chapter 88 part 1
Chapter 88: Hidden Flaw (5100)
Clegane Manor.
Glyn, having just settled in, was looking at a letter from Alpasia, the commander of the Thorn Corps.
Is this... Westerosi pictograph?
Considering Alpasia's personality and the current state of the Thorn Corps, Glyn frowned and analyzed it for a good while before he could roughly deduce the meaning Alpasia was trying to convey.
Alpasia has learned to compete with other corps for equipment? Glyn chuckled softly.
Alpasia, whom Glyn had established as the commander of the Clegane Spear-Wife, had always performed exceptionally well, but her personality was overly straightforward.
There are no absolutely good or bad personality traits, but as a corps commander, Alpasia needed a bit more flexibility.
Therefore, Glyn was pleased to see this change in Alpasia and felt it should be encouraged.
Glyn folded the letter, placed it back in its envelope, and sealed it with wax.
People like Alpasia were born with few dark spots. This letter, a combination of images and text, was likely one of the few dark spots in her entire life, so Glyn planned to keep it safe.
Glyn was very curious. In the future... perhaps in a few years or a few decades, what kind of expression would Alpasia have when she saw this letter again?
...
Glyn cleared his throat, handed the sealed envelope to Surana, and said, "Surana, help me keep this safe."
Surana's eyes flickered slightly as she took the envelope without a change in expression, replying respectfully, "Yes, my lord."
Glyn added, "Surana, write a letter to Zashir for me. There are two matters... The first is to issue an official charter for the Thorn Corps. The second is to increase the allocation of new shortswords for the Thorn Corps. As for the quantity... let him adjust the specific number."
Surana was already handling the sudden addition to her duties with exceptional composure.
Although Surana was just a steward, she was always in touch with the core of the Clegane Territory.
In the past, before reclaiming their old lands, their manpower was more than sufficient.
Now, the scale of the Clegane Territory had increased severalfold, yet it was still run by the same personnel from before. For a time, these reliable people could only take on multiple roles to help their lord manage the Clegane Territory.
...
Queen Cersei was impatient. Glyn would have to leave Corbray Manor for King's Landing soon.
After dealing with the letters that had piled up during this period, Glyn knitted his brows.
"Right, remember to have some clothes prepared for Samwell as soon as possible. Montun's clothes are still a bit too big on Sam."
Since leaving Horn Hill and joining Glyn's faction, Samwell Tarly only had the clothes on his back. His portly figure meant it was very difficult to find ready-made clothing; they could only have some custom-made.
Because of Lord Jon Arryn's one-month deadline, Glyn's time was tight and he could not afford any delays, requiring them to travel at top speed.
Fortunately, at the critical moment, the simple and honest Monton Waters had contributed one of his robes, saving Samwell from being without a change of clothes.
Although this was a small matter, it increased Glyn's dissatisfaction with Lord Jon Arryn by another notch.
Glyn was running all over the place for "Queen Cersei," yet Lord Jon Arryn, far away in the Red Keep, could use his authority to tie his hands. The feeling was incredibly stifling.
Glyn's face didn't show it, but he was inwardly a little angry.
Glyn silently declared: The Vale is an inalienable part of the Crab Claw Peninsula.
...
Glyn was very happy to have Samwell join him.
It wasn't just because of Samwell's outstanding intelligence, but also because Samwell's arrival could enhance the reputation of House Crabbe.
Not everyone knew the inner workings of House Tarly. Most people only knew that the eldest son of the famed general, Randyll Tarly, had become a servant to Baron Clebor.
Samwell's joining invisibly boosted the very thing Glyn currently lacked the most.
...
Surana nodded and said, "Montun alone requires the fabric of three people. Now with Samwell here, should I prepare more clothes in special sizes in advance?"
Glyn looked up and smiled, saying, "Lady Surana, it's rare to see you joke with me."
Surana said seriously, "My lord, joking casually with one's lord is an offense. I genuinely have such plans."
Glyn shook his head, a smile in his eyes. "Go on, what is it you want to say to me?"
Surana bowed her head, took a step forward, drew closer to Glyn, and said in a hushed voice, "You were gone for so long. Why didn't I see a single girl from The Reach in your retinue?"
Glyn's eyebrows shot up. He paused, then leaned slightly toward Surana.
The perceptive Glyn noticed Surana's eyes light up for a moment. Did the ever-serious Steward Surana also possess a heart for gossip?
Glyn lowered his voice and said, "I did meet one interesting girl."
Surana blinked her eyes. And then what?
"Her status was too high. She looked down on your lord."
Surana was slightly stunned. "Did you express your affection?" she asked.
Glyn shook his head. "To grasp a rose, one must endure its pain. I do not engage in futile efforts."
Surana let out a soft sigh of relief. "My lord, I can now confirm that it is not the situation I was most worried about."
Glyn: "???"