Gryn Takes the Initiative

Lord Gryn swore that, at first, he was merely being professional to accommodate Boss Cersei.

Yet, at this moment, Gryn could not help but feel a secret tremor in his heart.

Gryn had to admit that he had underestimated the charm of Queen Cersei, who possessed the finest beauty in the Seven Kingdoms.

Although the experience of bearing three children had left the marks of time upon her, Cersei, with her golden curls and emerald eyes, remained slender and fair-skinned.

Relying on his formidable willpower, Gryn suppressed the agitation in his heart and continued his work.

Gryn's gaze drifted, dodging Queen Cersei's direct stare.

Inside, Gryn's thoughts raced, while on the surface, his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Your Grace, do you have a preferred candidate to replace the Hand of the King?"

Gryn's answer took Cersei by surprise—or perhaps "delight" would be more accurate.

Gryn truly understands me!

The Hand of the King that Queen Cersei most desired was, of course, her father, Tywin Lannister, but she knew King Robert would never agree to it.

Queen Cersei retracted her elegant hand with satisfaction. "You are always unexpectedly delightful, but you should also be aware that as long as Robert lives, the position of that Old Man, Jon, is unshakable."

Cersei noticed that as she spoke, Gryn quietly distanced himself from her slightly.

Watching Gryn pretend to be nonchalant while steadying his breathing, Cersei curled her lips.

Gryn spoke up: "I discovered today that Lord Jon's health is very poor. Even out of concern for his well-being, as Queen, you have every reason to recommend a new Hand. By doing so, we can set up an opponent for Lord Jon; even if we cannot push him out of the Hand's position, we can at least damage his reputation and create a heavyweight political rival."

At this point, Gryn's tone shifted, his voice dropping slightly: "The enemy of an enemy may well be your friend. You can sit back and watch the show, and by then, you will hold the initiative."

After a pause, Gryn continued: "Your status will become transcendent. Whoever among them gains your support will be the one to hold the advantage."

Cersei's eyes shimmered, as if she could already foresee the Old Man Jon kneeling before her to beg for his position to be saved.

Queen Cersei's breathing grew heavy. "What do you want to do?"

Gryn had returned to his usual steady tone: "After the Kingswood Hunt, please allow me to go to the Reach in your name to meet with Lord Mace Tyrell of Highgarden."

"The Lord Oaf?"

Truly a heavyweight!

Although Cersei's tone was contemptuous, Gryn still caught the well-hidden wariness in her expression.

The Lord Oaf was the nickname others used for the head of House Tyrell, Lord Mace Tyrell.

The illustrious House Tyrell governed the fertile Reach, and their sigil was a golden rose blooming upon a field of lush green. Their wealth was second only to House Lannister, and they possessed not only powerful land forces but a naval strength that did not lose to the Royal Fleet.

Gryn spoke: "For a fish, King's Landing is its fishbowl, and you will eventually master this fishbowl."

Gryn's clever answer greatly satisfied the usually confident Queen Cersei.

Cersei lifted her beautiful chin slightly. "Do it. Use your talents, Lord Gryn."

Having said that, Queen Cersei moved closer to Gryn once more.

Gryn noticed Queen Cersei's gaze shift toward his lower body.

Queen Cersei curled her lips slightly. "Do your job well and please me; your Queen will not be stingy with your rewards."

Rewards? The term Queen Cersei used made Gryn's mind wander.

In an even better mood, Queen Cersei cast a sidelong glance at Gryn with her smiling, beautiful eyes, then turned around. "Let's go, Little Baron, it's almost time for lunch."

The Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast dining hall.

Queen Cersei sat at the head of the long table.

To Cersei's right sat Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen in order; to her left sat Jaime, Gryn, Lancel, and Tyrion.

Observing the seating, it appeared to be arranged by status and title, but in reality, it was ordered by Queen Cersei's personal preferences.

Based on the Lannister name alone, Tyrion and Lancel could have been seated ahead of the "country noble" Gryn.

Queen Cersei possessed the potential of a dictator.

The maidservants served dish after dish in gilded bowls and plates in an orderly fashion.

First came a thick soup of mushrooms and buttered snails, followed by pine nut and egg pastries, and oat bread baked with apples and oranges.

After the sweets were finished, the main meat courses arrived: boar ribs, large chunks of lamb stewed with raisins and onions, parsley-crusted fish cakes, and finally, the maidservants placed a serving of buttered peas in front of everyone.

Once all the dishes were served, the maidservants began to pour the wine—it was Summer Wine, Tyrion's favorite.

Gryn thought that Queen Cersei's intelligence had a blind spot; if she knew Tyrion loved Summer Wine, given her personality, she would surely have switched it for another vintage or specifically swapped out Tyrion's glass.

During the meal, Joffrey, sitting diagonally across from him, suddenly raised his glass to signal Gryn.

Gryn actually had no desire to have deep contact with this brat.

But he was Boss Cersei's most beloved son!

Regardless of his inner thoughts, Lord Gryn remained perfectly decorous on the surface, raising his glass to toast "Emperor" Prince Joffrey in return.

This situation left Lancel, who was watching from the side, feeling incredibly envious.

The gaze Prince Joffrey occasionally drifted toward Lancel was clearly malicious; Prince Joffrey simply disliked him and him alone!

Lancel hoped that King Robert, who had gone hunting, would return soon, allowing him to get away from Prince Joffrey as quickly as possible.

During the meal, Queen Cersei announced that Lord Gryn would take over and be responsible for the upcoming Kingswood Hunt.

Jaime further informed Lord Gryn that the Queen's stewards had already prepared a list according to the customs of previous years, and that he should meet with the Master of Coin, Petyr, before departure to collect the Gold Dragons required for the Kingswood Hunt.

Lord Gryn was also promoted to the Queen's Chief Steward.

With the elevation of Lord Gryn's rank and position came a corresponding increase in salary; although time remained tight, Lord Gryn felt he could continue to grind away.