"Indeed? There is no objection to us dealing with merchants outside of your family? We wouldn't want to overstep our bounds, above all we honour our clients requests."
Once out of the kitchens Brisbane relaxes noticeably. Unwilling to allow his embarrassing moment to deter him, Edward presses on with another political question.
"Earlier you spoke of the many Cretan families and groups who watch over their lands, I have been wondering if there is still a certain rivalry between the groups. A competition for technological or scientific superiority, cultural dominance and mercantile success? I'd imagine each family would have something to offer the other."
