Postscript.
The meeting in the Queen's Ballroom continued.
Only after everyone had quieted down did Gryn continue. "Back to Lord Lancel's suggestion: the plan to make heads roll?"
Gryn couldn't stand Lancel's shining eyes. He secretly dismissed the little Lannister brat.
Ignoring Jaime's unfriendly look, Gryn began, "We'll definitely have to make an example of a group of people, and it can't be a small one. Her Majesty's dignity must not be trampled on!"
Before Jaime could speak, Gryn met his gaze. "If we don't handle this properly, next time those treacherous rats will keep slandering Her Majesty behind our backs."
Cersei shot Jaime a quiet glare, then cut him off as he tried to speak again. "Go on."
Gryn nodded to Cersei. "We must act with fairness and impartiality, and do so openly and honorably. We can use the pretext of acting openly and honorably to achieve our goal."
"Lord Jaime, the Queens Quarter is one of the poorest districts in King's Landing, and its order is chaotic... How many people there do you think have long deserved to lose their heads?"
Jaime unconsciously clenched his fist and asked in a low voice, "I admit there are many heinous criminals there, but I still want to know: how do we tell which ones spread the rumors, and how do we prevent executions from causing a riot?"
Jaime had witnessed the horror of riots. They were like hell on earth, and innocent commoners suffered the most.
Jaime had a knight's compassion. He wasn't afraid of killing people; what worried him most was that mishandling things might spark a riot, whose consequences could further harm Cersei.
Gryn replied calmly, "Lord Jaime, we must first agree on whether they should be killed. The question of riots comes later."
Gryn glanced at the stewards around him and said in a grave voice, "The rumor-mongers certainly aren't limited to the worst criminals in the Queens Quarter, but those criminals are surely among them."
"If the sword we draw is sharp enough, those who lurk in the shadows will fear Her Majesty's iron fist. Fear will make them more wary. That's the outcome we need to achieve!"
After a brief silence, some people suddenly understood, some sighed, and others continued to ponder. At last, one by one, they nodded.
Cersei gazed at Gryn's refined features and gave a slight nod.
Jaime was almost convinced, but he didn't want to let Gryn off easily. He glanced sideways at him and asked, "What if there's a riot?"
Gryn privately judged Jaime to be petty.
Accustomed to being the king of the mountain among the Crabb, Gryn almost tapped the table out of habit, but managed to stop himself.
"Since disease is currently spreading in the Queens Quarter, we can seal off the district in the name of treating its residents and isolate it from King's Landing."
"As for the specific plans for what comes next and how to carry them out, Your Majesty, forgive my impertinence, but please allow me to advise you in private."
Gryn placed his right hand over his chest and looked earnestly around at the others. "Everyone, this is a war! Forgive me, but we must keep our plans secret before battle."
The important parts weren't suitable for public discussion here. The Red Keep had no secrets.
If Gryn wanted to stand out among the many stewards, he couldn't possibly please everyone.
At least Gryn's final words hadn't ignored the others' feelings. They weren't perfect, but they were enough.
Queen Cersei rose from her seat, and everyone else stood with her, watching.
Her lovely eyes passed over her stewards. Cersei lifted her chin slightly, nodded, then turned and began to walk. "Lord Gryn, come upstairs with me alone."
Before you continue