Miguel positioned himself in the center of the construction site, where the workers were already gathered and the necessary materials were arranged in organized piles. He knew that explaining the preparation of ancient concrete would be an essential task to ensure the quality of the buildings they planned to erect.

"Good morning, men," Miguel began, his voice firm and clear to ensure everyone could hear him. "Today, I will teach you how to prepare a mixture that is strong and durable."

He pointed to the materials arranged before them. "We have here lime, volcanic ash, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates. First, we will prepare the mixing area. Use this clean and flat space that we have previously prepared."

Miguel picked up a bucket of lime and a bucket of volcanic ash. "To start, we need to measure the materials correctly. We will use a ratio of one part lime to three parts volcanic ash." He showed the men how to fill the buckets with the correct amounts and pour them onto the ground, forming a mound.

"Now, mix the lime and volcanic ash with a shovel until they are well combined," he instructed, demonstrating the broad and efficient motion with the tool. The workers mimicked him, and soon the gray ash and white lime were blending uniformly.

"Next, we add the fine aggregates," Miguel continued, taking a quantity of crushed stone powder and pouring it over the lime and volcanic ash mixture. "Mix again until everything is uniform." Once more, he demonstrated how to do it, and the men followed his example.

"Now, make a hole in the center of the dry mixture," Miguel said, kneeling down to form a hole with his hands in the middle of the mixture. "We will gradually add water, pulling the dry materials into the center as we mix." He began to pour water into the hole and mix with the shovel, showing the necessary motion to create a homogeneous paste.

After some time of mixing, Miguel checked the consistency. "If the mixture is too dry, add more water, but be careful not to add too much. The consistency should be pasty and moldable."

He stood up and grabbed a bucket of pebbles. "Now, we add the coarse aggregates, like pebbles or rock pieces." He poured the pebbles into the mixture and started to stir again. "Mix well until all the aggregates are covered by the paste."

After ensuring that the pebbles were well incorporated, Miguel drew the men's attention to the next step. "The mixture is ready. We need to use it immediately. Today, we will use it to make bricks. Pour the concrete into the prepared wooden molds."

He demonstrated by filling a wooden mold with the mixture and compacting it well. "Compact it well to remove air bubbles," he instructed, showing how to use a simple tool to ensure the mixture completely filled the mold.

Finally, Miguel spoke about the curing process. "To ensure the durability of the concrete, we must keep it moist during the curing process, which can take several days. Cover the molded bricks with wet burlap sacks or spray water regularly."

He picked up a burlap sack and showed how to place it over the fresh bricks, wetting it with a small amount of water. "This way, our bricks will be durable and as strong as rocks."

Miguel stood up, wiping his hands. "Follow these steps carefully, and our bricks will stand the test of time. Good work, everyone!" The workers nodded, ready to apply their newly acquired knowledge to their tasks.

---

Ricardo watched attentively as Miguel explained to the workers how to make "concrete." He was intrigued, as he had never heard of this type of construction material before. Miguel detailed the process clearly, describing how to mix lime, ground stone aggregate, and water to create a strong mass.

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When Miguel finished his explanation and stepped away from the men, Ricardo took the opportunity to ask his question. "Miguel, where did you learn about this? This 'concrete' is something I've never heard of..."

Miguel thought for a moment before responding. "I read about it in my spare time," he said, trying to sound convincing.

Ricardo frowned, clearly unconvinced, but decided not to press further. "I see," he said, though his curiosity still nagged at him. "What you're doing here is really impressive."

Miguel nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility in Ricardo's words. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, Ricardo. But I'm confident we can do it."

Ricardo watched Miguel for a moment, still trying to understand where all this knowledge came from. He decided, however, to keep his questions to himself, at least for now. There were more urgent things to be done, and the success of the barony depended on their collaboration and mutual trust.

With that, they both turned back to the workers, ready to continue with the plans and ensure everything was executed in the best possible way. The construction of the barony was just beginning, but each new step was a significant advance towards a stronger and safer future.

***

The next day, Miguel was back in his office, a sense of responsibility weighing on his shoulders. In front of him, sitting with an imposing posture, was Ruidahr, the lion leader of the beast-men. They were there to discuss matters of defense and security for both peoples.

Ruidahr began to speak, his words laden with concern. "Miguel, I decided to help you because you have proven to be a strong ally, faithful in your values, and I respect that. However, since the moment you crossed the border and fraternized with the beast-men, you betrayed your own kind. They will come after you, it is inevitable."

Miguel listened attentively, feeling the weight of Ruidahr's words. "I am sorry for involving your people in all this. My intention was just to resolve the food issue for the barony."

Ruidahr nodded, his golden eyes fixed on Miguel. "I respect that in you. And I must say, I am impressed with the advancements you are making. That ballista you built... it is an incredible weapon. The firing rate and robustness of it are impressive."

Miguel smiled humbly. "I only provided the blueprint and the idea. The credit goes to the carpenters and blacksmiths who put it into practice."

Ruidahr laughed, a deep and powerful sound. "Stop trying to deflect the credit from yourself, Miguel. You have a brilliant mind."

He then added, "At this very moment, my people are already building more windmills to grind the grains, thanks to your collaboration. Without you, I might have canceled the project."

Miguel felt a warmth in his chest, a mix of pride and gratitude. "I'm glad to hear that, Ruidahr. Our success depends on mutual cooperation."

He then stood up, took a bottle of wine from a nearby cabinet, and poured two glasses. "Let's toast to this partnership," Miguel said, handing a glass to Ruidahr.

Ruidahr accepted the glass with a smile, his eyes shining with camaraderie. "To our alliance," he said, raising his glass.

"To our alliance," Miguel echoed, touching his glass to Ruidahr's.

The sound of the toast echoed through the office, sealing a pact of friendship and cooperation. Miguel and Ruidahr drank the wine, savoring the deep and robust taste of the aged wine.

Ruidahr commented on the wine. "This wine is extremely good, Miguel."

Miguel laughed and replied, "I had the same reaction when I first tasted it."

Ruidahr then took on a more serious tone. "I shouldn't tell you this, but I trust you a lot, Miguel, and I have no reason to hide it anymore."

Miguel nodded, his eyes fixed on the beast-man leader.

Ruidahr began to explain. "Our kingdom is divided into dozens of autonomous cities that formed an alliance with a common goal about 100 years ago." Miguel listened attentively, trying to understand where Ruidahr was going with this.

"For many years and even to this day, dozens of beast-man kingdoms and cities have been annihilated by human empires and kingdoms. Since the church banned the slavery of humans as a crime against the gods centuries ago, they turned to the beast-men and saw us as easy prey to be the new slaves. Since then, we have always been hunted."

Miguel felt a chill upon hearing this. He knew the cruelty of humans, but hearing about this oppression so directly and personally was distressing.

Ruidahr continued. "We are planning a large-scale invasion of all human kingdoms that hold our people as slaves. I'm telling you this because I trust you and believe this plan will soon come into action."

Miguel sat down in his chair, thoughtful. He took a moment to process the information before responding. "I don't blame you for that, Ruidahr. I abhor slavery of any kind. In your position, I would do the same."

Ruidahr was impressed by Miguel's understanding. "You really are different, Miguel. Most humans I've met don't share this view."

Ruidahr then revealed another crucial detail. "Your barony would be one of the first to be attacked, as it is the gateway to the Kingdom of Ardia, one of the largest that holds slaves. However, now, with this turn of events, it has been decided to spare your barony."

Miguel was pensive. He knew that Ruidahr's people were suffering from oppression and injustice, but the beast-men's plan would start a bloody war and a massacre. He reflected on the moral dilemma and the consequences this war would bring.

"I understand the need to fight for freedom," Miguel said finally. "But I fear for the innocent lives that will be lost on both sides. It's a difficult situation, but I know that freedom must be won."

Ruidahr nodded, understanding Miguel's concern. "This war will be inevitable, Miguel. But know that you have an ally in us. We will protect your barony while we prepare for what is to come."