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Portuguese and Dutch were in a constant tussle to get on the good graces of the Empire. It was a key to their expansion into the subcontinent.

Both the Dutch and Portuguese had managed to get a small part of the subcontinent. The Dutch controlled a part of Lanka while the Portuguese had control over Daman.

They had already experienced the firsthand taste of wealth in the land. They longed for more—the greed to take control of such a wealthy land was too much to resist.

"General, I am so curious. How come the Empire is so wealthy despite their subpar naval strength?"

Barnabas glanced back.

"It\'s because they hold so many valuable goods. This land is a hub for spices, textiles, metals, and whatnot."

"It has been wealthy even before the Empire existed. The world comes to them. "

"That\'s new to me. I did know that the Empire was wealthy but knowing this region has always been wealthy is fascinating," commented David Costa.

"About the Naval Power. It\'s best for us that they don\'t become a huge naval presence."

They both were guided through the hallways to their chambers. Their meeting with the Emperor would be tomorrow.

"Why is that?" David asked curiously.

"It would make them the strongest nation."

"Strongest? Really? I don\'t really see that happening !!"

Barnabas sighed deeply. "They have a huge population, wealth, and the materials needed to sustain themselves. They are also not short on talented and smart people as well."

David nodded, understanding where the general\'s conclusion came from.

"But isn\'t there a higher chance of them becoming a threat right now after the New Emperor took over?"

The servant guiding them suddenly interrupted them and did a curt bow.

They had reached their chambers. It was a big room with a luxurious interior and furnishing.

"Rest now. We can talk later." Barnabas ordered.

"Yes," David scurried off towards his chambers. He was inspecting and looking around the room with a bright expression.

He was enamored by the architecture and sheer craftsmanship in the palace.

\'Wow! This looks so good.\'

The next day, both of them were dressed well to meet the Emperor. The usual meeting took place at the court, but this time. The meeting place was unexpected. It was in the courtyard garden.

Barnabas adjusted his dress while walking towards the destination.

He took a look back at the stiff posture of David Costa. He was nervous to meet the Emperor, who was younger than him.

"Don\'t blurt out unnecessary stuff in front of the Emperor. Got it!!" He instructed David.

"Understood." He blurted out with a nervous look.

Barnabas sighed and patted his back. "Relax; he is not going to eat you alive."

They walked into the stone-paved path through a lush garden. The arch pathway or a pergola walkway was covered in vines, giving it a serene look.

It opened into a small pavilion in the middle of a garden. The scent of freshly bloomed flowers filled the air. It was a colorful sight to see different flowers mixed in the garden.

The young Emperor sat on a chair in the pavilion, reading a book. His long hair was neatly tied up to the back. He wore a long black robe over his shirt. His golden earrings shone brightly under the cool morning sun.

Beside the Emperor stood a young man, presumably his own age. He was a darker shade of bronze. He looked muscular and a sword hung on his waist. His eyes were monitoring their every movement.

Barnabas did a slight bow of respect before greeting Harsha.

"Greetings to the Sun of the Empire."

Harsha glanced up from his book.

He had a wide smile on his face. "General Barnabas. Good to see you again. Take a seat." He said it in Portuguese.

Barnabas was taken aback by the sudden Portuguese by the Emperor.

"Your Majesty speaks Portuguese?"

"Alfonso taught me some Portuguese. I was somewhat curious."

"I see."

Barnabas took the seat in front of the Emperor. David stood stiffly beside him.

"Your subordinate seems unwell."

Barnabas glanced at David and sighed. "He is just nervous."

"I see. The young lad seems inexperienced after all."

\'Young? Aren\'t you younger than him?\'

He thought but decided not to say it aloud.

"How was the travelling experience? I presume everything was fine along the way." He said as he put down the book on the table.

"It was fine, Your Majesty. The roads and the safety from patrol greatly helped us reach the capital quickly."

Harsha glanced back at Viswa.

Viswa ordered the servants to serve the tea and snacks to the quest before continuing the conversation.

"That\'s great. I have done some work on the roads for the merchants after all."

The tea and snacks were served quickly. It was piping hot tea and a wide range of sweets.

David looked at the snacks and tea with a disappointed glint in his eyes. He wanted to eat some sweets but it was a big meeting. He controlled his urge to eat in front of the scary Emperor.

\'Those sweets look so good.\'

He thought.

\'I can\'t definitely do that in front of the Emperor. The General would chew me alive.\'

Harsha noticed him staring at the sweets and tea.

"Viswa, bring two chairs and take a seat."

"Understood."

Harsha looked amused as David scrambled to take a seat, while Barnabas looked at him in disdain.

David still didn\'t touch anything on the table.

Viswa poured David some tea as well.

Harsha pushed the snack tray towards David. "Here have some."

Barnabas nodded, approving.

David took some with a bright glint on his face.

"Now that\'s enough chatter."

Harsha\'s expression turned serious.

"Let\'s get to the main discussion about the deal."