Bab 297: Stepping foot into the sea?(2)

The three merchants, initially taken aback by the king's response, quickly realized that they had deviated from the established protocol. There was a well-worn pattern that had been followed for generations in courtly matters. It involved a strategic sequence of actions: first, enter the court; second, shower the monarch with flattery; third, heap even more praise upon the king; fourth, explain their concerns or issues to the crown; fifth, receive the monarch's judgment and decision; and, finally, conclude the audience with one more round of effusive compliments before departing.