chapter 86 part 1
Chapter 86: Deep Schemes
"Lord Glyn?"
Arriving in the garden to find her handmaidens, Margaery Tyrell was the first to spot Glyn lying on a long bench. Margaery did not approach, merely calling out softly.
"Ah!"
After Margaery's handmaidens gasped, they lifted their skirts and scurried over to her.
Glyn, who had been passively eavesdropping, had no choice but to wake up.
He sat up, yawned, then raised his right hand and waved it from side to side. "Good day, ladies."
Glyn's friendly gesture did not lessen the suspicion in the handmaidens' hearts. They stared at Glyn, their gazes probing.
The handmaidens' unusual behavior did not escape Margaery's eyes. She sighed softly and said, "You may go."
The nervous handmaidens exchanged a secret glance, then bowed to Margaery and departed.
...
Only Glyn and Margaery remained in the garden.
Glyn took the initiative to speak. "Lady Margaery, your handmaidens are both beautiful and lively."
Margaery smiled. "I saw their nervousness and vexation. Lord Glyn, can you tell me what happened between you?"
Glyn looked puzzled, thought for a moment, and replied, "I think I overheard their conversation. Perhaps they thought I heard them?"
Margaery's beautiful eyes blinked as she pressed, "Heard what?"
Glyn shrugged. "I was asleep, so I didn't hear clearly. It seemed to be the name of the Master of Laws."
Upon hearing "Master of Laws," Margaery, who had been wearing a faint smile, subtly curled her finger.
Her footsteps were light as she approached Glyn.
Margaery lifted her face, her fawn-like eyes clear and gentle. "Lord Glyn, you seem to have inadvertently overheard some rather significant information?"
Glyn stepped back half a pace, sighing helplessly. "Lady Margaery, your beauty compels me to be honest. Actually, I didn't take it to heart, because this is no secret to me."
"Such as?"
"I am the Queen's chief steward. I have long been aware of some of Lord Renly's actions."
Margaery's fawn-like eyes trembled. "Queen Cersei, is she investigating Lord Renly?"
Glyn shook his head firmly in denial. "Her Grace the Queen never concerns herself with such matters. This is the duty of us stewards, especially me."
Glyn looked at Margaery and continued, "Just as a certain giant from House Lannister once said, loyalty to the Queen is a traditional craft of Crackclaw Point. I am merely taking normal precautions, investigating any unusual incidents that occur around the Queen."
Margaery coldly reminded him, "Lord Glyn, Lord Renly is a man of high station. He cannot be offended."
Glyn spread his hands. "True, we have been silent for over a decade, but... Lady Margaery, you who are familiar with history should know that in the eyes of the people of Crackclaw Point, there are only two kinds of people: the Queen, and everyone else."
Margaery raised an eyebrow, gazing intently at Glyn.
*Trying to scare me with those big eyes again?* Glyn met Margaery's gaze.
Before long, Glyn sighed softly and averted his eyes.
Margaery's smooth chin lifted slightly.
Glyn took the initiative to speak, his tone sincere. "Lady Margaery, in truth, these are all trivial matters, not worth your concern."
Glyn paused, then added, "I have no intention of speculating on Lord Renly Baratheon's thoughts, nor am I interested in them. I only prioritize Queen Cersei's safety."
"I conducted an initial investigation and know that Lord Renly and the Knight of Flowers share a deep friendship, but friendship should not outweigh the interests of one's house."
"Please believe in our sincerity. I genuinely wish to see my most respected Lord Mace sit in the position of the Hand of the King and govern this kingdom."
Margaery's rose-like lips moved slightly.
Margaery wanted to ask what he would choose if the most respected Lord Mace in his eyes came into conflict with Queen Cersei.
But Margaery knew that asking such a question would make her seem naive. At this moment, Glyn's answer, whatever it might be, would be neither true nor false.
The truth of such a question is only revealed when the moment comes.
...
Glyn's purpose at this moment was not complicated. He knew that the great houses liked to hedge their bets. He was merely using this as an excuse to subtly hint to Margaery.
Glyn did not want the already clear schemes to become chaotic. The more complicated the schemes, the more prone they were to unexpected complications.
Glyn could not change the nature of the great houses. He could only do his best and, in the process, change the subject.
...
Margaery glanced sideways at Glyn, her tone seemingly carrying a hint of sourness. "You are quite loyal to Queen Cersei."
Glyn placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head. "Lady Margaery, this is my duty. I am beyond reproach."
After this display of humility, Glyn suddenly said, "Lady Margaery, I have a suggestion."
Margaery's eyes lit up, her face blooming into a smile. "Lord Glyn, I appreciate your suggestions. I am willing to listen."
Glyn hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "The time is not yet right. I am a man of little influence right now. I will make my suggestion to you the next time we meet."
After speaking, Glyn wore an expression of regret.
Margaery's beautiful eyes widened, and she couldn't help but glare at Glyn.
...
...
Randyll Tarly had once again left Horn Hill.
Taking advantage of his father's absence, Samwell Tarly placed the letter renouncing his inheritance on Randyll's desk.
When he left Horn Hill, Samwell led an old horse and carried only a single book he hadn't finished reading.
For Samwell, a quiet departure was his last shred of dignity.
...
When Samwell reached the gate of the House Crabbe camp, he showed his first smile since leaving home.
Leading the old horse, Samwell walked up to the Blue Cloaks of House Crabbe guarding the gate and said, "Good day. My name is Samwell Tarly. I've come to see Lord Glyn."
Samwell's physique made a lasting impression. The guard still remembered him. "Good day, Lord Samwell. Lord Glyn is not in the camp right now."
Samwell opened his mouth. He badly wanted to ask where Glyn had gone and when he would return.
But he didn't like to trouble others... Samwell nodded and said, "Then I'll wait."
With that, Samwell walked to the side and sat on the ground, wiping the sweat that covered his face.
The guard saw Samwell's old horse trembling as it walked and said, "Lord Samwell, your horse looks very tired. I can help you take care of it."
Only then did Samwell notice his horse. Thinking of his own weight, he felt a pang of pity. Samwell scratched his head, embarrassed. "Then... I'll trouble you. I will prepare a reward."
Samwell reluctantly glanced at the book in his hand. *I must finish reading it quickly!*
...
...
Eastern Crackclaw Point.
The Crabbe Host's eastward advance officially entered its second phase.
"Cliff Valley Tribe, open your gates! We are here to invite you to join the Crabbe Territory!"
"We are all people of Crackclaw Point! The people of Crackclaw Point do not fight their own!"
"Our lord is a descendant of the legendary hero Clarence Crabbe! We were all once one people!"
"We are all descendants of the First Men! We shouldn't let our own people continue to shed blood!"
"Join us! The lord will assign you your own hunting grounds, and you won't have to worry about being invaded by others again!"
...
Lena, with her pigtails sticking up, walked over to Aemilia and tugged at her collar. "Aemilia, do we need to keep shouting? I feel this tribe is very stubborn."
Aemilia furrowed her brow. "Keep shouting. If they don't surrender by noon, have the sisters fire five volleys of arrows inside."
Lena excitedly accepted the order. "This tribe of only a hundred people... I don't know whether to praise them for their grit. My throat is almost hoarse from shouting. Our soldiers outnumber them several times over, yet they still dare to refuse to open the gates and surrender. They're asking for death!"
Aemilia added, "Do not violate my order and attack without permission. Retreat after the volley. Also, when it's time to cook meat at noon, pay attention to the wind and find a good spot."
"Yes, Commander! We'll smoke them to death!"
Aemilia looked at the hopping Lena and said, "We still have time. After the volley, continue to persuade them to surrender. The entrance to the Cliff Valley is narrow, making it difficult to deploy forces. A direct assault would result in significant casualties... Minimize casualties, Lena. This is the lord's order."
"Alright."