"Good! Columbus, this agreement is yours! The merciful Lord is witness!"
After hearing his reply, Father Talavera's face remained expressionless as he handed the agreement to Columbus, who was trembling with ecstatic joy. Then he lowered his eyes, not watching Columbus sign it, and merely recited a passage of sacred Latin scripture.
"In quo habemus redemptionem per sanguinem eius remissionem peccatorum secundum divitias gratiae eius, quae superabundavit in nobis in omni sapientia et prudentia!..."
"Hm? The first chapter of Ephesians?... In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. This grace He lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding!... Tsk, tsk. What is God's grace? Talavera has meaning hidden between his words!..."
Sir Luis, the financial adviser, blinked, looked at Columbus bent over signing his name, then glanced at Talavera as he recited scripture. A thoughtful look appeared on his face, but he said nothing.
"Haha! Praise the generous queen, praise God's grace! This sacred agreement is truly grace bestowed upon me by God!..."
Soon, Columbus lifted his head in complete satisfaction, put away his copy of the agreement, and the corners of his mouth rose high. He could understand the Latin of prayer, but he was not deeply versed in the meaning of scripture, so he casually followed with a blessing of his own. Since the agreement of the Two Sovereigns had now been signed, when he looked at Father Talavera's stiff expression, he felt it was no longer quite so hateful.
"Thank you, Father Talavera! Thank you for your first introduction, which allowed me to have an audience with the beautiful and valiant Queen!..."
"Mm. Lord Columbus, may the Lord bless the Kingdom, and bless your maritime exploration as well!"
Father Talavera nodded faintly, put away the