The Temptation of the Rose

Watching Gryn's retreating back, Hand Mace paused involuntarily, his gaze drifting.

Honor never dies...

Honor...

Hand Mace quickened his pace by a few steps and said fervently, "King Gryn, House Tyrell would be more than willing to provide funding. We sincerely pray that every hero of the Seven Kingdoms may find an eternal resting place."

Although he had yet to understand why the king had decided to build a "Hall of Heroes," he had a feeling that taking part in it... could bring him immense prestige.

Even if his instincts were wrong, it was only a hundred-odd thousand Gold Dragons.

Gryn stopped walking. Hand Mace gracefully placed a hand over his chest. "I humbly ask that you allow House Tyrell to contribute its small share, Your Grace."

Gryn gave Mace Tyrell a brief once-over, the corners of his mouth slowly curling upward. "My Hand, I accept your goodwill."

After a brief pause, he added, "However, Crabb Trading Company will purchase all the stone needed for the Hall of Heroes from trading companies run by the people of the Reach."

Mace froze slightly. Was the king refusing House Tyrell's funding? And instead granting him some sort of reward?

Gryn placed a hand on Hand Mace's shoulder and gave it a lightly forceful pat before resuming his stride.

As he walked, he said, "There is an important matter of governance that I need you to handle personally. I want you to compile... as soon as possible, a detailed list of the Reachmen who died in the War of the Usurper—their names and ages. Whether at the Battle of Ashford, the Battle of Storm's End, or any other battlefield, I want them all."

Hand Mace hurried after Gryn, his face full of confusion as he could not help confirming again, "You mean every