Bella only dared to take a seat when he waved at her to do so. Knowing that she would need to get straight to the point, Bella began her pitch in earnest. "Father," Bella said, "The other women and I at Naomi's temple have come to realize: most sailors' children are apprenticed to ships, but their knowledge could be better. With most voyages being so long that most people have very little practical sailing knowledge. The children of sailors make good cabin boys and powder monkeys. The knowledge they have is indeed superior to those untrained, but we feel we can combine a young boy or girl's lessons with that of the sailing life. Our aim is to produce a guide to train them for all shipboard roles and daily life. Even after sufficient training to sail in the port, they may not immediately pursue seafaring, but the skills will be readily available should they choose to do so later."
Her words came out in a rush, afraid that her father would stop her before she could finish. This was the one weakness in her plan. It all hinged on this decision of her father's. All it would take was him saying no, and it was back to square one. Bella had to fight to keep her mask of noninterest in place in her father's presence as her father stared her down, no doubt wondering why the sudden helpfulness.
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As if her thinking planted the very thought in his head about it, he asked, "I see. The idea is an intriguing one. But I must wonder why even bring it up, daughter? You know my thoughts about you taking on business matters. It was one thing to teach you for the sake of becoming a future merchant's wife-"
"Forgive me, father, for interrupting, but that is the crux of the matter. We have been at an impasse for my marriage for the past four years. I was hoping to use this trivial pursuit to widen the nets, so to speak, to find someone that I find an acceptable match and would be beneficial as a connection to you. By spearheading this project if it succeeds, as well as we women hope will revolutionize the sailing trade all together. Funding this endeavor would give you an edge, attracting other merchants outside the guild who would want to know the secret of such a change, thus giving you more contracts and allowing me to choose from many more suitable sons, which could then be leveraged for a more favorable contract."