44 Under a magnifying glass, part 1

Vittorio sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Every minute of this conversation felt like a year, and by now he could've been his own grandfather.

"No one will confiscate your stocks. The Oliveira family honestly bought the supplies for this military campaign. So I repeat one last time—you. Won't. Raise. Prices."

The head of the merchant's guild of Sanremo di Mare (and neighboring cities) chewed his cheek, eying Vittorio with evident doubt. "But this isn't your right to dictate our prices, signore Oliveira! With all due respect, you are not the lord of this land yet…"

Vittorio wanted to growl now. This was how half of his audiences went. 'Oh, with all due respect, boy, won't you call your dad here?' he mocked inwardly.