An invitation comes from the Doge

As your party rests in a nearby tavern a messenger comes for you. A man of your stature must, of course, have an superfluously complicated network of underlings to handle such matters, and you wait for your own servant to bring the message to you. "My lord, the Doge has invited you and your companions to stay in his palace, should you so desire." You thank the servant and waive him away. It's not unusual for a king to get such an invitation after an unannounced visit, but you know the Doge's reputation. He is said to be extremely ambitious; not necessarily malevolent, but still very self-serving. It wouldn't hurt to at least see what he wants, and his palace would certainly be much nicer than this inn. You organize the elites from your party and move them to the palace grounds.

The Doge's palace is quite impressive, as can be expected from such a rich city. Stone and fine marble dominate, a stark contrast to the primarily wooden city surrounding it. Your people are all assigned rooms, and you are given a grand space with a view of the sea. The Doge, a small, wizened man in an odd conical hat, welcomes you warmly. "Ah yes, my royal guest, I'm so glad you've arrived. Please, come share a glass of wine with me" he says, scurrying around you energetically as you walk through the wide hallways. You retreat to your guest room, Doge carrying a bottle of the local wine. You sit at the table in your room and wait for the man to pour you a glass. He has been making conversation the whole time, moving from one inane topic to the next. You can't help but feel that he's trying to overwhelm you, tricking you into releasing information you otherwise wouldn't due to overload. Very sneaky, if true. Suddenly his tone changes slightly, and you think he's displaying actual interest. "So" he says, handing a glass to you, "I hear you've taken an interest in the hospitality industry" he says, winking. You smile politely. "A profitable business, sound investment. Oh, by the way, that glass is from the local factory, we produce only the very finest here." There's that old tone again. "But enough about us. I would like to know if you've got all you came for. Is there perhaps anything else you want?" he says, looking at you slyly. "To be honest, not really. Sorry to disappoint." He waives at you with both hands. "Disappoint? Oh, not at all, you're funny. Though, there is one thing...no, I'm sure you wouldn't be interested" he says, trailing off. You take a sip of your wine, then a deep breath. "No please, tell me." He brightens immediately, straightening. "Well, I would hate to inconvenience you, but we do have a slight problem here. As you may already know, my city is a city of trade. We know much of sailing, but our land forces are lacking both in number and expertise. Weeeeell, though sea trade is the backbone of our nation, we would do well to acquire a few lands to the west, really nothing at all. But doing so would be an excellent buffer, and secure the wheat needed to feed all of these merchants and bankers, do you see my point?" he asks, giving you a sugary sweet smile.

"So" you say coolly, "I would help you take these lands, in exchange for...?" He smiles even wider, if that was possible. "Oh, you'd consider it? I'm overwhelmed, really you're too kind. Of course, your generosity would be repaid with only the lowest duties on your kingdom's merchants... no, duty-free!" he exclaims, acting crazed and pointing a finger toward the ceiling. You sit there silently, staring at him. He sobers visibly. "And of course, our merchants might find that the best trade routes happen to go through your capital." You nod, not breaking your collected demeanor. "I shall speak to my people and consider it." He leans over the table, grabbing your hand and shaking it. "What have I done to deserve such a blessing? You really are to good my lord. For now, I shall leave you." He gets up and leaves, causing you no small relief. As he gets to the door, he turns around. "As a final token of goodwill, I shall send my expert in hospitality to you. They can help you learn all you need to know about the business, and we are the experts of the business here, like many other businesses. But enough out of me. Ciao."