Chapter 56: The Scorned Glyn (End)
Among those who came to pay their respects, only a small portion were noblewomen accompanied by nieces or mistresses; the vast majority were noblewomen bringing their own daughters.
Queen Cersei wore a perfunctory smile as she received wave after wave of noblewomen and young ladies.
Even Queen Cersei's feigned politeness did not diminish the noblewomen's enthusiasm in the slightest.
After the greetings, there was a long stream of reverence for Queen Cersei, followed by a torrent of praise for Princess Myrcella, then abundant compliments for their own daughters, and finally, discussions of everyday trifles and courtly gossip. They seemed completely oblivious to Queen Cersei's nearly stiff expression.
Glyn wondered if these noblewomen were secretly vying with each other, perhaps to see whose audience with the Queen lasted longer.
When the noblewomen and young ladies first arrived for their audience, Glyn, with his handsome appearance, noticed gazes occasionally lingering on him.
But Glyn's moment of self-satisfaction didn't last long. The moment Jaime entered the tent and stood opposite him, Glyn was completely overshadowed.
Glyn was now absolutely certain: he and Jaime were incompatible!
The golden-haired Jaime captivated women of all ages. Though they knew Jaime of the Kingsguard could not marry, this did not deter their enthusiastic adoration for him.
Seeing Jaime so popular, Queen Cersei's smile towards them became a little more natural.
Glyn lowered his eyelids, no longer paying attention to the situation inside the tent. His thoughts turned to The Reach and the journey to Highgarden after the royal hunt concluded.
…
Westerlands, Casterly Rock.
Located on the western coast of Westeros, Casterly Rock is a tall and magnificent stone fortress. It is the capital of the Westerlands and the seat of House Lannister's rule.
True to its name, Casterly Rock is carved from a massive rock, making the fortress's defenses even more formidable.
Never having fallen, Casterly Rock is known as the largest, wealthiest, and most well-defended castle in Westeros.
Fifty-three-year-old Kevan Lannister had golden-yellow hair and a beard trimmed very short. He had rounded shoulders and a thick waist, showing some signs of stoutness.
During the War of the Ninepenny Kings, a sixteen-year-old Kevan Lannister was personally knighted by Lord Roger Reynes, the "Red Lion," for his outstanding performance.
…
Kevan Lannister's voice was exceedingly respectful. "Lord Tywin, this is the latest intelligence from King's Landing."
Kevan Lannister had recognized his elder brother Tywin Lannister's extraordinary qualities early on. Having served as Lord Tywin's most trusted right-hand man for many years, his loyalty and reliability were widely known.
Tywin Lannister believed that some victories were won with paper, pen, and ravens.
Lord Tywin's gaze did not leave the table, nor did his pen stop moving. "Kevan, are there any developments?"
Kevan replied, "Currently in King's Landing, everyone is most concerned about the health of the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn. It was discovered that his solar has been repeatedly eavesdropped on, which infuriated him greatly. He now requires a period of treatment."
Lord Tywin's pen paused for a moment but immediately resumed its original rhythm. "Is Lancel's matter proceeding smoothly?"
Kevan nodded slightly. "Smoothly. Lancel has already been appointed as King Robert's squire."
Though he did not show it outwardly, Kevan, as a father, was very pleased when Lancel was confirmed as the King's squire.
Kevan's most revered elder brother, Tywin, had also served as King Aerys II Targaryen's squire in the Red Keep during his youth. Thus, Lancel becoming the King's squire filled him with pride.
"Is Jaime still the same?"
"Jaime never slackens in his swordsmanship."
"And the clever Cersei?"
Lord Tywin's tone carried a hint of peculiarity when he asked about Cersei.
"Cersei is very pleased with her new officer, Glyn Clegane. The results of his management of the Queen's affairs have satisfied her greatly, and she has already promoted him to be her chief officer."
Having finished writing his letter, Lord Tywin put down his pen. "My daughter, who fancies herself clever, only understands the principle of a firm counterattack, yet never knows how to handle matters herself. Has she finally found a satisfactory helper this time?"
With that, Lord Tywin folded the finished letter, placed it into an envelope, sealed it with wax, and stamped it with his House sigil.
Kevan added, "Tyrion also highly regards Glyn Clegane. Influenced by him, Tyrion has recently developed a considerable interest in governance."
When Lord Tywin heard Tyrion's name, his brows furrowed unconsciously.
"Jaime and Lancel both have a good impression of Glyn Clegane."
Lord Tywin placed the envelope down. His pale green eyes, flecked with gold, looked at Kevan. "Has a fox slipped into the pride of lions?"
"If I may speak frankly, I think it's more like a beast of prey deliberately infiltrating the pride."
Lord Tywin had shaved his head after he began to lose his hair, leaving only a pair of thick, golden sideburns.
Now fifty-five years old, Lord Tywin, with his broad shoulders, still maintained a tall and lean physique.
Lord Tywin picked up the letter Kevan had brought and began to read it. "Kevan, I trust your discerning eye."
"Lord Tywin, how shall we proceed?"
"Kevan, let it be. My children believe they have grown up, but they never realize they are more naive than infants. They, too, should learn how to deal with clever subordinates."
"Then we shall continue to observe."
"The Hand's health is now affecting his ability to handle the affairs of the realm. Do we need to do anything in King's Landing?"
"Continue to watch. It is not yet time."
…
Today was the second day of the royal hunting party's journey. The diligent Glyn, leading his guards, was patrolling the entire encampment.
While patrolling, Glyn's ears twitched.
"Don't let his appearance deceive you. My mother has already inquired."
"Mm, I asked too. It's too terrifying."
"No wonder Her Grace the Queen would put him in charge of our guard!"
Upon hearing this, Glyn silently gestured, halting his movement.
"What did you think of? I just don't understand. Why would Her Grace put this kind of person in charge of our safety?"
"Exactly, tell us quickly!"
"Think about it. Wildlings grow up with wild beasts, so their ears are different from ours. They can hear from very far away."
"Like hunting dogs?"
"Shush, shush. No matter what, he is still a lord. I heard Her Grace the Queen thinks highly of him."
"Hmph, he can't hear us. You're too cowardly."
"Your uncle is the Lord of Maidenpool. Of course you wouldn't be afraid of a mere lord."
…
Lord of Maidenpool? House Mooton? Glyn rubbed his chin.
"Then... that... does he really only eat raw meat?"
"By the Seven, you haven't given up on him yet?"
"I... I... it just doesn't quite seem like it..."
"Wildlings are very cunning. How could they let a silly girl like you see through them?"
"Oh dear, my mother told me too! She said... if they take a liking to you, they'll carry you straight back to their cave!"
"See? I wasn't deceiving you, was I? If it weren't for me, you would have almost become a wildling's tribal wife, living in a cave and eating raw meat."
"Thank... thank you..."
(end of chapter)