Chapter 21: Arrival in King’s Landing

Varys clasped his hands together. "Our ever-willful queen—if we add a blood-brave baron to the mix, we might just enjoy a rare spectacle in King's Landing."

Petyr Baelish's eyes flickered with interest. "Lord Spymaster, you sound concerned."

"As long as King Robert remains firmly seated upon the Iron Throne, nothing irreparable will happen. Thus, I sleep soundly each night."

"Hah... The very premise behind your words sends a chill down my spine. With only coin to keep me company each night, I find myself increasingly worried about unforeseen events. Thanks to you, I fear I shall sleep poorly tonight."

Varys bowed his head slightly in apology. "Forgive me, Lord Master of Coin. I merely reflected upon the state of affairs in King's Landing. It seems my tongue has lost its sweetness and brought unease instead."

Petyr Baelish instinctively sensed danger in Varys—a kind of danger he hadn't paid close attention to before.

As he quietly pondered the hidden meaning behind the spider's words, his expression remained calm. "Ah, merely a jest. Alas, I lack your sense of humor. I must await an audience with Lord Arryn. Good day to you."

With an elegant smile, Petyr bid farewell to Varys.

A man without roots, whose thoughts were impossible to read—today's encounter was no coincidence. Petyr had already resolved to raise his guard against him.

Varys watched Littlefinger's figure retreat into the distance, his usual smile slowly fading from his face.

Dadadundadadun da da da

Standing at the prow of the ship, Green gazed toward the towering spires of King's Landing and the great heights of the Red Keep, the melody of another world playing in his mind.

After three days and two nights at sea, the capital was finally within sight.

Many among his company had suffered from seasickness, keeping the three healers of House Clegane busy throughout the journey.

From Whispering Sound to King's Landing, the sea route was by far the most time-efficient. Traveling by land would require crossing through far too many domains, wasting both time and energy.

This was the soldiers' first time at sea, and widespread seasickness was to be expected. To ensure their battle readiness in the future, such voyages would need to become part of their regular training.

The eastern regions of the Claw Isle still required time to be fully consolidated, but Green's next goal lay to the west—advancing toward the lands around Raventree Hall, and claiming dominion over the western half of the Claw Peninsula.

Ideally, he would first secure the title of "Warden of the Claw Peninsula," granting him righteous cause for his western campaign.

Green's merchant vessel sailed from Blackwater Bay into the Blackwater Rush, finally docking at the bustling River Gate port—known more commonly by the locals as Mud Gate.

On the bustling docks, the workers suddenly felt a prickling sensation crawl across their skin—sharp, like a sting. It was so abrupt and disquieting that many paused their labor instinctively.

The feeling was not unfamiliar; it was the aura of blood and fire, the oppressive presence forged in the heat of countless battles. They had felt such a presence before—but never this strong. One by one, their gazes turned in the same direction.

A group of tall, broad-shouldered guards clad in gleaming silver plate armor was escorting a young man.

He was slender yet tall, dressed in a blue robe embroidered with a golden marsh marigold over the left breast. White trousers tucked into supple deerskin boots completed the ensemble.

Strikingly handsome yet not effeminate, the young man exuded a calm far beyond his years.

The dockworkers of King's Landing, seasoned by years of toil and trained eyes, recognized importance when they saw it and quickly cleared a wide path for the newcomers.

Leighton, eldest son of Surana, stepped forward at last to receive them. "Good day, my lord."

Green wrinkled his brow slightly, enduring the mingled stench of the harbor. "Is the lodging inside the city ready?"

"It is, my lord. Just as I finished handling matters at the Clegane estate, I received a raven from Steward Herschel. The arrangements were finalized yesterday. Everything is in order. The house is located near the Hook. I shall guide you there."

Green mounted the horse brought by Mondon, and the rest of his household guard followed suit, forming a protective ring around him.

King's Landing. The Hook. The temporary residence leased by Green.

After soaking in a hot bath, Green felt much more at ease.

Surana took the towel from him. "You're only leaving twenty guards behind?"

"We're not here for war," Green replied, exhaling as he settled into a long bench. "I noticed many eyes watching us on the way. This is sufficient. Mondon and Fory will manage the guards. Take the rest and settle them at the estate outside the city."

Surana neatly folded the towel. "Shall I leave behind a healer, in addition to two maids? We must prepare for any accidents."

Green nodded. "As thoughtful as ever, Surana."

"I've already had Leighton deliver a letter requesting an audience with Her Grace the Queen. The address of this residence was included. While we wait for a reply, you can rest and recover from the journey."

"Keep Leighton here. Let him manage the house. That will put my mind at ease."

Evening. The Hook. The Knight's Tavern.

Green sat alone at a table, eating dinner. Mondon and the others had spread out around the room, devouring their meals with gusto. After nearly a full day of rest, their stomachs—long unsettled by the voyage—were finally ready for proper food again.

The tavern door swung open once more, and a small figure entered.

Green had a clear view of the entrance, and the man's distinctive features made recognition easy. Tyrion Lannister. One glance was enough.

Green gave no reaction and continued his meal—the roast beef here was particularly good.

Tyrion Lannister rang the small bell by the door.

Ding-a-ling-ling~!

The chime drew every eye in the room, and Green followed suit, turning his gaze toward the dwarf like the rest of the crowd.

Tyrion Lannister raised his voice cheerfully: "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to remind you—you are the luckiest lot in King's Landing tonight. Your food and drink this evening are all on me!"

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