Sins of Empire (Gods of Blood and Powder, #1)

by Brian McClellan

Perhaps over time, convincing Lindet to allow Palo to settle in some of the nicer areas of the city. The more Fatrastans are exposed to us, and us to them, the less we will have to fear each other.” “I wouldn’t have pegged you as an idealist,” Vlora said. “I am not,” Meln-Dun retorted. “I am pragmatic, and I pretend to be nothing more. Good relations create better business opportunities.”

“Food, in my experience, is one of the few things that can cement a good friendship between strangers.”