King's Landing Deep Night

Chaos is a ladder, and Petyr Baelish enjoys or excels at creating chaos to profit from it.

Every time he stirs up such disorder, Petyr always manages to strengthen his own position.

What is his goal, or is this merely a casual move?

Under normal circumstances, being summoned by Lord Jon—who has consistently suppressed the model old retainers of the Dragon House—would certainly cause Gryn, a descendant of those very retainers, to panic and immediately seek help from Queen Cersei.

Queen Cersei has always looked down upon Lord Jon's monopolization of power; given her temperament, she might even use this incident as an opportunity to lash out.

From Queen Cersei's perspective, it would be: "You dare touch my people? Finally, I've caught you in the act! An opportunity delivered to my doorstep—I cannot let this pass!"

With Cersei's clumsy political wisdom, she might even secretly thank Petyr Baelish afterward, even if she eventually realized this was his handiwork.

Queen Cersei can escalate matters, but she is incapable of winning anything from Lord Jon.

Queen Cersei is no match for Lord Jon, and she would never reflect on her own mistakes, choosing instead to blame those around her, especially Gryn.

Just as Tyrion said when analyzing Queen Cersei's personality for Gryn, she loves you dearly when she likes you, but she becomes even more venomous when she grows to hate you.

Gryn's favorability rating would most likely be wiped clean.

While his life wouldn't be in danger, the most likely outcome for Gryn would be expulsion from King's Landing, leaving him a laughingstock.

In this moment, Boss Cersei is unreliable.

This is the disadvantage brought about by Gryn's low political status.

In Petyr's eyes, even if he were exposed later, a backwater lord with no standing of his own would not dare to retaliate, nor would he have the strength to do so.

Petyr likely believes there is a higher probability that he will remain silently hidden behind the scenes, ensuring his safety whether he moves left or right.

If Petyr understood Gryn, his actions would be more cautious, and his schemes more sophisticated.

He would not easily resort to such methods, or he would distance himself entirely.

Petyr views Gryn as a small, non-threatening pawn that can be sacrificed at will.

He has been underestimated!

Gryn ceased his train of thought: "My sincere friend, Lord Tyrion, I need your help."

Tyrion wore a serious expression: "What do you intend to do?"

Gryn first expressed his gratitude: "I have no intelligence channels of my own in King's Landing. I need the Lannister intelligence network. I want to see Petyr Baelish tonight."

Tyrion did not hesitate for a second, nodding to grant Gryn's request before asking: "Will there be bloodshed? Escalating things will only be more detrimental to you. My advice is..."

Tyrion paused for a moment, then continued: "You could find an excuse to leave temporarily. As it happens, you may be responsible for the Queen's Kingswood hunt. I will go see Jaime first thing tomorrow morning to settle the matter."

Gryn shook his head slightly: "I don't deny that is a good idea. Perhaps, given enough time, the great figures will forget a small person like me."

Gryn sipped his Summer Wine and spoke again: "I might dodge it this time, but as long as I remain Queen Cersei's steward, I will always be a target for those with ulterior motives."

With a soft sigh, a cold light flashed in Gryn's eyes: "Lord Jon must still be met. Crabb will not forget the care he showed us."

The atmosphere grew heavy, then a smile appeared on Tyrion's face: "Aha, that line was one you taught me. Yes, I remember now—Petyr has kicked a steel plate this time!"

Gryn smiled: "The worst-case scenario is that you will only be able to see me in my own territory from now on. I have Marigold Ale and mermaids there; you would like it."

"Lord Gryn, I am actually quite skeptical about the legends of mermaids..."

Late at night, all of King's Landing had fallen into a deep slumber.

Dressed in black leather armor, Gryn leaned against the outer wall, gazing up at the starry sky.

Inside the courtyard, Anguy approached a guard silently. He struck suddenly, one hand covering the guard's mouth while the other braced his neck, twisting with force until the guard went limp.

This was the fifth guard Anguy had neutralized.

Finished with the task, Anguy mimicked a bird call, signaling to Gryn outside.

Hearing Anguy's signal, Gryn vaulted over the high wall and entered the courtyard quietly.

Anguy approached Gryn and whispered: "My Lord, the three sentries and two hidden guards have all been dealt with. Our men have already taken their positions."

Gryn's own house troops were truly not suited for this kind of night raid; fortunately, Anguy, a natural-born archer who had just joined, was skilled at it, otherwise, Gryn would have had to do it himself.

Gryn decided to bring over another batch of the Survey Corps; they were well-suited for this type of work.

Anguy added: "Entering the house is not like the outside; it is easy to wake the guards within. I suggest we climb the window directly..."

Gryn raised his eyes to look at the third-floor window: "To think Petyr is actually resting here tonight—he really is cautious."

Gryn didn't think Petyr Baelish had guessed he would "visit" suddenly; it was simply a habit born of his personality.

A man like Petyr, who loves to create chaos every day, would never have a fixed residence.

Gryn said to Anguy: "Just you and I will go up. The others are to remain on alert."

On the bed, the sleeping Petyr Baelish suddenly felt a light breeze.

Petyr's eyelashes fluttered, and then he snapped his eyes open.

Petyr straightened his back, gazing at the two figures in the bedroom, a brief flicker of confusion surfacing in his eyes.

Petyr was suddenly startled, a fine layer of cold sweat instantly breaking out along his spine.

Lord Gryn signaled for Anguy to light the candle, and the room was filled with light.

Petyr squinted, and after adjusting to the candlelight, he said, "You are... it's you!"

Lord Gryn pulled a chair over without a care, placing it with a thud beside the bed.

Anguy walked silently to the bedroom door and stood guard.

Lord Gryn sat on the chair: "I was truly delighted by Lord Petyr's gift, so I disturbed you late at night. You must be very pleasantly surprised, right?"

Pleasantly surprised? More like terrified.

Petyr suppressed the panic in his heart, an elegant smile appearing on his face as he spoke in a hoarse voice: "If Lord Gryn had visited during the day, I would have welcomed you more."

Petyr spread his hands and said: "If you don't mind, I would like to put on some clothes."

Lord Gryn was also a little surprised; the cautious Petyr actually slept completely naked.

People with cautious personalities usually lack a sense of security and generally do not sleep naked; perhaps years of smooth sailing had strengthened Petyr's heart.

Lord Gryn made a "please" gesture without a hint of concern.

Just as Petyr was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he noticed that a dagger gleaming with cold light had appeared in Lord Gryn's hand at some point.

Petyr draped a black robe over himself: "I have heard of you; you are a very outstanding young man, and I have always wanted to find an opportunity to get to know you."

Petyr curled his lips and added: "We can consider ourselves acquainted now; we are already friends, and I am very, very willing to help my friends."

Lord Gryn revealed a smile: "There is a chair over there; you may sit opposite me."

Danger. I can feel that this young man is still considering whether or not to kill me.

Also, where are my guards? How did he appear here?

Although Petyr's heart was in turmoil, he maintained a calm exterior, naturally following Lord Gryn's words by pulling over a chair, adjusting his clothes, and sitting upright across from him.