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

Chapter 111 The Old Man's Test in the Old Town

On the docks of Port Lannes, Arthur Hoan was undoubtedly the leader of the younger generation.

Arthur wore a gold-based black-patterned tuxedo with two long swords at his waist, adorned with nine pairs of black bats.

Now, Arthur appears to have less armor on him, and the champion knight's coldness has been replaced by an air of nobility and elegance.

But those two sharp swords told everyone that the identity of this Iron Islands God of Slaughter was beyond doubt.

"These are the two swords?" In Lannister Port, Tywin exchanged a few curious words with Arthur.

Originally, Tywin of the River family also held the family in utter contempt.

They were even more nouveau riche than the Frey family.

But Tywin was indeed curious about Arthur, a war hero of the Greyjoy Rebellion and a rising star of the new generation of knights.

The most likely explanation is that Tywin was envious and jealous of Arthur's two swords: the Darkbringer and the Orphan Maker.

"Indeed, Lord Tywin." Arthur smiled and drew his sword. "They are all very sharp swords, so be careful."

"A fine sword, a fine sword," Tywin exclaimed.

The black ripples are a unique feature of Valyrian steel swords, a mark of the dragon's flames forging them through countless hammer blows.

Today, Tywin was just getting a glimpse of Valyrian steel.

There were more Valyrian steel swords in this tournament than in the Trident River battle, mainly because of the addition of Arthur's Dark Messenger and the Orphan Maker.

Ed brought an Ice Blade, Arthur brought two, Lynn brought an Empty Lady, and Big Bear brought a Longclaw.

Tywin had no good solution but envy. Even the impoverished fourth-rate lords refused to sell their swords, let alone a champion knight like Arthur.

Tywin should be angry at his own ancestors, and he sets off on an adventure with Light Howl.

At the docks, Arthur saw Tywin, some of Tywin's distant relatives, and the Mountain, but not Tyrion.

It seems Tywin still cares about his image and won't let his youngest son come out to meet guests.

Led by King Robert, the lords and knights followed Tywin to the already prepared arena.

On the waterfront of Lannesport, a high platform had been built for the nobles to watch the games, while ordinary people could only stand and watch.

Knights participating in the tournament could set up their tents on the shore for easy access to the competition.

Robert's golden tent naturally also had the best spot, where the king would attend the welcoming banquet in Lannesport.

But once the tournament begins, the king and the knights will stay at the tournament camp.

Arthur looked around the arena. This year's Lannisport Tournament was limited by time and venue constraints.

The participants were mainly the pacification army from the Riverlands, Royal Territories, Valley Territories, and the North, plus local knights from the West.

Furthermore, with the Mountain and the Hound not participating, there weren't many knights from the Reach and Stormlands, not to mention visitors from the Fingers and Dorne.

This competition will have fewer participants, and fewer high-level knights, so it can't compare to the first tournament in the original story.

Robert Baratheon was very satisfied with the arena, and the participating knights began to enter, having their squires set up their tents.

Sir Vieille and Sir Lucas Jr. also pitched Arthur's golden tent, taking up a good position.

Meanwhile, the unassuming Sir Rosso and Sir Clayton split up to write down a list of the top players who would appear in the match for Arthur.

"The Riverlands have Earl Jason Mellist, Ser Lyman Frey, Ser Hustin Frey, Earl Tethos, and Earl Genos. The Valley has Earl Jon, Ser Lynn, and Earl Jon's son. The Royallands have three White Knights: Ser Barristan, Ser James, but Ser Berlonen is less prominent," Rosso explained regarding the Riverlands and the Royallands.

"The Mountain isn't participating, but Ser Lillard Clayher will be. There are many other knights, but none are particularly strong. As for the North, perhaps only Earl Jorah will show any promise. As for the Reach, even fewer will come. Lord Layton's sons may also participate, but none stand out," Ser Clayton explained.

Arthur is not a calculating player like "Bayl the Spearbreaker," who studies every opponent before a match.

Arthur guessed that Sir Barristan would do the same.

For now, Arthur only needs to remember his opponents' names; he possesses the champion's stats and heart.

"I think what you said makes some sense," Lynn said softly as he reached out.

He was also a veteran player in the martial arts tournament, so naturally he could calculate people's moves.

Now, the Reach and Stormlands are missing many knights, and the Westerlands are lacking two of their top warriors.

It's not impossible that the bear could seize the opportunity to attack.

Arthur's idea might actually come true.

After the knights rest for a day or two, this exciting tournament can officially begin.

Afterwards, everyone followed the King back to the town hall of Lannesport. According to Tywin and Sir Baelor, even the Earl of Layton, who was far away in the old town, was able to attend the dinner tonight, which was truly a gathering of celebrities.

Night falls in the banquet hall of Lannesport City Hall.

The lights flickered, and the scented candles emitted a rich and pleasant fragrance.

Exquisite Mil tapestries, featuring images of roaring lions, hang on the stone walls.

The guests whispered among themselves, each dressed in their own colorful attire, and laughter filled the air.

The environment of Lannisport was far superior to that of the Iron Islands, allowing these lords and knights on their campaigns to once again experience the beauty of an elegant life.

Many of the most prominent lords of Westeros were present in the hall.

King Robert, his brother Stannis, the two Baratheons, Eddard Stark, Duke of the North, and Yorn Royce, Earl of the Vale.

Earl Leyton Hightower of the Reach, Earl Parker Redwyn.

Arthur of the Riverlands, River Ann, some weasels of House Frey, Arthur's tutor, and Sir Lucas of House Dornday.

Furthermore, the Lannister family, as the host, brought a large number of blond-haired, blue-eyed lions, starting with Tywin.

Actually, there are still candidates from the Greyjoy family, like Ellen, who was left in the dungeon.

Lord Layton, who had long resided atop the tower, personally arrived at Lannister Harbor to celebrate the King's victory, accompanied by his young daughter Lynise and a large group of Hightowers, making Tywin and Robert feel very honored.

Layton's hair was half white and half silver, as was his beard.

Although he had lived in the tower for a long time, he did not look particularly old; on the contrary, he appeared well-maintained.

Moreover, they are very kind and gentle in their dealings with people, making people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze.

During this grand feast, guests moved about like a flowing stream.

Among the young men and women, the most popular and handsome knight was Arthur Hoan, while the most popular woman was Layton's youngest daughter, Linness.

Unfortunately, there seemed to be no spark between the couple, and Earl Layton did not actively try to bring them together.

Tywin Lannister even proposed marriage to Lord Yorn and Lord Royce on Tyrion's behalf, but both proposals were rejected.

"This is my youngest daughter, Lynise," Earl Layton introduced to the group.

Lindes, dressed in her finest attire, was exceptionally charming. She wore a fitted silver-gray long dress that accentuated her graceful curves, making her resemble a blooming rose.

She had long, golden hair, skin as white as milk, and soft, warm hands.

Lynise was already beautiful, and with Cersei and other beautiful women absent, she truly seemed to outshine everyone else tonight.

Many people were curious as to why Lord Layton had brought his daughter along; perhaps he was also looking for a son-in-law for his daughter.

Aside from his second daughter, Ellery, Layton wasn't particularly concerned about his younger daughters' marriages, and many young, unmarried men felt they also had a chance.

Jorah the bear's eyes widened instantly, as if his lost youth had returned.

Big Bear is now blinded by passion and has completely forgotten the difference between status and wealth.

Arthur glanced at Jorah, realizing that the fish had taken the bait, and that he was happy with it.

Layton first chatted with the king, Ed, and other great lords, and then crossed the passageway to talk with Arthur.

"Arthur of the Riveran family, a beacon of chivalry! Truly a man of exceptional talent." Earl Layton laughed heartily, showing great kindness to Arthur.

Layton looked at Arthur's face. The young man was handsome, needless to say, but what was really striking were his deep blue, almost purple eyes.

"It's all for the glory of King Robert," Arthur said very modestly.

Layton had a beautiful ring on his finger.

The ring was a gemstone ring, a silver band, but the gemstone was a gaudy green bloodstone, which made people feel very uncomfortable.

"A strange stone, does it contain some kind of blood element?" Arthur thought to himself, feeling uncomfortable being so close to the ring.

"It's a pity I'm too old, otherwise I would also go to the arena and test my skills against you, the number one knight of the Three Rivers," Layton said with a hint of regret.

"That's nothing to regret. I will face Sir Grey Iron Garth." Arthur also cooperated perfectly.

The two laughed and chatted until Earl Layton made a hasty exit to relieve himself.

Arthur watched Layton's departing figure and sneered inwardly.

Arthur looked at Layton, this old charlatan. The man was indeed charming, but there was not much credibility to him.

After all, the Hightoar family doesn't rely on military force; they mostly rely on intrigue and strategy.

After Lord Layton left, Soros of Myr arrived with wine, and Arthur naturally struck up a conversation with the drunkard.

Soros was also an eccentric man, and this kind of rough guy suited Arthur's tastes very well.

The magnificent Golden Lion restroom in the banquet hall, in front of the washbasin.

The washbasin and toilet now belong only to the Earl of Layton.

Earl Layton looked in the mirror, then at the green bloodstone ring on his palm, its light flickering and quickly fading.

8.

"Dragon blood, is it the power of dragon blood? This shouldn't be the case, such distant blood relatives. Could it be that he, like Morroia, was born with a talent that was activated in his life?" Layton took a deep breath.

Dragon blood is not rare; what is rarer is talent.

Layton could only attribute his guess to talent.

Robert and Stannis Baratheon are known to have dragon blood, and their dragon blood is the closest to that of House Targaryen, but unfortunately, the rings show no reaction.

Arthur, however, did cause some ripples. It's understandable that Arthur possesses some dragon blood.

The relationship between Yongwang and the Rothschild family, as well as the Bartway family, is unclear.

The Mad King slept with the pimp's wife and daughter; the daughter had no children.

It's more likely that three girls from the Bartway family were also the Mad King's one-night stands, and those girls might have had children.

Besides the few noble illegitimate children who were publicly acknowledged, and the dozens of commoner illegitimate children who were not recognized, there were also some children in the kingdom who were neglected by the mediocre king.

"Others may not know, but I know very well," Earl Layton thought to himself, "this is a perfect match for my expertise."

Layton's ancestor, Lord Jon, was the last Hand of King Jung.

After Jenny Rothstein, the daughter of King Jung's eighth mistress, "The Pimp," left the court, the new Prime Minister Jon Hightoar brought Serena of Lydia to the court.

Serena comes from an ancient but impoverished Valyrian family and is the last member of the family.

To the general public, she was a cold and arrogant person, but she was the most beautiful of Aegon IV’s many mistresses.

"Interesting. No wonder those eyes are so captivating. Aegon V had deep blue, almost purple eyes. But that secret is meaningless; collateral dragon blood is everywhere. The key is where this kid's talent will lead House River."

Layton carefully put away his ring, a strange smile playing on his lips.

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