-81- Meeting Lord Puff Fish

Petyr spread his hands and said, "It's a pity it's too far away. I missed an exciting bet."

Varys laughed, "I agree. A tournament without the Master of Coin's wagers loses some excitement."

Petyr and Varys exchanged a knowing smile.

After a pause, Varys, with a slightly more serious expression, asked, "Lord Baelish, how is Lord Arryn's recovery?"

Petyr's eyes were deep, and he shrugged slightly. "It's no secret. Lord Stannis visited, and the meeting was not very pleasant. I can only say he is improving."

Varys sighed, "I've heard as much. Although I know the details, many people saw Lord Stannis leave, and they have their suspicions."

Petyr shook his head with a helpless tone, "There's no helping it. Lord Stannis is always uncompromisingly upright."

Varys's tone remained calm, "Are you suggesting that his uprightness is intimidating?"

Petyr's eye twitched, his lips curling into a smile, "Deep down, everyone respects Lord Stannis."

Varys nodded, "That shows that there is still goodness in people's hearts."

Petyr's smile froze for a moment, his eyes flickering. "Lord Varys, it seems you are quite fond of Lord Stannis."

Varys clasped his hands together, "My opinions are insignificant. I am but one among many."

Petyr's smile didn't fade, "Lord Stannis is always in a hurry for everyone's sake. Perhaps next time, we should try to detain him for a while."

Varys replied with a smile, "That would require your wisdom."

Petyr leaned back in his chair, spreading his hands, "Maybe we should send away all the prostitutes in King's Landing to improve Lord Stannis's mood? We all know he dislikes them."

Varys chuckled and shook his head, "Then we would never see King Robert again. In the end, we have to make choices."

Petyr smiled and shifted the topic, "Lord Varys, it seems this time we need your assistance. The Hand of the King is quite concerned."

Varys stood up and nodded, "Happy to serve. My little birds will ensure that Lord Gallen receives Lord Arryn's attention."

Petyr smiled in thanks, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

...

...

Highgarden Castle.

Gallen finally met the long-anticipated Lord Puff Fish.

Lord Mace Tyrell had curly brown hair and a sturdy, somewhat plump build, but he still looked handsome.

From his appearance, the dignified Mace truly deserved to be the leader of the Golden Rose family.

Gallen glanced at the Little Rose standing beside Mace Tyrell, then greeted the lord, "Good day, My Lord. I am the Queen's emissary, her chief officer, Gallen Crabb of Whispers. It is such an honor to meet you."

Mace's first impression of Gallen was rather favorable.

Margaery's brown eyes moved slightly. She first looked at the seemingly excited Gallen and then at her father, who remained fairly composed, maintaining her graceful smile and staying silent.

...

"Welcome, Lord Crabb."

Gallen bowed slightly, "Your reputation echoes throughout King's Landing. By order of Queen Cersei, I bring her sincere greetings to you."

Mace nodded, "Please convey my thanks to Her Majesty. House Tyrell appreciates the Queen's favor."

After the formal greetings, Gallen took a seat at Mace's invitation.

Mace Tyrell, who had seen much, felt a bit uneasy under Gallen's 'admiring' gaze.

Mace thought to himself, it seems the little lord is young and doesn't know how to conceal his emotions.

Unknowingly, Mace's impression of Gallen improved further.

Lord Gallen seems to truly admire Father… the observant Little Rose felt she had learned something today.

Gallen respectfully said, "I grew up listening to stories about you and always hoped to meet you. When I learned that Queen Cersei was sending an envoy to Highgarden, I immediately volunteered. Please forgive my presumptuousness."

Mace's expression remained calm, though he voiced his curiosity, "Oh?"

Gallen leaned forward slightly, "That war from fifteen years ago, though it has passed, I've heard countless stories from my mother since I was old enough to understand."

Mace Tyrell seemed to be reminiscing, "Has it been fifteen years already? Time passes unnoticed."

Mace looked at Margaery sitting beside him, "Back then, Margaery hadn't even been born…"

Mace sighed, "That great war had much fortune but also much misfortune."

Margaery looked at her father with concern, lightly patting his big hand in a comforting manner.

...

Gallen raised an eyebrow, thinking, Is Mace Tyrell showing signs of premature aging?

Gallen timely interjected, "My lord, there's no need to dwell on it. You did your best, and your valor will not be forgotten. At least the people of Crackclaw Point understand your difficult position."

Hearing this, both Mace and Margaery looked at Gallen with somewhat complex expressions.

Gallen's expression remained unchanged as he sighed softly, "You may not be fully aware of how devastating the losses were for Crackclaw Point during that war. I can only say they fought to the last moment for loyalty and honor.

"Because of that war, more than half of the noble houses of Crackclaw Point were wiped out. Many names vanished forever… Now, I am the last male of House Crabb.

"The survivors, including my mother, often said that if the Targaryens had heeded your strategic advice, perhaps the Iron Throne would still be theirs."

As he spoke, Gallen shook his head slightly and continued, "I merely regret that they refused to listen to your command. One could say the Targaryens lost due to their stubbornness."

Mace seemed momentarily lost in Gallen's words.

After a short while, Mace snapped back to reality, coughed lightly, and motioned for the attendants to leave the hall.

Margaery blinked and said, "Lord Gallen, your words could be easily misunderstood. You are now a vassal of King Robert."

Gallen placed a hand on his chest and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Lady Margaery. My intention today was to seek military advice from Lord Tyrell. Speaking of the past, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic… Please forgive my impetuousness."

Mace laughed warmly, "It's alright. It's all in the past. We're just discussing military matters; no one will mind."

After a pause, he added, "I know a little about you. You're impressive, leading troops at such a young age to defeat an enemy twenty times larger and reclaiming your family's lands. Ahem, so you're quite familiar with that war?"

Mace's eyes held encouragement, signaling, Go on… speak more!

Gallen nodded firmly. I understand!