chapter 113 part 2
Margaery nodded and said, "Grandmother, I understand. I will not tell Father about today's events. His enthusiasm is perfectly suited for the moment. We will quietly observe how Queen Cersei breaks her promise."
Olenna looked at her clever granddaughter, a loving smile gracing her lips.
Near Maegor's Holdfast, the trees were green and lush, and birds sang amongst fragrant flowers.
Olenna stopped, gazing at a sea of flowers for a moment. "Margaery, can you contact that little fox?"
"Lord Glyn?" Margaery replied, "Yes, Grandmother! Lord Glyn sent me a letter before he left Westeros. If I want to contact him, I can send a letter to his Mermaid Port."
"Margaery, write to him immediately after you return. Tell him… his beloved Lord Mace is in trouble. If he can't find a way to solve it, this old woman will spank his bottom. Write it exactly like that!"
Margaery's beautiful eyes widened slightly. Although surprised by her grandmother's words, she still nodded in agreement.
Olenna resumed walking. "Margaery, a favorite has his uses. Do you know what favorites are best at? They are best at wiping the asses of foolish great lords and ladies! That little fellow managed to become the favorite of a foolish queen; he must understand Cersei's character best."
Without waiting for Margaery's reply, Olenna continued, "We are not the ones in a hurry. The more one rushes, the easier it is to make mistakes. In the game of thrones, the first thing one must learn is to maintain sufficient patience."
Olenna's deep-set eyes concealed worry.
Tywin, that cunning lion, protected Cersei Lannister very well.
Anyone with a bit of capability would inquire about the affairs of the Red Keep. For most, their understanding of Cersei was that she was rather willful.
As the Light of the West from House Lannister, and the Queen besides, a slightly arrogant personality would be considered normal.
But after meeting her today, Olenna realized it was not so simple as a willful personality.
Now that the Golden Rose had come to King's Landing, they would not be satisfied with the power of the Hand of the King. The ultimate goal of the Golden Rose was still to become the family of the queen.
Cersei did not understand the rules of power. As long as she remained in the Red Keep, she would eventually become a major obstacle to the Golden Rose's ambitions for the throne.
…
…
Pentos.
Glyn looked up at the sky for a moment and murmured, "Lord Jon Arryn is dead."
Glyn had heard this news from the bustling streets.
From King's Landing to Mermaid Port, and from Mermaid Port to Pentos, Glyn had specially set up channels to transmit information in order to keep abreast of the goings-on in King's Landing.
As it turned out, Glyn found that the news from the marketplace traveled much faster than his own channels.
After arriving in Pentos, Glyn received a warm welcome from cloth and jewel merchants.
Glyn was purchasing goods for his patron, Cersei, and he only wanted the best.
Among the many shimmering fabrics, the red ones… the thinner, the better… After Glyn finished his selection, the rest could be handled by his steward, Rosser.
It was time to go back.
…
Illyrio's Manse.
Daenerys did not hide the disappointment on her face. "Lord Glyn, are you really leaving?"
Since meeting Glyn, he had given her the peace of mind she longed for most. It made Daenerys feel as if she had returned to her childhood when Ser Willem was still alive.
Glyn smiled and explained, "Princess Daenerys, I just received news that the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, who was the main advocate for suppressing Crackclaw Point, has passed away. I must return as soon as possible to curry favor with the new Hand, lest they cause trouble for Crackclaw Point again.
The guards I leave behind will protect you. I can rest a little easier even far away in Westeros. Our road ahead is still long, and we will meet again."
Daenerys first laughed, then shook her head.
"My brother, Viserys, will bring an army over sooner or later. At that time, you…"
Before she could finish, mist gradually filled Daenerys's eyes.
Glyn shrugged. "That great war over a decade ago almost wiped out House Crabbe. We cannot afford another defeat.
"Therefore, I will hide away first and wait until a winner is decided. Then I will come out and ingratiate myself with the Iron Throne. My territory is rather special; we only want to live a little more peacefully. As for Prince Viserys…"
Glyn was silent for a moment, then asked, "Princess Daenerys, who do you think we would hope to see on the Iron Throne?"
"Of course it's…"
Daenerys stopped. She wondered why Glyn would ask such a question.
According to her brother, the Iron Throne originally belonged to House Targaryen and was merely stolen by usurpers for a time.
"Many, many people will die."
Seeing Daenerys hesitate, Glyn smiled and continued, "By law, the Iron Throne belongs to Your Highness's House Targaryen.
"A major reason the Baratheons were able to hold the Iron Throne is because Robert's grandmother was a Targaryen. His sitting there could be considered in compliance with the laws of succession.
"The Seven Kingdoms have been stable for over a decade, but most of the common people, including most of the minor nobility, have only just recovered from the aftermath of the war."
Daenerys thought for a moment and asked, "Lord Glyn, do you mean that my brother's army will not be welcome?"
Glyn spread his hands. "It depends on what the Prince does. The vast majority of people care more about whether their own interests will be affected, or whether they can gain more benefits."
Daenerys quietly wiped the corners of her eyes and said with a slight smile, "And you? Under what circumstances would you be willing to go to war?"
Glyn thought very seriously for a moment. "Whoever gives me the Vale, I will… be his loyal steed."
After saying this, Glyn couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh.
Daenerys was stunned for a moment, then also laughed out loud.
As they laughed, their gazes met.
Glyn said gently, "If Your Highness commands it, I will consider sending my troops."
Daenerys turned her small face to the side and whispered, "Thank you, my knight."
Before leaving, Glyn had given her an answer without making any demands, and even left men for her.
Daenerys understood very well that her brother cared most about having an army. She could now say she had completed Viserys's task, so she wouldn't have to worry about waking the dragon's wrath.
Could he… Daenerys turned her face back, her violet eyes meeting Glyn's, and her lips moved slightly.
Glyn seemed not to have noticed Daenerys's strange expression. "Your Highness, it is my great honor to receive your recognition."
Viserys… Daenerys lowered her head, slowly took a deep breath, and calmed her inner turmoil.
When Daenerys raised her head again, the hesitation on her face had vanished.
Her smile was bright. "Lord Glyn, I believe we won't be separated for long. You and I will meet again soon."
(end of chapter)