The gold candelabras, hanging on the four walls of the great hall, showcased the wealth of the Portuguese Royal Family. The candlelight flickered, illuminating the large oil painting of the Holy Mother, as if she had descended. The compassionate smile of the Holy Mother, with a human glow, gazed at the two people in the hall. This was the latest holy painting from the City-States of the Apennine Peninsula, completely breaking away from the traditional rigid and abstract holy icons, making the saints come to life!
Under the gaze of the Holy Mother, Dias bowed his head, carefully reading the precious letter in his hand. This letter took over half a year, traveling over eight thousand miles, to reach the court of Sintra, bringing valuable intelligence from the East.
