The two men exchanged a round of formal courtesies, and through these simple details of movement, they more or less determined each other's attitude. Very soon, the gate of the noble residence closed again, and a Church bishop and a Court Marquis thus entered the room where their meeting was to be held.
"Lord Nuno, this redwood-backed chair feels so smooth to the touch, and it carries such a special color and fragrance. I have never seen anything like it… Could it be timber newly brought back from the sea?"
"Yes, Your Excellency the bishop. This is redwood that the Royal Family's fleet brought back from the Southern Continent this spring. The quantity is not large, and all of it was presented to Lord Joao. This redwood has a color like wine, very suitable for making court furniture. The Royal Family's Craftsmen forged a complete set of tables and chairs for Lord Joao, and His Majesty rewarded two of the chairs to me."
