Chapter 76: Coercion
The fourth day of the tournament challenge.
There are always those whose curiosity is particularly strong.
Before the sky had even brightened, a considerable crowd had already begun to gather around the tournament stage.
They were truly curious to see what kind of sign would be hung on the stage today. The tournament challenge set up by Glyn was becoming the hot topic of The Reach.
The curtain of night gradually receded, and a pale red sky slowly rose.
Glyn did not fail the crowd's expectations. A new banner was hung up under the watchful eyes of the people.
Next to "The Knights of The Reach Are Not Men," a new line was added: "The Knights of The Reach Lack the Hearts of Men."
The crowd's emotions were instantly ignited.
How outrageous! Does being highly skilled with a sword make one so incredible?
With these two banners together, some people faintly felt a certain kind of insult.
…
On the fifth day of the tournament challenge, the added sign was "All Knights of The Reach Are Not Men."
…
On the sixth day of the tournament challenge, the added sign was "The Knights of The Reach Need a Pretty Dress."
…
…
Evening, in the Crabbe camp.
Glyn sat in his tent, pondering the banner to be used tomorrow.
After the dress, should it be jewelry or cosmetics?
Glyn secretly shook his head. The impact was a bit too weak.
Glyn pinched his chin. A husband… do the knights of The Reach, having put on a dress, need a husband?
Would that be going a bit too far? Would it be difficult to clean up the mess afterward?
…
Thinking of this, Glyn gave a low laugh.
The high and mighty House Tyrell actually thought they could dismiss Glyn so casually. Then they couldn't blame him for escalating things.
If it escalates, so be it.
Glyn, who was wholeheartedly defending Queen Cersei's dignity, felt nothing but the desire to ruthlessly crush House Tyrell after their slight. How could he possibly be in the mood to sit down and talk?
To still sit down and talk under such circumstances would, in itself, be an insult to Queen Cersei.
The arrogant House Tyrell was the first to betray Queen Cersei's friendship.
But the loyal Lord Glyn had not betrayed Queen Cersei's trust. By mercilessly grinding the face of The Reach into the dirt, he had reclaimed Queen Cersei's dignity.
Glyn decided to write a letter tonight to lay the groundwork with Queen Cersei in advance and prepare for the worst-case scenario.
…
Just then, Steward Rosser entered the tent. "My Lord, someone has come from Highgarden. Lord Willas Tyrell invites you to dinner."
Willas Tyrell? That fellow who hid the arrogance in his bones behind a facade of kindness?
Has House Tyrell finally made a move?
…
As a transmigrator, Glyn lacked any sycophantic tendencies towards the so-called high nobility.
Glyn's goal was very clear, and he had no time to dally with Willas Tyrell.
Right now, it was a contest of patience.
Glyn raised an eyebrow and said, "Rosser, refuse him for me. You can be polite with your words. Hmm... just say that I've suffered many hidden injuries from the consecutive days of challenges. To not betray the passion of the knights of The Reach, and to not fail our heartfelt exchange tomorrow, I need to rest quietly for a night."
Passion? A heartfelt exchange?
Rosser was a professionally trained steward. Only the muscles on his cheeks twitched imperceptibly.
Steward Rosser accepted Glyn's order with a face full of reverence.
…
Although there were some twists and turns, judging by today's situation, the rigid stalemate was beginning to loosen.
It seemed the day of meeting the Pufferfish Duke was not far off.
Glyn sat down at his desk and picked up a quill.
The letter still had to be written. It could be used to lay the groundwork, or it could be a report of his merits. At the very least, it would let Queen Cersei know of Glyn's hardships.
…
Glyn scanned the contents he had written one more time, a hint of satisfaction on his face.
Perhaps because things were finally progressing, Glyn's thoughts flowed like a spring. He wrote the letter in one go without pausing.
After Glyn sealed the letter with wax, his hand paused for a moment.
Glyn thought of Lord Jon Arryn.
Glyn had not forgotten Lord Jon Arryn's one-month agreement.
Although Lord Jon Arryn was plagued by a long illness, he was not yet senile and would not let Glyn off so easily.
I wonder how his plotting with Petyr is going?
…
Glyn put the sealed letter aside and leaned back in his chair.
I can't just let Lord Jon Arryn be. I have to find a way to deal with or eliminate him as soon as possible.
Also, the feud between Crackclaw Point and the nobles of the Vale. This is the greatest immediate grudge, accumulated over the past dozen years.
Ending the chaos on Crackclaw Point and taking control of the entire peninsula is only the first step.
I also need to prepare for a war of revenge against the Vale. I will use the fresh blood of the Vale to win back the hearts of the people of Crackclaw Point and establish Glyn's unparalleled prestige.
Once all this is accomplished, Glyn will be the true king of Crackclaw Point, acknowledged and supported by all its people, and House Crabbe will become the de facto ruling house of Crackclaw Point.
…
Glyn's right thumb brushed against his index finger. The Vale needs chaos.
…
…
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
The once spirited and handsome Lancel Lannister seemed to have become another person.
At this moment, Lancel's eyes were dull, the corners of his mouth turned down slightly, and his shoulders were slumped, as if he was being crushed by something and unable to breathe.
This was precisely the "masterpiece" of King Robert.
Inside the room, only Queen Cersei and Lancel were present.
Queen Cersei looked at the stammering Lancel, a flash of contempt crossing her face.
"Cousin Lancel, are you alright?"
"Cousin, I... I'm alright."
Sitting in her chair, Queen Cersei sighed softly and beckoned to Lancel, who was standing before her. "Come here."
Lancel looked at Queen Cersei with confusion, but walked obediently to her side.
Queen Cersei beckoned lightly again.
Lancel thought his cousin Cersei had something important to tell him secretly, so he bent down.
For the first time, Lancel was close enough to smell the strong floral scent on Queen Cersei.
Cersei's fragrance made him dizzy.
Queen Cersei reached out and placed both her hands on Lancel's cheeks. "Lancel, tell your poor cousin, do you hate Robert?"
Cousin Cersei is so beautiful... Lancel's face turned beet red, and he unconsciously nodded.
Queen Cersei's lips curled, her beautiful eyes shining brightly. "Lancel, we must make that damn bastard Robert understand what the roar of a lion is. A Lannister always pays his debts!"
Queen Cersei's voice was so cold it made Lancel shiver, waking him from his daze.
Lancel couldn't help but stumble back several steps in fright, his voice trembling as he spoke, "Cousin Cersei, what... what are you planning to do?"
Queen Cersei rose gracefully from her chair, lifted her chin, and looked down at Lancel coldly. "Lancel, you've already heard. Do you still intend to feign ignorance? Are you going to betray me?"
Lancel wanted to cry. Why did his cousin have to let him hear such a terrifying thing?
He came to King's Landing to become a royal squire to make his father proud and for the glory of House Lannister.
King Robert yelled and cursed at him whenever he had a spare moment, and now Cousin Cersei... The King and Queen, are they joining forces to drive him to his death?
(end of chapter)