Bread 2

"If one were not standing at the center of the Seven Kingdoms, how could one truly understand the preciousness of peace? Guilt and fear are those people's real feelings right now."

Gryn smiled. "The comforting thing is... at least most people still support the Small Council's resolution."

Princess Arianne's dark eyes shifted slightly. "Why are that small minority so guilty and afraid?"

Gryn shrugged and joked in an apparently casual tone, "Perhaps they did something bad in the past."

Lord Hand Mace stroked his beard. "When Robert rose in rebellion, I heard that some lords from the former Stormlands were particularly enthusiastic. First Renly... then Stannis... As I understand it, most of them are now at The Wall, while the small number who remained should be the very people now trembling with regret."

Lord Hand Mace had said quite a bit, but Princess Arianne's focus was somewhat different. A peculiar smile curled at her lips. "I heard House Tyrell once thought very highly of Ren—"

"Let us discuss the Flea Bottom matter we did not settle yesterday." Gryn glanced at Arianne and cut her off.

[Flea Bottom, King's Landing's foul-smelling slum.]

The Pufferfish Lord's face flushed crimson with rage, while Princess Arianne, at Gryn's signal, did not continue her mockery.

After glaring at Martell, he looked at Gryn with gratitude and relief. After pondering for a moment, he said, "I strongly agree with the Lord Regent's proposal from yesterday. To govern that place, the first problem to solve is its excessive population."

"I took some time to visit yesterday. The alleys and intersections there are like a maze, and with every step, you can tread on..."

After pausing, Princess Arianne spread her hands. "The stench there is simply indescribable. I could not even muster the courage to inspect it more