In another corner of the Great Hall stood another group of high lords. The center of this crowd was undoubtedly Lord Renly Baratheon, the Duke of Storm's End, and Lord Mace Tyrell, the Duke of Highgarden. On the side closer to Lord Mace stood Lord Paxter Redwyne of the Arbor and Baelor, leading several nobles. On Renly's side stood Lord Brian Fossoway of the Red Apple and Lord Jon Fossoway of the Green Apple, among others.
The Knight of Flowers did not take William directly to see Renly but had him wait in a corridor first.
Looking at those lords from a distance, although they were laughing and chatting continuously, seeming quite harmonious, William felt as if he could faintly detect a discordant undertone. Thinking again of Randyll, Mathis, and the others who had formed a group to seek out Barristan for conversation, William couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The game of thrones wasn't solely centered around the Iron Throne; beneath the flourishing beauty of Highgarden, undercurrents of intrigue swirled just as fiercely.
'Interesting,' William thought, feeling he somewhat understood why Randyll and the others had praised him so excessively in front of Barristan.
He didn't have to wait long. Soon, the Knight of Flowers returned, accompanying a tall young man dressed in a dark green velvet doublet.
The young man had black hair that fell straight to his shoulders, a handsome face, and eyes as clear and blue as seawater. His well-defined features were lit by an exceedingly bright and open smile, making it easy for anyone to feel an immediate liking for him. Even the hostility in William's heart unconsciously lessened a bit.
Watching the two elegant young men approach gracefully, even as a straight man, William suddenly felt that this pair didn't seem so hard to accept.
"Lord Renly, well met," William said, stepping forward to greet him without waiting for the Knight of Flowers' introduction. After all, no one but a Baratheon would embroider a bunch of stags all over their clothes.
Renly returned the greeting with great enthusiasm. "No need for such formality, William. By the way, may I call you that?"
How could William refuse when a Paramount of Westeros, the Master of Laws? He thus put on a pleased smile. "Of course, my lord. The honor is mine."
"I heard your name as soon as I arrived in the Reach – undefeated in the tourneys," Renly clicked his tongue in admiration. "You've just turned sixteen this year, haven't you? I've never heard of anyone your age winning so many championships. It's likely unprecedented."
The Knight of Flowers at his side was displeased; a flicker of unhappiness passed through his eyes, and his voice raised slightly. "My lord, if I competed everywhere like he does, I could win many championships too."
Renly raised an eyebrow, feigning a sudden realization. He looked tenderly at the Knight of Flowers, his gaze as gentle as a spring breeze.
William also smiled and said, "Loras is right. You flatter me too much, my lord. Moreover, I once lost to the valiant Garlan at the Horn Hill tourney, and I also failed to win a few team melees."
"You're quite interesting, William!" Renly's eyes showed appreciation. "You participate in team melees, too? That's a bit like my eldest brother, His Grace the King. He isn't too fond of jousting but prefers the melee. He likes wielding that enormous warhammer to smash his opponents to pieces."
Seeing that the Knight of Flowers seemed somewhat unhappy again, William's eyes shifted slightly, and he said, "Jousting and melees each have their own value and significance. People of different temperaments prefer one over the other. His Grace has a straightforward nature; perhaps he just prefers the less structured freedom of the melee."
A strange smile floated onto Renly's lips. "The King does indeed love that feeling of freedom, so he can be a bit impulsive in his actions. Take the war over a decade ago, for instance. House Whent was merely loyal to the royal family at the time. But to have the lands of Harrenhal stripped away so drastically... I find that decision somewhat arbitrary."
'Is this an attempt to lure me with benefits?' William pondered silently about the possibility of taking the bait for now – after all, he hadn't expected to leave with the little rose before curing Willas. His mind raced, but his face showed gratitude. "House Whent dares not harbor the slightest resentment towards the King's decision. However, we are still very grateful for your willingness to speak up for justice."
Renly seemed to sense William's hesitation. He smiled triumphantly and said to the Knight of Flowers beside him, "My dear Loras, could you fetch two cups of wine for us? Ah, I prefer the gold wine from the Arbor. And you, William?"
"It seems our tastes in wine are quite similar, my lord."
As soon as the Knight of Flowers left, Renly's expression became slightly more serious. "I am different from Lord Mace. I don't like using my status to force people into difficult positions. In this life, who doesn't have their own desires? We aren't pieces on a cyvasse board. So, I've never liked compelling others. If I want something from someone, I'll exchange it for something they want. Everyone being happy is true happiness. Don't you think so, William?"
"Different from Lord Mace? So it seems Lord Mace intends to force me into a difficult position."
"Indeed, my lord, I share that view. I describe such a situation as a 'win-win.' What do you think?"
"Win-win? Excellent!" Renly savored the phrase, nodding repeatedly. "I can see you are an intelligent man. I enjoy speaking with intelligent people; it requires less effort."
"You flatter me," William said with a smile. "Please speak plainly, my lord. What are your instructions?"
"The rose of Highgarden is breathtakingly beautiful. It's only human nature for a young man to develop affection. I've heard many stories about you and Lady Margaery. They are indeed quite romantic and legendary." The smile gradually faded from Renly's face as he stared intently at William. "But you must understand, it's rather unlikely that Lady Margaery will marry into House Whent."
Seeing that William seemed unmoved, still smiling broadly, Renly continued, his tone meaningful, "I mean no offense. House Whent is a noble house of Westeros; even House Tyrell isn't necessarily beyond your reach. However, given the current political situation in the Reach, Lady Margaery's marriage is a matter of significant importance with far-reaching implications. Perhaps someone has given you hints, leading to some... unrealistic expectations. That isn't necessarily your fault. But Lord Mace's temper is somewhat... fiery. I fear it might provoke unnecessary conflict. Therefore, I've taken the initiative to act as an intermediary, to see if we can reach an understanding."
"Are you asking me to leave Highgarden immediately, my lord?" William remained composed, seemingly unconcerned.
"Nothing so drastic! If we did that, where would Highgarden's face be?" Renly laughed heartily. "Actually, I don't think a young man pursuing a maiden is any great transgression. Moreover, Lady Margaery is wise and understands her status and responsibilities perfectly well. Lord Mace's worries are quite unnecessary, but his feelings must still be considered. You came to attend your good friend's wedding, didn't you? Then enjoy this feast to the fullest, drink the fine wine, savor the delicacies, and strive for victory in the tourney. Simply put aside thoughts of things that are destined not to bear fruit. What do you think?"
'In just two years, the situation in Westeros will be thrown into turmoil, everything reshuffled. Do I still need to swallow my pride and endure this?'
William seemed lost in thought. He waited until he saw the Knight of Flowers approaching with the wine cups before speaking: "Your words are full of wisdom, my lord. I will consider them carefully."
Renly lowered his voice, his tone becoming enticing. "As Master of Laws, it is my duty to adjudicate territorial disputes. Some old cases clearly involved unjust rulings. If someone were to file an appeal... I would, of course, handle it impartially and issue a new judgment."
The two men looked at each other, then turned their gaze towards the approaching Knight of Flowers.
William took the cup and thanked the Knight of Flowers, who smiled and nodded in return. Then William raised his cup and gently clinked it against Renly's.
The golden liquid in the cups rippled, like the slight waves that appear on the sea's surface just before a storm arrives.