-20- Entrenched Power Brought by Lineage

50 soldiers and attendants, 30 warhorses, 3 physicians, 3 grooms, 1 barber, 3 handmaidens.

The size of the retinue for Gallen's journey to the Red Keep, with management overseen by Chamberlain Surlana.

The total cost of the commercial ship to the Red Keep is 52 gold dragons. Steward Hershel has arranged with merchants to pay with equivalent value in furs.

While not directly paying in gold dragons, it was somewhat comforting to Gallen, who couldn't help but marvel that with power comes the need to prepare one's own ocean-going ships.

At Mermaid Harbor nowadays, there are 1 to 2 merchant ships docking each day, unlike the initial slump, finally giving the port a semblance of activity.

Gallen has arranged everything that can be arranged, leaving the rest to accumulate over time.

...

"My lord, Hershel and several merchants have confirmed that the price for purchasing Unsullied in Astapor is 100 gold dragons per soldier, excluding transportation costs."

Unsullied?

Gallen recalled instructing Hershel to inquire about the price of Unsullied with the merchants he befriended.

Gallen no longer felt the same enthusiasm for the Unsullied as before.

After the war, the absorption of the hill wildling tribes by House Crabb went much smoother than expected.

Gallen was very satisfied with the hill tribes acquired without losing a penny. Each of them are fierce and strong and can become a warrior with a weapon.

After being well-fed and clothed, their loyalty was exceptionally high.

With strengthened training and discipline, they were formidable soldiers.

...

A unit price of 100 gold dragons, a total of 1000 gold dragons for 10 Unsullied. If 100 Unsullied were purchased... in the future, if Daenerys were to directly recruit 8000 Unsullied, it would be equivalent to 800,000 gold dragons, damn...

Without much effort, she also gained the treasuries of several major cities in the Free Cities, damn....

Thinking about this, Gallen, usually not envious, felt a hint of jealousy... House Crabb shed blood for the Dragon family!

House Crabb was a model loyal vassal to the Dragon family, but after the War of the Usurper, House Crabb did not have a single good day, being oppressed by the Red Keep for over a decade.

At the right time, Gallen thought he should plan to "scam" gold dragons from the Mother of Dragons to soothe his wounded soul.

...

"Understood, Surlana. How is Lyna doing lately?"

"After the news from Gulltown arrived, Miss Lyna locked herself in her room all day. After that, Miss Lyna has been in good spirits. I can feel that she is very relieved here, and she trusts you very much."

"Keep an eye on her. I'm not as attentive as you. Also, pay more attention to her emotional issues."

Surlana, with her chin slightly lowered, trembled slightly in her eyes, "My lord, I will arrange some people and report to you promptly."

Upon hearing Surlana's response, Gallen raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from the sea to Surlana, "Surlana, thank you for understanding my intentions. House Crabb now only consists of myself and my cousin Lyna. Lyna is too kind-hearted, which is an admirable virtue, but it also makes her vulnerable to exploitation, especially in emotional matters."

Gallen's gaze returned to the vast sea, sighing softly, "You watched Lyna grow up since she was little. I know you have always liked her. You don't have to worry too much. As a lord, I have responsibilities to bear, but I will try my best to ensure Lyna's future safety and happiness."

Surlana raised her head and pursed her lips, "Actually, my lord, you should have Lyna sign a document renouncing her inheritance rights to House Crabb. This would provide her with greater protection. I originally wanted to discuss this matter with you, but then I hesitated because you still don't have heirs. People say I'm too rational, but I know myself. I hesitate in many situations."

Gallen moved his thumb against his index finger, "Surlana, in my heart, you are like family to me. You can always speak freely in front of me, and leave the decision to me. You shouldn't worry about it. As for Lyna's inheritance rights... I hope she can find her own love."

"As you command, my lord."

...

...

King's Landing, Red Keep, Tower of the Hand.

Petyr Baelish leaned on the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the distant view, his eyes deep.

The Lord of Sheepshit, a noble of the Half-Wild... Both are objects of ridicule, yet... heh!

Following the normal reports from the Maester's Tower, in the long-standing peace of Westeros, the reputation of Lord Gallen Crabb spread quickly, becoming a fresh hot topic. Many pieces of information about Gallen gathered on Petyr's desk.

Blessed by ancestors, when House Crabb reappeared in its old territory with great strength, despite being separated for over a decade, it could easily regain its power, as if it were the will of the people.

Truly enviable, the entrenched power brought by lineage.

Truly disliked, representing the power of lineage.

The tradition of bloodline supremacy is so entrenched that even the uncivilized hill tribes are deeply influenced by it.

Compared to noble lineage, ability becomes secondary.

So, only chaos is the ladder.

Petyr Baelish's gaze became even deeper.

...

"Lord Baelish, it's quite rare. From you, I sense a certain kind of anger."

Bald, dressed in loose brown-red silk robes, Varys clasped his hands together.

Petyr calmly withdrew his gaze, his gray-green eyes turned to Varys, who smiled modestly and nodded in acknowledgment.

Petyr Baelish gracefully lifted the corners of his mouth, "Master of Whisperers, is it because of your duties that you are always full of curiosity? But I have to tell you, this time your nose has gone astray."

Varys's smile did not diminish, "Lord Baelish, ever since I met you, I have always sensed from you a calm elegance and remarkable wisdom. Even the slightest change in you catches my attention."

The elegant Petyr admitted that he was increasingly disdainful of this eight-legged spider.

Petyr reminded himself to be cautious and always remember that the little bird is watching him.

No matter what he thinks, Petyr Baelish maintains a polite smile, "Indeed, the sweetest tongue in King's Landing. Every conversation with you leaves me feeling pleased in body and mind."

Varys nodded again in acknowledgment, "It is your demeanor that exudes sweetness. I am merely basking in your radiance."

Petyr spread his hands, no longer interested in discussing the issue of tongues with Varys, subtly moving his gray-green eyes, he changed the subject, "Our esteemed queen, I hear, suddenly has a joyful mood. Normally, she would be unhappy for many days."

Varys stepped over to Petyr's side, also gazing into the distance. "Her Grace retains the pure heart of a maiden. When she receives something she loves, she will naturally forget her momentary sorrow."

Petyr's voice was hoarse, full of magnetism. "Something she loves? Lord Varys, you have something on your mind."