In Sintra Palace, facing Columbus's formal greetings, King João appeared calm and did not raise any difficulties. Although the scholars of the Royal Family around him were filled with disgust, eager to loudly question, in the formal setting of an audience, no one dared to speak without King João's instruction.
It wasn't until the ceremonial greeting was completed that King João II sat upright on his throne, inquiring about this Genoese navigator who had lingered outside his court for nearly ten years, seeking an audience.
"Castilian noble, Don Christopher Columbus. You previously claimed at the port station that you have sailed west to India and Cipangu and discovered a new trade route to the East?"
