chapter 122 part 1
Chapter 122: Glyn's Rhetoric
The flames in the fireplace flickered, occasionally emitting a crisp sound.
Lady Olenna's figure was thin and small, her eyes bright and spirited as if they could see into people's hearts.
The old lady before him was very good at creating pressure.
Hearing Olenna's words, Glyn's expression did not change; he just picked up his wine cup and swirled it slowly.
"Esteemed Lady Olenna, are you reminding me to be careful?"
Taking a sip of the Arbor Gold wine, he continued, "Hmm... The women of King's Landing already all hate me. Ser Loras is deeply loved by women."
After speaking, Glyn glanced at Margaery Tyrell, who seemed to be glaring at him.
*Why is the Little Rose glaring at me?* Although Glyn was inwardly surprised and suspicious, he pretended not to notice. He was a broad-minded person.
Why was Margaery glaring at Glyn? Glyn's outward demeanor was polite and proper, but she felt his attitude toward her grandmother was somewhat perfunctory, lacking the respect she deserved.
Could it really be as he said last time, that in Lord Glyn's eyes there was only the Queen, and everyone else?
If this was true, then how could the Red Keep, or King's Landing for that matter, possibly tolerate Lord Glyn?
The smile on Margaery's face softened. She was a very patient observer.
...
Lady Olenna, her face full of wrinkles, smiled and said, "Glyn, you are a witty person. This old woman hasn't seen a young man as interesting as you in a long time."
Pausing for a moment, Glyn shook his head slightly. "Thank you for your high praise. I always feel the Red Keep is lacking a bit of wit. I am in the process of learning."
Olenna said bluntly, "I understood something long ago. In the Red Keep, there is never any groundless scheming."
Lord Glyn had always been frank. "Queen Cersei doesn't particularly like His Majesty Robert's younger brothers. I happened to learn of this today in Maegor's Holdfast. I am the Queen's chief officer of affairs, so Queen Cersei has entrusted me with great responsibility."
Margaery's rose-colored lips opened and closed. After some thought, she decided not to speak.
Olenna's tone carried a hint of mockery. "How rare that the noble Queen, like this old woman, dislikes a flamboyant lord. This is truly rare and strange."
Glyn's eyes flickered, and he casually said with a puzzled expression, "This is a good thing."
Margaery spoke up at this time, "Grandmother, Lord Renly is both brave and gentle, and very much beloved."
Olenna scoffed, "He knows how to dress himself up nicely. He understands what kind of smile can win people's favor. Renly is always clumsily imitating his kingly brother."
Margaery said helplessly, "Grandmother..."
Glyn couldn't help but laugh. "Lady Olenna, your insight is like a torch!"
Glyn's words actually made the atmosphere at the table a bit awkward for a moment.
Margaery reacted quickly. "Lord Glyn, Lord Renly's status is noble, we..."
She glanced at her indifferent grandmother and Glyn, then continued helplessly, "We cannot speak so carelessly and risk offending him."
Glyn shrugged. "Are there other ears here? Miss Margaery, we are among friends."
The corner of Margaery's eye twitched. She said no more and turned her beautiful gaze to her grandmother, who sat at the head of the table.
Olenna's eyes deepened, and her voice rose slightly. "Little Glyn, very good! We have much in common. This will make our conversation more and more pleasant."
Glyn smiled, his eyes crinkling, and nodded slightly at Olenna.
After a pause, Olenna suddenly said, "I hear you greatly admire that foolish son of mine?"
Glyn replied without hesitation, "Lady Olenna, I have always personally held Lord Mace in high esteem. Although I am just a minor lord, I also know the great difficulties in governing a territory, to say nothing of the vast Reach. I was fortunate enough to witness the prosperity of The Reach last time. Lord Mace's achievements are truly something to aspire to."
Margaery moved her lips, her gaze meeting her grandmother's.
*Margaery: Grandmother, look at him!*
Olenna silently withdrew her gaze. She stared at Glyn for a moment before speaking. "You have a quick tongue, and a sweet one at that. No wonder our Lord of Highgarden is so fond of you.
"There is some news you surely know more clearly than I. I am already a half-deaf old woman... The Master of Whisperers has always revealed some information to us. That fellow seems to think the Golden Rose should be grateful to him for this bit of intelligence.
"Everyone has desires, some known and others not! To be frank, in my opinion, Varys has had the most useful part of a man cut off. Besides ambition for power, what else could possibly bring him pleasure?"
"Your insight is like a torch."
"Grandmother..."
Olenna spoke, unconcerned. "When I was even younger than you, I knew that every stone in King's Landing had ears. In the gardens of Highgarden, there are also many spiders. As long as they follow the rules, I let them be. But if they dare to make trouble, I crush them immediately."
Glyn sat perfectly still, closing his eyes for a moment.
When he opened them, he looked at Margaery and said, "Miss Margaery, don't worry. At least in this dining hall, there are no hidden ears."
Margaery smiled appropriately and bowed her head politely. "Lord Glyn, you are very meticulous and thoughtful."
How could the manse of the Golden Rose have unpermitted eyes and ears of others?
Beneath the table, Margaery's small fist tightened slightly.
Glyn spoke again, "When I was at the Sept, I discussed the matter of the new Hand with several Small Council lords I am friendly with. Everyone felt the Lord of Winterfell would be appointed Hand of the King by King Robert. Lord Varys was also present at the time."
Olenna grunted softly, her deep gaze fixed on Glyn. "The Red Keep, filled with deceit and lies... This old woman would very much like to know what you all plan to do next."
Glyn's brow twitched. "My lady, you seem to be implying something."
Olenna's tone carried a hint of anger. "That Lannister queen, does she intend to go back on her word?"
Glyn spread his hands. "A Lannister never goes back on their word. Queen Cersei personally nominated Lord Mace as a candidate for Hand at the Small Council meeting. She even had the Small Council establish that Lord Mace, as a candidate, would temporarily serve as an advisor to the Hand, assisting him in handling the affairs of the kingdom."
Sighing, Glyn continued, "I imagine you are already aware of these matters. Everything was proceeding smoothly in the future, but..."