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Da Vinci had already constructed the prototype for the irrigation system, and with the help of experienced engineers for reference, the feasibility looked very promising.
Just at this juncture, guests from Milan arrived again.
Sforza looked to be in excellent health, walking with an air of self-assurance and pride.
At the banquet, the men discussed various matters regarding the federation, while the women subtly adjusted the atmosphere.
Hedy, still working on confirming the different mold species on various fruits, found an excuse to skip the banquet.
Amid the clinking of glasses, the servants brought trays of fresh oysters, and the wine emitted a fresh fragrance—everything was harmonious.
Sforza quickly consumed an oyster, then set his gaze on the roasted pigeon on the porcelain plate.
Lorenzo gave a subtle nod to the servant to refill Sforza’s glass, and with a friendly tone, he asked, “Besides trade matters, what else do you plan to discuss with me during your visit?”
"Proposal," Sforza set down his silver fork, glancing around at the guests along the long table, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Speaking of which—why hasn’t that lady come?"
The air suddenly froze for a few seconds.
"You mean..." Lorenzo raised a polite smile. "A proposal?"
"Yes, Hedy Maria Kiesler Medici, that’s her name, isn’t it?" The Milanese lord fiddled with his pure gold ring. "She is a very suitable candidate. Once our two families are united through marriage, it would make many political dealings much easier, wouldn't it?"
Da Vinci suddenly lost interest in the pigeon on his plate.
Botticelli, sitting diagonally across from him, observed his expression leisurely, then returned to cutting his food, speaking in a calm tone, "It seems this lady... is quite popular."
Though everyone around the table was smiling and chatting, the atmosphere began to subtly shift, growing more tense, even awkward.
"She currently has no plans to marry," Lorenzo said calmly. "On behalf of the Medici family, we thank you for your kind offer."
Da Vinci glanced at Botticelli, his expression cold as he began to cut the neck of the pigeon.
Botticelli’s smile didn’t waver; instead, he leaned in, attentively listening to the conversation between the lords.
"This is a win-win choice," Sforza observed, eyeing him curiously, his tone growing more playful. "If you intend to use her as a bargaining chip—I'm quite willing."
"Marry this beauty to me," he picked up a green pea, inspecting it like a precious emerald. "I can loosen the trade controls between our two countries, provide you with more military support, and open up wider economic markets."
The way he spoke made it sound less like he was discussing a marriage, and more like he was negotiating a business deal.
Da Vinci’s knife clinked against the porcelain plate, emitting a harsh sound.
Lorenzo looked up at him briefly, then turned his attention back to the still-chattering Sforza.
"Or, as for the textiles, Milan could—"
"The Medici family does not need to sacrifice women for profit."
"Once she marries into Milan, she can come back and visit you whenever she likes," Sforza said nonchalantly. "Moreover, she hasn’t voiced her opinion yet. Why are you so quick to reject my offer?"
Lorenzo’s smile deepened as he leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed.
"Do you want me to call her over now?"
"That sounds a bit fiery," Sforza said, biting into his green pea and raising an eyebrow as he looked at Lorenzo. "You seem to be rather averse to this topic. Or do you have a personal issue with me?"
"You are our guest," Lorenzo lowered his gaze and smiled. "But speaking of which, the Alberti family has produced a beauty. I’ve heard her eyes are like those of a Persian cat, and her figure is as graceful as an Indian maiden."
