An Unexpected Guest - Part 4

Ferdinand dragged his eyes away, and looked off to the side, at nothing in particular, as if giving voice to what he needed to speak was the most painful thing that could have been asked of him. "A proposition… This idea of yours, grand though it might be. You do not have the resources to pull it off comfortably. Hence your reliance on my father, and your need of his seal to get even to where you currently are."

"Well, I am certain that our opponent would say that," Oliver said. "I am sure it would be convenient for you to see it fail."

"My proposition is not for its failure. If it must proceed, then, as a Blackwell, I must see that it benefits the people of our lands properly. As it stands, it's set to cause more than a few messes. You don't have the manpower to ensure that it goes off without a hitch," Ferdinand said.

"Your father has promised to take care of that," Oliver pointed out.