Each Takes What They Need

"We'll head over later."

Gryn's gaze shifted to the sun-drenched window. After a slight pause, he asked, "Where is Brienne?"

"She should still be on the Street of Steel."

Hearing Anguy's reply, Gryn turned his head. "Street of Steel?"

Ser Anguy shrugged. "I heard the Earl of Tarth sent her to prepare a gift to present to you. You know, she's very honest."

The thumb of Gryn's hand behind his back tapped against his index finger. After a moment of silence, he said, "Let's go out for a walk."

The carriage wheels rumbled along, producing a rhythmic clatter over the cobblestones.

Gryn sat inside the plainly decorated carriage, while Anguy, Mutton, and the others rode ahead and behind as guards, all dressed in ordinary clothing.

Gryn observed the outside through the carriage window. Compared to his old impressions, the streets were much cleaner, and even the stench had lessened considerably.

This was all thanks to the Hand of the King—Lord Mace Tyrell.

Lord Mace had set his heart on surpassing Tywin's achievements and becoming the most outstanding Hand in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

Though the royal treasury stood empty, that did not stop him from throwing money around. The city administration Gryn had demanded had indeed progressed smoothly under his management.

The same was true of such affairs as relocating Flea Bottom's population and establishing royal farms along the Blackwater Rush.

With Lord Regent Gryn's military deterrence, Hand Mace's generous benevolence, and Princess Arianne's harsh enforcement of the law, House Crabb, House Tyrell, and House Martell worked in close coordination. King's Landing, which had only just endured a bloody night, swiftly displayed a scene of flourishing prosperity.

Gryn withdrew his gaze. House Tyrell's seemingly inexhaustible supplies and wealth always managed to bring him "surprises."

And for the