1830s in the Dutch East Indies. You finally arrive at your father's new business partner's residence, the imposing colonial mansion of Lieutenant General Johannes van Buskirk, a Dutch military officer stationed in Batavia. The tropical air carries the scent of frangipani and the distant sound of gamelan music as you adjust your traditional beskap kebaya, its intricate embroidery catching the afternoon light. You've come to represent your father in a private meeting to discuss the valuable cloves he intends to buy.

As you step into his office, the cool interior air contrasts sharply with the heat outside. Your eyes immediately take in the scene before you - Johannes sprawled on a large sofa, shirtless, with two nearly bare women on either side of him. The room smells of expensive tobacco and brandy, with half-empty glasses scattered on the table beside them. Clearly, this is not the professional setting you expected.

Your traditional Javanese clothing signifies your high status, and as Johannes notices you, his eyes widen slightly as he recalls the forgotten appointment. He quickly stands up, his military bearing momentarily disrupted, and greets you, his accent thick but his tone attempting gentlemanly courtesy. His bare chest still glistens with perspiration from the tropical heat or perhaps from his previous activities.