"It's too early to say. Our investigation is still ongoing." I paused. "I think that in time, Tyrion will surprise us all. I'm just afraid it will be an unpleasant surprise."
"All right, we'll come back to that," Tywin said, tapping his hand on the table. "So, what about the debt?"
"The entire debt consists of four large parts. The Crown owes the Iron Bank the most. Second is House Lannister. Third is House Tyrell. And last is the Church of the Seven. And then," I continued, "it occurred to me how we might write off part of the debt."
"And how?"
"The Tyrells are owed eight hundred thousand. What if I speak with Lord Mace and ask him to forgive it?"
"He won't agree to that," Tywin said, sounding disappointed. He clearly expected something more substantial from me, not youthful fantasies. "It is strange that such a ridiculous idea should occur to you."
"Wait, Grandfather, I haven't finished yet. Of course Lord Tyrell won't give up that money just like that. But here's the trick: if House Lannister agrees to forget the exact same amount, then Mace Tyrell will find himself in a very amusing position. We will solemnly and loudly declare that, under the circumstances, the Lannisters are making a grand gesture of goodwill toward the Crown by forgiving part of the debt in the amount of eight hundred thousand. And then Lord Mace will find himself backed into a corner. He wants people to praise his name. And he is willing to do a great deal for his daughter's happiness. He will accept this offer."
"Interesting…" Lord Tywin scratched his knuckles and looked at Kevan.
I sat and watched the older Lannisters exchange silent glances, but it seemed quite clear to me that each understood perfectly well what the other was thinking.
I didn't know what Lord Tywin's thoughts were, but something told me that money was not his primary concern. Rather, he was weighing the political advantages he could gain by making such a magnanimous gesture.
"You have surprised us, Your Majesty," Kevan finally said.
"Does that mean yes or no?"
"Such matters cannot be decided so quickly," Tywin said slowly. "So you are willing to speak with Lord Mace… But what will you do if he still refuses? In that case, your authority will suffer, as he will not keep silent about the offer and his refusal."
"I have another trump card. If you don't mind, I will also give him good news — he will lead the army that will march on Storm's End."
"It will work. It will definitely work," Kevan said with certainty.
"Of course it will," Tywin added sarcastically. "But we must decide something else: is Casterly Rock willing to forget such money?"
"I understand," I said, rising from the table. "I think you have something to discuss. I'll take my leave. All the best."
"And you as well, Your Majesty," Kevan replied. Lord Tywin simply nodded in silence.
***
A day later, Lord Tywin agreed to write off the Kingdom's debt of eight hundred thousand — but with two conditions. First: the Lannisters would forgive the debt only if Mace Tyrell did the same. Second: a long-term plan that I was obliged to support — after the war ended, Jaime Lannister would be removed from his position as Lord Commander and sent to Casterly Rock, where, on the king's order, he would be required to marry a suitable lady, who would be named in due time.
Lord Tywin was very keen to secure Casterly Rock and the entire Westerlands for his grandchildren — specifically Jaime's children, and not Tyrion's or Kevan's.
It was a very difficult and delicate deal that I had no choice but to accept. At the moment, I had no idea how I would manage it in the future — there were definitely difficulties ahead, and they were not insignificant.
When informing me of the conditions, Grandfather watched me with obvious interest — he was eager to see how I would handle the matter with Tyrell.
Leaving the Tower of the Hand, accompanied by Orm, I set off to see my father-in-law.
"How is Olivia, Herald?" I asked as we walked through the countless passages and corridors.
"Everything is wonderful, Your Majesty," the bodyguard smiled. "She is happy and eagerly awaiting the wedding day."
"Will you invite me?"
"Of course," he laughed.
Earlier, Herald had already expressed his deepest gratitude to me. It happened after old Footly summoned him and, in his quarrelsome, caustic manner, informed him that after much deliberation he agreed to give him his youngest daughter.
As usual, Lord Mace's chambers were crowded. Several knights of the Reach, ladies — everyone needed something from their suzerain. Servants moved about, bringing wine and snacks, fulfilling countless small requests.
Everyone stood when I entered. I greeted them and nodded — many I knew quite well by now.
"May I speak with you in private, Father?" I asked my father-in-law.
"Of course," Mace said, clearly flattered that I didn't summon him to me, but took the trouble to come to these chambers himself.
"I have heard many good things about your eldest son, Willas," I said. "People say you have raised your heir wonderfully. They say the fate of Highgarden is in safe hands."
"It is very pleasant to hear," Mace beamed with pride, blooming like the embroidered roses on his doublet. His smile widened, and his eyes sparkled with both joy and pride.
And I spoke completely honestly and openly— without a hint of flattery. Willas truly was a gifted young man. Unfortunately, in Westeros, where physical strength and knightly valor were valued above all else, such qualities were often overlooked.