Columbus finally earns himself an interview with the King of Lisbon for the purpose of better explaining the value of reaching the Indies by sailing west. The King at first seems interested by Columbus's proposed-project, and so assembles a group of experts to assess its worth. However, the group of examiners reject the project, when Columbus then suddenly learns of the unfortunate death of Felipa back in Porto Santo. Columbus leaves Portugal at once with his son Diego and goes to Castile.