章節 17: New position II
(Petyr POV)
Some weeks have passed since the wedding and I have been summoned to King's Landing of all places, by none other than the King himself. But I know the truth of the matter. It is all a farce. The true writer of the letter, in which I was summoned to King's Landing was sent by the Lord Hand, Jon Arryn. Lord of House Arryn and Lord Paramount of the Vale. I knew this 'talk' would eventually come and kept informed of all things happening around Westeros. All the important and even the less important Houses were under constant surveillance. One spy was in every household, reporting to me at all times, should something important come up.
So naturally, I was aware of what was going on in King's Landing as well. Jon Arryn thought himself smart and thought it was smart to pressure me. His first letter asking for a part of my harbour was so ridiculous that I laughed out loud. It was not even cleverly formulated and just a blatant attempt at grabbing my success and making it his own. I had to hold myself back from writing what I truly thought. I knew it was not going to last of course. Jon Arryn and his company of greedy cunts wouldn't stop trying to get a piece of my cake. The cake I prepared was served for them, and in their minds that was correct and they really thought that they had some sort of right. But they didn't know me enough.
.
The second letter came from King's Landing this time. Not even from Jon Arryn personally, but with the official sigil from the King. This time it was about the taxes and how they had to raise them to fill the coffers of the Kingdom. It was a different attempt to take my money and take advantage of me. The reasons which were provided were all horseshit and were easily picked apart by me. I explained them logically and with proof of how the arguments were wrong. I also added a special something to that letter, telling them where they could put their lies.
That is probably the reason for my summoning this time. But I wrote only the truth and it was all calculated. From what I know and what information I acquired, everything I said was the truth, so it will be hard to claim the opposite. I smiled thinking about the events that would take place because of this and how the illusion of control was what leaders like Jon Arryn and Robert Baratheon relied on. But that is all it is ... an illusion.
I arrive at King's Landing with one of my larger vessels. It wasn't the largest one I had, but compared to this world, it was a monster beyond compare. It was at least two times as long and probably also wide as the largest ship in Westeros.
[Picture]
Everyone on board had their orders. They were prepared for intruders or assassins, should they come on board. To find out the secrets of the ballista, which had transformed and improved over the months, people still did stupid things. I walk down the plank and through the port of King's Landing. I didn't hurry up at all and leisurely strolled through the streets. The power plays would now commence and despite not having anything to show off, Jon Arryn will try his best to appear important and most likely keep me waiting.
I walked to the Red Keep and asked someone to announce me.
"Lord Baelish, Lord Hand, has told us to inform you that he is not available at this time. He expresses his condolences and asks you to wait for him in one-"
"That's alright. Tell him, that I'll stroll through the city until he's finished," I say and walk away, not caring about the worried shouts of the servant.
As I walk through the city, I come across multiple inns and brothels alike. I know many of them since I own a lot of them already. I have started acquiring brothels and changing them for a while now. Brothels are a way to gain information, something I no longer need, but it is also a way to hold power over those who arrive to get pleasure. I can spread lies or rumours this way because it is like having a hand at the pulse of the smallfolk.
I enter a specific one, that looks impressive and expensive. Which it is, since it is the main one, I bought and improved. I walk through and reach the solar of the 'owner' and just enter. I don't knock, that's not necessary.
Inside I see a tall, elegant, dignified, and handsome black woman from the Summer Isles, sitting behind a desk doing paperwork.
[Picture]
As she sees me, her face brightens up and she rushes towards me. She embraces me and I can tell that she wants to kiss me but stops herself. I can still feel her grinding against me and shake my head with a smile.
"What are you doing in the dump, my love? I missed you so much," she says.
"Hello, Chataya. I came here because of a King's decree. But the idiots are keeping me waiting, so I thought I'd pay one of my favourite girls a visit."
"Aha, and what about Merala?" she asks suspiciously.
"How is she doing?"
"Splendously. The way she ruins men is impressive and all that without having to touch them."
After I found Merala and took her with me, I started to teach her how to become a deadly fighter. An assassin and all-round fighter, a killer in the truest sense. To see how she could handle herself and what she learned in Yunkai. So her job was to lure men of different standings here without being seen and then get rid of them. She had to make it seem like an accident. And overnight, she would stay here in this establishment.
Why was I making her do that?
Because I wanted to train her. She should be able to kill anyone and make it seem like an accident when the time comes. Besides, there was money to be stolen from the rich and pompous pricks and the scum walking around in King's Landing. Neither Merala nor Chataya were allowed to be touched or have sex. Should someone touch them or try to force himself on them, they would die very quickly.
"Good, then tell me how the business is going. I suppose I have a few hours," I tell her.
"But ... won't they be looking for you?"
"So what? That's not my problem."
"As you wish."
.
We ended up discussing the current affairs, my different businesses and the future businesses in King's Landing. It took a few hours until someone finally arrived, sent by Jon Arryn to retrieve me. It was no secret that I was a frequent 'visitor' of Chataya's brothel. But no one knew that I was not indulging in my sexual fantasies here.
I was escorted to the Red Keep where I was brought to the Throne room. There Jon Arryn was waiting for me and looked at me displeased. The King wasn't there yet.
"Lord Petyr, do you know why you have been summoned to King's Landing?" Jon Arryn started.
"You summoned me."
"Indeed and are you aware why that is?"
"No."
"The reason for this summon was the letter you sent back after His Grace has sent one to you."
"Aha. And?"
I could see Jon Arryn getting angry at the subliminal disrespect I showed. My relaxed posture with my hands behind my back and the casual clothes, which were expensive but still ... casual. Everything screamed disrespect but not really. It was more of a feeling that Jon got and not something he could prove, which made him all the more angry.
"Allow me to read the letter to you, to refresh your memory-" Jon Arryn says but at that moment the door opens and Robert I Baratheon stumbles into the room, clearly drunk.
*Bang*
"Ugh, I'm here Jon, just like you asked. So ... *burp* ... let's get this over with," Robert says and somehow manages to find the throne to sit on.
"Ah, Your Grace. I see that you follow the immortal words of Herbert Grönemeyer," I smile causing him and everyone else in the room to look at me in confusion.
"...what?"
"... Alkohol
Ist dein Sanitäter in der Not
Alkohol
Ist dein Falschirm und dein Rettungsboot
Alkohol
Ist das Drahtseil auf dem du stehts
Alkohol Alkohol ..."
"..."
"..."
"No? Different generation I suppose."
"Stop rambling nonsense and let us get on with it!" Robert shouts suddenly.
"Yes. As I was saying, I will read the letter you sent back after His Grace wrote to you regarding a business proposal," Jon Arryn picks off where he left off and takes the letter I sent back.
_____
Dear recipient of this letter (Lord Arryn)
Thank you for your letter. I truly enjoyed it. Seldom have I been so amused by so much bullshit in my life. Now, I am not calling anyone stupid or a liar, please note that I wrote that, but if you want to be smart, don't allow a drunk man to write a letter. Maybe wait until he is sober, before doing that. I had to guess most of the words because they weren't readable.
I will have to disappoint you regarding your and His Grace's proposition. You made me an offer I simply must refuse. There is no way that I will ever be willing to give you or anyone else something that I worked hard for. No matter how I managed to come to this point in my life and amass whatever fortune you think I have, it is in the end the fruits of my labour. I protect what is mine from vultures.
You may not have a piece of my harbour, whether it be for House Arryn or for the Royal family. That will never change. We can of course talk about you placing one of your ships in Baelish Keep's harbour. Needless to say, for the appropriate price. This price may vary depending on how long the vessel will stay there, the size, what your business is for placing it there, and if you would like some maintenance. To discuss all of this, I will make time for His Grace at all times.
Once again, I will not share the secrets of my House with you, no matter who writes the letter. You may not have any of my wealth and if you want to raise the tax, then do so in all of the Vale at least, to make it less obvious.
Any future letter, in the same style will be burnt immediately and not responded to.
.
With love
Lord Petyr Baelish, Lord of House Baelish, etc
___
The hall was silent as the words settled in the minds of the Lords present. I had to stop myself from smiling at the false reactions they all showed. Such a piece of trash. I love it! They are asking to be manipulated and used.
*BANG*
Robert hits his spiky chair with his strong fist and looks at me in anger. He truly seems to be angry at me right now. Funny, thinking that he will have forgotten all about it when he wakes up tomorrow.
"So you call the King a drunk? HUH?!!" he shouts.
"No need to shout Your Grace, I can hear you just fine."
This seems to anger him even more and he stands up. He walks down the steps of his throne and grabs his Warhammer at the end. With powerful steps, he walks towards me and stops right in front of me. He is not taller than I am. We are equal in fact. But he has an impressive presence and authority.
"Say that again, you piece of shit."
"Hahaha, come now, Your Grace. Look at you. You smell of alcohol and sex. If I go to a tavern, get piss drunk and then claim to be the strongest man in the world, who do you think will take me seriously? Will I be a stupid drunk or a wealthy young Lord in the eyes of others? You can't expect me to take a word you say at face value if you are drunk all the time. I'm sure you understand that."
"..."
"Now, before you crush my head, I think you should know that I am prepared to go to war over this. I will not bend over and let you fuck me in the arse because you sit on spiky swords and wear some gold on your head."
Just as Robert is about to go through with it anyway, Jon Arryn appears next to him and holds him back. I counted on the old idiot to see reason. He knows that they can't afford another war this soon. And since I showed them my military might and especially my armada at the sacking of King's Landing, they know that I am a threat to be taken seriously.
*BANG*
He smashes his Warhammer on the ground next to me and grabs my throat, lifting me in the air.
"DO YOU THINK YOU CAN INTIMIDATE ME?! You will take the position Jon offered you and you will allow a group of representatives to look around in your castle. Either that or you die right now. DECIDE!!!!"
Robert shouts. Jon appears and puts his hand on his arm. Robert throws me to the ground.
"You ... drive a hard ... bargain ... haha. Very well. You may send a group of Maesters and whatnot to have a look around Baelish Keep. But you will not get to take anything that is mine. No matter how much you think you are intimidating, I will not allow that."
"Besides that, you will be given a special punishment for insulting the crown and will pay a fine," Jon Arryn says.
"Good now, PISS OFF! I need wine," Robert says and leaves the hall.
This went perfectly.
_____________________
Don't get your panties in a twist. Things aren't always as they seem. The illusion of control ...
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