chapter 99 part 2
Glyn now also understood something else.
Stannis's character was such that he disdained deception. He did value Glyn's abilities, but that was not the main reason.
What Stannis was truly after were the troops under Glyn's command. He was already preparing in advance for a possible war, or rather, for a counterattack from the Lannisters.
When war comes, the status of the military nobility will rise sharply, and the great lords will become exceedingly patient.
*Mmm... so my Crackclaw Point isn't a secret anymore?*
With a creak of wood, Stannis's tall figure sat down in the stone chair once again.
Stannis looked at Glyn and said, "Lord Glyn, you have provided quite a few surprises, and I have taken a liking to your talents. But there is no hurry. You still have your mission from King Robert. Seemingly dull matters are often the best for tempering oneself. When you come here to see me again, your current questions will be answered."
Stannis gestured towards the door. Before long, Davos re-entered the Chamber of the Painted Table.
"Davos, my meeting with Lord Glyn has concluded. Prepare fine food and wine, and entertain him well on my behalf."
Stannis displayed the arrogance befitting a great noble.
Among the nobility, differences in identity, status, and tradition were as absolute as law.
According to the traditions of Westeros, Stannis's treatment of Glyn was already courteous. Following the normal script, Glyn should have been grateful.
Glyn wouldn't grow resentful over such things. He would objectively observe what he saw and heard. After all, he was the foreigner here.
Glyn just silently missed Lord Mace, who was far away in Highgarden.
...
...
The Red Keep, afternoon.
Lancel, who had finally managed to find some free time, ran into Jaime with a haggard but handsome face.
When Lancel saw Jaime, he couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt.
"Good day, Cousin Jaime."
Jaime also knew that Lancel's days were not easy, so he wasn't surprised by his cousin's appearance.
"Good day, Lancel. You look exhausted. Are you alright?"
Lancel's face was sorrowful. "Cousin, for the Lannisters, I'm fine."
Jaime looked after his kin, but on this matter, he really couldn't help.
Lancel's personality was a problem. A weak lion would eventually be abandoned by the pride. He also thought this was an opportunity for training; a Lannister lion must eventually learn to roar.
Jaime patted Lancel. "Where are you headed?"
"I was planning to find Lord Glyn. I haven't had the time to congratulate him in person. I just remembered he sent someone to tell me long ago that he had left King's Landing."
"Cousin Jaime, I know he is going to Essos across the Narrow Sea. Do you know how long it will be before he returns?"
Jaime patted Lancel again. "It'll be some time... Glyn told me about your help. You were very brave; the stag didn't make you afraid."
This rare praise from Jaime made Lancel's eyes sparkle. "Hah, I owed Glyn a favor. That day I happened upon an opportunity, but there were too many eyes around, so I could only hint at it secretly. Fortunately, Glyn understood my meaning immediately, which was a great relief! At the time... and also... the result..."
Jaime watched the chattering Lancel, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Jaime patted Lancel's shoulder, this time with more force. "Lancel, I have things to do."
With that, without waiting for Lancel's reply, Jaime swished his snow-white cloak and strode away.
His words suddenly cut off, Lancel reached up to rub his shoulder, watching Jaime's departing back with a confused expression.
...
Maegor's Holdfast Garden, still full of birdsong and fragrant flowers.
Jaime spotted a figure in red, a slight smile appearing on his face as he walked towards Cersei.
Queen Cersei, her brows slightly furrowed, snapped a flower stem.
Jaime smiled dotingly. "Cersei, don't you like it anymore? Should I arrange for the gardeners to plant a different variety?"
Cersei withdrew her hand. "Forget it. I don't like to wait."
Jaime's expression shifted, and he asked gently, "Did something happen?"
Cersei glanced at Jaime. "Tyrek told me that Robert wrote a personal letter to Winterfell. The messenger has already departed in secret. Tyrek only discovered this by chance."
Tyrek Lannister was a member of House Lannister, the son of Tygett Lannister and Darlessa Marbrand. Under Queen Cersei's arrangement, the ten-year-old Tyrek became King Robert's squire.
...
Jaime asked in confusion, "Why didn't he use a raven? It's not a short distance."
Cersei couldn't stop herself from snapping another stem, her voice cold. "That drunkard. When he's sober, he doesn't trust anyone in the Red Keep, except for that old fossil Jon Arryn."
Jaime smiled and shook his head, coaxing, "Cersei, be careful not to hurt your delicate hands."
Cersei shot Jaime a sideways glance and held out her hand. "Knight, clean it for your queen."
The sap from the stem left a faint mark on Cersei's fair fingers.
The corners of Jaime's lips curled up. "A swordsman's hands aren't made for delicate work. Even by accident, I wouldn't want to hurt you."
With a huff, Cersei withdrew her hand. "Jaime, be serious. I very much want to know what disgraceful scheme Robert is plotting in the shadows."
Jaime said helplessly, "Cersei, we can no longer intercept it. Don't underestimate King Robert."
Cersei's tone was tinged with anger. "What is Lancel doing? He's by Robert's side every day. Does he only know how to urge him to drink? Even young Tyrek is more alert."
Jaime moved his lips but ultimately didn't mention that he had just seen Lancel.
To placate Cersei, Jaime said half-jokingly, "Cersei, should I contact Glyn? I think he could guess a few things even without reading the contents. The boy is good at that sort of thing."
Jaime thought he could also ask Tyrion, but he knew what the result would be and gave up on the idea immediately.
Cersei was tempted for a moment, but she immediately reined in the thought.
Cersei didn't want anyone to look down on her. Doing so would make people think she couldn't manage without Glyn.
After pondering for a moment, Cersei couldn't help but snap another stem. "Jaime, that drunkard is a disgrace just by being alive! I can't stomach this, always being so passive!"
...
...
The next day, Mermaid Port.
The merchant ship carrying Glyn and his party slowly docked at the pier.
(end of chapter)