King's Landing, Red Keep.
Tywin·Lannister is lying on the large bed.
After experiencing a long coma, the old lion's once angular and majestic face was now so thin that he was almost out of shape.
Next to the fireplace, a high-backed chair was dragged to the bedside.
Tyrion·Lannister crossed his legs, stared straight at the sallow face on the bed, and kept chattering.
"Look at you, father." He looked playful, and his tone was almost gloating.
"People say that Tywin·Lannister is a real lion. You are Seven Kingdoms's most powerful man, Casterly Rock's master, Warden of the West, Hand of the King, and the regent."
"But what now?"
Tyrion spread out his hands, as if he wanted Tywin to take a good look at it.
"You are lying on the bed covered with a velvet quilt, like a baby waiting for a nun to change its diaper."
After he finished speaking, he laughed to himself.
The laughter echoed in the empty room, looking a little harsh and a little sad.
Tyrion laughed for a while and then gradually stopped talking. Looking at the bed, Tywin still had no reaction. He didn't even move his eyelids. A trace of extremely complex emotions flashed in his gray-green eyes.
If it weren't for the faint rise and fall of his chest, Tyrion would have almost thought he was dead.
"You spent so much time planning all this, what's the result?"
"The North fell into Bolton's hands, Riverlands turned into a mess, Iron Islands is still making trouble, Dorne hates us to the core."
"Jaime left without saying goodbye, Cersei is dead, Kevan uncle is also angry with you...
"House Lannister, which you were so proud of, has now become Seven Kingdoms's biggest joke."
"Who is left with you now?"
Raising the wine glass next to him, Tyrion asked himself and answered, "The son you never want to admit is a Tyrion."
"Maybe saying it will make you very unhappy, but King's Landing was not in chaos after you fell into coma. This is a fact."
"Corleone took only one day to stabilize the situation and even became the agent Hand of the King."
Tyrion paused, and his tone became more sarcastic. "Look, the world will still go on without you."
"And it spins better."
As he spoke, he spilled the wine in the glass on the ground in front of him, as if in memory of the deceased.
After doing all this, Tyrion was about to turn around and leave, but suddenly a bold idea came to his mind.
Walking back to the bed, he held Tywin's right hand and raised it to his eyes, turning it over and over, and murmured, "The lion's paws... are soft."
Letting go of his hand, Tywin's hand fell weakly back onto the quilt.
After saying that, Tyrion took a deep breath.
Then...
Snap!
A crisp slap across the face of Tywin·Lannister.
Tyrion's hand stopped in mid-air, trembling slightly. Looking down at Tywin, a faint red mark appeared on his face.
"And my devil's hand."
"It does have power."
After saying that, he turned around and left without looking back.
The footsteps gradually disappeared in the corridor, and the room became quiet again. On the bed, Tywin·Lannister remained motionless.
His eyes were closed tightly, and his breathing was weak and slow.
The index finger of the right hand that was picked up by Tyrion was slightly curled.
An inaudible syllable came out from his throat.
"Jaime...
", Meanwhile, House of Order.
In the office on the third floor, Corleone sat behind the desk and stroked the black cat's back, but his eyes fell on the person opposite.
"Thank you very much for your help, Master Vito·Corleone."
The man had a Iron Bank badge on his chest, his hands were folded on his knees, his posture was respectful, but his face was full of anxiety.
"It has been several months since Iron Bank sent Naho Demitis to King's Landing to collect the debt."
"But his reply either said it was windy or rainy at sea, and it is still not clear when Braavos will return."
"Two months have passed since the agreed repayment date, but not a single copper has arrived. I came to King's Landing in person this time just to ask about this matter in person, but when I arrived, I couldn't contact Naho at all."
"I have been waiting at King's Landing for several days and sent people to inquire every day, but there has been no news."
"I have no choice but to come to see you."
"Here are copies of his replies, each one bearing his signature and seal."
After he finished speaking, he took out a stack of parchment paper from his arms and spread it on the table, looking at Corleone eagerly, waiting for his answer.
However, Corleone did not read the letters, but quietly stroked Balerion's back and said in a deep voice, "Before our meeting, your assistant told me your demands, Lord Gunnanos."
"Don't worry, I have sent people all over King's Landing to look for Lord Naho and his entourage. I believe there will be results soon."
"Although King's Landing is big, as long as people are still in the city, there is nothing Black Hand Mafia can't find."
Hearing this, Gunnanos nodded repeatedly, and the anxiety on his face eased a little. "Thank you, Lord Corleone."
"Iron Bank attaches great importance to the cooperative relationship with Iron Throne. We are never willing to affect the trust of both parties because of some... accidents."
Hearing what he said, Corleone also nodded slightly, but his tone immediately became much more serious.
"I understand your urgency, but with all due respect, Lord Gunnanos, I am even more anxious than you are after hearing this news."
"You should have written to me earlier. If the news that Iron Throne defaults on its debts spreads, it will have a very bad impact on the credibility of His Majesty Tommen."
"As the agent of Hand of the King, I have the responsibility to maintain the reputation of Iron Throne."
"But it took you two months to tell me that Naho was missing, which made me very passive."
As soon as these words came out, Gunnanos's face became a little embarrassed.
Of course it was impossible for him to say directly that Robert·Baila Theon was squandering money and owed a huge debt of six million Gold Dragon. Iron Bank had long had doubts about Iron Throne's ability to repay.
So while they sent Naho to King's Landing to collect debts, they secretly sent people to the Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and decided to fund Stannis·Baila Theon to help him regain Iron Throne.
Because Stannis is the only "legal heir" willing to repay the debt of Robert.
Therefore, he had to force out a forced smile and explain vaguely.
"Naho has been replying to letters these days. We thought he was negotiating normally, so...
","So I didn't ask anything."
After saying that, he lowered his head guiltily, not daring to look into Corleone's eyes.
And Corleone was too polite and did not ask any further questions. He just nodded and continued to pet the cat.
The office became quiet, and Gunnanos was restless, glancing towards the door from time to time.
Fortunately, they didn't wait too long.
About a quarter of an hour later, heavy footsteps were heard in the corridor.
The door was pushed open, and the Hound strode in.
"My lord."
His face was a little hesitant, he glanced at Gunnanos, then walked to the desk and leaned close to Corleone, trying to whisper in a low voice. However, Corleone raised his hand and waved it gently. "Just say what you have to say."
"Your Excellency Gunnanos is the envoy of Iron Bank, not an outsider. We have nothing to hide."
Gunnanos was stunned for a moment, and a look of unexpected gratitude flashed across his face.
The Hound frowned, seemingly reluctant, but had no choice but to take a deep breath and return his voice to normal volume.
"We found Naho's assistant near the pier, and he was planning to escape by boat from the pier.
"As soon as the guy saw us, he turned around and ran away without saying a word. We chased him for two streets before we blocked him."
"But that guy..." The Hound paused, a trace of annoyance flashed across his face. "The guy took out a dagger from his arms and stabbed it directly into his throat."
"He died on the spot.
"What?!"
Gunnanos suddenly stood up from his chair, his face changed drastically.
"Dead?!"
"Naho's assistant is dead?!"
"So... what about Naho?"
"Where is Nahor Demitis?!"
The Hound glanced at him without speaking, but turned his gaze to Corleone.
Corleone is still as steady as a mountain, stroking Balerion's back with one hand, without any change in his expression.
"Go on."
Hearing this, the Hound nodded and continued, "We searched the guy's place and found a box under his bed filled with Gold Dragon."
"After a rough count, there are at least... eight hundred."
Corleone snorted, "How can a follower get so much money?"
The Hound replied very quickly, "We asked the neighbors nearby, and they said that this person has been very generous recently. He often entertains guests, drinks, and visits prostitutes. He spends at least hundreds of Gold Dragon every day without blinking an eye."
As soon as these words came out, the office was quiet for a moment.
"Interesting." Corleone narrowed his eyes slightly.
"A mere follower not only spent money like water, but even had a deposit of 800 Gold Dragon. He also committed suicide on the spot when he saw one of our people."
As he spoke, he raised his head and looked at the Hound: "Have Gold Cloaks been notified? What is their conclusion?"
"Notified." The Hound replied again, "According to Gold Cloaks's preliminary investigation, it was the follower who murdered Naho for money, and then forged Naho's reply and continued to report to Iron Bank."
"This way he can delay and slowly spend the money, or wait for a certain opportunity and run away completely."
"No wonder!"
Upon hearing this, Gunnanos slammed the table and stood up, his face turning red.
"When Naho came to King's Landing this time, he brought a lot of Gold Dragon with him. That entourage has been with him for more than ten years and is familiar with all his habits. It is not difficult to imitate Naho's signature!"
"Damn traitor!" he cursed through gritted teeth.
Corleone waited quietly for him to finish venting, then sighed slowly, seeming to say with emotion, "What a pity."
"A few months ago, I met His Excellency Nahor Demitis. At that time, I was still Master of Coin."
"I remember we had a very pleasant conversation at the time. Mr. Naho was very professional and sincere. We agreed on a repayment plan and a specific date. He even said he would treat me to a drink of white amber wine produced by Pentos."
"I didn't expect...
He shook his head, a look of regret flashed in his black eyes.
"People are unpredictable and things are unpredictable. Who would have thought that a person who has been with him for more than ten years would do such a thing."
Hearing this, Gunnanos' face turned redder and he sat back in his chair slumped.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Corleone, because Iron Bank's mistake has caused damage to your reputation. After I return, I will report this matter to the twenty-three key watchers."
"Iron Bank will never shirk the responsibility that he should bear!"
After he finished speaking, he bowed his head deeply.
Corleone did not rush to hold them accountable, but sighed quietly, "King's Landing is a great city, but even the greatest city has a shadow underground."
"Such an extremely bad security incident happened under my nose. As agent Hand of the King, I will never let it go!"
He paused and his voice became more severe.
"Go tell Bronn Commander and fine him half a year's salary!"
Hearing this, the Hound was stunned for a moment. "Sir...
"When the case occurred, Bronn had not yet become City Watch Commander."
"Are you questioning my decision?"
"No, I just..." The Hound immediately lowered his head.
"Then go and send the message."
"Yes!"
Hearing this, the Hound turned around and strode out of the office without any more nonsense.
About half an hour later, Gunnanos left Corleone's office with great gratitude.
When Rorge sent him downstairs, the guy kept mumbling words such as "Thank you Mr. Corleone for your understanding" and "Iron Bank will remember this friendship".
Not long after, the Hound, who was supposed to inform Bronn that his salary had been deducted, pushed the door open and walked in.
His steps were much brisker than when he went out, and he was holding a roasted chicken leg in his left hand. He didn't look as submissive as before.
"This kid doesn't look very smart. He can't even figure out such a simple trick."
The Hound walked to the chair opposite the desk and sat down, chewing until his mouth was full of oil.
I have to say that this is the temperament that a "man who cares about the king" should have.
"Iron Bank's senior deacon, I think he is a fool." His tone was full of contempt.
Hearing this, Corleone, who was writing furiously, put down his quill, raised his head and glanced at him.
"On the contrary, this guy is very smart."
"How do you say that?" The Hound raised his eyebrows, as if he didn't believe it.
"He knew it from the moment you told him that Naho's entourage was dead."
Corleone raised the corner of his mouth slightly. "But he didn't point it out, he just cooperated with us and played the whole scene."
"But this is normal. After all, how could a follower who has been with Naho for more than ten years suddenly betray his master?
"And it was such a coincidence that he committed suicide right after we found him. Everyone can see that there is something wrong here."
As soon as these words came out, the Hound frowned even more tightly.
He stuffed the chicken leg into his mouth with a big mouthful, chewed it hard a few times and swallowed it, with a fierce look in his eyes.
"Is he afraid that we will attack him?"
"No, I'm going to kill him now!" He said and turned around to walk out.
"Wait." However, Corleone stopped him.
"I didn't intend to hide Naho's death for too long. Iron Bank will know about it sooner or later, and I will ask Rorge to send someone to deal with that guy."
"You have more important things to do."
"What?"
Corleone did not answer immediately, but stood up and walked to the window, facing the north and looking at the sky.
"Go to the Eyrie."