"You must realize, shipbuilders are incredibly valuable. What assurance do I have in handing them over to a noble of Tuscany?" the mayor asked, his skepticism evident.

In truth, I didn’t need the mayor’s permission to recruit craftsmen or shipbuilders. Offering these workers better pay would entice them to leave the guild and join me. No law on our continent could prevent this. But making enemies of the entire city wouldn’t serve me well.

“Tuscany and Lyon may experience occasional diplomatic friction, but we are bound to remain allies in the long run. You needn't trust me personally, but rather …