NIP #344 - Chapter 78: Faith is a double-edged sword (I)
#344 - Chapter 78: Faith is a double-edged sword (I)
In the Red Keep of King's Landing, with a loud crash, Cersei returned to her chambers and furiously overturned the table.
This afternoon, Queen Margaery had not only stolen her limelight but also subtly mocked her aging appearance. The noble ladies of King's Landing flocked around Margaery, showering the new queen with flattery while intentionally snubbing and ostracizing Cersei, the Queen Mother. What infuriated her the most was Tommen's renewed suggestion to send her back to Casterly Rock. Cersei knew this must be the work of that vixen, trying to manipulate her into submission. She couldn't let her get her way; otherwise, she would be forced to relinquish all power and live out her days in solitude at Casterly Rock.
Just then, a knock came at the door. Cersei took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and called out, "Enter!"
The young handmaiden entered the room timidly, her voice trembling as she said, "Your Grace, the High Septon requests a meeting of the Small Council. Lord Varys sent me to inform you."
Cersei adjusted her dress and somewhat disheveled hair, once again adopting the image of a graceful and dignified Queen Mother. Before leaving, she gave the handmaiden a cold look, saying sternly, "Clean this up. If I hear any rumors about today, I will not hesitate to tear out your tongue!" With that, she turned and left, leaving the handmaiden trembling in her wake.
A tense atmosphere filled the Small Council chamber. Since the assassination attempt, the doors had been replaced with openwork glass panels to prevent a recurrence. However, this did little to ease Cersei's unease.
Since Tywin's death, the position of Hand of the King had remained vacant. Cersei, as Queen Regent, wielded absolute power, appointing her loyalists as council members. Qyburn became the Master of Laws, while Lord Mace Tyrell held both the positions of Master of Ships and Master of Coin. Cersei had originally intended to appoint her uncle Kevan as Master of War, but he refused outright.
Kevan, much like Stannis, was deeply opposed to Cersei's dictatorial behavior. Learning of Cersei's inappropriate relationship with Lancel only intensified his disdain for her. After a heated argument, Kevan returned to Casterly Rock without even going to the front lines, as a form of protest. As he left, Kevan delivered a harsh rebuke: "You are nothing but the King's mother. I will not acknowledge your authority, and I will never condone you filling the Small Council with sycophants. If the King needs my service, he can ask me himself." With that, he turned and left, leaving a stunned Cersei behind.
Cersei knew that while she currently held some power, Kevan's departure was a significant blow. However, she would never easily give up her position and power; she was determined to find a way to consolidate her rule and silence those who opposed her.
Ultimately, only Tywin's younger brother, Tygett Lannister, decided to stay and serve in the Red Keep. His other brother, Gerion Lannister, went to the front lines to lead the army. In truth, both Tygett and Gerion possessed remarkable talents, but they had long lived in the shadow of Tywin's immense brilliance, which made them seem relatively unremarkable.
As Cersei entered the Small Council chamber and took her seat at the head of the table, she cast a sharp gaze around at the assembled councilors, inwardly plotting her next move.
"I have called you all here for an important matter," Cersei began, her voice cold and commanding from her seat on the throne. "The High Septon claims to have been harmed. Bring him forward!"
As Cersei's words echoed through the chamber, the room fell silent, save for the hushed whispers of the councilors. Clearly, some were already aware of the situation, while others looked on in confusion, unsure of what had transpired.
After a moment, the High Septon entered the chamber. He first bowed to the assembled councilors, then spoke with impassioned emotion: "Your Grace, my lords. I come before you today to speak of a most grievous matter. As the High Septon of the Faith of the Seven, and the chief servant of the Gods in this world, I represent the will and dignity of the divine. Yet, recently, I have been subjected to a shameful attack and insult. This is not only an attack on me personally, but a desecration of the Gods we worship!"
Cersei narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of amusement flickering across her face. "If I heard correctly, you yourself were attacked? Perhaps you could describe the situation in detail?"
The High Septon took a deep breath and continued: "Yes, Your Grace. The vile thugs, calling themselves 'Sparrows,' are fanatical extremists. They broke into my residence and subjected me to merciless beatings and whippings, even forcing me to walk naked and bloodied on the cobblestone streets. Had the Gods not protected me, I would not be standing here before you today."
As he spoke, the High Septon's voice trembled, his eyes flashing with anger and fear. He paused, then continued: "This incident is not merely an act of violence against me personally, but a provocation and trampling upon the entire Faith of the Seven and the beliefs we uphold. I urge you, my lords, to take this matter seriously and take the necessary measures to uphold the dignity and rights of the Church."
Having heard the High Septon's account, the council chamber erupted in a flurry of discussion. The councilors exchanged glances and whispered amongst themselves. Some expressed sympathy and outrage for the High Septon, demanding that the perpetrators be severely punished; others were skeptical, suggesting that the situation might not be as straightforward as it seemed. Cersei, however, remained seated, her face impassive as she watched the scene unfold, seemingly lost in thought...
Varys interjected suddenly, "According to my information, the attack occurred in the brothel owned by Littlefinger. Even more unbelievably, the High Septon had the prostitutes dress up as the Seven Gods, while he himself enjoyed their favors and flattery." At this, the assembled councilors couldn't help but chuckle derisively.
Lord Mace Tyrell exclaimed indignantly, "This is outrageous and lawless! How could a High Septon do such a scandalous thing?"
Qyburn countered dismissively, "Lord Tyrell, allow me to remind you that neither religious doctrine nor national law explicitly prohibits the High Septon from patronizing brothels."