chapter 102 part 2
After Robert's Rebellion, when Lady Crabbe (Glyn's mother) led the remaining clan members westward (to the present-day The Whispers), more than a decade had passed, and the Crabbe ancestral castle had fallen into complete ruin.
"My loyal Knight Ma, I plan to entrust this matter to you."
Knight Ma placed a fist on his chest and bowed his head to Glyn. "My Lord, to be entrusted by you with the great responsibility of rebuilding the Crabbe ancestral castle is the highest honor!"
Glyn nodded slightly.
Restoring the ancestral castle was a symbol of Glyn's successful reclamation of the old Crabbe lands.
The eastward advance of House Crabbe was in its final stages. Lightfort was not only a symbol of House Crabbe's right to rule but was also tied to the family's noble title.
Once the ancestral castle was restored, Glyn planned to change the name of The Whispers. What would be a good name... How about changing it to Bluefort? It would be a fitting counterpart to the Red Keep in King's Landing.
Before they parted, Glyn appointed Ma Beck as the commander of the "Garrison Corps." The name of the corps made its duties clear: Ma Beck would be responsible for the overall defense of the Crabbe lands.
After parting with Ma Beck, Glyn rode without rest to inspect the current encampments of the Scouting Corps and the Thorn Legion.
Scouting Corps Commander Pell Delly and the Thorn Legion Commander received the same order from Glyn upon seeing him: recommend candidates for Captains of Thirty.
Glyn's main purpose in establishing the rank of Captain of Thirty was to further strengthen his control over the corps, with the ultimate goal of making them extensions of his own will.
The lowest-ranking officer in the Crabbe army was the Captain of Ten, and the next rank up was directly the Captain of a Hundred.
The newly established rank, Captain of Thirty, was higher than a Captain of Ten but lower than a Captain of a Hundred.
After the establishment of the Captain of Thirty, a Captain of a Hundred would typically have one directly subordinate Captain of Ten, three Captains of Thirty, and nine Captains of Ten under them—meaning each Captain of Thirty would command three Captains of Ten.
As for the name "Captain of Thirty"... Glyn was worried about breaking immersion, which was why he didn't name them platoon leaders.
The commanders of the Crabbe corps were, in terms of scale, equivalent to a Captain of a Thousand. Once the selection of the Captains of Thirty for each corps was complete, Glyn would then establish the rank above Captain of a Hundred—the Captain of Three Hundred.
Starting next year (298 AC in Westeros), Glyn would hold annual banquets for officers of each rank.
For example, a banquet for Captains of Ten.
At that time, all the Captains of Ten in the Crabbe army would gather to attend a banquet hosted personally by Glyn.
Following this pattern, there would also be banquets for Captains of Thirty, Captains of a Hundred, Captains of Three Hundred, and so on. Glyn would hold one every year, like an annual festival in the Crabbe lands.
These were just some of the methods Glyn employed to maintain military authority. No matter how large the Crabbe army became in the future, Glyn would keep it firmly under his control, starting now.
...
By the time Glyn returned to Mermaid Port, exactly one month had passed since his last departure.
Mermaid Port, Administration Hall.
Glyn looked at the greatly changed Dik and nodded to himself.
Dik was still thin, but he stood with his back straight, and his bearing had taken on the air of a noble's son.
His eyes... they still darted about habitually, but it was much better than before. He would no longer be mistaken for a thief at first glance.
Glyn wouldn't demand a perfect 100. 60 was a passing grade, and Dik, now scoring over 70, was already acceptable to Glyn.
Ahem, Lord Glyn was always strict with himself but lenient with others.
Glyn then glanced at Yuria, who had completely transformed into a young noble lady, and revealed a satisfied expression.
"Sit, Dik, Yuria."
Glyn's gentle voice, however, made both Dik and Yuria's hearts tremble.
Perhaps they would feel more at ease if Glyn wore a colder expression.
Glyn chuckled and said, "Sit... go on, sit!"
Yuria was a little better, but Dik outright shuddered before they both finally sat down.
After a pause, Glyn began, "Dik and Yuria, I have never treated you as outsiders. You have always been my kinsmen. But... even kinsmen, when they make a mistake, should be punished accordingly."
The smile on Dik's face instantly stiffened, and he nodded tremulously.
Glyn turned to Yuria and said, "Yuria, you will be given a manor on Crackclaw Point, and you will receive the protection of House Crabbe."
Yuria looked as if she was trying to confirm she hadn't misheard, her face a picture of disbelief.
She had thought Glyn had dressed her up as a young noble lady for... Yuria's feelings were complicated, and for a moment, she didn't know what to think.
Yuria stood up, curtsied to Glyn, and bowed her head. "Lord Glyn, thank you for your benevolence. I will forever remember your kindness."
Glyn smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to Dik, who was beaming with joy.
Feeling Glyn's stare, Dik instantly wiped the smile off his face.
"Dik Waters, your sister still has to marry. Whether Yuria can maintain a privileged life depends on you."
Dik stopped Yuria, who was about to speak, and looked at his sister, nodding.
Dik gritted his teeth and said, "Lord Glyn, please give your orders. I am confident I can complete the mission."