It seemed that nobles, septons, and even maesters were all quite skilled at passing the buck.
But when it came to verbal sparring, women had a natural advantage. Lady Florence, the current Master of Laws, immediately spoke with righteous conviction.
"Your High Septon, legally speaking, the entire Faith of the Seven falls under your authority. As such, you have a duty to keep all its septons and congregations in line."
"So whether it is the Starry Sept, King's Landing Cathedral, or any other local branch of the Faith of the Seven, you cannot escape responsibility for the mistakes any of them commit."
"That is quite correct. After all, every local branch of the Faith of the Seven must ultimately remit a proportion of its religious taxes to King's Landing Cathedral. Whatever crimes they commit, Your High Septon must bear some responsibility."
Earl Beesbury, the Master of Coin, chimed in.
The shrewd Master of Laws and Master of Coin had read between the lines the moment King Jaehaerys spoke. His Majesty the King intended to drag the Faith of the Seven into the fire as well.
Earl Hightower had intended to divert the trouble elsewhere from the start. Seeing that his little scheme had worked, and having guessed something of King Jaehaerys's intentions, he immediately redirected his attack.
"To demonstrate its loyalty to the Royal House and its remorse toward Princess Danyla, House Hightower has already transferred the right to fund the Citadel to the Royal House. If the Faith of the Seven truly wishes to prove itself, it must show some sincerity before anyone will be convinced."
The High Septon had no intention of yielding so easily. His faction had only mobilized every connection it had to secure the position of High Septon at King's Landing Cathedral because it was