An Unexpected Visit

A/N: Hey guys, decided to try making a thread of my own for this great story. For this path, the MC's mother is Frankish, so he'll have brown eyes and hair and a taller height. Hope you enjoy!

The important matter hanging before you was, in fact, as unusual as it was unexpected; you were to entertain a foreign dignitary from a far-off Kingdom who wished to establish trade rights with the European countries throughout the continent, promising rich trade of spices and silk and other exotic goods, including the famed kafa.

The dignitary in question stood at two meters in height, possessing onyx-coloured skin and curly black hair, garbed in immaculate white robes that covered his body and wearing a small cap on his head - a kippah, if he remembered correctly. A sabre was sheathed by his side, his hand resting naturally on it.

Accompanied by five guards - all armed and armoured with sabres and shields of finest steel, the dignitary stepped forward, curtseying before you.

"Greetings, Your Majesty Heinrich," Said the dignitary in fluent, heavily-accented Almaini, "I am Eyoab Wolitigna, emissary of the Empire of Axum, and I come in peace with the hopes of building better trade relations between our countries."

At least he was polite and well-mannered.

"I greet you, Eyoab," You reply, "I must admit, though, I did not hear of an Empire of Aksum before. Might I ask where it is located?"

"It is geographically close to where the Eastern Sultanates are located, on the central-eastern portion of the continent called Afrique," Said Eyoab, "Long have we prospered from the rich trade that runs across the Red Sea we border, and having suffered some... diplomatic incidents with the Sultanates, we believe that the European countries may be our next opportunity."

"Well, I do admit that rich trade is the lifeblood of many countries, big or small," You said, "But do tell me: What can you promise me in exchange for cooperation between our two countries?"

"We are a large and growing Empire, Your Majesty," Said Eyoab, "Though, I believe one point of contention between your Kingdom and ours is that... we are a Hebrew nation."

That instantly reminds you of some of the lessons the monks gave you, of the bad relations between the Hebrews and Christians over both religious and cultural differences. Frankly, it never concerned you, but if other nations decide to make noise over such an issue...

You push such thoughts to the back of your mind; you'd not let religious differences get in the way of your tenure.

"Leave that for me to deal with," You said, causing some officials to questioningly look at you.

"Very well, Your Majesty," Said Eyoab, "As for what we can promise you, aside from rich trade, we can also offer you some technical expertise - whatever your Kingdom needs, so long as it is within reason, of course. If, perhaps, you wish an alliance, we may even send you a noblewoman as a potential marriage candidate."

You nod at this, and said, "Very well, I will consider your offer. Would you like some refreshments in the meantime? You must be exhausted after a long journey."

"I would very much appreciate that, Your Majesty," Said Eyoab, "Thank you for your generosity."

As Eyoab is escorted to the guest quarters by a servant, his guards in tow, Dietrich quickly moves to whisper into your ear, eyes worryingly glancing over the other courtiers in the throne room.

"Are you really sure you want to go through with this, Your Majesty?" Asked Dietrich, "I mean, I've nothing against Hebrews in general, but do you really want to take such a risky deal? You know the Papacy won't take kindly to this."

"I know, Dietrich," You reply, "But I recall a lesson an old friend of mine taught me: Not all Kings are gamblers, but all Kings must gamble. I need the trade Axum offers to bolster our coffers, even if we already have rich trade in the Confederation; I need to make a gamble for the sake of our Kingdom's future. For the Confederation's future."

Dietrich nods at this, then said, "It is your decision, Your Majesty."