107 Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs at Crab Bay

"You, Arthur River, are the Guardian of Crab Bay that I have chosen!" Robert declared gruffly.

"The wine tariffs at that run-down Kingsport and Whitewall are just appetizers; now comes the real feast." Robert Baratheon rose to his feet, like a stag surveying its herd.

Robert's booming voice, like thunder, resounded across the high platform.

Although the smell of alcohol was pungent, the king's attitude was beyond question.

The previously relaxed atmosphere at the banquet suddenly froze, and everyone stared in disbelief.

Even the leaders of the Ironborn were taken aback, never expecting Robert to have such a trick up his sleeve.

"Guardians of Crab Bay?" No one expected this.

In addition to monetary rewards, the king introduced another innovative measure.

The title of Guardian is not a hereditary governorship and is not a noble title.

The guardianship system has an extremely important military nature. It is not related to suzerainty and is about establishing a supreme military commander in the region.

However, by convention, it is generally believed that the guardianship of each region is a hereditary honorary position.

In peacetime, the title of "guardian" is merely an honorary one.

Its practical role has been rarely played since the Targaryen Conquest, and its most recent use was in the Battle of Ninepenny Kings forty years ago.

Nevertheless, the title of Guardian still carries extremely high prestige and honor.

Traditionally, the patronage title was held by the lord of a particular family, but the king had the power to grant it to another family at his personal discretion.

In addition to protecting the east, west, south, and north, it guards the four borders.

There are also less important families: House Fowler guarding Prince's Pass, House Erenwood guarding Stone Road, House Mandler guarding Whiteblade River, and House Tyrell guarding the Doga Frontier.

The Tully family is in a rather awkward position, lacking protection in the mid lane.

Trout only has the title of Governor of the Trident River, which is much less prestigious.

Crab Bay Guardian was the military commander who led the Trident River estuary to Crab Bay during wartime.

Arthur Hoan himself was surprised, as he had not heard of it beforehand.

Crab Bay is a long and narrow area, containing both rich and poor land.

Besides the extremely loyal Crab Claw Clan of the Dragon Family, the Savages who love to ambush, and the Muton Family who are opportunistic, there are others.

There were quite a few problems, which may be why Robert felt comfortable adding Crab Bay as a guardian.

Arthur, who was originally stationed in King's Port, had already made a fortune by acquiring the Orphan Maker and securing a ten-year duty-free period for wine.

I never expected King Robert to pull this stunt.

"Your Majesty, this is an immense favor. But I am still young and unfit for such a heavy responsibility," Arthur quickly declined. "I only wish to be a good knight, not to be troubled by worldly affairs."

This is certainly an honor, but also a hot potato.

Crab Bay's location is also connected to the Crab Claw Peninsula and parts of the valley in Wang Ling.

The Crab Bay Guardians, the Governor of Trident River, the Guardians of the East, and the King of the Royal Territory all have overlapping powers, making them a complex web of conflicting forces.

These kinds of opportunities and trends are not so easy to grasp.

Regardless, Arthur still had to show some deference.

Duke Stannis frowned slightly, somewhat speechless, but he didn't want to stop Robert while he was in the mood.

Just like the matter of bestowing the title of Duke of Storm's End upon Renly, Stannis objected and appealed for his rights countless times, but the king did not listen.

“Your Majesty, this is unprecedented. Crab Bay has never had a guardian,” Earl Jon Royce couldn’t help but say.

With Jon Arryn absent, he is the greatest lord of the Vale and must speak up for Ser Wickley and others.

There is no war now. If there were a war, wouldn't things be chaotic?

Besides the Guardian of the East, a Guardian of Crab Bay has suddenly appeared.

"Aren't precedents meant to be broken? Besides, the Warden of the East can command a quarter of the kingdom's army. This isn't just a title; it's military power in itself," Robert said dismissively.

The four cardinal directions are the main guardians, representing a quarter of the total force, while Crab Bay Guardian and Stone Road Guardian are secondary guardians.

Lord Tethos's face also fell. "The appointment of a Warden is a major matter, especially since there is already a Governor of the Trident River. Your Majesty, the Governor of the Trident River is capable of fulfilling Your Majesty's military duties. Whether this matter should be discussed with the Council of King's Landing or not should be decided later. Moreover, Duke Horst is still in Seafront; at least he should be informed. Duke Horst played a crucial role in the Battle of the Bells."

The current situation in the Hejian region is certainly not as dire as the extreme predicament of a split between two powerful factions.

The title of "Guardian" was merely a military rank, not a reward of territory or people.

The protection of Crab Bay involves the power spheres of House Tully, House Arryn, and even House Baratheon in the royal domain, and coordination may not be smooth.

Robert's high praise greatly enhanced the Riverside family's influence and prestige, which was a dangerous sign.

"It's just a guardian, what's the big deal?" Genos Brecken interrupted impatiently, directly challenging Blackwood.

“Trident River and Crab Bay are not the same place, and a governor and a warden are not the same thing. A territory can have multiple wardens. What I need now are powerful knights to guard against the bandits of the Moon Mountains, and to protect against smugglers and pirates along the coast! Are you going to give me a decaying old man, or a wet-behind child?” Robert Baratheon waved his hand. “As for Duke Horst, he also has a share in my reward.”

Count Tettos was immediately stumped.

The king's word was law, and this statement further fueled the king's pride.

Eddard Stark was somewhat embarrassed. Being in the situation, he felt he had to speak up. "Your Majesty, is it not yet time to specifically appoint a Guardian? You can bestow upon Sir Arthur a golden dragon or honor, rather than a Guardian. Besides, Sir Arthur himself believes he is not up to the task and needs more experience."

Although Ed also didn't approve of his father-in-law and brother-in-law's abilities.

But this is somewhat embarrassing, so we still need to save face for the trout.

"That's settled then, I've made up my mind." Robert waved his hand. "While not much gold and silver is flowing into Bullhorn Bay, I don't want to hear about pirates and savages causing trouble at Crab Bay."

Once others saw this, they couldn't object.

Robert was actually quite extraordinary.

Sometimes they are exceptionally stubborn, like overgrown children, and very prone to making foolish mistakes.

He liked to bestow rewards arbitrarily according to his whim, as he did with Renly, the Golden-Robed Commander-in-Chief Frog, and even the Kingslayer, as well as the prize money for the tournament.

Just like in the original book, after Jon Arryn died, Robert immediately gave the position of Warden of the East to the Kingslayer, not Arryn's son, and ignored Stark's advice.

Old Arryn was beloved in the Vale, and the people of the Vale felt deeply insulted when the king gave a position that had been held by the Arryn family for nearly three hundred years to Jaime Lannister.

Robert's treatment of his adoptive father can only be described as utterly heartless.

The Arryn family's reputation is so-so, let alone the Tully family's.

"Your Majesty, based on his merits, abilities, and loyalty, Sir Arthur is the best choice to protect you," Earl Raymond Darryl stood up and cheered, and many others also supported King Robert's opinion.

"That's right." Earl William Mouton nodded in agreement.

Although they didn't understand the situation, they were happy to cause Horst some trouble.

After all, the guardians are here to fight, and the Crab Bay area does indeed need to directly confront the savages of the Bright Moon Mountains, as well as the smugglers and pirates of Crab Bay.

If you think about it carefully, there are also those restless crab-claw people.

Strictly speaking, a strong knight is indeed needed to oversee things.

"Your Majesty, this is a momentous matter. It is a tremendous responsibility for me. With Your Majesty's high expectations, I fear I am unable to fulfill this duty," Arthur said.

The lords and knights were quite interested, but not too surprised.

If Renly could pull off something as outrageous as becoming the Duke of Storm's End, then the Guardian of Crab Bay seems to be able to accept it as well.

Furthermore, the honor of protecting something outweighs its practical value, and with the seven kingdoms currently at peace and stable, there's no need for a full-scale war.

Therefore, not many people believed that Arthur could actually create something amazing.

This position actually increased some minor conflicts between the River Ann family and Tully and Arryn.

After all, since Robert ascended the throne, the Targaryen family was expelled, and the world has been somewhat distorted to the idea that might makes right.

"Alright! You'll be the Guardian of Crab Bay, Arthur River." Robert waved his hand, sealing the deal.

Robert didn't care what the Tully and Arryn families thought; the king's mind was made up.

"Would you be willing to drive out the savages, defend against pirates and smugglers, and protect Crab Bay?" Robert asked, then pressed his longsword against Arthur's shoulder.

"I will do my utmost, Your Majesty! I will live up to Your Majesty's expectations and trust. I will ensure that Crab Bay remains peaceful and tranquil," Arthur declared loudly.

The king's master of ceremonies rose and proclaimed, "In these perilous times of turmoil, Your Majesty's loyal knight, Sir Arthur Rivern, has served the country and its people with unwavering integrity, setting a fine example. In accordance with Your Majesty's will, he is hereby commended: Arthur Rivern is hereby appointed Protector of Crab Bay, overseeing military affairs along the coast from the Trident River estuary to Crab Bay. This decree is approved by Your Majesty, the Prime Minister, and the senior ministers."

Ed took a deep breath.

At least Robert didn't distribute land, titles, or taxes; it was just a military honor, and it wasn't hereditary.

These two most crucial benefits weren't mentioned, but with the honor in hand, the He'an family will definitely arrange for it to be hereditary.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty." With things having come to this, Arthur accepted his fate.

This is the king's request; the monarch's command is absolute.

Furthermore, the position of Crab Bay Guardian is flexible; how many people he can gather depends entirely on himself.

"The darling of the Trident River, the guardian of Crab Bay, Arthur River Safe!"

"The Dark Knight, Arthur Hoan!"

The lords of the Three Rivers and the propertied knights led the applause and cheers, their voices echoing across the land.

Darryl, Mouton, Leicester, Root, Ward.

There were even Melissant and Brecken.

The Frey family, on the other hand, remained aloof, their reactions less intense, remaining cunning observers.

Most knights and soldiers didn't understand what a power struggle was.

All they knew was that Arthur Hoan was a hero of the Three Rivers, and that Arthur Hoan had won new glory for the Riverlands.

Piper, Vance, and Blackwood were stunned and helpless, never expecting that King Robert could pull off such a clever trick.

But they couldn't blame the River House either; if the Tully family had behaved better, their glory wouldn't have been taken away by others.

Immediately afterwards, Big Bear, Soros, Lynn, and others who had fought alongside Arthur also applauded.

Count Tettos's face turned ashen; the world had changed.

People will only recognize swords and spears, blood and fire, not past glories.

The cheers of the crowd were overwhelming, and Arthur, amidst them, felt as if he had been carried to the highest point by the tide.

His black bat armor made him look like a ferocious beast that devoured everything.

Now that we're already embroiled in the power struggle, let's dance with the storm!

That path to supreme and perilous power.

There's no turning back, no way to escape.

>