The Third Prince lounged in a luxurious meeting room at the Goa Port. The room was elegantly furnished, with a richly carved wooden table at its center and plush sofas arranged around it for visitors. The room was adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from the Empire''s history.


    Standing beside him was his aide, Lekha, who was busy organizing documents. The Third Prince turned towards Lekha, impatience evident in his voice as he spoke.


    "When is Uncle arriving, Lekha?" he asked, his eyes shifting towards the door.


    Lekha, her hands adjusting the papers on the table, replied, "He should be here soon, Your Highness. The ship''s arrival was dyed slightly due to rough seas, but he is expected any moment now."


    The Third Prince leaned back in his seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "Good."


    The Third Prince''s uncle, António de Castro, was a prominent figure in Portugal. He was the brother of the current head of the Castro Noble family, Pedro de Castro, who wielded considerable influence in the kingdom. António had been entrusted with overseeing Alfonso and offering support for the throne.


    Pedro had appointed António to this role out of a sense of duty and political maneuvering, partly due to his resentment over the loss in Goa and the marriage of his daughter to the Emperor.


    Despite the political undercurrents, António''s presence was intended to reinforce their strategic position. However, the Third Prince''s loyalty was moreplex than merely following the Castro family''s directives.


    Alfonso, though tied to Portugal through blood, had deep roots and affections in the Empire. He had grown fond of thend and its people, a sentiment strengthened by his upbringing and experiences here.


    Contrary to what Pedro was trying, Alfonso was just using his grandfather as a piggy bank. He had sworn to himself that he would never betray his fathend, no matter what the cost, even if it was his own life.


    A man entered the room, his attire marked by the elegance of a well-traveled European merchant. He wore a richly embroidered jerkin and a doublet, with a wide-brimmed hat perched on his head. His long beard, streaked with grey, and his piercing blue eyes reflected his Portuguese background. He was apanied by a young man dressed in fine clothes and an aide, both of whom followed closely behind.


    As soon as he saw Alfonso, António''s face broke into a wide, weing smile. He extended his arms and moved forward with an air of warmth and familiarity. "Deus vos salve, Alfonso," he said, his arms open for an embrace.


    "Ele vos salve também, Uncle," Alfonso replied, stepping forward to meet his uncle in a heartfelt hug. They embraced, each patting the other''s back.


    After they separated, they moved to thefortable chairs arranged around a low wooden table. The table soon became the center of attention as servants entered, carrying a selection of snacks and a pot of tea. They set the items down with ease, ensuring that everything was arranged perfectly.


    António settled into his seat, his posture rxed and confident. He looked at Alfonso with a yful curiosity. "So, what does my nephew want from his uncle?" he asked, his grin broad and eager.


    "Uncle, I''m sure you''ve heard about the recent changes in the Empire," Alfonso said, leaning forward slightly in his chair.


    António, his eyes bright with curiosity, shifted closer to Alfonso. "Of course," he said, his hands resting on his knees. "That''s why I came here quickly—to assist you. We''re eager to support you."


    António adjusted his sitting position, leaning forward with interest. "I hear you''ve decided to side with the second prince," he remarked.


    "It''s a temporary alliance," Alfonso said, his hands gesturing in a measured manner. "Chandra has substantial backing behind him."


    António''s face lit up with approval. "Ah, so my nephew is using his head," he said, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    "Yes, Uncle," Alfonso responded with a chuckle, "I have a few ns."


    "What ns?" António asked, leaning even closer.


    "I intend to betray the second prince during his fight with the first prince," Alfonso exined, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "This way, I can deal with both of them at once."


    António burst into heartyughter. "Aha! My nephew surely has superior bloodpared to these infidels," he said, hisughter echoing in the room.


    Alfonso''s smile tightened a little at António''sment, but he quicklyposed himself, keeping a polite demeanor. "So, what do you need from me?" António asked, his hands resting on the armrests of his chair.


    "Cannons"


    António settled into his chair "Oh, that''s quite a tall order," he said, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest.


    Alfonso replied, "Well, even if you can provide us with older models, they would still be valuable."


    António''s brow furrowed in concern. "That''s still quite a challenge to procure," he said, "These things aren''t easy toe by."


    A subtle flicker of disappointment crossed Alfonso''s face. "It''s a shame," he said, his voice carrying resignation. "It seems that Grandfather''s influence has diminished considerably over the years."


    António''s demeanor shifted. "Don''t worry," António said. "Even though it''s a tall order for most, for the Castros, securing the best cannons is well within our means. I''ll make sure you get what you need."


    Alfonso''s thoughts turned inward as António agreed to the request. '' Ah, he''s so easy to manipte,'' Alfonso mused silently. He had long understood António''s character—prideful, egoistic, and deeply loyal to his family''s reputation. This made him vulnerable to Alfonso''s subtle tactics.


    Alfonso instructed, "Ship them to Cochin discreetly, Uncle. As soon as possible."


    António''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why Cochin? Why not send them here directly?"


    Alfonso leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Chandra has increased surveince here. Thest thing I want is for him to find out about the cannons before they''re in our possession."


    A thoughtful look crossed António''s face. "Ah, that makes sense. But won''t the second prince eventually find out about them?"


    Alfonso shook his head with a confident smile. "Oh no, he won''t. I''ve been given ess to the Cochin port because of the deal, and it''s not under the second prince''s watchful eye. The information will remain secure."


    António''s face lit up with understanding. "Ah, brilliant strategy. I''ll make sure the shipment is handled discreetly and sent to Cochin under the cover of night."


    Alfonso''s smile widened, pleased with the oue. "Thank you, Uncle."