Miguel woke up to another day, feeling the excitement and tension of the upcoming journey. After a quick breakfast, knowing that Ricardo was out organizing preparations, he felt eager to continue his work. On his way back to his office, Miguel greeted some mansion staff, who returned his greetings with respectful and hopeful smiles.
Arriving at the office, Miguel picked up one of the sketches he had made the previous night. It was a detailed drawing of a rudimentary automatic crossbow, an innovation he planned to implement to strengthen the barony's defenses.
The automatic crossbow Miguel planned was an impressive weapon. The main structure would be made of sturdy wood, like oak, reinforced with iron strips to ensure durability. The firing mechanism would use a system of pulleys and springs, also made of iron, to provide a consistent and rapid firing rate.
The sketch clearly showed how the crossbow would work. The weapon would be capable of firing 60-centimeter arrows, an ideal size to balance range and penetration power. Miguel planned a firing rate of 30 arrows per minute, a remarkable feat for such a weapon.
For the arrows, he thought of using lightweight wood, like birch or ash, with iron tips. The arrow fletching would be made of treated leather to ensure flight precision. Additionally, he planned to use a type of metal alloy for the crossbow's internal components to minimize wear and increase durability.
Miguel also designed an automatic feeder for the arrows, made of wood and metal, which would be loaded at the top of the crossbow. This feeder would ensure that arrows were quickly fed into the firing mechanism, allowing for the rate of 30 arrows per minute.
As he reviewed the sketch, Miguel thought of all the possibilities this weapon could bring to the barony's defense. An automatic crossbow could be placed on the walls, providing continuous and efficient defense against any invader.
He felt confident that, with the right materials and craftsmanship, he could turn his sketch into reality. The idea of using oak for the structure, iron for reinforcement and pulleys, and a metal alloy for the internal components seemed solid. Miguel knew that execution would be complex, but he was determined to see his plan come to fruition.
Miguel set the sketch aside and picked up another piece of paper. He began making notes about the necessary materials and steps to build the crossbow. He knew he would need Arthur's help and the carpenters to work with the iron and wood, and perhaps even assistance from the beastmen to ensure the precision of the mechanism.
As he continued planning, Miguel felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was creating something that could make a real difference in the barony's security. With a final look at the sketch, he smiled, satisfied with the progress made.
The work had only just begun, but with each step, Miguel felt closer to turning his visions into reality. He knew the journey ahead would be full of challenges, but with determination and the support of his allies, he was ready to face any obstacle that came his way.
---
Miguel left his office, feeling the need to get out and continue with his plans. He opened the door and went looking for João. As he walked through the mansion's corridors, he couldn't help but think of Thomas, the butler, and how his absence made everything more difficult. Thomas had always been by his side, offering wise counsel and a reassuring presence. Now, without him, the responsibility seemed even greater.
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Deciding not to delve deeper into these thoughts, Miguel focused on the task ahead. He quickly found João and asked him to accompany him to the town. “We need to meet with Arthur and a carpenter,” Miguel explained.
João nodded, always ready to help. “Of course, my lord.”
Together, they headed to the stable, where they took two horses. Miguel mounted his horse with ease, feeling the familiarity of the saddle and reins in his hands. João did the same, and soon the two were riding toward the town.
As they rode, Miguel observed the landscape around him. The town seemed more invigorated with the new food brought by the beastmen. The people on the streets appeared more cheerful, and he noticed children playing, merchants selling their goods, and workers busy with their daily tasks.
Every now and then, Miguel received one or two letters from residents wary of the beastmen’s presence. He partially understood this prejudice, knowing that changes bring insecurity. It was something he needed to address with patience and time, showing that cooperation between peoples was beneficial for everyone.
As they approached Arthur’s smithy, Miguel felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that finding Arthur and the carpenter was crucial to continue his construction plans. With new ideas and sketches, he was determined to transform the barony into a safer and more prosperous place.
Upon reaching the smithy, Miguel and João dismounted their horses. The sound of the hammer striking metal and the heat of the forge created an intense work environment. Miguel felt confident that, with Arthur and the carpenter's help, he could turn his ideas into reality.
Arthur noticed Miguel and João’s presence and stopped what he was doing to greet them. “My lord,” he said, wiping his hands on a cloth and approaching.
A young man working in the smithy also approached Miguel. “Thank you, my lord, for keeping your promise,” the boy said, with a gleam of gratitude in his eyes.
Miguel looked at the boy, trying to remember where he knew him from. Suddenly, the memory came back. He remembered promising the boy that he would bring his father back alive. “You are... Arthur’s son?”
Arthur smiled proudly. “Yes, this is my son, Benjamin.”
Miguel leaned down to greet the young man. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Benjamin. As baron, it’s my duty to protect my subjects.”
Benjamin smiled, looking relieved and grateful. “Thank you, sir.”
Arthur then turned his attention to Miguel. “What brings you to my smithy today, my lord? I’ve already finished some of the iron rods you requested.”
“I want you to help me with another project,” Miguel replied. “And I also need to find a carpenter. But for now, I’d love to see how the iron rods are coming along.”
Arthur led Miguel to where the iron rods were stored. There were 30 iron rods, all neatly lined up. “We still have plenty of steel left from the spoils,” said Arthur. “We can produce more as needed.”
Miguel examined the rods, satisfied with the work. “You’re doing excellent work, Arthur. This will be a great help in the reconstruction.”
“Thank you, my lord,” replied Arthur, clearly proud of his work.
“Do you know a good carpenter in town?” Miguel asked, turning to Arthur.
“Yes, I do,” Arthur replied. “But why do you need both a carpenter and a blacksmith?”
Miguel smiled enigmatically. “I have something in mind. Once we find the carpenter, I can explain better what it is.”
Arthur nodded, accepting the answer. “Very well, let’s find this carpenter, then.”
---
Miguel and João mounted their horses, while Arthur followed on foot. It took a few minutes to reach a simple, closed establishment. The facade looked more like an ordinary house than a carpentry shop. Arthur stopped in front of the door and knocked firmly.
After a few moments, the door opened, revealing a tall, strong man with a stern face. He looked at Arthur and then at Miguel, and his expression immediately softened. “My lord,” he said, looking directly at Miguel with a tone of respect. “Please, come in.”
Miguel and João dismounted and followed Arthur into the carpenter’s shop. Upon entering, Miguel was impressed with the variety of wooden furniture scattered around. There were chairs, tables, barrels, cabinets, and a multitude of other items, all crafted with skill and attention to detail.
The man closed the door behind them and turned to Miguel and Arthur. “I’m Marcus,” he said, introducing himself with a slight nod. “How can I help you today?”
Miguel looked around the shop, admiring Marcus’s work. He realized he had found someone truly talented. “Thank you for receiving us, Marcus,” he said, still observing the furniture. “Your work is impressive.”
Marcus smiled modestly. “I do my best, my lord. What brings you here today?”
Miguel exchanged a glance with Arthur, who nodded slightly, confirming Marcus’s capabilities. “I have a project in mind, and I believe you might be the right person to help me.”
Marcus seemed intrigued but didn’t ask further questions. “I understand, my lord. I’m available to help with whatever you need.”
Miguel nodded, satisfied. “Thank you, Marcus. We’ll discuss more details soon. For now, I just wanted to see your work and assess your skills.”
As Marcus watched curiously, Miguel and Arthur exchanged a look of understanding. They knew this was the first step toward a significant project, and they were confident that with Marcus by their side, they could turn their ideas into reality.
The carpenter’s shop was full of potential, and Miguel felt that he was on the right path to strengthening the barony and ensuring a prosperous future for everyone.