Fifty household guards and attendants, thirty warhorses, three physicians, three grooms, one barber, and three handmaidens.
This was the scale of Glyn's entourage for his journey to the Red Keep, with Housekeeper Surana managing the retinue.
The total cost for the merchant ship to the Red Keep was 52 Gold Dragons. Steward Herschel had arranged with the merchant to pay in furs of equivalent value.
Not having to pay directly in Gold Dragons was a small comfort to Glyn, though he couldn't help but sigh, realizing that if he had the strength, he really ought to prepare his own ocean-going vessel.
Mermaid Harbor now saw an average of one or two merchant ships docking daily. Unlike the desolation at the start, it finally began to look somewhat like a proper port.
Glyn had arranged everything he could; the rest would simply take time to accumulate.
–
"My Lord, Steward Herschel has inquired with several merchants and confirmed that the unit price for purchasing Unsullied in Astapor is 100 Gold Dragons. This price does not include transportation costs."
Unsullied?
Glyn recalled asking Steward Herschel to check the price of Unsullied with friendly merchants if the opportunity arose.
However, Glyn was no longer as enthusiastic about the Unsullied as he had been in the beginning.
After the war, House Crabb's absorption of the mountain wildlings had gone much smoother than expected.
Glyn was very satisfied with these "zero-cost" mountain wildlings. They were fierce and strong—give them a weapon, and they were warriors.
Once Glyn ensured they were well-fed and warmly clothed, their loyalty became exceptionally high.
With strengthened training and discipline, they were a formidable force.
–
A unit price of 100 Gold Dragons meant ten Unsullied would cost 1,000 Gold Dragons. One hundred would be... In the future, the Dragon Queen would secure 8,000 Unsullied with a single bait—equivalent to 800,000 Gold Dragons.
Effortlessly obtaining the treasuries of several major cities in the Free Cities.
Thinking of this, Glyn, overwhelmed with envy, actually felt a twinge of jealousy... House Crabb had bled for the Dragon family!
House Crabb had been model loyalists to the Dragon family. Since the War of the Usurper, House Crabb hadn't seen a single good day, having been suppressed by the Red Keep for over a decade.
When the time was right, Glyn felt he could plan a little "fraud" to extract some Gold Dragons from the Dragon Queen to soothe his wounded soul.
"Hmm, I understand, Surana. How is Lyanna these days?"
"Since the news from Gulltown arrived, Miss Lyanna shut herself in her room for a whole day. Since then, her condition has been consistently good. I can feel she is at peace here; she trusts you very much."
"Pay more attention to her; I am not as attentive as you are. Also, keep a closer eye on her matters of the heart."
Surana, her chin slightly lowered, had a slight tremor in her eyes. "My Lord, I will arrange for people to watch over her and will report to you promptly."
Hearing Surana's reply, Glyn raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from the sea to Surana. "Surana, thank you for understanding my painstaking efforts. House Crabb now consists only of myself and my cousin Lyanna. Lyanna is too kind-hearted; this is a praiseworthy virtue, but it also makes her easily exploited by those with ulterior motives, especially in matters of affection."
Glyn turned his gaze back to the vast sea and sighed softly. "You watched Lyanna grow up; I know you have always been fond of her. You need not worry too much. I am the Lord, and as Lord, I have responsibilities I must bear, but I will do my utmost to ensure Lyanna's future remains peaceful and happy."
Surana looked up and pursed her lips. "Actually, you should have Miss Lyanna sign a document renouncing her claim to House Crabb. That would be a greater protection for her. I intended to suggest this to you, but then I hesitated, considering you do not yet have an heir. Others say I am too rational, but I know myself; often, I am indecisive."
Glyn rubbed his thumb against the index finger of his right hand. "Lady Surana, in my heart, you are like family. Before me, you may always speak your mind freely. Leave the decisions to me; you should not trouble yourself with them. As for Cousin Lyanna's inheritance rights... I would rather hope she finds her own love."
"As you command, my Lord."
–
Petyr Baelish leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the distant view, his eyes smiling…
Lord of Sheepshit, a semi-wild noble... an existence mocked by others, and yet... Heh!
Following the standard announcements from the Citadel, in the long-peaceful continent of Westeros, the name of Lord Glyn Crabb spread quickly. As a fresh topic of interest, much intelligence regarding Glyn gathered on Petyr's desk.
Blessed by the grace of his ancestors, when House Crabb reappeared in their old lands with powerful strength, despite a gap of over a decade, they were able to reclaim their influence with ease, as if it were the will of the people.
Truly enviable, the deep-rooted dominion brought by bloodline.
Truly dislikeable, the bloodline that represents power.
The traditional power where blood is supreme is so obstinate that even uncivilized wildlings are deeply influenced by it.
Compared to noble bloodlines, ability becomes merely a garnish.
Therefore, chaos is the only ladder.
–
"Lord Petyr, how rare. I actually smell anger coming from you."
Varys, completely hairless and bald, his wide, plump body draped in loose brownish-red silk robes, clasped his hands together.
Petyr calmly withdrew his gaze, turning his grey-green eyes toward the newcomer. Varys smiled reservedly and nodded in greeting.
Petyr Baelish elegantly curled the corner of his mouth. "Master of Whisperers, are you always so full of curiosity because of your duties? But I must tell you, your nose has failed you this time."
Varys's smile did not diminish. "Lord Petyr, ever since I have known you, all I can read from you is calm elegance and superb wisdom. Even minute changes in you catch my attention."
The elegant Petyr admitted to himself that he detested this spider more and more.
Petyr warned himself to act with caution, always remembering that the little birds were watching him.
Regardless of his inner thoughts, Petyr Baelish maintained a proper smile. "Truly the sweetest tongue in King's Landing. Every conversation with you brings joy to my body and mind."
Varys nodded again. "It is Lord Petyr's demeanor that exudes sweetness; I merely bask in your light."
Petyr spread his hands, having no interest in continuing the discussion about tongues. His grey-green eyes moved imperceptibly as he changed the subject. "Our noble Queen, I hear her mood has suddenly improved. Usually, she would remain unhappy for many days."
Varys moved to stand beside Petyr, also casting his gaze into the distance. "Her Grace retains the pure heart of a maiden, obtaining a beloved object naturally makes her forget temporary sadness."
Petyr's voice was husky and magnetic. "A beloved object?"
--
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter.