Come here one and all to speak to Manuel I the Fortunate, King of one of the mighty kingdoms of Europe. Map of the world as we know it: Diplomatic Relations: Mercantile Confederation of Crete: Neutral Kingdom of Finland: Neutral Inca Empire: Unknown The Antipatrid Kingdom: Neutral Roymmarian Outpost: Unknown La Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia: Neutral Gran Colonia del Dabon: Friendly (We fully support brave Portuguese explorers bringing goods for all of Europe to use.) Queendom of Mycenae: Neutral Mongol Khanate: Unknown The Majestic Kingdom of Poland: Neutral Sultanate of Demak: Unknown
An Ambassador from Crete Arrives Ambassador Kitanetos and his entourage sail to Lisbon, capital of the Portuguese Empire. He wears nothing except a linen kilt, exposing his muscled and tanned form to all. After the Cretan entourage walk through the large and bustling city, they reach the recently expanded Ribeira Palace, residence of King Manuel the Fortunate. They show they are unarmed and Kitanetos says, “We come on behalf of the Confederation of Crete to discuss matters of great importance with your king. Shall we be graced with an audience with your majesty?” The ambassador strokes his beard as he waits patiently for a reply.
The palace guardsman by the gate hurried into the palace to inform the king of their new arrivals. "My Lord" the guard says "A man who says he is from Crete has arrived seeking an audience with you." "Ah, yes, Fishermen did have reports that an unknown ship was sailing this way. Send him in" Replied the king. Once the guard left Manuel motioned to the servant next to him. "Go fetch Sir Fernandes, our Eastern Mediterranean expert, from his quarters. I may need his expert advice in this meeting."
Ambassador Kitanetos strides into the throne room swiftly. His assistants stand to either side of him. They bow to all present in the room, treating them all as equals. Fluent in seven languages, including Portuguese, Kitanetos spreads his hands and says, “Greetings your majesty. I wish to discuss two matters with you: first, the Pillars of Hercules (or the Strait of Gibraltar), and second, a proper trade treaty. Unlike most powers in the world, Crete does not seek the conquest of vast lands,” he smiles, proud of his people’s pacifism. “Rather we seek the establishment of trade posts along various coasts. Our sailors wish to sail out from the Mediterranean and visit new shores. The only way out is through the Pillars of Hercules, and Crete would like to secure the little peninsulas on either side to establish trade ports. We are aware that the Strait is close to your kingdom, and instead of immediately trying to seize it, we wish to seek your approval first. Crete would not block the Strait for anyone; all would be free to pass. And you would have a share of the profits, my lord, of the trade that flows through it. Would you allow an expedition from Crete to secure the Pillars of Hercules? And if you do agree, would you be interested in establishing an official trade-agreement treaty between our realms? Tariffs would be lowered so both our peoples can enjoy the goods they produce. The cities of Crete will build special habours and merchant-quarters just for Portuguese traders.” Kitanetos motions to his servants, who open their satchels. “We have brought the necessary documents for you to sign if you so wish, lord.”
"Greetings Kitanetos" The king said. "We have heard many great things about your nation and are pleased to be in your company. You are free to establish trade ports on both sides of the straight however we request that the town of Ceuta and its surrounding lands be left for us to oversee. You can see the region in question here: I also approve of a trade agreement between our nations. Our feitorias down the coast of Africa are bringing in many goods to trade" Manuel then points over to Frenandes to his right. "This here is Sir Fernandes of Porto. He will be our ambassador to the numerous nations over in the Eastern Mediterranean. I'll let him finalise the papers for the trade agreement."
The ambassador from Crete ponders the king's words and the map. After a while, Kitanetos nods his head and says, "Yes, we can agree to this amendment. It is only fair that you should have a port on the Mediterranean. Ceuta under Portuguese banners will not bother us in the least! The Confederation shall agree to your proposal. May the Treaty of the Pillars of Hercules stand firm through time!" Kitanetos then approaches Sir Fernandes and sets the papers on the table before them. "I am most pleased, your majesty, that you have agreed to an official trade agreement between our realms." His assistants set an ink bottle and quill pen near him. With a flourish of the hand, the Cretan diplomat signs his name and shifts the documents over to the Portuguese representative to sign. "May this treaty bring prosperity to both our peoples!" He stands and bows low. "We thank you for your time."
