chapter 91 part 2
Lord Jon Arryn's lips twitched slightly. He paused for a good while before speaking, "I will keep my word. When you return successfully, you will be the Protector of Crackclaw Point."
Glyn couldn't help but be astonished, opening his mouth to ask, "Lord Jon Arryn, forgive my presumption, but what about the Red Keep's support?"
Lord Jon Arryn's cloudy eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Crackclaw Point has never had a Protector. This *is* the Red Keep's support."
Glyn's voice was very unwilling: "Hand of the King, I don't even have a ship to cross the sea!"
Lord Jon Arryn gazed at Glyn for a moment, then spoke, "Three years. You don't need to bring so many subordinates. Within three years, as long as you are careful, regardless of the outcome, you will be the Protector of Crackclaw Point."
Glyn smiled, rubbing his forehead, suppressing the anger in his eyes: "Honored Hand of the King, I am merely a knight. I don't understand your meaning."
Inside the room, the enraged Glyn and the calm Lord Jon Arryn created two entirely different scenes.
"Baron Glyn, I know you are very clever. You actually understood my intentions long ago."
Lord Jon Arryn's eyes fixed on Glyn, and he said again, "Or perhaps, you deliberately found a plausible excuse... are you harboring pity for the former rulers of House Targaryen?"
"Loyalty!" Glyn stood up abruptly, raising his voice: "Lord Jon Arryn, you are using baseless conjectures to insult my honor! I absolutely do not accept this. I am willing to duel with a swordsman who can represent you. I will use my victory to prove my loyalty to the Realm! Immediately!"
The air in the Hand's Bedchambers seemed to solidify, and everyone present was stunned.
Except for Glyn and Jon.
Glyn looked like he was bursting with righteous indignation.
Glyn's action did not cause Lord Jon Arryn's calm face to show the slightest change.
A hint of regret flashed in Lord Jon Arryn's eyes. He secretly lamented the missed opportunity.
"I, Jon Arryn, am indeed not suited for such schemes!"
Lord Jon Arryn thought this might be the pity and blessing of The Gods, not allowing him to lose the honor he had protected his entire life, in the final stage of his life.
Lord Jon Arryn sighed inwardly. Never mind. It had been over a decade. Even a weak Crackclaw Point could not stir up any great waves.
"My successor, he will do better than me!"
"Enough! Damn it, I can't listen anymore!"
A rough voice echoed from behind the bed.
The heroic and strong King Robert Baratheon strode out from behind.
Glyn glanced at Lord Jon Arryn on the bed, bowed to King Robert, and said, "Good day, Your Majesty. The Whispers awaits your command."
King Robert stood still in front of Glyn: "Damn it, how did I fall asleep? Baron of The Whispers, you have disturbed my beautiful dream."
"However, your attitude still pleases me. The remnants of House Targaryen deserve to die. I only regret that I can only kill them once!"
"Damn it, who will get me some wine? Where is that foolish Lannister attendant of mine? Who can tell me where he's hiding again?!"
*Bang!* Lancel Lannister, holding a wine cup and a wine jug, hurriedly pushed the door open and entered.
As the King's attendant, Lancel had undoubtedly taken a great risk by specifically hiding near the Tower of the Hand to hint at Glyn.
Glyn recalled the evening before the King's Landing hunt; Lannister was indeed always prepared!
Glyn looked at Lancel's small, timid face, feeling moved… Lancel, for now, I can only sympathize with your plight in my heart.
While Lancel was pouring wine for King Robert, Glyn quietly moved to the side, standing with downcast eyes.
Robert drained his cup in one gulp, saying, "Be a bit more clever, Lannister! If you dare to delay my good wine again, I will hang you on the city gates!"
King Robert said to Lord Jon Arryn, "Jon, you should take good care of your illness. Leave these trivial matters to the stewards. As long as my warhammer is still here, nothing major will happen to the Realm!"
Jon smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I apologize for disturbing your beautiful dream. I am just temporarily unaccustomed. I have handed over many matters to Petyr to handle. He has always done well, and I can rest assured."
Robert laughed heartily: "This is good news. If it makes you rest assured, then let him run errands more often. Although I don't like his hypocrisy, he is indeed good at removing trouble."
After speaking, King Robert's gaze shifted to Glyn. His large eyes stared at Glyn without moving.
Faced with Robert's imposing aura, Glyn was naturally… calm and composed.
Not long after, Robert burst into laughter: "Grenn Klem, you're not bad for a young man, a good warrior! I heard about your dragon-slaying plan. You're far more reliable than those Small Council Members who spout nonsense all day. They've spent so many Gold Dragons, yet I haven't even seen a single finger! Tell me, how will the Red Keep support your plan?"
Glyn looked at Robert, his demeanor full of confidence: "Your Majesty, I have sufficient manpower. I only need the Red Keep to provide 150,000 Gold Dragons annually!"
Robert's smile froze for a moment, and he roared, "Damn it! You damn Crownlands vassals, when you see me, all you know is to ask for money! And you want 150,000, every year?! Do you think that in the dead of night, that iron chair will magically produce gold nuggets for me?!"
Glyn, enduring Robert's imposing presence, said directly, "Your Majesty, the Essos Continent is much larger than Westeros. It's like finding a needle in a haystack; I can't have my men searching for targets there while also having to beg."
King Robert laughed loudly: "Young warrior, you've amused me! Hmph, if soldiers fight on empty stomachs, they will not only curse you, but also burn down your tents!"
King Robert looked towards the door: "Someone, call my Master of Coin here!"
Jon spoke at this moment: "Petyr is in the Hand's Study. Go downstairs directly and invite him up."
*Knock, knock, knock.* Petyr, impeccably dressed in his uniform, entered the room and bowed to King Robert, saying, "Good day, esteemed Your Majesty."
Robert nodded: "Petyr, are there still Gold Dragons in the King's treasury?"
Petyr curled his lips into a smile, placing a hand on his chest, and replied, "Your Majesty, as long as you have needs, Petyr will always ensure there is the right amount of coin in the King's treasury."
King Robert nodded with satisfaction and said to Glyn in a deep voice, "Baron of The Whispers, I don't like waiting without results."
*Thump!* Glyn slapped his right hand on his chest (Glyn was wearing armor), as if a warrior about to set out: "Your Majesty, you only need to support me for three years. I only need three years!"
A look of satisfaction appeared on King Robert's plump face. He nodded and said to Petyr on the side, "Petyr, prepare 150,000 Gold Dragons for him!"
Petyr placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head, saying, "As you command, my King."
King Robert's gaze once again shifted to Glyn: "Grenn Klem, this is for three years. I am giving it to you all at once."
"Damn it, I won't let soldiers fight on empty stomachs, but I also won't be extravagant enough to let you fight while *eating* Gold Dragons!"
"Do you know what the most expensive thing is? It's that worthless intelligence! I will have Varys assist you. Remember, I will not tolerate your failure, nor will there be any additional rewards!"
"Remember, the sooner the better. As long as you succeed, I will allow you to keep the remaining Gold Dragons for yourself!"
"Your Majesty, Robert, I am willing to go through fire and water for you…" Glyn's gaze towards King Robert became even more determined.
(End of Chapter)