Chapter 50: The Hall of Administration (Conclusion)
With the discussion at this point, the topic concerning Lord Stannis could be concluded.
Glynn had achieved his initial objective. The rest would depend on Petyr's machinations.
This matter was no profound conspiracy. With the recent exposure of the affair in the Hand's Solar, the timing was perfect. The plotters only needed to be careful to conceal their own identities.
Even without a reminder, the cunning Petyr would surely hide himself in the shadows, and Glynn, in turn, would remain hidden behind Petyr.
At this moment, both sides would choose to keep the other's secret. This was a tacit political understanding among schemers.
...
The King'swood hunt, despite its name, was essentially a royal outing organized by the Queen for the noble ladies of the Crownlands.
Royal activities were equivalent to state affairs. Therefore, all the gold dragons for the King'swood hunt were naturally the responsibility of the Master of Coin, Petyr, to approve and disburse.
Glynn looked over the documents Petyr had passed him, cross-referencing them with the stewards' lists, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
*Tsk, twenty thousand gold dragons!*
*Tsk, the nobles of the Crownlands certainly know how to enjoy themselves.*
The Queen's stewards had already been busy with the King'swood hunt for three whole months, and the procurement of necessary supplies was long complete.
No wonder when he had suddenly taken charge of the King'swood hunt and encountered the stewards in the great hall of Maegor's Holdfast, they had shown no sign of displeasure. On the contrary, they had been unusually friendly.
The profits had long been carved up and pocketed by the stewards, leaving only the arduous task of arranging the party. They couldn't be happier to have someone take over, allowing them to relax.
Glynn felt a pang of envy. He envied his colleagues who could feast and then leave without even having to wash the dishes!
The noble Queen Cersei would neither know nor care about such matters.
This was a sign of trust from his boss, Cersei. Glynn could only do his utmost in service to the crown.
It was Glynn's nature not to dwell too much on mistakes already made.
...
Petyr spoke up. "I was actually quite surprised to hear you were taking over the King'swood hunt at this stage. The most important procurement of supplies is long finished. All that's left is the drudgery of arranging guards and the like. There's little opportunity for you to distinguish yourself and earn greater esteem from Her Majesty the Queen."
Glynn shrugged. "It is my duty."
Petyr spread his hands, his gaze sincere. "Baron Glynn, I've said it before, we are already friends. Within my power, I am more than willing to help my friends."
Glynn's excellent memory told him that Petyr had just repeated, almost verbatim, the last sentence he had spoken when Glynn had gone to "visit" him deep in the dungeons.
Petyr continued, "Although I am the Master of Coin, to avoid unnecessary trouble, I can only help you by adding ten thousand gold dragons. My friend."
Glynn understood Petyr's meaning. The ten thousand gold dragons were a gesture of reconciliation from Petyr.
An increase in the budget for the King'swood hunt by the Master of Coin was a matter of state affairs; such news could not be hidden.
But as the one in charge of the hunt, Glynn needed only to maneuver things slightly, and not only could he make Queen Cersei's hunt more magnificent than any before, but he could also skim a considerable amount for himself.
Glynn did a quick calculation in his head. If he put in a little effort, he could potentially pocket half of it.
In that instant, Glynn no longer envied his colleagues.
Glynn placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head, his tone cordial. "House Crabbe will remember Lord Petyr's kindness in this matter."
...
Red Keep, outside the Hall of Administration.
Glynn bid farewell to Petyr. Just as he stepped through the main doors of the hall, he spotted Jaime Lannister, his face somewhat dark.
After earning the moniker "Kingslayer" for breaking his oath, Jaime Lannister's faith had already crumbled. Though he appeared normal on the surface, he was in fact somewhat reckless and self-abandoning. The only one who could occupy his heart was Queen Cersei.
Whether it was his family or power, Jaime Lannister was utterly unconcerned. Cersei had become his one and only conviction.
Glynn had no desire to pass too much judgment on such a man. Based on his usual impressions, he temporarily classified Jaime as a frustrated and emotionally unstable individual.
...
Glynn pretended not to notice Jaime's dark expression and took the initiative to greet him. "Ser Jaime, has Her Majesty the Queen sent for me?"
Jaime handed over a golden pouch embroidered with a Crowned Stag. "Little Wildling, this is a reward for you from His Highness, Joffrey."
Something was off with Jaime. Why had he reverted to calling him "Little Wildling"?
Glynn reached out and took the pouch, discreetly feeling its weight before passing it to Anguy, who stood faithfully behind him. "Please convey my thanks to His Highness, Prince Joffrey."
Jaime gave Glynn a sideways glance, his tone striking Glynn as exceedingly punchable.
"Let's go. Princess Myrcella wants to see you."
Princess Myrcella?
Glynn fell into step with Jaime, who had already started walking, a look of confusion on his face. "Ser Jaime, may I know why Princess Myrcella wishes to see me?"
Jaime shot another sidelong glance at Glynn. "She heard the story of the Mermaid."
The story of the Mermaid?
Glynn hadn't forgotten that in order to increase the appeal of Mermaid Port, he had tasked Steward Herschel with arranging for people to spread the legend of the Mermaid back in The Whispers.
Had the legend of the Mermaid already spread into the Red Keep? Did this count as breaking into the mainstream?
Steward Herschel had done a fine job. At this moment, Glynn even felt a little nostalgic for him!
At the same time, the quick-witted Glynn finally understood why Jaime would occasionally show him inexplicable hostility.
Myrcella was only eight or nine, wasn't she?
In Glynn's mind, Myrcella was just a child. What ill intentions could he possibly have toward her?
Glynn reviewed his memories, confirming that he had never done anything that could be misinterpreted, neither in Princess Myrcella's presence nor behind her back.
A flicker of anger rose in Glynn's heart. Was Jaime like this with just him, or with everyone?
...
Glynn's face betrayed nothing. "So, Her Highness Princess Myrcella heard the story of the Mermaid?"
Jaime, his face stiff, gave a perfunctory nod.
"The story of the Mermaid originates from House Crabbe's Mermaid Port..."
Glynn's vengeful streak was actually quite strong. Pausing for a moment, he deliberately asked, "Ser Jaime, since Myrcella is a princess, and I am being summoned to see her alone, shouldn't I prepare a bouquet of fresh flowers?"
Watching Jaime's face instantly turn livid upon hearing his words, Glynn laughed inwardly.
Jaime tightened his large hand on the hilt of his sword. "Princess Myrcella is still young. She will not accept flowers from a strange man."
Glynn nodded in agreement. "You're right. Princess Myrcella's status is noble. Though she is young, it is necessary for us to take some precautions."
Hearing Glynn's words, Jaime's lips finally curled into a slight arc.
Then Glynn added, "But I'm different. I'm one of us."
Jaime stopped in his tracks.
Seeing Jaime halt, Glynn looked around, his gaze feigning confusion. "Ser Jaime, why have we stopped?"
Jaime's heart seethed with frustration, yet he was helpless. Thinking it through, the oblivious Glynn was indeed innocent.
He could only blame Tyrion for his meddlesome ideas. And so, Jaime's affection for his little brother lessened once more.
Jaime started walking again. "You don't need to bring any flowers."
Sensing his words were a bit brusque, Jaime coughed lightly and added, "Little baron, Princess Myrcella does not like people giving her gifts."
Glynn shrugged. "I will follow your arrangements, ser."
(end of chapter)