-34- The Frightened Lancel

Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.

After listening to Lancel's trembling account, Cersei glanced at him with disdain as she stood by the window, her beautiful eyes flashing with contempt.

"Poor Lancel, are you frightened?" she sneered.

Lancel's voice still carried a tremor. "I'm sorry, your grace. I went to Lord Gallen's side voluntarily. I was the one who suggested executing those rumor-mongers at the meeting..."

"But... but I've seen executions before, just never so many at once!"

"Hundreds of people, and with a wave of Lord Gallen's hand, their heads rolled and the ground ran red!"

"I... I don't even know how I made it back to the Red Keep."

Cersei listened silently, and smiled. "I knew I didn't misjudge you."

Cersei's delicate body hidden in her long skirt moved slightly. "Where is Robert now?"

"I heard he went hunting again."

"And where is Jaime?"

"At this time, Ser Jaime should be teaching swordsmanship to Prince Joffrey."

"You go down and accompany Joffrey, let Jaime come to me immediately."

"Yes, your grace...."

After speaking, Cersei seemed to sense something unusual about Lancel, looking at him, he had some concern on his face, as if wanting to speak but hesitating.

Seeing Lancel still standing there without moving, Cersei said coldly, "Why are you still here?"

Lancel was startled, his body trembling, and hurriedly left.

...

...

Red Keep, gardens.

Lancel Lannister felt like today was his unluckiest day.

He had gone eagerly to witness Lord Gallen execute criminals, only to be scared out of his wits and barely make it back to the Red Keep.

Suppressing his discomfort, he dutifully reported to Queen Cersei, only to be inexplicably dismissed.

Now... Lancel had an apple on his head and was facing Joffrey, who was holding a crossbow and aiming at him.

While Jaime was teaching swordsmanship, Joffrey Baratheon was modest and eager to learn, truly deserving of his status as the Prince.

Jaime was called away, and Lancel, feeling relieved, continued teaching Joffrey swordsmanship.

Joffrey Baratheon is the heir to the Iron Throne, and Lancel felt it was necessary to establish a personal relationship with him in advance, which would be helpful for his future career.

...

Lancel didn't want to leave a weak impression in front of others, especially since this person was the heir to the Iron Throne... But his legs didn't listen to him, trembling uncontrollably.

Twelve-year-old Joffrey Baratheon, with his bright golden hair and fair skin, was very handsome.

As Joffrey aimed with the crossbow, he said with a smirk, "Lancel, if you keep moving like that, I can't guarantee I'll hit."

Lancel trembled even more.

Suddenly, Joffrey became angry. "Dog, find a way to stop this coward from moving!"

A towering figure stood motionless with a sword, but when he heard Joffrey's command, he started walking towards Lancel.

This man had sharp cheekbones and thick eyebrows, with the right half of his face covered in large twisted scars. He was very burly, dressed in smoky-gray armor with an olive-green cloak draped over it.

His name is Sandor Clegane, and he is the guard arranged by House Lannister for Prince Joffrey.

Lancel looked fearfully at Sandor as he approached step by step.

"What are you doing?"

Upon hearing the newcomer's voice, Lancel's legs went weak, and he finally couldn't help but sit down on the ground, almost wetting himself.

Tyrion, with a furious expression on his face, hurried over.

Joffrey lowered the crossbow, his face displaying disgust. "What are you doing here?"

At this moment, Joffrey's expression mirrored Cersei's.

Tyrion approached Joffrey. "My dear nephew, shouldn't you greet your uncle first?"

"Why should I greet you when you're interrupting my game!"

Tyrion softened his tone. "Joffrey, Lancel is also a Lannister, your family and ally. You shouldn't treat him like this."

Joffrey sneered.

Tyrion stared at Joffrey with widened eyes and continued, "What you're holding is not a toy, it's a weapon. Lancel could have been accidentally killed. Have you considered the consequences? This is not something that can be resolved with just an apology."

Joffrey didn't want to listen anymore. "Enough! I didn't kill Lancel, he's fine. I don't want to hear your lectures. I'm the heir to the Iron Throne, I'll do whatever I want, so get lost!"

With a slap, Tyrion slapped Joffrey across the face.

Joffrey held his cheek. "How dare you hit me! I'll tell Mother!"

Another slap, and Tyrion slapped Joffrey again.

Joffrey cried out in pain and tears streamed down his face.

"Fine, go ahead, go tell my dear sister what her lovely son has been up to!"

Tyrion's eyes narrowed, and he said in a solemn voice, "Now, apologize to Lancel and promise never to treat a life as a game again."

Joffrey shouted, "Dog, come here and beat him up!"

Sandor Clegane, with his large frame, silently walked behind Joffrey but made no other move.

"You!"

Joffrey first kicked Sandor Clegane's tall figure, then pointed at Tyrion. "You, you wait, I won't forget this!"

Tyrion raised his hand threateningly, and Joffrey cried out and dodged backward.

Tyrion sighed helplessly as he watched Joffrey flee in embarrassment.

Tyrion reached out to help Lancel stand up.

"Tha... Thank you, Lord Tyrion. I was really scared. Today has been terrible."

Tyrion grinned. "You're not bad, at least you didn't wet yourself. I would've done so already."

Lancel's face twisted in bitterness. "Still, I have to thank you for intervening... But, Joffrey is the Prince after all, will it be okay to hit him?"

Tyrion shrugged. "It's fine. Cersei never liked me anyway. Whether I hit Joffrey or not, Cersei's deep "love" for me won't change. I'm just sorry that I couldn't teach Joffrey better."

Lancel still worried. "What I mean is, Joffrey is the heir to the Iron Throne. Will he make trouble for you in the future?"

"Ha, King Robert will only thank me for helping to educate his son. As for the future... when our dear nephew inherits the Iron Throne, I can just hide in Casterly Rock and avoid him. He can't do anything to me."

Lancel nodded in agreement, finally letting go of the worry he had been carrying.