-40- Tower of the Hand

Tyrion rubbed his big face with his small hands, trying to focus. "Jaime, here's the thing..."

Tyrion was always eloquent, and he succinctly explained the situation to Jaime.

Jaime, after hearing it, thought of the conspiracy Gallen had analyzed to him before, pointing to Cersei. He thought to himself, "Tyrion, you're smarter than me. Can you guess why Littlefinger wants to create conflict between Cersei and Jon Arryn?"

Jaime's question was very natural. He had taken Gallen's advice to heart and hadn't revealed anything about Cersei's conspiracy to anyone else.

Concerning Cersei's conspiracy, Jaime wouldn't disclose it to anyone and would secretly investigate it himself.

Tyrion slapped his thigh, suddenly energized. "At first, even I couldn't figure out why Petyr did this, but Gallen helped me understand. This young man is truly clever. If I were taller, I'd even consider giving him a kiss right there."

Jaime looked at his brother, who was serious for all of three seconds, with a wry smile. "I suggest you give up. From what I know about him, your behavior will definitely ruin your friendship."

Tyrion laughed heartily.

Jaime patted Tyrion's back. "What did the little lord say?"

Tyrion coughed, suppressing his smile. "Littlefinger's target should be Lord Arryn. Everyone knows the hand of the king is in poor health."

Jaime looked puzzled.

Tyrion continued, "You also know our sister's temperament. She has long been disgusted with Lord Arryn. And since King Robert isn't in the Red Keep, who can stop her from causing a scene?"

Jaime had to admit Cersei was a bit capricious.

"Our sister won't have any sympathy for his old age. The result is that Lord Arryn's health issues will worsen under Cersei's provocation."

Upon hearing this, Jaime almost guessed Petyr's motive. "Is Littlefinger eyeing Jon Arryn's power?"

Tyrion nodded. "Lord Arryn trusts Petyr, who hails from the Vale like him, the most. With his declining health, he can't handle affairs of state as before. The more he relies on the seemingly loyal and reliable Lord Baelish."

There was a hint of indifference in Jaime's eyes. "A ridiculous conspiracy that harms Cersei."

Tyrion said solemnly, "Yes, a Lannister always pays his debts, so I didn't hesitate to offer Petyr's location to Gallen. With Petyr's shrewdness, he'll surely guess it's me."

Jaime patted Tyrion's shoulder. "Well done, Tyrion."

Tyrion leaned in closer to Jaime. "Gallen will meet Lord Arryn this morning. We need to find a way to keep this from Cersei, to prevent conflict between her and the hand from escalating and alerting King Robert."

Jaime thought for a moment. "Don't you think it would be better for Gallen to avoid it for a while?"

Tyrion shrugged. "Gallen is essentially a knight like you. He told me the best defense is offense, which is quite marvelous. He convinced me in an instant."

Tyrion continued with a smirk, "I believe Littlefinger and Gallen's night talk must have been very pleasant. You can trust him."

A knight never fears, and Jaime quite agreed with Gallen's viewpoint.

"Jaime, then I'll leave our dear sister to you."

After thinking for a moment, Jaime said, "Well, there's a way. Princess Myrcella has always wanted to learn some braiding from Cersei. Her mood has been good lately, very patient. Today is a perfect time."

Tyrion grinned. "My poor niece. Her mother is usually a bit impatient with these things. Myrcella will be excited all day."

Jaime shook his head with a smile. "Cersei won't have any spare time all morning. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her."

Just as Jaime was about to leave, he stopped abruptly. "Tyrion, what are you planning to do later?"

Tyrion looked puzzled. "Go back to sleep, of course. There are ladies still in bed. I want to continue being affectionate."

Wishingful thinking, Jaime's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone serious. "I'm still a bit worried. Crackclaw Point holds deep grudges against Jon Arryn."

Jaime's expression was serious, and Tyrion nodded in agreement.

"I'll arrange a batch of Red Cloaks for you, just in case. Whatever happens, you should ensure Gallen's safety, then I'll come over."

...

Red Keep, Tower of the Hand.

Gallen handed the invitation from Jon Arryn to the guards at the Tower.

The guards carefully inspected the invitation and informed Gallen to go to the study on the second floor, stepping aside to let him through.

Gallen left Mordin and Anguy outside and entered the Tower himself.

"Good day, Lord Crabb."

By now, Gallen had crossed the spacious hall of the Tower and reached the stairs.

The unfamiliar voice with a subtle tone made Gallen pause.

A bald, overweight figure in loose robes, with hands clasped, appeared on the other side of the stairs in Gallen's view.

Varys?

Gallen raised an eyebrow, nodding to his chest. "Good day to you."

Varys strolled leisurely. "The look in your eyes tells me you recognize my identity."

Gallen nodded slightly. "Forgive my presumption. I've inquired about the prominent figures in the Red Keep, Lord Varys."

Varys nodded with a smile. "It's a very good habit to familiarize yourself with unfamiliar places in advance."

Varys's gaze was very friendly. "Although it is an honor for you to classify me as a prominent figure, I would like to explain for myself. Here, I am just a humble man, and they only pay more attention to me when they need me. Otherwise, they keep a polite distance."

Gallen smiled. "I can probably guess the reason."

"Oh?" Varys showed timely curiosity, as if he was very interested in Gallen's next answer.

Gallen deliberately lowered his voice. "They are wary. It's probably because of your duty, Master of Whisperers."

Varys smiled happily. "That's a interesting answer."

Gallen smiled and said nothing.

Varys politely sized up Gallen. "Lord Gallen, I've just come from Lord Arryn's study and talked about you with him."

Before Gallen could reply, Varys continued, "Lord Baelish, as the Master of Coin, lacks some information. I've fulfilled my duty as Master of Whisperers and supplemented Lord Arryn's intelligence."

Gallen's heart stirred, and he spoke, "Thank you for your diligence, the meeting with the Hand of the King might be much easier thanks to you."

Varys nodded. "It should have been a pleasant meeting, Lord Gallen."

"I feel sorry for Lady Lyna's grievances. If there's a chance, please convey my blessings to her."

After speaking, Varys slightly turned his body and extended a hand towards the direction of the stairs. "Please go ahead. We don't want to keep Lord Arryn waiting too long. Until next time."