"What do you think, Uncle?" Diallo Poldoria sat in the seat of honor. His voice was calm and resonant.
Earl of Helvanburg looked at his nephew, who seemed utterly unruffled. Unable to guess what he was thinking, he stroked the little braids on his chin and said gravely:
"If one dies, just replace him. It's no big deal. Make sure the shipyard gets its supplies first. That teak is worth more than ten governors!"
Prince Diallo rose and strolled to the window, his gaze fixed on the busy harbor before him.
"Have them all stop for now. It's too late. Let them rest and get back to work first thing tomorrow."
A spirited voice sounded behind him. "Yes, Your Highness."
In the eyes of his many subordinates, Diallo Poldoria was the most handsome, dignified, and clever prince in the royal family. The rumors circulating outside the palace were nothing but hearsay, after all. They spent every day with His Highness.
Earl of Helvanburg had long since grown used to his nephew's temperament. Diallo seemed full of contradictions, but he was always single-minded about what he wanted to accomplish.
The old king had never been a worthy father. Diallo had grown up following Crown Prince around, and he couldn't help imitating his older brother in both speech and manner. But the two, who should have been close, had grown estranged; they were now little more than strangers.
He drained his cup of coffee and perked himself up. The journey from Paradise Island had taken more than half a month, and his bones felt as if they'd been shaken apart. At least he'd reached his new post. He had loved adventure when he was young, but he no longer had the heart for it. These days, he only wanted to enjoy himself.