Marcus began to show some of his wooden products. Everything was very rudimentary, but beautiful and efficient. Miguel recognized one of the chair models, very similar to the one he used in his office.

"Was it you who provided the furniture for the baron's mansion?" Miguel asked, curious.

Marcus nodded. "Most of it, yes. Some were bought from merchants by the old baron, but the table, chairs, and shelves were made by me."

Miguel then asked, "Have you ever made anything more exotic?"

Marcus was confused for a moment and replied, "No, nothing out of the ordinary."

Miguel smiled and showed his sketch to Marcus, placing the paper on a table. Arthur approached to see it as well. Both began to analyze the drawing, intrigued.

"It's an automatic crossbow," Miguel explained with a smile.

Arthur looked at the drawing and commented, "This looks like a hand crossbow used by some infantry in the kingdom, but this design seems like the crossbow is larger."

Marcus asked what the exact size of the crossbow would be.

"It would be one meter," said Miguel. "But it will be placed on top of the new wall we are going to build. And that's not all. We will create dozens or even hundreds of these. And this isn't even the only defensive weapon I want to develop for our barony."

Marcus and Arthur, looking at the drawing, were enthusiastic about the challenge.

"Do you agree to participate in this new arms revolution?" Miguel asked, full of expectation.

Arthur and Marcus responded in unison, "Yes."

Miguel smiled, satisfied. "That's perfect. Tomorrow, before leaving on a trip, I will deliver the sketches of a prototype."

***

The next day, Miguel was at the main gate of the mansion, feeling the light morning breeze touch his face. Beside him, Ricardo was checking the final details of the entourage. Fifteen soldiers from the barony, all well-armed and prepared, waited with serious and focused expressions. They knew the mission wouldn't be easy, but the confidence in Miguel's command kept them determined.

John, who volunteered to accompany the expedition, was visibly disappointed for not being able to go. Miguel had insisted that he stay to take care of the city in his absence, a crucial role, especially considering the recent attacks and the need to maintain order.

"I trust you, John. The city needs your leadership now," Miguel said, placing a reassuring hand on the young knight's shoulder.

"I understand, my lord," John replied, although with a trace of reluctance in his voice. "I promise the city will be safe until your return."

The servant Elnar, one of the beast-men volunteers, was also present, ready to join the entourage. His presence was a symbol of the new alliance between humans and beast-men, a sign of changing times. Elnar, with his strength and knowledge, would be a valuable addition to the expedition.

Miguel looked around, assessing each face present. The soldiers, although young, were full of courage and determination. They knew the mission to the volcano was risky, but they also knew that success would mean a significant advance for the barony. The production of concrete could revolutionize their defenses and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and prosperity of all.

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Ricardo, always the faithful advisor and protector, stood by Miguel's side, ready for any challenge they might encounter. "Everything is ready, my lord," he said, with a look of determination. "We are just waiting for your command to depart."

Miguel took a deep breath, feeling the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, but also a firm determination. "Very well," he said. "Let's review our plan one more time before we leave."

He knew that preparation was the key to success. He explained the route details again, the possible stops, and points of interest. They had enough supplies for the journey, and the soldiers were well-trained for any eventuality. The volcano was three or four days away, and every detail needed to be meticulously planned.

While reviewing the plan, Miguel couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. This journey was not just an exploration mission; it was a crucial step for the future of the barony. Looking at the faces around him, he knew he wasn't alone in this endeavor. He had loyal and brave allies, all ready to face the unknown by his side.

The morning light illuminated the mansion gate, a symbol of new hopes and challenges. Miguel was prepared to lead his entourage on a journey that could define the destiny of his people. He knew that, with courage and determination, they could overcome any obstacle and ensure a prosperous future for the barony.

Before departing, Miguel took one last look at the mansion, his mind full of plans and possibilities. The future was in their hands, and he was ready to face anything to ensure the safety and prosperity of his people.

--- DUCAL MANSION ---

A woman walked through the long corridors of an imposing mansion. Each step she took reverberated on the stone floor, her majestic stride exuding an unshakable confidence and a fear that spread to everyone around her. The long corridors were adorned with richly embroidered tapestries and torches that cast flickering light, creating dancing shadows on the walls.

She wore simple yet well-maintained armor that gleamed under the torchlight. The simplicity of her armor did not diminish her presence; on the contrary, it highlighted her strength and authority. At her side, two guards in plate armor accompanied her closely, their heavy boots echoing in unison with her steps. Their faces were serious, demonstrating the importance of their mission and the respect they had for her.

As she walked, the servants and guards she encountered along the way stepped aside, bowing their heads in respect and perhaps a little fear. The woman seemed not to notice, or maybe she didn’t care. Her gaze was fixed ahead, her expression stern and determined. Each of her movements was calculated, demonstrating a discipline and rigorous training.

The corridors were long and winding, with high windows letting in sunlight, illuminating the path. Portraits of ancestors adorned the walls, silently watching as the woman passed by. She was a contrast to the opulence around her, a figure of power in a luxurious environment.

At the end of the corridor, a large carved wooden door awaited her arrival. Two guards stood by the door, their spears upright and expressions impassive. Seeing her approach, they quickly moved to open the door, their actions swift and efficient.

The woman paused for a moment, watching the door open before her. The guards followed her closely, always vigilant. The large door opened slowly, revealing a room beyond that could not yet be seen.

With one last look of determination, the woman entered through the door, her powerful and imposing presence filling the space. The guards closed the door behind her, leaving only the resonance of her entrance echoing through the corridors.

---

Aurélio Vonmain was sitting at the head of a large round table, his fingers drumming distractedly on the polished wood. His piercing eyes watched the door open, and upon seeing Amélia enter, a malicious smile appeared on his face. Beside him was Augusto Vonmain, the duke's third son, who maintained a thoughtful and slightly bored expression.

Amélia Vonmain entered the room with the same aura of confidence and power that accompanied her through the corridors. Her cold gaze met Aurélio's for a brief moment before she looked away and sat apart from her two brothers. Aurélio chuckled softly, amusement evident in his tone. “I see you haven’t changed at all over the years, Amélia.”

Amélia kept her gaze steady, deliberately ignoring Aurélio’s comment. Her face was a mask of determination. “Let’s get straight to the point, Aurélio. What’s the purpose of this meeting?”

Augusto, who had until then remained silent, leaned forward, his eyes shining with renewed interest. “Yes, brother, I’m curious. Has our father finally passed away?”

The room seemed even more opulent than the corridors. The large round table was decorated with intricate wood carvings, and the chandeliers on the ceiling cast a soft, golden light, highlighting the aristocratic features of the Vonmain siblings. The walls were adorned with tapestries and portraits of their ancestors, watching the meeting with attentive and expressionless eyes.

Aurélio let out a sigh, his eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and impatience. “No, Augusto, our father still breathes. But there are urgent matters we need to discuss, and that’s why I called this meeting.”

Amélia wasted no time, crossing her arms and leaning slightly forward. “What matters, Aurélio? I’m busy and prefer not to waste time with games.”

Aurélio leaned back, a calculated smile playing on his lips. “All in good time, sister. We have much to discuss, and everyone’s presence is essential.”

Augusto, always the most direct of the three, glanced sideways at Amélia and then at Aurélio. “Then please, clarify the reasons for this meeting. We’re here now, so save your mysterious air and get straight to the point.”

Aurélio nodded slowly, as if savoring each moment of anticipation. “Very well, brother. But first, an update on Miguel. You know he was sent to that insignificant barony in the far south, right? It seems he’s encountered some difficulties...”

Amélia interrupted, her voice cutting. “Miguel is not our concern. He’s far away and out of our way. Let’s focus on what really matters.”

Augusto, always impatient, let out a snort. “And what really matters? Has our father finally passed away?”

Augusto’s question hung in the air like a sentence, laden with expectation and tension. The ensuing silence was palpable, and all eyes turned to Aurélio, waiting for his response.