-82- Military Strategist

"Using a slow strategy against a fast one?"

Gallen nodded and said, "Yes, my lord. What I find most unjust is that they don't consider the overall situation as you do, only focusing on short-term gains."

"Randyll Tarly, as the vanguard of Highgarden, did indeed defeat the army of Stormlands and earned a reputation as a great general. However, looking back now, his victory actually helped the Stormlands and planted the seeds for the Targaryen's defeat."

Lord Mace Tyrell said somewhat displeased, "Gallen, Randyll Tarly is my vassal."

Gallen's expression remained unchanged as if he didn't notice the displeasure, "Apologies, my lord. I respect Randyll Tarly and bear no malice. I am merely discussing military strategy."

Mace Tyrell, after some hesitation, nodded and said, "I believe you are sincere... Ahem, according to you, why was Randyll Tarly's victory detrimental to the overall situation?"

Gallen respectfully replied, "My lord, if I may repeat, I am merely analyzing the battle situation at that time."

Gallen spread his hands and continued, "Regardless of the reasons, at that time, the Stormlands' alliance was considered the rebel force. Rebels have a weakness; their initial morale is high, but it doesn't last. The longer the war drags on, the worse it is for them. They need to accelerate the pace of the war and seek a decisive battle with the Targaryen forces while their morale is high."

Gallen paused and then said, "It is using speed to counter speed."

Lord Mace Tyrell nodded slightly, stroked his triangular beard, and said, "You do see the bigger picture… Continue."

Gallen bowed in thanks.

"This is just my conjecture, but I believe that initially, the Targaryens might have considered adopting your strategy of using a slow approach to counter a fast one. However, Randyll Tarly's victory made people mistakenly believe that the Stormlands' alliance could be easily defeated.

The result was that no one could persuade, or no one continued to persuade, the Targaryens, who may have already lost patience, to continue with a slow strategy. From that moment, Prince Rhaegar led the Targaryen forces to actively seek a decisive battle with the Stormlands' allience. The advantage began to shift towards the rebels, and perhaps from that point, the Targaryens' defeat was inevitable."

Gallen sighed, "This is a common issue for all military strategists. Wars rely on generals, but generals only know how to charge with their swords. They don't understand strategy and only believe in immediate victories, considering them as glory.

At the same time, the public is short-sighted and prefers the blood and excitement of war. They find it hard to understand what true victory on the battlefield means and do not comprehend your art of war."

Well said...

Gallen's words comforted the "hidden pain" in Mace Tyrell's heart.

He has strongly proven my military talent… Gallen earned Lord Mace Tyrell's approval.

This young man from afar understands me!

...

Mace Tyrell's gaze showed gratification, and he said kindly, "I remember that many members of House Crabb joined the Kingsguard. Although you lost much in that war, you did gain something."

Gallen nodded, "Yes, my lord, your insight is sharp. That painful experience taught House Crabb that winning battles requires not just courage and swords but also strategic wisdom."

Gallen shrugged and smiled, "My mother only hoped to train me to become someone like you, Lord Tyrell. She was very strict, so my childhood was only books and swords. Looking back, I don't know how I endured it."

Gallen's words and gestures made Mace Tyrell laugh heartily.

In a good mood, Mace Tyrell warmly patted Gallen and said, "You are a guest from afar. Stay tonight and join us for dinner."

Gallen bowed and said, "Thank you for your invitation, my lord. It would be an honor."

...

Margaery Tyrell, both listener and observer, watched as the relationship between her father and Gallen quickly warmed.

Is father who was called a fool by grandmother really such a remarkable person?

Could grandmother have been mistaken?

Margaery Tyrell shook her head inwardly. She had been personally trained by her grandmother and knew better than anyone the extraordinary wisdom of her grandmother.

Margaery Tyrell had long known that although her father, Mace Tyrell, was the leader of House Tyrell, he was actually a figurehead.

Though he tried to use his actions during the War of the Usurper to prove his military prowess, most people believed he made no significant contributions in that war.

...

Mace Tyrell needs more prestige.

Gallen's words, combined with Margaery's knowledge, were highly persuasive.

Margaery Tyrell felt that Gallen wasn't just trying to win her father's favor with sweet words; he was vindicating her father Mace. Clever Margaery understood her father very well and knew that he was even more pleased than he appeared.

Margaery believed that her excited father hadn't yet realized the value of Gallen's novel insights.

But how to leverage this value required Margaery to plan carefully.

Mace Tyrell needed prestige, which aligned with the interests of House Tyrell.

At this moment, Margaery wondered what Gallen's true intentions were...

...

Gallen hadn't ignored Margaery's presence.

Originally, Gallen planned to first increase Mace Tyrell's favorability and gain some trust today, and then find an opportunity to reveal his purpose tomorrow.

Gallen worried that after today, given House Tyrell's history, they might isolate Lord Mace again out of caution.

If that happened again, Gallen wouldn't have a sufficient reason.

Gallen steeled himself; it might not be perfect, but it could be adapted.

Gallen leaned slightly towards Lord Mace Tyrell and said softly, "Lord Tyrell, have you heard about Lord Arryn's health?"

Mace Tyrell said in confusion, "Hmm, I've heard that Lord Arryn's health has been poor in recent years."

Gallen glanced at Margaery, who had been watching him intently, making his meaning clear.

What is the meaning of this?

Margaery Tyrell maintained a polite smile, masking her emotions well with years of accumulated etiquette.

Mace Tyrell laughed heartily, "Gallen, no need to be so cautious. Highgarden is absolutely safe for you."

Gallen... Isn't father being too affectionate?

Margaery couldn't help but glance at her kindly smiling father.

"Lord Tyrell, have you considered the burden of being the Hand of the King?"

"The Hand of the King?"

"Yes, assisting the King in governing the kingdom, commanding the armies, administering justice. When the King is absent, holding the Iron Throne to rule the realm."