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#206 - Chapter 16: Each One's Own Calculations

Tywin Lannister's face was grim. His own bannerman had been slain right before his eyes. In other words, if the assassin had wanted him dead, it wouldn't have been too difficult.

So, he ordered a thorough interrogation of the soldiers present, not even sparing those from the Lannister's own ranks of Casterly Rock.

Several high-ranking Lannisters were dining with him. Tywin said, "This is a disgrace! Ser Amory Lorch died right before my eyes, struck in the neck by a poisoned arrow. Had it been me, I wouldn't have escaped either, and yet you can't even find the culprit. Very well! Let's put that aside for now. Family, what suggestions do you have regarding that little wolf pup? I've received word that Robb has taken the Crag, and there are reports that their next target is Silverhill."

One of the Lannister high-ranking officials said, "Lord Tywin, we've been discussing this all night. Perhaps a good night's sleep will give us better ideas."

Tywin's face remained cold. "Reginald, your suggestion is very constructive. Considering you're my cousin, I might refrain from letting you sleep for good. Go now! Your wife must miss you."

Reginald was dumbfounded. "Lord Tywin, but my wife is in Lannisport."

Tywin: "Then you best leave now, before I change my mind and send your head back instead. If you didn't have the Lannister name, you'd be washing chamber pots in the labor camp. Now get out!"

Reginald lowered his head and left the room. The others were silent, not daring to utter a word. Arya came to his side, placing the dishes on the table one by one.

Tywin: "Now that the nuisance is gone, let's talk about the assassin."

Gregor Clegane: "I executed twenty men. We believe they were spies from the Brotherhood Without Banners."

Tywin: "I wouldn't care if you executed a hundred more. Those bandits who take orders from the dead Ned Stark cannot be allowed to run rampant behind our lines. I want them dead, every last one of them."

The Mountain: "Lord Tywin, killing them isn't hard, but finding them is. Especially that Thoros of Myr. I've killed him at least three times, but…"

Tywin: "Those are just pathetic excuses. Next time, cut off his head. And Clegane, have you gone soft? Go burn villages, burn farms. Let them know the consequences of choosing the wrong side."

The Mountain: "Yes, Lord Tywin. I'll arrange it immediately!"

Tywin waved his hand at the others. "Alright, you may all leave." Then he came to the table and looked at Arya. Suddenly, he asked, "Is this mutton?"

Arya was taken aback for a moment. "Yes, Lord Tywin. It's fresh lamb chops."

Tywin said, "Oh, I don't like mutton."

Arya: "Then I'll go and get you something else right away."

Tywin put his hand on her shoulder. "No need. You can have this one."

Arya: "Lord Tywin, I should eat in the kitchen."

Tywin said, "Has no one taught you not to refuse a lord's gift?" He had just been shaken up and was suspicious of everything.

Arya: "Then thank you, Lord Tywin." She ate heartily. Although the chefs of Casterly Rock were not as skilled as Liu Yuan's maids, it was still much better than what the servants ate.

Tywin gradually lowered his guard. "You're smaller than other children your age. You must not have had enough to eat growing up."

"I've always had a big appetite, but I just don't grow taller."

Tywin: "Oh? This will be my last war, and I will surely be recorded in history because of this war. How much of a legacy I can leave depends on the efforts of the next few months." He was used to being aloof in front of his subordinates, but he felt a desire to confide in Arya.

"Do you know what a legacy is? It's something that can be passed down to future generations. Something that people will remember even after you die..."

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At the mouth of the Wendwater, in the copper-gated town, was Stannis's temporary military camp. The lords of the Stormlands, who had once sworn fealty to Renly, had now switched allegiances to Stannis. It was all the same Baratheon, just with a different claimant! Renly's green banners had been replaced by a sea of fiery red! Since converting to the Red God, Stannis had changed his sigil to a crowned stag with a fiery heart on a golden background.

Stannis: "The Tyrell army hasn't retreated too far. According to scouts, they have regrouped with more than 20,000 men under the call of the Knight of Flowers, Loras Tyrell, claiming to avenge Renly. Tell me, what good ideas do you have?"

Davos: "Your Grace, Loras's army is not large, and their morale is low. Give me 20,000 men, and I will crush them in five days."

Stannis: "No, you have other tasks. I have received word that King's Landing has just experienced a riot and is at its weakest and most chaotic! It is the best time to take King's Landing. I have decided that the majority of the army will sail to Blackwater Bay and attack the weakest point, the River Gate. Earl Balon, Earl Sunglass..."

"Your Grace, please command us!" The two stepped forward and bowed.

Stannis: "You will lead the remaining troops and cavalry, continuing north along the Kingsroad. But be careful to guard against the Reach's army and prevent Loras from ambushing you!"

"As you command, Your Grace. Rest assured, we will not fail you."

Stannis: "Ser Davos, arrange for the men to board the ships immediately. You will be the vanguard of the entire army! Gentlemen, this is the most crucial battle. You will all be remembered in the history books."

"Long live His Grace! Long live the King!"

"Long live His Grace! Long live the King!"

"Long live His Grace! Long live the King!"

In Loras's camp, Loras was pacing back and forth anxiously.

Margaery: "My dear brother, can't you be still for a moment?"

Loras said angrily, "How could they leave? A bunch of dishonorable men. Have they forgotten they once swore oaths to the King?"

Margaery: "They are all vassals of House Tyrell and have no obligation to continue serving a dead king. And you are not the heir to the family, so you cannot command them to fight for you."

Petyr: "Lady Margaery is right, Ser Loras. It is already good that so many people are still willing to fight for you and Renly."

Loras: "But these forces are not enough! We cannot defeat Stannis, nor can we avenge Renly."

Petyr: "Then let's think of other ways. You can cooperate with the Lannisters. I think both Lord Tywin and King Joffrey would be very happy to have you join them. Then, with the combined strength of several parties, you can openly defeat Stannis on the battlefield."

Loras: "Damn it! Although I hate Cersei, I hate Stannis even more. I will summon the troops immediately. We will go to King's Landing!" Loras stormed out of the tent. After he left, Petyr said, "Thank you, Lady Margaery. Only you could have made Ser Loras choose a side so quickly."

Margaery: "I'm only doing it for myself. I said I would become queen, a true queen. Alas..."