Game of Thrones: Knight’s Honor

Chapter 365 - 365: The Iron Throne Belongs to You

"Lord Tywin, I can have Myrcella renounce her claim to the throne—but what can you offer her in return?" Lynd wasn't surprised by Tywin's late-night visit. The moment the Red Viper stirred the pot by nominating Myrcella as heir to the Iron Throne, he knew Tywin would come looking for him.

What did surprise him, however, was Tywin's impatience. He had come that very night, wasting no time or words, and made his demand directly: for Myrcella to renounce her claim.

So Lynd replied just as directly—she could give up her claim, but only if something of equal value was offered in return.

"What do you want?" Tywin asked in a low voice.

Lynd thought for a moment before answering, "What you found on Fair Isle."

Tywin's expression changed instantly. His eyes widened, and his fingers twitched slightly from the surge of emotion. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and asked, "When did you find out?"

"I began to suspect when you arranged for a Lannister to marry the last heir of Fair Isle and took control of it." Lynd smiled. "Later, you organized four expeditions into the Sunset Sea. Except for the one that was lost, the other three returned safely to Lannisport with loads of spices, gems, and gold. While you're not quite as secretive as my Black Cave, you're still far more discreet than most powerful men. But secrets are kept by people, and where there are people, there are leaks. Anyone following the right threads could uncover the truth. Elissa's inheritance, the safe shipping routes around the globe... Honestly, once I knew the truth, I nearly rode to Casterly Rock myself to demand a share."

"Why didn't you press the issue?" Tywin hesitated, then asked, "With your power and strength, you could take the Westerlands by force. Even if Casterly Rock is built atop a mountain, I doubt it could hold against your dragons."

Lynd smiled. "I do covet the trade beyond the Sunset Sea, but I know where my real priority lies. The White Walkers are my main enemy. As one of the Seven Kingdoms, the Westerlands will be a crucial force in the war to come. Why would I weaken a future ally over a bit of gold? Besides, I don't need Sunset Sea trade to fill my coffers. But you're different. The Westerlands' gold has been mined for years—it's likely close to depletion. Without support from overseas trade, the Westerlands' prosperity will collapse. Don't you think? And really, I don't need to take it by force. Someone will hand me that route of their own accord—just like you're doing now."

Hearing this, Tywin felt as though every one of his secrets had been laid bare. When Lynd mentioned the depleted gold mines, a wave of dizziness hit him.

A depleted gold mine was the greatest disaster the Westerlands currently faced. Most of its wealth came from gold, the pillar that upheld its stability.

Just last year, reports confirmed the mines had completely dried up. The only gold left was of such poor quality it required multiple rounds of refinement.

Tywin had long known about this, which was why he began laying the groundwork for overseas trade routes early on. To maintain the illusion that the mines were still productive, he had secretly bought vast quantities of raw gold ore from outside the region and had it hauled in and out by miners to simulate normal operations. It was a massive deception meant to keep his lands stable.

But he also knew the secret wouldn't last. As gold production dropped, Lannisport's exports of gold jewelry and wares had halved. Some blamed the war, but in truth, Tywin was intentionally cutting back exports to stretch out the treasury until he could find a way to fill the financial hole.

Now, this devastating secret had been casually exposed by Lynd. And if Lynd held any ill will, he wouldn't even need to send troops—just exposing the truth about the gold mines would be enough to shake House Lannister's hold on the Westerlands.

Lynd seemed to sense Tywin's panic and reassured him, "Don't worry. I won't reveal the truth about the depleted mines. In fact, I can even supply you with a secret shipment of raw gold ore, so the Westerlands can keep up appearances."

"Why? Why would you help the Westerlands?" Tywin asked, completely bewildered.

Lynd replied firmly, "Because I need a stable Westerlands, not a chaotic one." Then he added, "But we've strayed from the main topic. Let's return to the matter of succession. Lord Tywin, have you decided? Will you trade Elissa's inheritance for Myrcella's claim to the throne?"

Tywin was silent for a moment before shaking his head slightly. "I need to discuss it with others before I can decide."

"In that case, please return for now, Lord Tywin. I hope that next time we meet, you'll have an answer for me." Lynd nodded and added a reminder, "But I suggest you respond before the next king selection. Otherwise, even if I say nothing, someone else will step forward to help Myrcella claim the Iron Throne. Your reputation in the other kingdoms isn't exactly glowing—many would love to see you taken down a peg."

Tywin said nothing more. He turned and left Lynd's residence in haste...

As Tywin left, the Red Viper stepped out from a side room and glanced in the direction he had gone, sneering, "The Lannisters' shit is made of gold, or so they say. But now it looks like they can't even shit gold anymore. That's worth celebrating."

"What are you so happy about? Even if the mines are depleted, Tywin still controls enough gold bars and ore to meet basic needs for at least three more years. Just the news of the mines drying up isn't enough to seriously threaten Lord Tywin or the Westerlands." Lynd gave a slight shake of his head. "With Tywin's mind, there's no way he doesn't understand that. The problem is, he's grown up hearing nothing but how Lannisters and gold mines go hand-in-hand. So when the mines dried up, he panicked, thinking the collapse of the Lannisters was inevitable. He just hasn't realized that the impact isn't nearly as dire as he believes."

The Red Viper couldn't help but ask, "So Tywin really did find Elissa's inheritance and discover the route west beyond the Sunset Sea?"

"Most likely." Lynd nodded. "Asha sent people to track them, but none of them came back."

"Did Tywin's fleet sink them?" the Red Viper guessed.

"No." Lynd's expression grew serious. "If that were the case, Tywin wouldn't have looked so shocked and flustered when I mentioned Elissa's inheritance just now. So Asha's people probably met with a shipwreck."

The Red Viper spoke with a touch of envy. "The Lannisters have such luck. Their gold mines dry up, and a new one practically lands in their lap."

"Alright, that's enough about the Lannisters." Lynd ended the topic, then looked at the Red Viper. "Why are you here? I already told you I wouldn't get involved..."

"No! I'm not here for the Iron Throne. Or—well—I guess I kind of am." The Red Viper cut him off, stumbling through his explanation. Even as he spoke, he realized it sounded odd, so he corrected himself. "What I mean is, I came to ask if you'd be interested in sitting on the Iron Throne."

Lynd paused, then looked at him with a strange expression. "Do you even know what you're saying?"

"Of course I do." The Red Viper smiled, then picked up a jug from the table and poured himself a drink. He took a sip—only to find it was juice—and set it back down before continuing, "Honestly, your influence is already no different from that of the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, the Warden of the Realm, or the Lord of the Iron Throne. Just think—you're in control of the North, the Stormlands, and Dragonstone. Add in your Summerhall, our Martell family's Dorne, and the Reach with House Tyrell..."

"Hold on," Lynd cut in. "Is this just something you came up with on the spot, or have you actually discussed this with House Tyrell?"

"It's just a sudden idea for now," the Red Viper admitted, visibly excited. "But I really don't think House Tyrell would say no."

"So not only does House Tyrell know nothing about this, but you're also making decisions on behalf of Prince Doran without his consent," Lynd said with a chuckle. "Did it occur to you that they might reject the idea?"

"No, they absolutely won't," the Red Viper said, now fully convinced of the plan's viability. "You think your identity is an obstacle to ruling the Seven Kingdoms and claiming the Iron Throne? That's nonsense. Who among the Seven Kingdoms holds a nobler title than the chosen of the Seven Gods, the Storm Lord, and the Lord of Calamity? Your reputation already surpasses any who have sat the Iron Throne—yes, even Aegon the Conqueror. No one would dare oppose you."

Then he turned and called toward the door, "What do you think, Lord Sansa, Lord Shireen?"

At that moment, Sansa, Shireen, and Patchface stepped out from behind the door, glancing nervously at Lynd. Sansa stepped forward and said, "We didn't mean to eavesdrop. We just couldn't sleep and were wandering outside when we overheard..."

"No need to explain. If I hadn't wanted you to listen in, the Sisters of Redemption at the door would've taken you away already." Lynd looked at them and said, "You all heard Prince Oberyn's proposal. Let's hear what you think. Shireen, you go first."

"My lord, I think it's a good idea," Shireen said quietly, glancing up at Lynd before lowering her head again.

Sansa quickly added, "My lord, if you were to become the ruler of the Iron Throne, the conflicts across the Seven Kingdoms would finally come to an end. Peace would return to the realm, which would also help in the coming war against the White Walkers. After all, only in a time of peace can the Seven Kingdoms send enough men and supplies to support the Wall."

The Red Viper gave Lynd a peculiar look and said, "Did you really need to ask their opinions? Both of them still need your support to firmly hold their titles as Lords of Storm's End and Winterfell. Why would they ever oppose you becoming King?"

"Mm, I didn't think they would oppose it either." Lynd nodded knowingly, then turned to the Red Viper and said, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you to go speak with Lord Mace and Lady Catelyn—ask them whether they're willing to support me as ruler of the Iron Throne. And make sure you check with Prince Doran too. I'd rather not have you agree on his behalf only for him to change his mind later."

The Red Viper froze for a second, then quickly caught on and asked in a rush, "So you're agreeing to my proposal?"

Lynd replied calmly, "You've already placed the Iron Throne in front of me. It'd be too much of a show if I kept pretending to refuse."

"I knew you'd say yes! I'll head to House Tyrell right away..." The Red Viper was visibly excited and was about to rush off to speak with Lord Mace and Lady Catelyn when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Turning back, he looked at Lynd with an odd expression and said, "Wait a minute—this doesn't make sense! You're the one who wants the Iron Throne, so why am I the one running around trying to convince everyone?"

Lynd smiled and replied, "Wasn't it your idea in the first place? Since it came from you, it's only natural you take responsibility. Getting too many people involved now would just make things messy. After all, Tywin's still standing in the way, isn't he?"

The Red Viper stared at Lynd for a long moment before saying, "I can't help but feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick here. I'm doing all the work, and you're the one reaping all the rewards."

Lynd pulled out a document he'd prepared not long ago and handed it to the Red Viper. "In that case, I'm planning to organize an expedition soon to explore deep into the continent of Sothoryos in search of suitable settlement locations. Are you interested in leading the team?"

The Red Viper's interest was immediately piqued. He'd always been a restless soul, but for various reasons, he'd been stuck in Sunspear. Though it was his home, he had to admit he'd grown tired of staying there. Lynd's offer was exactly what he needed—and if Lynd were to sit on the Iron Throne, he wouldn't have to remain in Sunspear any longer and could finally go live his own life.

With that thought, he took the proposal, read through it carefully, then handed it back to Lynd and said, "Leave it to me. Just name me captain of the expedition afterward."

And with that, he hurried out of the residence.

...

As the Red Viper departed, Sansa couldn't help but walk over and ask curiously, "My lord, weren't you planning to hire Prince Oberyn to lead the expedition at a high salary from the start?"

Lynd simply smiled at her question and put the proposal away.