Today's meeting agenda was clear: voting to fill the vacant positions of Master of Laws and Master of Coin.
First on the docket was the Master of Laws, a largely ceremonial role with little influence. Major decisions fell to the king, while minor matters were handled by the Hand of the King. Westeros's laws had remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Robert nominated Mathis Rowan, Lord of Goldengrove in the Reach, while Jon Arryn nominated Renly Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End. With only two candidates, the vote concluded with Renly narrowly winning 5-4, earning him the position.
Originally, Robert had wanted Renly to take on the role of Master of Coin, believing that only Wright could surpass Renly's talent for generating wealth. However, Renly declined, finding the position too taxing. Anyway, the Master of Law also had voting rights, and Renly recommended Mace Tyrell to Robert
As the Reach produced vast quantities of sugarcane, Mace Tyrell had built large paper mills in various regions under the name of his uncle, Garth Tyrell. Apart from a few holdouts still producing coarse paper, Mace had effectively monopolized the production of both high and low quality toilet paper throughout the Seven Kingdoms with his low-cost operations.
Few had realized just how profitable this seemingly mundane industry was. Quietly amassing a fortune, Mace Tyrell became a financial powerhouse.
The primary responsibility of the Master of Coin, beyond managing the crown's industries, was to ensure that funds could be borrowed during times of need.
The two candidates for Master of Coin were Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden, and Petyr Baelish of House Baelish from the Fingers.
Petyr had spent a considerable sum greasing palms to secure Jon Arryn's nomination. He had been confident of victory.
As one of the few to grasp the extent of Mace Tyrell's wealth, Petyr was baffled when Mace entered the chamber. According to Varys's intelligence, Mace Tyrell had neither the interest nor the time to come to King's Landing. Varys had even orchestrated minor disruptions at Mace's workshops to ensure he stayed occupied.
Petyr's mind raced: If he's here, what chance do I have? Mace Tyrell might already be the council's preordained choice, and my nomination could have been nothing more than Jon Arryn filling out the roster.
As expected, Mace Tyrell secured six votes against Petyr Baelish's three, officially becoming the new Master of Coin.
With the first agenda item concluded, Robert ordered servants to bring in some sweet wine and pastries.
Petyr Baelish maintained a smile, warmly congratulating both Renly and Lord Mace.
"Apologies, but it seems I've prevailed after all! Hahaha!" Mace Tyrell chuckled, unable to contain his glee.
"It's quite alright. I'll continue to serve the realm here in King's Landing," Petyr replied with a naturally composed demeanor.
Robert clapped his hands, signaling the end of the break. Petyr and Mathis Rowan were excused, while the Small Council prepared to address the next item on the agenda.
Jon Arryn began, "Your Grace, Princess Arianne of Dorne has taken ill. As for the ladies of other great houses, they are either too old or too young. Your new queen cannot wait years to wed, so we must consider noblewomen from other houses."
Mace Tyrell, the newly appointed Master of Coin, spoke up, "Desmera Redwyne of House Redwyne has already flowered. She could be a suitable candidate."
Naturally, he was inclined to support a family from the Reach, particularly his mother's kin.
Renly, now the Master of Laws, idly played with his fingers. "Lord Mace, let's not consider Desmera. I happened to meet her on the Arbor — future queens shouldn't have faces full of freckles!"
Mace said nothing, knowing he had other candidates in mind. He glanced at Renly, aware that everyone had their own suggestions for this nationwide contest.
Jon Arryn proposed, "I recommend Jeyne Hunter of Longbow Hall in the Vale. She's at the prime age for childbearing."
Robert, visibly annoyed, grumbled at the ongoing political maneuvering by the great lords under the guise of suggesting "minor" noblewomen.
"Write down their names, ages, and other details. Summon them to King's Landing, and I'll host a feast. I'll choose myself," Robert declared, reverting to his most familiar method of resolving matters.
None of the council members objected, for the king's word was final. They began preparing to adjourn the meeting.
Before leaving, Robert clinked his wine goblet against the table, motioning for them to remain seated.
"This morning, some young sailors from the navy arrived at the Red Keep and delivered a letter to me."
He pulled a folded parchment from his tunic and handed it to Jon Arryn.
"It's from my brother Wright. I've already read it. Pass it around so we can discuss it together afterward."
The members of the Small Council hastily read through the letter.
Jon Arryn was the first to speak. "Your Grace, if what the letter states is true, the Stepstones have effectively become Dorne's territory!"
Varys chimed in, "According to my intelligence, the three Free Cities near the Stepstones are on the brink of war. The islands themselves have become lawless, a haven for rampant piracy."
Renly Baratheon added, "I trust every word my brother wrote. Dornishmen are mercenaries one day, pirates the next. Last year alone, over fifty ships from the Stormlands were lost to pirates. If this continues, all our wealth will line the coffers of Dorne."
Robert Baratheon slammed his fist on the table. "For three centuries, the Dornish never fully bent the knee to House Targaryen. And with me, they've only signed a ceasefire. Their ambition has never waned.
"Wright suggests in his letter that I, as king, command Dorne to dispatch their forces to eradicate the pirates. Our fleets from the Crownlands, the Stormlands, and the Reach would assist, ensuring the Stepstones are brought under the kingdom's control. What do you think?"
Mace Tyrell raised his hand enthusiastically. "I wholeheartedly agree. Merchant ships from the Reach are constantly plundered. The Stepstones are so close to Dorne — who else could be behind this piracy?"
Varys interjected, "From what I've gathered, Dornish merchant fleets rarely fall victim to pirate attacks."
Stannis Baratheon, who had been silent until now, spoke. "Over the past year, merchant convoys escorted by the royal fleet have encountered nine major naval battles near the Stepstones, each involving dozens of pirate ships. Despite deploying no fewer than five warships per escort, the losses have been substantial."
Robert frowned. "It seems everyone here harbors grievances against pirates — or the Dornish. However, if we deploy all three major fleets, we must guard against the Dornish while leaving the realm vulnerable."
Jon Arryn offered a solution. "We could station a portion of Eddard Stark's northern forces in the Riverlands and Crownlands to secure the realm and deter any opportunists."
Renly smirked and added, "The Lannister fleet must also join this campaign. They're the ones I trust the least."
The bitterness in his tone made it clear he hadn't forgotten Tywin Lannister's past schemes.
---
If you can, support me on pa treon:
Pa treon. com/ RightTranslations (No spaces)
Up to 50 chapters ahead on the four novels i am translating.