-45- Gallen on the move
Gallen initially swore it was just out of professionalism, going along with his boss to please her.
But now, Gallen couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart.
Gallen had to admit that he underestimated the charm of Cersei, who possessed the top-notch beauty of the Seven Kingdoms.
Despite the marks of time from bearing three children, Cersei's golden curls and emerald eyes still retained her slender figure and fair skin.
Relying on his willpower, Gallen suppressed the restlessness in his heart and continued his work.
...
Gallen's gaze floated, evading direct eye contact with Queen Cersei.
Internally, Gallen's thoughts raced, while outwardly, he swallowed nervously. "Your Grace, do you have a candidate in mind to replace the Hand of the King?"
Gallen's response caught Cersei somewhat off guard, or rather pleasantly surprised.
Gallen truly understands me!
Queen Cersei's favored Hand of the King would naturally be her father, Tywin Lannister, but she knew King Robert would never agree.
Cersei withdrew her hand satisfactorily. "You always manage to surprise me, but you should also know that as long as Robert is alive, Jon Arryn's position as Hand of the King is unshakable."
Cersei noticed that Gallen had subtly distanced himself from her as she spoke.
Observing Gallen pretend to calm his breath, Cersei curled her lips into a smirk.
Gallen spoke up, "Today, I discovered that Lord Arryn's health is very poor. Even for his own well-being, as the queen, you have every reason to recommend a new Hand of the King. This would give Jon Arryn a rival. Even if we can't remove him from the position, at least it would tarnish his reputation and create another heavyweight political enemy."
At this point, Gallen's tone changed, and he lowered his voice slightly. "The enemy of my enemy could be your friend. You can simply sit back and watch the drama unfold. By then, you will have the upper hand."
After a pause, Gallen continued, "Your position will be transcendent, and whoever gains your support will have the advantage."
Cersei's eyes gleamed as if she could already envision Jon Arryn, begging her to maintain his position for the sake of power.
Queen Cersei continued. "What do you propose?"
Gallen had regained his usual calm demeanor. "After the hunt, allow me to go to the Reach in your name to meet with Lord Mace Tyrell of Highgarden."
"Lord Puff Fish?"
Indeed, a heavyweight!
Although Cersei's tone was contemptuous, Gallen still sensed the well-concealed alert in Cersei.
"Puff Fish" was a nickname given by others to Lord Mace Tyrell, the head of House Tyrell.
The illustrious Tyrell family ruled over the fertile lands of the Reach. Their family sigil was a golden rose blooming on a verdant green field, and their wealth was second only to House Lannister. They not only possessed formidable land military power but also a navy that rivaled the royal fleet.
...
Gallen spoke, "For a fish, King's Landing is its fish tank, and you will ultimately control this fish tank."
Gallen's clever answer pleased the usually confident Queen Cersei.
Cersei raised her chin slightly. "Then proceed, showcase your talent, Lord Gallen."
After speaking, Queen Cersei once again drew closer to Gallen.
Gallen noticed Queen Cersei's gaze shift slightly.
Queen Cersei curved her lips slightly. "Do your job well and you will be rewarded."
Reward? Cersei's use of the term made Gallen's mind wander.
The increasingly pleased Queen Cersei cast a smiling glance at Gallen and turned, saying, "Let's go, Lord Gallen, lunchtime is approaching."
...
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast dining hall.
Queen Cersei sat at the head of the long table.
To Cersei's right sat Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, while on her left sat Jaime, Gallen, Lancel, and Tyrion.
Observing the seating arrangement, it seemed to follow the hierarchy of status and titles, but it was actually arranged according to Queen Cersei's favoritism.
Based solely on the Lannister surname, Tyrion and Lancel could sit ahead of "country nobles" like Gallen.
Queen Cersei had the potential of a dictator.
The serving girls served the dishes plated in golden bowls and plates in an orderly fashion.
First was a thick soup of mushrooms and buttered snails, followed by cakes of pine nuts and eggs, and oat bread baked with apples and oranges.
After the desserts, the main meat dishes were served: wild boar ribs, large lamb chops stewed with raisins and onions, and parsley grilled fish cakes. Finally, the serving girls placed a portion of buttered peas in front of each person.
...
After all the dishes were served, the serving girls began pouring wine, which was Tyrion's favorite summer red.
Gallen thought there was a loophole in Queen Cersei's intelligence. If she knew Tyrion's favorite was summer red, with her personality, she would definitely change it to another wine or specifically replace Tyrion's wine.
During the meal, Joffrey, sitting diagonally across from Gallen, suddenly raised his glass to Gallen as a gesture.
Gallen actually didn't want to engage too deeply with this brat.
But he was the most favored son of Cersei, his boss!
No matter what he thought in his heart, Gallen remained very courteous on the surface and also raised his glass in return to Joffrey, "Your Grace."
This situation made Lancel, who was watching nearby, very envious.
Joffrey's occasional glances toward Lancel were clearly malicious. He was the only one that was picked on by Prince Joffrey!
Lancel hoped that King Robert, who was out hunting, would return soon, so he could get away from Joffrey as soon as possible.
...
During the meal, Queen Cersei announced that Gallen would take over and be in charge of the hunt this time.
Jaime also told Gallen that the queen's officers had prepared the list as usual and that before leaving, he should see the Master of Coin, Petyr, to collect the gold dragons needed for the hunt.
Gallen Crabb was also promoted to be the queen's chief officer.
With Gallen's promotion, his salary would also increase accordingly. Although time was still tight, Gallen felt like he could continue to grind.