chapter 116 part 1
Chapter 116: The Right to Rule
Mermaid's Port, the Hall of Affairs.
Glynn finished reading Margaery's handwritten letter, his right thumb rubbing against his index finger.
Margaery's handwriting was elegant, and her choice of words… was quite bold, just like her grandmother.
It must have been difficult for the Little Rose. Fortunately, Lord Glynn was always open-minded and never fussed over trifles.
Glynn put the letter away, rose, and walked to the window to look outside.
A gentle breeze swept by, sending ripples across the sea.
Under the sunlight, the surface of the water shimmered and sparkled as if countless gems were glittering there.
Lord Mace, Lord Eddard, Lord Stannis, Lord Renly… Thinking of these lords, Glynn's eyelids twitched slightly.
Glynn then thought of Petyr and Varys. Although the two had their own schemes, their objective was the same: they both wanted to plunge Westeros into chaos.
After pondering for so long, Glynn felt a bit mentally exhausted. He really did prefer to just steamroll everything!
So, who in this world did Glynn admire the most?
Naturally, it was Daenerys, the Dragon Mother, who held the script for a powerful female protagonist. Although she was a pitiful thing in the early stages, later on… a life with cheat codes needs no explanation.
...
King Robert, who could rally over a hundred thousand soldiers with a single call, was still around. He had to remain steady! No getting reckless in the early stages! For the tribe, Chieftain Glynn roused his spirits once more.
Glynn returned to his desk and picked up a quill.
First, he would handle military affairs.
For instance, Glynn informed the commanders of each legion that he would personally interview the thirty candidates they recommended for captain at their garrisons and make the selections directly.
Then came the personal letters.
The first letter was to Queen Cersei. The content: *Just arrived at Mermaid's Port. I will be able to return to the Red Keep in a few days.*
The second letter was to Daenerys. The content: *I have arrived safely in Westeros. I hope you are taking care of yourself in Pentos.*
The third letter was a reply to Margaery. The content: *I will arrive in King's Landing in a few days. I hope to meet the old lady who wants to spank my bottom.*
...
The next day.
Glynn sat with his legs crossed, leaning casually on the armrest of his chair. Seated upright opposite him was Septon Jaril, from the Great Sept in King's Landing.
The middle-aged Septon Jaril had a rather high hairline, a portly figure, and an amiable face.
The Faith of the Seven was the primary religion of the Seven Kingdoms, often simply called "the Faith." On the continent of Westeros, the influence of the Seven was lowest in only three places: the North, Crackclaw Point, and the Iron Islands. The Old Gods of the North and Crackclaw Point and the Drowned God of the Iron Islands were more revered.
Therefore, to distinguish them from the ancient beliefs, the gods of the Faith were sometimes called the New Gods.
When Glynn began to reconquer the old lands of House Crabbe, the septons stationed on Crackclaw Point had already made contact with The Whispers (Chapter 15).
Crackclaw Point was located within the Crownlands, yet it remained separate from them.
It was said that Crackclaw Point believed in the Old Gods, but after hundreds of years of ceaseless conflict, the people of Crackclaw Point revered martial strength above all else.
Glynn needed the Faith of the Seven to better integrate Crackclaw Point into Westeros and to solidify House Clegane's rule there.
But Glynn remembered what their old High Septon had once said: the king's laws are one thing, and the gods' laws are another.
To Glynn, Crackclaw Point was his private property. He was willing to dress it in a beautiful coat, but he would never tolerate anyone on Crackclaw Point overriding the authority of House Clegane.
"Honorable Septon Jaril, I have only one concern: is the right to appoint and dismiss the septon of my lands in my hands?"
Although Glynn's words were respectful, his current posture already revealed his attitude.
Septon Jaril's voice was calm and unhurried, "Lord Glynn, we are very grateful for your trust and support. May the gods protect you!"
Glynn raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself: *But...*
Septon Jaril's tone was sincere: "But, the High Septon wishes to deepen this precious trust! Lord Glynn, we are of one mind. We have always been praying that the mercy of the gods might reach this region, and we also hope that House Clegane will bring everlasting peace to Crackclaw Point."
Septon Jaril said a great deal, and it sounded quite good, but Glynn heard nothing of substance.
Therefore, Glynn despised... people who made empty promises, other than himself.
Glynn increased the angle of his slouch slightly, his brow furrowed. "Septon Jaril, please speak plainly. Do you agree or not?"
After a pause, Septon Jaril said, "To be frank, we have never had… such a precedent."
Glynn shook his head slightly. "The situation on Crackclaw Point is unique. I believe you understand this point very well."
Glynn continued, "My lands are preparing for another round of war. If all goes well, Crackclaw Point will soon welcome a rare peace, and my responsibility will change accordingly to maintaining the stability of the peninsula."
Septon Jaril smiled and nodded slowly. "Lord Glynn, thank you for your candor! We also hope for peace. We are of one mind."
Glynn naturally sat up straight, his tone just as sincere, "You are right. The most important thing between people is sincerity. We have to admit that over the past decade or so, problems have already appeared in the trust between us."
"You must admit, this is not just my personal opinion. We cannot ignore things we thought were in the past, because existing problems do not simply vanish for no reason. Therefore, my condition is not excessive. In fact, it can be said that I have been nothing but sincere."
Faced with Glynn's bluntness, Septon Jaril's face remained gentle, but for the moment, he was at a loss for words.
When they were busy flattering the Hand of the King, who would have thought that someone like this would suddenly appear on Crackclaw Point.
The septons who were often stationed on Crackclaw Point knew much more than the great lords in the Red Keep. Some even privately referred to Lord Glynn as the King of Crackclaw Point.
Septon Jaril spoke up, "We can feel your sincerity, and this is exceedingly precious to us. We will cherish this precious trust all the more."
Glynn frowned and said, "It seems you've brought me a 'no' for an answer."
Septon Jaril explained, "I have brought the utmost sincerity..."
Glynn waved his hand, cutting him off, his tone mocking, "No, Septon. You have brought only sweet words! From your speech, I feel only contempt and arrogance, almost identical to memories I had nearly forgotten!"
Septon Jaril could finally no longer maintain his calm expression.
He was about to open his mouth, but was again impatiently cut off by Glynn.
"Septon Jaril, Crackclaw Point does not welcome arrogant guests. However, I still respect your rights and those of your companions as guests. You may leave my lands safely."
*Why did he suddenly flip the table?*
Septon Jaril looked aghast. "Lord Glynn, we are septons of the Seven!"
Glynn said coldly, "Septon, have you forgotten Lord Stannis?"
Septon Jaril was stunned. Lord Stannis was a pain they could never speak of.
When Stannis was thirteen, he personally witnessed the ship carrying Lord Steffon and his wife sink in Shipbreaker Bay, and both his parents perished.
From that day on, Stannis hated the cruel Seven Gods who had taken his parents from him. He swore to the heavens that he would never worship any cruel god who had drowned his parents.
Stannis was always a man who did as he said, something his time on Dragonstone had made an especially deep impression of.
By being active in a certain region, septons became very familiar with it, as their channels for gathering intelligence were sufficiently broad.
Septon Jaril remembered that Lord Stannis seemed to hold Lord Glynn in high regard. Furthermore, he had heard that Lord Stannis had even found a priestess of R'hllor.
At this thought, Septon Jaril's bravado instantly vanished.
Septon Jaril's amiable expression returned. "Lord Glynn, please do not be hasty. The most difficult thing between people is mutual understanding. We are perfectly sincere."
He sighed and continued, "Your heart is set on peace. This is the finest of qualities. The gods are merciful. May the gods protect you!"