chapter 178 part 1
Chapter 178 Glynn's Swordsmanship
Sunlight filtered through a thin layer of clouds, casting its light upon the land. In the gardens of Maegor's Holdfast, the flowers and plants seemed full of vibrant life under the warm sun.
Glynn leaned against a tree. Not far off, the chubby little prince, Tommen, was diligently practicing his sword swings.
Glynn's eyes shifted. He saw Lancel Lannister approaching with long strides, his handsome face flushed red, his anger clearly not yet subsided.
Glynn greeted him casually, "Ser Lancel, who's angered you?"
"Who else could it be..."
Lancel's gaze swept over Tommen, who was brandishing a wooden sword. A flicker of contempt passed through his eyes.
"The half-man, the wretched half-man! He's a traitor to House Lannister!"
Glynn looked over, puzzled. The corners of Lancel's mouth turned down, revealing undisguised disgust.
"That half-man wants to send Gregor crabbe's head to Sunspear. Has he forgotten that the Mountain is a vassal of House Lannister?!"
Glynn's eyebrow rose. "Can the Mountain's head even be recognized?"
Lancel sneered. "Tyrion says no other man has a head as large as the Mountain's."
As Lancel spoke, his expression contorted.
Glynn lowered his gaze slightly. *It wasn't just anger, but jealousy. Lancel was filled with rage because he was jealous of Tyrion.*
"The Queen Regent agreed?"
Lancel said hatefully, "The half-man has a silver tongue. He's even managed to deceive Her Grace the Queen Regent!"
Glynn understood Tyrion's scheme. House Lannister was currently surrounded by enemies, and Sunspear was one of the few potential allies they could win over.
The Mountain's head was a gesture of sincerity, a prelude to an alliance. If it went smoothly... a marriage alliance and a seat on the Small Council would be next.
Tyrion, as Hand, was doing everything in his power to save House Lannister from its current crisis.
"Lord Glynn, we are the ones Her Grace the Queen Regent trusts most. We can't just stand by and watch her be deceived by that cunning half-man."
"And what do you propose to do, Ser Lancel?"
Glynn's question seemed to stun Lancel for a moment. He looked uneasy.
Through Lancel's evasive gaze, Lord Glynn knew the answer. Lancel wanted him to persuade Queen Cersei.
"Ser Lancel, don't forget your duties."
Glynn's voice was calm, yet it made Lancel flinch.
"The Queen Regent doesn't need anyone else to tell her what to do. Do you understand?"
As Glynn finished speaking, Lancel, though he only vaguely understood, immediately nodded obediently.
Glynn sighed inwardly. His gaze shifted to Tommen, who was taking off his armor with the help of a servant. "Ser Lancel, let me ask you a question. Who in the Red Keep hates Tyrion the most?"
After a pause, Lancel's eyes suddenly lit up. "Her Grace the Queen Regent?"
Glynn beckoned to Tommen while saying, "And His Majesty, Joffrey."
Lancel's eyes glittered, and he couldn't help but say excitedly, "That's right! Tyrion even slapped King Joffrey! How could I have forgotten something so important! Glynn, you have a much better memory than I do!"
*And I remember that Tyrion slapped Joffrey for your sake that time,* Glynn thought, having no interest in analyzing Lancel's convoluted logic.
One of Lancel's most important duties was to fill the void left by Jaime's absence and obediently serve as Glynn's shield. Lancel's battlefield was in the bedchamber, not in petty squabbles born of jealousy.
Glynn reached out and patted the suddenly high-spirited Lancel. "Go on. Queen Cersei needs you. Keep her company."
A broad smile on his face, Lancel walked away with a spring in his step.
As Lancel was leaving, he crossed paths with Tommen, who was jogging over. The little chubby boy greeted him politely, "Cousin Lancel..."
Lancel didn't break his stride. He glanced briefly at Tommen before looking away again, giving only an imperceptible nod.
Tommen came to stand before Glynn, his chubby face full of grievance.
Tommen was a sensitive boy, and the corners of his eyes began to turn red. "Lord Glynn, I don't think Cousin Lancel likes me..."
Glynn knelt, extending a finger to tap the little prince's cheek. A faint smile touched his lips. "Lancel doesn't like you... Does that mean you'll be too sad to eat your favorite cream cakes?"
Tommen shook his head firmly.
Glynn ruffled Tommen's hair. "So... it's just one person who doesn't like you. Why let that spoil your good mood?"
Tommen's lips turned up in an innocent smile.
"Your Grace, today's practice is over. I'll see you back."
As they walked, Tommen suddenly asked, "Lord Glynn, will Lancel always dislike me?"
Tommen looked up at Glynn, his gaze filled with anticipation. The little prince was kindhearted, but his spirit was both sensitive and fragile.
"He won't change his mind anytime soon."
Hearing Glynn's answer, Tommen's heart still ached, even though his thoughts were mostly on his beloved cream cakes.
He asked again, "But why doesn't he like me?"
Glynn countered, "Tommen, do you need his approval?"
"I suppose... I don't?"
Glynn nodded slightly. "Many people like you, and many others won't. It's the same for everyone. That is no great tragedy."
"Then what is a tragedy?"
"The greatest tragedy is disliking yourself because of what others think."
Tommen blinked. He scrunched up his chubby face in thought for a moment before speaking. "Lord Glynn, you're saying I should like myself... right?"
"What I mean to say is, don't be so quick to doubt yourself because of others. You must learn to believe in yourself."
The little prince was honest. "I don't really understand, but I'll remember what you said."
...
Outside the Queen Regent's bedchamber in Maegor's Holdfast.
*I loved a maid as fair as summer, with sunlight in her hair...* The soft sound of a harp drifted through the crack in the door. Though the singer's voice was muffled by the thick wood, Glynn could still recognize it as Lancel's.
*The multi-talented Lancel,* Glynn thought, before addressing the Kingsguard at the door, Ser Meryn Trant. "Ser Meryn, Queen Cersei sent for me. Please announce my arrival."
"The Queen Regent gave orders that you are to be admitted at once."
With that, Ser Meryn pulled the door open. The singing from within came to an abrupt halt.
...