"Do it now. The plums can wait; matters of state cannot." Tyrion glanced at the Old Maester's expression; the fish had taken the bait.
The Old Maester turned and left. A moment later, Tyrion quietly turned back, noticing Pycelle's medicine shelf. Every Maester, in fact, was perhaps as skilled at healing as they were at poisoning.
While the Old Maester was away from the room, heading to the ravenry, the clumsy dwarf tried his best to stand on tiptoe and found a small, dusty jar placed high up. He read the label clearly and then hid it in his sleeve.
"The King and the regent queen mother..." Everything was ready. The returning Old Maester indeed stammered, as the letter bound for Dorne was of great importance. He also couldn't be sure whether Tyrion had informed the King and the regent queen mother.
"Joffrey is just a thirteen-year-old Child; I am acting on his behalf."
Tyrion looked at the Old Maester, a clear answer already forming in his mind. This old fox, it was most likely him. Tyrion declined the enthusiastic Old Maester and turned to enter the lower courtyard.
As Tyrion walked into the lower courtyard, his deformed legs ached from climbing the stairs. The sun was high in the sky, and the red comet's light shone fiercely; The Red Keep also became lively. There were guards on the city walls, and knights and their retainers honed their combat skills with blunt weapons.
Tyrion found Bronn, and the two walked through the courtyard together. To accommodate his slow pace and short legs, the Mercenaries even slowed his steps, for which The Imp was very grateful.
"How many people came to petition today?" Tyrion asked.
"Over thirty," Bronn replied, already numb to such situations. "Oh, and your pet is back."
Tyrion had no patience for these people; they either came to complain or to ask for favors. Only Lady Tanda Stokeworth's request was different; she always invited Tyrion to enjoy good food, but her real aim was The Imp himself. Eel pie, wild boar, venison, delicious cream soup—this was blatant culinary temptation.
"Lady Tanda Stokeworth?" That girl, her family was indeed wealthy, but thinking of that foolish fat virgin, Tyrion had no interest. It was said that the girl was thirty-three and still a virgin, weak, stupid, and plump. Lady Tanda believed Tyrion Lannister was the ideal husband for Lollys, and thus pestered him constantly.
As they walked and talked, Bronn's words made Tyrion increasingly uncomfortable. There were people asking for money, bakers, butchers, and greengrocers asking for protection, and Lords accusing Lannister's men of burning, killing, and plundering in The Three Rivers area. The Lannister taxi soldiers burned castles, killed farmers, and slept with the Lords' wives.
Fortunately, Tyrion had a clever mind, so he had a solution for these matters.
Anyone asking for money, whether from Braavos or elsewhere, should go to Littlefinger.
As for who needed protection, Tyrion racked his brain and thought of appeasement. In yesterday's riot, a baker was roasted alive by the rioters because, according to the people, his bread was too expensive. The city was a city of famine, and he couldn't drive all these people away. He could only deceive them, saying the King understood their feelings and would provide appropriate protection.
As for that poor Lord, Tyrion decided to visit him properly, but today he needed to first provide the Lord with a better room, hot food, and good boots.
"There's also a Brother in Black from the Wall. The steward said he brought a jar with rotten hands inside," Bronn said.
"I don't have time right now..." Tyrion was in a hurry to go to the Tower of the Hand. As for the Brother in Black's request, it would have to wait.
As Tyrion crossed the courtyard, he saw Cersei leaving the castle to inspect the works. The two naturally engaged in a verbal battle, as Cersei was displeased about the matter concerning that Toad, the commander of the gold cloaks... Tyrion returned to his Tower of the Hand. Today's guest was unusual; it was Littlefinger, the master of coin, Lord Petyr, whom Tyrion also wanted to deal with.
Littlefinger sat by the window, wearing a plum-colored long-pile coat and a yellow satin cloak, gloved. He looked lazy and elegant. Although he was thin, he was quite handsome.
Tyrion went to the window and saw the King outside, shooting rabbits with his favorite crossbow.
"Lord Petyr, would you like something to drink first?" Tyrion looked at Littlefinger, wondering why the master of coin had coincidentally come to visit. Even if Littlefinger hadn't come, he had intended to see him.
"Thank you, but no need." Littlefinger smiled sarcastically, "They say, drink with a dwarf and wake up at the Wall. I am already frail; wearing black would make me even uglier."
Tyrion understood that the man's words had a hidden meaning. After all, everyone knew that Littlefinger, the master of coin, had the best relationship with Janos, the commander of the gold cloaks. It was Littlefinger who had introduced Janos to Cersei, and Tyrion had sent the Toad away. This, in essence, was a grievance.
Then Tyrion sat in his exclusive chair, piled with cushions. Even though he hated Littlefinger and his thoughts spun, Tyrion decided to calm down first. Tyrion praised Littlefinger's elegant attire, and the two exchanged compliments.
Finally, Tyrion mentioned the valyrian steel scimitar made of dragonbone. Littlefinger drew the scimitar and then casually looked at Tyrion. "If you're interested, I'll give it to you."
"Give it to me?" Tyrion looked at Littlefinger meaningfully. This arrogant Littlefinger, he not only understood, but he also understood that I knew his lies. But for now, moving against Littlefinger was indeed not suitable.
Tyrion decided to talk openly with Littlefinger; both needed to see each other's cards.
Tyrion knew Littlefinger's card was the Vale, his financial team, and that Madwoman Lysa, who was utterly obedient to him. As for Tyrion's own card, he felt he only had his niece Myrcella as a last option. Next, it was the most important moment of exchange; this was politics, and politics was a game of exchange.
Tyrion knew Littlefinger's past. He was once an adopted son of Riverrun and had a very good relationship with House Tully. However, these things ended because of that duel.
"Lady Catelyn and I might have a slight misunderstanding," Tyrion said, looking at Littlefinger.
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