Arriving at King's Landing

Varys clasped his hands together. "A headstrong Queen, combined with a blood-brave Baron—we might just be able to sit back and quietly enjoy the rare spectacle unfolding in King's Landing."

Petyr Baelish's gaze flickered. "Master of Whisperers, you seem to be worried about something."

"As long as King Robert sits firmly upon the Iron Throne, nothing irreparable will come to pass. Thus, I sleep soundly every night."

"Ha, the premise of your words actually chills me to the bone. With only coins for company, I find myself increasingly worried about accidents; because of you, I shall sleep uneasily tonight."

Varys bowed his head in apology. "My deepest apologies, Master of Coin. I was merely lamenting the current state of King's Landing, and it was quite unintentional that I caused you such unease. My tongue has lost its sweetness and exhaled only anxiety."

Petyr Baelish instinctively sensed a danger from Varys—a danger he had never paid much attention to before.

Petyr Baelish secretly pondered the hidden purpose behind Varys's words, though his expression remained unchanged. "Hmm, just a joke. It is a pity I lack humor. I must go await an audience with Lord Arryn. I wish you a good day."

A graceful smile bloomed on Petyr Baelish's face as he took his leave of Varys.

The thoughts of this rootless man were the most difficult to fathom. Today was certainly no chance encounter; deep down, Petyr Baelish had already decided to heighten his guard against Varys.

Varys watched the back of the departing Petyr with a calm gaze, the smile on his face gradually fading.

Dang~~ Dang~ Dang-dang-dang~ Dang~ Dang-dang-dang~~~~

Gryn stood at the bow of the ship, gazing out at the majestic King's Landing and the towering Red Keep, the melody from his past life surfacing in his mind.

After three days and two nights of sailing, King's Landing was finally within reach.

Many in the party had suffered from seasickness, keeping the three Crabb physicians busy throughout the journey.

Transporting soldiers from the Whispers to King's Landing by sea was the most time-efficient and labor-saving method. Traveling by land would have required passing through too many territories, wasting both time and effort.

Since this was the soldiers' first time at sea, widespread seasickness was inevitable. To ensure their combat effectiveness would not be compromised in the future, such adaptation training needed to be conducted in advance.

The eastern region of Crackclaw Point still required time to consolidate. Gryn's plan afterward was to "head west," using the influence of Rook's Rest to seize control of the western part of the peninsula.

It would be best to first secure the status of "Warden of Crackclaw Point," which would make Gryn's westward expansion legitimate.

The merchant ship carrying Gryn entered the Blackwater Rush from Blackwater Bay and docked at the busy Mud Gate (which the locals preferred to call the Muddy Gate).

The crowd busy on the docks suddenly felt a prickling sensation on their skin, an unease that forced them to stop what they were doing.

This feeling was not unfamiliar; it was the aura formed by years of blood and fire. They had seen many such men, but this time the impression was deeper. One after another, they shifted their gazes in the same direction.

They saw a group of guards clad in bright silver plate armor, as tall and sturdy as iron towers, surrounding a young man.

The young man was tall and lean, wearing a blue robe embroidered with a Marsh Marigold on the right chest, paired with white trousers and deerskin boots.

He was striking in appearance—delicate, yet without a hint of femininity; instead, he possessed a composure that belied his age.

The laborers who had worked the King's Landing docks for years had long since developed a keen eye, and they quickly stepped aside, clearing a wide path for Gryn and his men.

Leyton, the eldest son of Surana, finally greeted Gryn's party. "Good day, my master."

Gryn endured the various pungent odors of the docks, his brow slightly furrowed. "Is the lodging in King's Landing prepared?"

"It is, my master. I had just finished handling matters at Crabb Manor when I received the raven from Herschel. It was settled yesterday, and everything is ready. The house is located near Hook Harbor; I shall lead the way."

Gryn mounted the horse Mutton had brought over, and the clan soldiers followed suit, mounting their own warhorses to surround Gryn.

King's Landing, Hook Harbor, the house temporarily rented by Gryn.

After a hot bath, Gryn felt much more refreshed.

Surana took the towel from Gryn. "Are you only keeping twenty guards for yourself?"

"We are not here to fight a war." Gryn sat down on a bench, exhaled, and continued, "I noticed many eyes watching us on the road; this is enough. Leave the guards to Mutton and Foley; you take the rest of the men and go settle at the manor outside the city."

Surana folded the towel. "Besides two maids, let me leave one physician as well. One must always guard against accidents."

Gryn nodded. "Hmm, you are always so thoughtful, Surana."

"I have already had Leyton deliver the letter requesting an audience with the Queen, and I left this address on it. While you wait, you can get some good rest and shake off the fatigue of the journey."

"Leave Leyton behind; let him manage this house. I can rest easy then."

Evening, Hook Harbor, Knight's Tavern.

Gryn sat alone at a table eating his dinner, while Mutton and the others sat nearby, devouring their meals. After resting for the better part of the day, their appetites, which had been affected by the days of sailing, had finally improved.

The tavern door opened once more, and a short figure walked in.

Gryn's position allowed him a clear view of the entrance. The features of Tyrion Lannister were distinct enough that Gryn recognized him with a single glance.

Gryn showed no reaction and continued his meal; the roast beef here was actually quite good.

Tyrion Lannister pulled the bell at the tavern entrance.

Ding-a-ling!

The sound of the bell drew everyone's attention. Gryn followed the crowd and shifted his gaze toward Tyrion Lannister.

Tyrion Lannister announced loudly, "Gentlemen, I must remind you that today is your lucky day! Tonight, your food and drink are all on me!"