Certain Secrets

Gryn's gaze never left the flickering hearth. He took a small sip of Summer Wine and said, "Whosever name is signed on it, it becomes that person's pardon."

His gaze shifted over. "How you use it is for you to decide. This is the authority I grant you, Leyton."

Leyton solemnly put away the pardon. "Thank you for your support, Your Highness. Please rest assured, I will use it well."

After Leyton left, Brienne brought in the other man who had been waiting—Archbishop Ollidor.

"May the Gods bless you, Lord Regent Gryn."

"Good day, Archbishop."

Gryn pointed at the chair before his desk. "Please, sit."

Ollidor bowed slightly before slowly taking his seat. After a pause, he said respectfully, "Your Highness, I have presumptuously come today on behalf of the monks and septas of the Great Sept of Baelor to once again thank you for your guidance and generosity."

The corners of Gryn's lips curved faintly. "Good people deserve praise. This is compensation for the hardships you have endured. King's Landing is the heart of the Seven Kingdoms, and this city's faith cannot do without your hard work, Ollidor."

Ollidor's face was full of smiles as he placed a hand over his chest. "It is my duty."

Gryn's political maneuvering never ceased. At his proposal, although the Great Sept of Baelor would remain under the Faith of the Seven, it would also become independent from it, taking primary responsibility for matters of faith within King's Landing.

Furthermore, the Archbishop of the Great Sept of Baelor would be elected internally and receive the support of the royal family and the Small Council.

The Great Sept of Baelor would become a state within the Faith of the Seven.

Ollidor's eyes flickered as he cautiously asked, "Your Highness Gryn, how should I