Chapter 115: Casterly Rock!

After consuming the bread, Ser Gerion began introducing Damian to the company gathered around.

"This is my elder sister, Lady Genna Lannister," Gerion said, gesturing towards a distinguished woman in her forties. Her figure, though slightly softened by age, was still striking. Her ample bosom, barely contained by her bodice, drew Damian's gaze, though he quickly shifted his attention to her face, which retained a pretty, lively charm.

Next to her stood her husband, Ser Emmon Frey of House Frey. Emmon was a small, wiry man with a thin frame, nervous demeanor, and a balding head. Damian couldn't help but notice the pronounced apple of his throat, and a pang of pity crossed his mind.

Damian stepped forward, taking Lady Genna’s hand gently and brushing his lips against the back of it. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Genna," he said, his gaze momentarily lingering on her generous curves before meeting her bright, welcoming smile. He couldn’t be sure if she had noticed his brief distraction, but her smile seemed to carry a knowing glint.

"You are even more handsome than I was led to believe," Lady Genna remarked, her tone warm and inviting, leaving no clear indication if she had perceived his wandering eyes.

Ser Gerion continued the introductions, presenting Damian to others in attendance. He met Darlessa Marbrand, the widow of Ser Tygett, who was also one of Tywin's brothers. Next were Ser Stafford Lannister, a knight of House Lannister, his wife Myranda Lefford, and their young children Daven and Myrielle. The girl had already fallen head over heels after seeing Damian as it could be seen by the look she was giving him. Fortunately, she still had the sense to not cause any trouble and embarrass the Lannister.

After the introductions, Ser Gerion extended an invitation to Damian to explore Casterly Rock. Since Damian had arrived unexpectedly and Lord Tywin was occupied with matters in the mines, Gerion explained that the Lord of House Lannister would not be able to greet him personally at the gate. Damian, graciously accepting the situation, assured Gerion that he bore no ill will and that the fault was his for not informing them in advance.

The group began to disperse, leaving only Lady Genna, Tyrion, and Ser Gerion to accompany Damian to the great hall.

Tyrion, eyeing Damian with curiosity, asked, "Are you truly just five and ten, Lord Damian?"

Damian smiled and replied, "I still have three moons to go before I turn five and ten."

Tyrion's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I can scarcely imagine how tall you’ll be when you reach full adulthood. Will you rival the height of Ser Gregor Clegane?"

Damian chuckled. "I hope not. Otherwise, I’d have to find a giantess beyond the Wall to marry."

The joke brought a hearty laugh from both Gerion and Tyrion, and even Lady Genna couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

As they ascended the stairway, Damian remarked, "This place is surprisingly well-lit, even though it’s inside the rock." The windows appeared small from the outside, but that was merely an illusion due to the immense size of the Rock.

Gerion took the opportunity to explain more about Casterly Rock. "The face of the mountain is dotted with windows and arrow slits. They might seem small from the outside, but that’s just an illusion. Inside, the Rock houses an entire stronghold: tunnels, dungeons, storerooms, barracks, halls, grand halls, stables, stairways, courtyards, balconies, gardens, a sept, passages, caves, mines, galleries, chutes, wells, barracks, armouries, bedchambers, and servant's quarters—all contained within the Rock itself. The only part that’s not inside is the watchtower at the very top, which also serves as a rookery for the maesters."

'This fortress is really impregnable. Fortunately, Tyrion had worked on the sewers and installed a route that he would use to sneak in with prostitutes. That might be the only way to win this fortress' Damian thought in his mind.

They didn't have to wait long before Lord Tywin entered, flanked by Ser Kevan. His presence commanded the room instantly, every step echoing with authority.

"Lord Damian," Tywin began, his voice a deep rumble, "what a surprise. I could hardly believe the guard when he told me of your arrival in Lannisport."

Damian inclined his head respectfully. "Apologies for not sending a raven beforehand, Lord Tywin. It seems I’ve caught you off guard."

Instead of delving into what Damian had brought, Tywin extended a simple invitation to dine with them. The lack of inquiry about Damian’s goods suggested that the battle for the selling price of the goods had already begun in subtle ways.

As the hour for luncheon approached, the servants busily prepared the hall for the meal. With Damian as the sole special guest, it was a straightforward task to add a few extra dishes to accommodate him.

In an adjoining room to the great hall, a long table had been set, with Tywin at one end and Damian at the other. The table, just long enough for six people, saw Gerion and Kevan seated near Tywin, while Tyrion and Genna were positioned closer to Damian.

Tywin remained largely silent throughout the meal, focusing on his food. The conversation was dominated by Tyrion, with occasional contributions from Gerion and Genna. Kevan, like his brother, spoke only when necessary, adding a few words here and there.

Damian, content to engage with Tyrion, listened attentively as he recounted the history of Casterly Rock. The discussion provided a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the Lannister stronghold.

As the meal approached its conclusion, Tywin finally spoke. "How are the Ironborn? Have they been behaving sensibly?"

Damian nodded. "Apart from some priests of the Drowned God, the rest have caused no trouble."

Tyrion's curiosity was piqued. "And what sort of trouble did these priests cause you?"

Damian recounted the incident involving the priests, describing the attack and how he had dealt with the troublemakers.

Genna's eyes narrowed slightly with concern. “Aren’t you worried they might cause trouble once you’re away from Pyke?”

Damian’s expression remained unruffled. “Not really. My men are more than capable of quelling any unrest. And as for the other islands, they wouldn’t dare act up without access to ships. In fact, I almost hope someone tries to stir up trouble while I’m gone, just so I can deal with them myself.”

His confidence was evident, and the conversation drifted naturally as they finished their meal.

Tywin, having observed the exchange with a measured interest, extended an invitation for Damian to join him in his solar. Only Kevan was to accompany them, while the others remained behind in the great hall.