Chapter 84

At this time of peril for the kingdom, I, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm, Tommen I of House Baratheon, hereby appoint Ser Jaime of House Lannister as Regent and Hand of the King, to guard the Seven Kingdoms on my behalf, to serve as regent and assist the king, and to oversee all internal and external affairs, to command all royal military affairs, to oversee all land and sea military affairs and to suppress rebellions and bandits, to judge legal matters, to appoint officials; all this is entrusted to him. This is the appointment.

The chubby King Tommen, under his word‑by‑word dictation, laboriously wrote out the above text. Most of the letters needed Jaime to call them out one by one, but Prince Tommen listened attentively and wrote happily.

Jaime was grateful that Tywin's writing instruction had not made him forget the spelling of any of those words, which enabled him to coach the young king to write the sentence in full.

He reached out and took the parchment; seeing the letters crooked and uneven, this could not be better, at least showing that the document truly came from the young king's hand.

"Well written." he said, then handed the parchment back to the young king.

The young king happily replied to him. He had never before written a commission in full; this was the first time.

The young king knew what to do next. He took out a pen and signed his name, character by character, beneath the preceding text, then affixed the king's seal.

He wrote very conscientiously; though the handwriting was not handsome, at least no one would think it a forged authorization.

"I will rescue the queen mother and Queen Margaery."

"Hmm." the young king replied.

He walked toward the Red Keep council chamber behind the throne room, holding the hastily written commission.

Could such a sloppy text truly represent the authority to rule the Seven Kingdoms? Jaime found it utterly ridiculous, yet at this moment he had no choice but to rely on this little trifle.

He had always been a warrior with a sword, not a scholar with a pen. But now that he had lost his sword hand, he could no longer rely solely on his own blade to save his sister.

He thought he would never end up like Tywin, buried in paperwork and plotting, but an unseen force compelled him step by step to tread Tywin's old path.

The elder sister had always thought she was nothing like Tywin, but seeing her wanton ways, if she had any skill, King's Landing might be full of her bastards everywhere.

At least, Duke Tywin never put his own desires and pleasures before the family.

In the Red Keep council chamber, the nobles were already seated; seeing Jaime enter in full armor, they each fell silent. Jaime had the Red Keep guards who followed him stay outside, held the young king's commission in his left hand, leaned on his sword, and walked straight to the head of the table, sitting down calmly.

Kevan saw him enter, smiled, and stood respectfully to one side; the remaining four were either too old or too young. The two youngsters gave Jaime a cold stare as he entered, moving not a muscle, while the two old men trembled, seeming to want to move but clearly too aged to control their bowels for a moment.

Whatever, you bunch of bastards.

"Please sit, everyone." he said, looking at the four seated upright.

Kevan then sat down quietly, waiting for the last seat. The Grand Maester mumbled unintelligible words from his slack mouth, as if repeatedly giving thanks.

The admiral was Àoléēnwéi Shuǐ, very young, a bastard of the Iron Islands, his father being the Lord of the Iron Islands, Monford Velaryon. He inherited the silver‑gold hair of Valyria, only twenty‑two years old, giving Jaime a half‑smile.

Jaime regretted losing his golden hand; otherwise he would have tapped that smile away bit by bit with it.

As for Oswell Kettleblack, he gave Jaime a cold, blank stare as he walked to the head of the table, as if it belonged to him. As Commander of the City Watch, his place on the nobles' bench was naturally the queen mother's doing.

After taking the head seat, Jaime shifted his buttocks, leaned back against the chair's back, and rested his maimed limb on the long table. The chairs in King's Landing were never comfortable; the higher the chair, the less comfortable it was.

"My lords," he said, slipping the parchment before the Grand Maester with his left hand, "the Faith has imprisoned Queen Margaery and also a Kingsguard, Osmund Kettleblack."

"What is this?" the Grand Maester said, looking at the parchment's contents with a bewildered expression.

"Grand Maester, you don't recognize the writing above?" he said, eyeing the doddering scholar.

"This, ser, no, my lord, King Tommen has appointed you as Regent and Hand of the King, my lord, this is contrary to precedent, for no Kingsguard commander has ever served as regent." Jaime finally understood another reason Cersei disliked him. "Besides, my lord, Tommen is being regent by Queen Mother Cersei…"

"We'll discuss Queen Mother Cersei's affairs later," Jaime replied loudly.

"Grand Maester, the king has the right to appoint anyone as regent and Hand of the King," Kevan said with a smile. "At present, Queen Mother Cersei is absent, and the only free adult kinsman of King Tommen besides the rebel Stannis is Ser Jaime himself. What's wrong with him serving as regent?"

Jaime glanced at Kevan. He took it as praise and responded with a mysterious smile.

"This… this…" the Grand Maester stammered, unable to speak, and passed the parchment to Harys Swyft.

Harys Swyft was an old man who had lost both chin and hair, with a blue‑legged rooster embroidered on his chest.

Jaime felt he should shout at him the family motto in their tongue, "Wake up! Wake up!", to make him look a bit more spirited.

"This, Ser Jaime, I think, even if Queen Mother Cersei……has business, the most suitable choice for regent and Hand of the King is my son‑in‑law Kevan Lannister," he said, holding the parchment hesitantly.

"As for my uncle, I have other appointments," Jaime said impatiently. "If you, my lord, have finished reading the parchment, please pass it along; Queen Margaery is still detained in the Great Sept, and I have no time to listen to your chatter."

After a brief look, Kevan broke into a satisfied smile and handed the parchment to the Iron Islands bastard beside him.

"Heh, I thought the Kingsguard would have abandoned their family name," he said with a cold, contemptuous smile. Jaime thought this young man resembled his former self. He saw in Loras his own brave stubbornness, and in this man he saw arrogance that scorns everything. "What is this, Ser Jaime of House Lannister—are you still a Lannister?"

"What the hell does a bastard son of a traitor with no surname have to say about this?" His words made Jaime somewhat angry, and he replied with a sneer.

The young man instantly flushed with anger, shouting, "The Valyrian family has already sworn fealty to the Iron Throne!"

"Oh, then you're not a nameless bastard after all? I only know that your father, this bastard, died for Stannis at the Blackwater," Jaime snapped.

He flushed with rage, stood up, and said, "All I know is that Ser, after you joined the Kingsguard you gave up your family—do you still want to take off your white cloak? All I know is that after you lost the battle in the Riverlands and came back, you became, well, what regent, what Hand of the King, what commander of land and sea forces? Damn it, where is the queen mother?" He contemptuously tossed the parchment to Ser Oswell Kettleblack beside him.

Oswell gave the parchment a cold glance and shoved it back to Jaime. He couldn't read, couldn't write, and certainly couldn't make sense of the childish scrawl of King Tommen.

"Since none of you lords have any objection to King Tommen's appointment, let me begin today's meeting," Jaime said. "The kingdom's queen mother and Queen Margaery are imprisoned by the Faith—this is unacceptable, it damages the realm's dignity and undermines the prestige of both House Lannister and House Tyrell. This is the foremost matter. My lords, concerning this…"

"My lord?" the Grand Maester interrupted him. "Sorry, I just heard that the Faith has also imprisoned the queen mother?"

"Grand Maester, you heard correctly. The Faith has not only imprisoned Queen Margaery, but also Queen Mother Cersei." Jaime now formally announced the news. Perhaps his return was truly timely.

"This…" Jaime noticed the two young men finally changing color.

If they only now realize the problem, that's far too slow.

"I will muster the navy, storm the Great Sept, and rescue the queen mother," the bastard declared, immediately rising and heading for the tower's exit.

A few guards drew their swords and blocked him. He blinked back, "What's the meaning of this, my lord?"

"Old, true, brave." (The Old, the True, the Brave) Jaime said, "That is the family motto of the Valyrian line—I know you can't use it. But you can put it into practice."

Kevan seemed amused. "Heh, my lord, what should this admiral put into practice?"

"The bastard of the traitor Eddard Stark went to serve on the Wall; since your father is also a traitor and you are a bastard, why not go to the Wall? It is old, and certainly true enough. Of course, I most hope you are brave enough—I heard the Imp say the Wall lacks brave watchmen, so I hope you can go to the Wall and contribute more, for unlike in King's Landing, a bastard can rise high there too."

"Why? What crime have I committed to be sent to the Wall?"

"Isn't a traitor's bastard enough? Besides, who says going to the Wall must mean guilt? I've seen Stark bastards heading north to the Wall." Jaime mocked, "Of course you don't accept that, I have other charges. What the hell does it mean that you chose criminals as oarsmen? Are you trying to flee?"

"It was approved by the queen mother!"

"I don't care who approved it. Letting criminals join the royal navy is a disgrace to the kingdom. Just that alone makes you damned! If I find evidence you intend to desert, all you'll get is a rope—you should thank me for sending you to the Wall instead of to hell."

"I am loyal to the queen mother," he said excitedly. "I have other options."

"Damn it, just the fact that you might take criminals and the king's fleet to go pirating is already your best option." Jaime, seated on the dais and lounging in a chair, sneered, "Or perhaps you want me to hang you?"

I refuse, I want to see the Queen Mother! He shoved the guards beside him. The guard struck him hard in the abdomen, he immediately fell seated on the ground, spitting out, unable to speak.

I already said, the Queen Mother is detained by the Church. James sneered, "You didn't hear clearly? Tell you, you now have a choice: either be bound with iron chains and thrown onto the Great Wall by us, or obediently board a ship and be sent to the Great Wall."

Hmph! He struggled to his feet, glaring at James, about to say something.

The two guards again drew the sword hilts and viciously stabbed his waist twice more. He finally made no sound.

Take him away! James said, "The autumn and winter storms in the Narrow Sea are fierce; may you have a safe journey."

He easily dealt with this naval admiral appointed by Queen Mother Cersei, yet felt no sense of accomplishment—what a bunch of jumping clowns all this is.

Now, the seats at the Small Council appear to be vacant in many places, James said to the several Small Council members who had regained their spirits.

Lord James, the position of Minister of Law in the Small Council has been vacant before, and now, now... the Grand Maester stammered.

Good, one naval admiral gone, and now there's a vacancy for the Minister of the Sea. James turned his gaze to Osfeli Kate Black, "The show's been enough, sir, your younger brother Osney is accused of godslaying—uh, killing the former High Septon—uh, he himself even admitted to committing adultery with Queen Margaery; both are serious charges."

I won't forget that your brother was also accused by the Sparrows of adultery with the Queen Mother! Fuck your mother! Kate Black!

This is the Church's slander! He stood up, face flushed, retorting, "This is a conspiracy by the Church."

Who knows? James spread his left hand, "Your brother faces such serious charges, and has lewdly slandered Queen Margaery; I think you continuing as Commander of the City Watch is hardly appropriate!"

It's all lies, and damn it, what does this have to do with me? he shouted.

Of course it's related. James, with his left hand still on the scabbard, drew his sword from the scabbard bag and slammed it hard onto the table of the Red Keep's hall, making a clatter of bangs; the Grand Maester and Serwyf couldn't help but recoil, their ears seeming unusually sharp at that moment.

At that moment, Humphrey Waters entered from outside, accompanied by his three gold cloaks.

Let me announce to you," James said to Osfeli Kate Black, "This is the nominee for Commander of the City Watch, Lord Humphrey Waters, who previously oversaw the Dragonpit.

My lord," Humphrey Waters, tall and stern-faced, said to Osfeli.

You?" Osfeli pointed at him, then turned to James, his hand already on his sword.

Come on," James still leaning back in his chair, "If you dare draw your sword, you're dead.

Having said that, the three gold cloaks stepped forward and restrained him; one took his sword, while the other two held him left and right. He instantly became like a castrated rooster.

After all, you count as a senior official, you must maintain decorum. Besides, to ensure your safety, I've chosen a suitable place for you to stay," James said coldly, "Our naval admiral has already ransacked the prison; only you remain there, I believe it will be very safe.

Kingslayer!" he struggled, but the guards on either side tightened their grip.

Take him away!" James said disdainfully, "Many great men have called him 'Kingslayer,' what the hell are you?" "Lord Humphrey, congratulations, you are now Commander of the City Watch.

Thank you, my lord!

No need to thank me," James said, "Damn, the Dragonpit is shut now, I guess you have nothing to do. Things are different now—you must oversee all the city gates, and also keep watch over every sparrow in the city, big and small; you've got your hands full.

My lord, with you here, I believe these are no problem.

I have no confidence. Kate Black has left, this seat is vacant—would you like to sit?" James had no time to savor these trivial victories.

My lord, as you said, I now have plenty to do; please allow me to go out and tidy up the remnants." He announced his departure.

Wishing you success, my lord." After James saw him off, he placed his left hand on the appointment document and looked at the remaining few elders.

By rights, the young king is underage, his appointment needs the regent queen mother's signature," James said to those few, "but now the queen mother is absent, so please a few of you add your signatures!" Having said that, James pushed the appointment document toward the Grand Maester.

James took a quill from his robe and threw it to the Grand Maester, then used his sword scabbard to push the ink bottle on the table toward him.

The Grand Maester glanced at him, then took the quill, signed his name, took out a seal from his bosom, and added his endorsement.

The remaining two "senior officials" each did the same.

Grand Maester, the position is vacant now, someone must fill it." James looked at the parchment full of names and said, "Please send a raven, ask Lord Melymer to return from Storm's End; well, I think he's already returned, but keep sending ravens inviting him back to King's Landing to serve as Hand of the King.

My lord, this?" the Grand Maester exclaimed, "The Hand of the King is an important post.

Damn, I know that—do you expect me to hand it over to you to handle?" James said impatiently.

This, this?" he didn't know how to answer.

You're not really thinking of doing it, are you? If you had money and grain, letting you do it wouldn't matter, James thought.

Send another raven to the Lord of the Blue Fork in Gulltown, ask him to bring troops—damn, including the Lannister thousand—and all return to King's Landing; I can't think of anyone more suited for the post of Minister of Law than him.

Yes, my lord." the Grand Maester replied.

Damn, let him bring Robb Stark's—" he couldn't find the right word, "the corpse without the head back to King's Landing. I guess the she-wolf will want the remains. Fuck it, Frey, have him bring that great wolf head back as well.

My lord, as far as I know, Harlon of Cahors is also imprisoned in Gulltown, what do you think?

Good. Have the Lord of the Blue Fork also bring him back." That lad's father, Rickard Stark, had killed several of his cousins.

Yes, my lord. We have already received the she-wolf's letter proposing a prisoner exchange. They are willing to trade Malloryn for this person." the Grand Maester replied.

The heir of Harrenhal for the Earl of Cahors. A rough match—reply immediately agreeing. Furthermore, Grand Maester, you decide on other prisoner exchanges; give them everything you can.

Yes, my lord." he responded.

Ah, have our newly appointed Commander of the Gold Cloaks send men along the King's Road to round up the defeated soldiers." he ordered.

Yes, my lord." the Grand Maester replied like a parrot.

Besides the vacancy for Minister of Law, there's also, also the naval admiral, uh, the Minister of the Sea position." James hesitated a bit.

My lord, this position is also very important; the kingdom suffers Iron Islands raids everywhere—from Seagard, Shield Islands, the Mander, the Redwyn Straits, even as far as the Stone Islands—the Iron Islanders' pirates are practically everywhere, truly I don't know why they launch such widespread attacks." the Grand Maester hinted.

Alright. Damn, I thought the Minister of the Sea just needed to help deal with Stannis on Dragonstone." James sighed, "Then send another raven to Melymer, ask him to help appoint the Minister of the Sea, damn, he is the Hand of the King!

Heh, then that hat will most likely fall on the head of the Lord of the Quiet Isle." Cobeth laughed.

Whatever he gives it to," James only felt annoyed, "if we can't rescue Queen Margaery, even making him king won't quell the Tyrells' wrath!

Then, my lord, how should we rescue?" the Grand Maester said, "The High Sparrow—this person previously had almost no reputation; I don't know what his weaknesses are, what his current thoughts are? Ah, the queen mother restored the Church's Militant and the Small Council to the Faith, which is quite troublesome.

I need to know what use you are.

I will declare the High Sparrow's holding the office of High Septon illegal, and then legally suppress the Small Council and the Faith Militant," James said, "I don't believe there is any obedient High Septon willing to step forward and fight him!

My lord, if that happens, King's Landing could descend into great chaos!

What does King's Landing's chaos have to do with me?" James snapped, "If the High Sparrow truly has ability, let him go feed a city himself!

My lord, you, you are the regent!

Damn the regent!" James felt fed up with these matters, "If King's Landing descends into chaos, we'll return to Casterly Rock! This shitty city, whoever loves it can have it.

These words made everyone fall silent. Zhan Mu knew they might think he had gone mad as well.

He stood up, paced impatiently to the window, and pushed it open with his left hand. Snowflakes had already drifted in through the window, melting the instant they touched the wall.

Winter has arrived! He was still cleaning up the mess Se Xi left behind. After standing at the window for a long while, he turned his head back to the silent old men:

"I want to see Great Sparrow Hemp myself!"