The ruler of Tuscany patiently waits for the rest of the members of the Parliament to voice their opinions. From time to time he whispers something in the year of his cousin, Rythmic Doria, who gravely nods in approval, keeping silent. Then Isbulino rises to speak.

Dear members of Parliamen, first let me start by stating, that neither I, nor any other member of the Doria family has ever expressed a desire to become Consul. I join those who accept Chancellor Innocentius as a co-Consul, and I trust that he will be able to fulfill Gregorio II's duties during our leader's absence. He shall now have the important task of defending the Republic from its enemies, choosing the right allies and leading our troops to glory. Whatever course he chooses for the Republic of Genoa, we shall be obliged to follow.

With the problem of leadership solved, I need to address some other concerns, expressed by members of Parliament.

Honorable Wasp of Ajaccio, as a head of the Doria family let me express my gratitude for your support. You have shown that in these troublesome times there are still decisive men, who see reason. My family has a proposal to make to yours, which would greatly benefit both our duchies. As Corsica has no borders with any foreign kingdoms, and its best defence lies in Genoa's navy, it will require only a small force to maintain order in your province. Therefore, you might find the 100 spearmen station on your lands as not needed and at the same time quite cumbersome on your finances. Instead of disbanding them and losing an already trained force, here is what I and my cousin can offer - we can purchase the above mentioned 100 spearmen from you for 50 florints, as soon as there is a ship linking Corsica to Tuscany. Not only will you gain 50 florints, but you will also save another 50 florints which the upkeep of those troops costs every year, which will be 50 florints added to your income for perpetuity - and unlike any mines or other expensive improvements, this will cost you nothing. So what do you say?

And now, let me address the concerns of our most respected friends form the House of Sardinia. While it is true that the lands of Tuscany are potentially wealthier than those of Sardinia, this duchy will bring serious responsibilities and duties to its Margrave, as unlike an island surrounded by the sea, this duchy currently borders three foreign provinces. If the Pope shall ally with the Venetians, and those two powers attack us together, they will outnumber us 10 to 1. To secure the borders of the Republic, my family will need to maintain a significant force, added to our military obligations to the Consul, and the raising and maintenance of such a force will greatly offset any gains from the land. I am explaining this to show that our family will get just as difficult a task as any other house of nobles within Genoa.
I was glad to hear Lord Gunslinger's invitation for cooperation with our house. The Dorias believe that there is great potential for wealth in the undeveloped resources of salt and silver in Sardinia. We would gladly pool our resources together with those of the house of Sardinia, and for our help in the construction of mines and other facilities as to allow the extraction of salt and silver, we only expect a share of any future income proportionate to our investment. Meaning that if we give 250 florints, then we shall be collecting 25 florints per year for as long as the mines remain operational. Alternatively, we can afford to help our Sardinian friends with 500 florints which shall be theirs for 10 years, with no interest during this time as usury is a deadly sin and we are good Catholics. However, gold is a resource just as any other, be it ships, buildings or weapons, and we shall expect a small rent for our gold in amount of one fifth, or 100 florints, on the 10th year together with the rest of the gold, or 600 florints altogether.
As you can see, the house of Doria welcomes any future cooperation, for in cooperation lies the path to wealth and prosperity. We understand that the stone walls needed for housing a dock are expensive, as are the galleys themselves, and ones a dock is in place in Cagliari, if the Lord has blessed our crops and our enemies keep silent along our borders, we might be able to help with some of the costs for the construction of the vessels. Of coure, the main burden will fall on the Lords of Sardinia, but such effort and expenses deserve an appropriate compensation, and as Gunslinger of Cagliari has pointed out, Sicily is close to Sardinia and if it can be conquered, my house will support the house of Sardinia in its valid claims on this island, currently in the hands of the Normans.
I will be waiting for your answer on my mutually beneficial suggestions.