"Mm."
Gryn gave a slight nod, then paused in thought. His gaze swept across those present. "My lords, do any of you have a suitable candidate to recommend?"
With that, he raised a hand and gestured to the King's Squires.
As the two young squires from the Westerlands and the Stormlands poured the wine, the Small Council members occasionally exchanged brief glances. Only Princess Arianne remained perfectly still in her seat.
Once they had finished pouring, the King's Squires bowed slightly and backed away to their places.
Silence lingered over the long Small Council table. Gryn took a small sip of Summer Wine before speaking. "Grand Maester Pycelle, you may begin."
"As you command."
Pycelle's clouded eyes discreetly swept over the three men seated opposite him as his aged voice rang out. "Your Grace, Lord Rosby fulfilled his duties as Master of Coin with utmost diligence, regardless of his own health, but..."
He let out a long sigh and continued, "...as your loyal advisor, I must speak frankly. His abilities were insufficient to improve the kingdom's present financial difficulties. I can only express my regret."
Gryn calmly took another sip of wine, nodded, and said to Pycelle, "Merit comes in different measures. That is the kingdom's justice. Thank you for your candor, my loyal advisor."
Pycelle proudly stroked the thick white beard on his chest. "To serve you is my eternal duty, Your Grace."
Gryn smiled faintly. "Please continue."
After a slight nod, Pycelle's gaze passed over the councilors present. "To be honest, for the time being... I am not optimistic about the kingdom's finances. Under the Usurper's incompetent rule, over the past decade or more, most people grew accustomed to covering the royal treasury's deficits with loans... cough... Lord Rosby, for instance, once acted in the same manner, until