As the clouds of war hung over the delightful lunch table, almost everyone present was silent except for the daughter of Baron Walton I, who had other intentions. It can be seen that the attitudes of trade veterans are completely different from those of six months ago.

Last summer, when their king decided to join his allies, the Spaniards, to repel the French Empire, which had occupied Italian soil, they were gloating

Woe to the mood of the fire to look at the war that took place on the European continent. Because the armies sent by their kings to fight in the regions of Europe were not a matter of England, even if their king had called them to serve in violation of the law, they could raise their heads and say to the king's officials, "No! ”

Then, the six-month Anglo-Soviet war turned out to be a different story. The Anglo-Soviet entanglement began at the end of the 11th century, during which Scotland also experienced two wars of independence, and even united with France to restrain England from behind. If England and France are seen as a couple who always try to kill each other, but never think of divorce, then Scotland and England are more like a pair of brothers who have broken up.

Since the family "fought a civil war", then this "civil war" was a war that took place on the island of Great Britain. As long as England, located southeast of the island of Great Britain, was threatened with invasion from the north of the island, these veterans of trade were obliged to bring their own weapons to serve the king. To defend the kingdom is to go to war, but who wants to go to war right now? Just found a shortcut to make the family gradually richer, but to take up arms to defend the kingdom??

The second man of the Hawkins family, Richard, flipped the dinner knife back and forth in his hand, and finally raised his eyelids to look at the northern noble lady opposite, "Miss Isabel, how did you get the news that the war between Britain and the Soviet Union is about to start?" ”

Isabel glanced at a pewter and lead vessel in front of her, which contained a vegetable salad made with goat's cheese and plenty of vegetables. There is no doubt that this was specially prepared for her by the patriarch of the Hawkins family according to her request. She picked up the utensils and scooped some vegetable salad for herself on her plate.

Before he was about to eat some vegetables, he said something insignificant, "Sir, are you doubting my honor?" ”

Captain Hawkins, hearing the change in Isabel's tone and phrasing, smiled cautiously before she could say the rest of the sentence, "I'm sorry, Miss." My brother was just a little unconvinced that there would be another war between Britain and the Soviet Union. ”

Seeing that Captain Hawkins was making amends on behalf of his brother, Isabel nodded and looked at the captain's brother again, "Well, sir, the news of the war was told to me by His Highness in a letter. ”

Several members of the Hawkins family here have heard some rumors about the Duke of Richmond to a greater or lesser extent. Although no one had ever seen the Duke of Richmond in his true face, they were well aware that the nobleman with the highest rank was the biological son of His Majesty the King. Since it was the prince's words, it must be facts, truths, or truths that cannot be guessed.

Now, no one doubted that the news of the impending war was fake, and the atmosphere had once again returned to the silence and oppression it had just had. Isabel picked up a small piece of cabbage leaf dipped in cheese with a fork and put it in her mouth, and chewed it gently. Then, glancing at the trade veterans who seemed to have no appetite in the audience, he smiled lightly, "Gentlemen, as I have said just now, you can not worry about this war, although this war will only happen in Edinburgh, the Scottish. ”

"Miss, I believe you, but they all want you to be more detailed." Captain Hawkins, who sat at the top of the table, was still very respectful and sincere.

"Well, I think you are aware of the marriage between His Majesty the King and Scotland. However, the Scots thought it was a mistake to marry their queen to Prince Edward. Therefore, His Majesty decided to take the queen back through war. ”

"So, miss, the Scots will not invade the kingdom, and His Majesty the King and Parliament will not issue a conscription?"

"There is no doubt about it. Captain, now you and your family can finish your lunch. ”

Soon, the atmosphere of the restaurant returned to its previous cheerfulness and lightness. Hawkins smiled and raised his glass, looked at everyone, and then said aloud, "I propose to make a toast to Miss Isabel as a sign of the Hawkins family's gratitude." ”

As everyone raised their glasses with smiles on their faces, the captain said solemnly again, "I am grateful to Miss Isabel for leading the Hawkins family on an ocean voyage to the Spanish territory in the Americas, and for creating the most lucrative slave trade in the history of the family trade." ”

At the end of the lunch, Captain Hawkins spoke to Isabel of the interest of city officials and councillors in the slave trade, "Miss, the mayor and councillors intend to report to the court about the voyage, do you think His Majesty the King and the court ministers will be of great interest in this voyage?" ”

Isabel looked at the trade veterans who had wealth and wanted to be promoted in social class, and smiled and sipped wine. When she put down her glass, she just smiled and said, "Captain, if you and your family want to be appreciated by His Majesty, you must do your duty for His Majesty and the royal family. ”

"Duty? Well, you're referring to the duties of a businessman? ”

"yes, obey the call of God, and do your duty, and follow order, that our kingdom may prosper under His Majesty."

At the end, Isabel deliberately accentuated the word "boom". Richard stroked his beard, smiled and nodded, "Miss, you want us to bring wealth to His Majesty the King and the royal family while becoming richer, do you think so?" ”

Isabel glanced at Richard on the other side, "Yes, sir, you must know that our kingdom must have four foundations, namely, justice, truth, harmony, and tranquility. With these four foundations, we can attain glorious dignity, worldly prosperity, tranquility, and good example. ”

Her meaning was simple and clear, the Hawkins family had to obtain the permission of His Majesty the King and the royal family after gaining an astonishing fortune through the slave trade. Only by legalizing the slave trade could more English merchants be involved. Under the reign of Henry VIII, the kingdom was brought to common prosperity, and the "community" of the kingdom had good order, common interests and public welfare.