Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

The strange expressions on the faces of the two people left Gavin puzzled, and he couldn't even begin to guess their intentions. However, rather than dwelling on it, he decided to focus on something practical—filling his stomach. He walked toward the dining table piled high with delicious food.

It didn't take Gavin long to understand why the others had given him such strange looks. Initially, he was leisurely enjoying the food, but soon a group of young ladies approached him, eager to strike up a conversation. Their chatter was overwhelming, leaving Gavin both flustered and anxious. A few were especially bold, speaking so openly that it made Gavin blush. He fumbled for words, unsure how to respond.

Just when Gavin was feeling completely at a loss, Duke Mace Tyrell, seated on the high dais, raised a cup and began a speech. The sudden interruption saved Gavin from the chaotic situation, giving him a chance to escape. Taking the opportunity, he quickly grabbed some food and quietly slipped out of the hall into the courtyard.

The courtyard was brightly lit despite the evening hour, the moonlight cascading like silver water and blending with the warm glow of the lanterns. The lush woods surrounding the area swayed gently as the evening breeze whispered through the leaves, rustling softly as if sharing secrets of the night. Flowers in full bloom cast colorful shadows, their fragrance drifting pleasantly through the cool air.

Gavin made his way to a bench under a large tree in the distance. Sitting down, he began eating and muttered angrily to himself, "No wonder they were looking at me like that. Edmond could've at least given me a heads-up."

Suddenly, a soft, melodic voice broke the silence from behind him.

"Hello, sir. This is the first time we've met. I'm Margaery Tyrell."

Startled, Gavin turned around quickly. Standing behind him was a young girl, thirteen or fourteen years old, with straight brown hair and a face as delicate as finely carved jade. Her large, clear eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her gentle smile was warm and disarming.

Gavin quickly put down his plate and stood to bow politely.

"Hello, Miss Margaery. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Gavin Flower."

In his previous life, Gavin had been a fan of Little Rose while watching the show. She had played the game of thrones so skillfully, always a step ahead of others, even Cersei. Yet, he couldn't forget how tragically she had met her end when Cersei overturned the board completely. Remembering that scene, Gavin felt a twinge of sympathy.

Snapping back to the present, Gavin looked at Margaery curiously and asked, "This banquet is being held for your name day, isn't it? Why are you out here instead of inside, enjoying the festivities?"

Margaery, smiling playfully, ignored the question and tilted her head.

"Can I call you Gavin?"

"Of course," Gavin replied with a polite nod.

Margaery grinned mischievously.

"Then Gavin, why are you out here?"

Her teasing tone made Gavin feel slightly embarrassed, and he sighed helplessly.

"Miss Margaery, you must've seen what happened in there."

Margaery giggled and gracefully sat down on the bench across from him. She swung her legs slightly, propped her arms on the seat, and leaned forward, making a playful expression.

"I understand, Gavin. I have similar troubles inside."

The two exchanged a look and burst into lighthearted laughter.

"You can just call me Margaery," she said warmly. "There's no need for formalities. By the way, I saw you in the tournament—you were really impressive. You must practice swordsmanship diligently."

Gavin smiled modestly and replied, "I wouldn't say diligently, but I do train every day." He then sat back down, feeling more at ease.

Margaery sighed, a tinge of helplessness in her voice.

"Although Highgarden hosts a martial arts competition every year, this one is especially grand since it's my name day. My father spared no expense this time."

Gavin tilted his head, a slight frown of curiosity crossing his face. But he responded with an appropriate compliment, "It may be extravagant, but it shows how much Duke Mace loves you. You must be very happy to have such a caring father."

At this, Margaery smiled faintly but then sighed again. Her voice dropped to a soft whisper.

"In truth, Gavin, the tournaments are not just for celebration. You must've heard about the situation in the Reach."

Gavin nodded cautiously. "I've heard about it." He chose his words carefully, unsure how far to tread.

Margaery smiled, sensing his hesitation.

"It's fine, Gavin. Everyone in the Reach knows about it. The Tyrells don't have strong control over the region. These tournaments are meant to promote chivalry and strengthen our family's influence, but..." She paused before continuing, "...they cost a fortune and worsen security here in Highgarden. If the money could be used to develop the territory instead, it would be far more worthwhile."

Gavin blinked in surprise at her words. From what he knew, such grand events often brought wealth rather than loss. Unable to resist his curiosity, he asked, "Doesn't the Tyrell family gain any benefits from hosting the tournament?"

Margaery looked at him with wide eyes, as if amused by the question.

"The prize money alone, along with the expenses for entertaining the nobles, costs no less than twenty thousand gold dragons. Gavin, how could we possibly make a profit?"

Gavin furrowed his brow. "Don't you collect taxes from the merchants?"

"We do," Margaery replied with a sigh, "but it's never enough. The tax officials can't manage the chaos. Merchants pour in from all directions, and with so many roads leading to Highgarden, many simply slip by without paying."

After listening to her explanation, Gavin's mind began to work. He quickly pieced together the root of the problem.

"It's actually not too difficult to fix," Gavin said thoughtfully. "You could organize the market in advance. Designate large commercial streets and use tents from your family's inventory to set up camps around them. Tax officials could then collect taxes on goods as they enter these organized areas. This way, merchants wouldn't have a chance to evade the tax. You could even charge a small rent for the tents and camp spaces outside."

Margaery's eyes widened in astonishment. For a moment, she just stared at Gavin, her face a mixture of surprise and admiration.

"You make it sound so simple," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine wonder. "This problem has plagued my family for years, and yet you've solved it so easily."

Gavin shrugged modestly and smiled. "Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective."

Margaery stared at him for a moment longer, then broke into a radiant smile.

"You're more impressive than I thought, Gavin."

The two shared another laugh as the cool evening breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying with it the distant sounds of music and laughter from the banquet hall.