The breakfast was over although with some difficulties. Having a meal in the middle of the sea on a ship was more nauseating than having to travel on the ship itself. The smell of salt and fish made the whole eating experience rather terrible.
As Evan was about to go back to his room and get on with his daily routine, a man in his forties approached him, he had two henchmen behind who were following him.
The man was 6.1 tall, the olive-skinned man had a mad feel about him. A particularly notable feature was his bad stance. His short, straight brown hair was neatly kept in a sideways hairstyle. He had a perfectly shaped mustache and large, light brown eyes, a small nose, and puffy cheeks. He had powerful hands, toned legs, and a long neck with a pointy chin. The man wore expensive-looking, high-quality clothes and gave off an air of prestige.
The man came up to him and extended his hand with a smile on his face. Evan was dazed for a second but shortly after shook hands with the man.
"Norton, yes?" The man said, he had a deep but stable voice.
"Yes? And who might you be good sir?" Evan asked politely.
"I am Egbert Amias." The man said in an intimidating manner. Evan felt like he had seen this man somewhere but he couldn't quite remember where until he heard the name.
Evan's face grew bigger as he realized who the man was. He bowed slightly in greetings.
"Lord Amias, forgive me for not recognizing you earlier," Evan said sincerely as. He had seen the Egbert before and he had remembered where.
It was in the newspaper and even when he was appointed as governor. In the throne room, Egbert Amias was also present.
"Haha, it's fine. I assume you must be going for your posting then?" Egbert asked and pulled out a cigar. He offered one to Evan but he denied it. Evan did not like to smoke just after a meal.
"Yes, might I ask... For what reason we have been blessed by the Marquis of Sondra himself?" Evan asked as he maintained a hospitable posture. His body language and behavior were very straightforward, Evan was an honorable and reasonable man.
Egbert chuckled softly and said, "I am going on vacation. There's a great island near the port 'The Cape of Good Hope." He said with a pleased expression. It seemed like the marquee was truly excited about the vacation.
'Hmph, so proud of being a noble and yet he divulges himself in complacency and debauchery. Is this what the Noble Class has turned out to be?" Evan thought to himself.
But on the outside, he did not show any of his unpleasant thoughts.
"Well, have a safe journey Lord Amias," Evan said.
"Hahahaha, You are in more need of it, don't you think Sir Norton?" Marquis Egbert said with a laugh.
"What do you mean?" Evan asked somewhat awkwardly as he thought to himself, 'The rumors are indeed true that he is a bit mad. He says anything to anyone without any consideration at all.'
"I have heard those dogs bite back sometimes, I heard it can be quite dangerous there," Egbert said wickedly and proceeded to laugh out loud.
"The money you spent on your vacations is most probably coming from them who you call dogs, Lord." Evan blurted out.
Evan especially emphasized the word 'Lord' as if trying to make Egbert know that he should act like one. Although his hint was quite subtle.
Egbert abruptly stopped laughing and narrowed his eyes. He came closer to Evan, his towering height created a shadow over him.
"You seem to be a bit confused, Sir Governor..." Egbert also emphasized the word 'Governor' to remind Evan that he should also act like a Governor who acts in the interest of the Crown.
James who was listening in to the conversation from behind Evan was very displeased. He had somewhat the same mentality as Evan and that's how they had become good friends in the first place.
James did not like anyone looking down on his friend and superior. But he was but a lowly officer under Evan, he couldn't show his contempt toward the Marquis of the Empire openly and thus he looked but a simple passerby from anyone's perspective. Egbert had not even bothered to look at him and was treating him like air.
Evan was by no means a pushover, but he was also not someone who would pick fights for a simple disagreement. He decided to just let it pass as it would be a complete waste of time and energy to argue anymore. Egbert continued...
"It is a price they must pay for what we are doing for them. don't you think? We are educating them, giving them new technology, and more. And I have heard that we are even building railways there. How generous is that?" Egbert said magnanimously as if the Britishers were truly doing the Indians a favor.
Evan opened his mouth to say something but the truth was that he also believed what Egbert had said to some degree. He had no proper words to retort and so he closed his mouth.
Egbert suddenly smiled and tapped Evan's shoulder. He came a bit closer to him and said, "Have a safe stay in India, Sir Norton. And try not to get yourself killed there."
Not giving a second glance to the dumbstruck Evan, Egbert turned back and left for his cabin with his lackeys leaving behind Evan who didn't know what to think.
Only when the Marquis had left, James came forward and frowned in the direction in which Egbert had left.
"These Noblemen show no respect toward the Military, Hmph!" James said, displeasure practically oozing through his tone.
Evan was still somewhat confused. He knew that there was something wrong with what Egbert had said but why couldn't he say anything in retort? Evan decided to throw this topic in the corner of his mind somewhere and focus on what would come next.
"Forget it, we don't need to pay attention to what he says. And what he said is.... anyways, let's go! I'm going back to my cabin, all of you may do whatever you wish. Just don't cause any trouble." Evan said and left for his cabin.