Miguel's office was crowded with forty people, all crucial to the functioning of the barony. The U-shaped desk, which had previously seemed disproportionately large, was now filled with eager and curious faces. Miguel sat at the central end, with Thomas by his side, ready to support and guide.
***
Miguel surveyed those present: five farmers with small cattle and vegetable farms, Arthur, the lone blacksmith from what he had read, and several other essential professionals such as carpenters, weavers, healers, craftsmen, and bakers. The responsibility weighing on his shoulders was overwhelming, but he knew he needed to appear strong and resolute.
"Good morning, everyone," Miguel began, his voice echoing through the office. "Thank you for being here today. I know we are facing difficult times and that the food crisis is our most urgent issue. We are here to discuss solutions and find a way to overcome this challenge together."
He glanced at Thomas, who gave him a brief nod of encouragement before he continued. "Our goal is to create a solid plan based on the resources we have available. I'll be honest; currently, we have 1000 gold coins, 300 silver, and 2000 bronze in the barony's treasury—these are the only coins of significant value available. We also know that improving our planting techniques is crucial, but the first results of these improvements won't be seen for at least three months."
Miguel observed the serious expressions around the table and felt the tension in the air. "Therefore, we need an immediate solution to ensure that no one goes hungry while we work on long-term improvements. Considering our options, I believe the best strategy is to purchase provisions. However, since traders are avoiding our barony due to the crisis, we have one viable option: we need to seek supplies from the neighboring nation."
The silence that followed these words was deep and tense. Shocked and concerned expressions began to spread through the room, and Miguel could sense growing unease.
"Please, hear me out," Miguel said, raising his hand to calm the crowd. "I understand this idea may seem risky, but we need to explore all available options to ensure the survival of our community. I would like to know why many of you seem to be against this idea, as it is still far from a minimum and through our location, even the nearest city in the neighboring nation is at least a week's distance."
Miguel had obtained this information from a large map of the region that was kept in a drawer in the same room.
One of the farmers, an older man with a graying beard, stood up hesitantly. "Baron, the neighboring nation is inhabited by beastmen. They don't like to interact much with humans. Many of us fear they may see us as enemies or, at the very least, intruders."
Miguel frowned, processing the information. He had heard of the beastmen but knew little about them. The news that they could be hostile was troubling; he probably knew that in these areas there were Beastman, but memories of Miguel's are still confused for Luis.
A middle-aged farmer, with a severe look, also spoke out. "Baron, the last time someone tried to negotiate with them, the story did not end well. They are supposedly known to be territorial and suspicious. We may be putting ourselves at great risk by trying this approach."
The room grew even tenser. The idea of dealing with the beastmen clearly caused great discomfort among those present. Miguel needed to carefully consider the next step, not act out of prejudice and turn his back on someone who might be able to help them.
"I understand your concerns," said Miguel, trying to maintain a conciliatory tone. "But we need a solution to prevent hunger in our community. Perhaps, if we approach them with respect and show that our intention is purely commercial and peaceful, we may find a way to negotiate. We also need to think of an alternative plan in case this approach doesn't work."
Thomas nodded beside Miguel. "We need to consider all possibilities. Hunger doesn't wait, and we cannot afford to waste time."
"And besides, have any of you seen a beastman before?" Miguel asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
The room fell silent again, with everyone reflecting on Miguel and Thomas's words. The proposal to negotiate with the beastmen was risky, but the need for food was urgent.
"Let's make this decision together," Miguel concluded. "I want to hear your opinions and suggestions. We need to work together and find the best solution for our community."
With this statement, Miguel knew he still had a lot of work ahead of him. The tension in the room was palpable, but he felt a small spark of hope. If they could overcome their differences and work together, perhaps they could find a way to ensure the barony's survival.
The information about the beastmen was alarming, but Miguel was determined to explore all options before ruling out any possibility. He knew that leadership meant making tough and sometimes risky decisions. Now, he needed to strike a balance between courage and caution, guided by the greater goal of protecting and nurturing his community.
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Miguel looked around the room, observing the expressions of those present. After a long discussion, it seemed that everyone had finally agreed to attempt to contact the beastmen nation. The decision had been difficult and fraught with uncertainties, but the urgent need for food had prevailed over fears.
"I have decided that I will personally participate in the negotiations," announced Miguel, noticing the surprised and concerned looks that followed. "I will take some guards with me to ensure security, and Ricardo, who is feeling a bit better, will also accompany me. While we are away, Thomas will be in charge here."
Thomas nodded beside him, showing his support and readiness to take on responsibilities. Miguel knew he could trust his steward to keep things in order during his absence.
Before delving into the details of the journey, Miguel wanted to clarify his plans for improving food production. He knew people were eager for a solution, and although he was still developing his ideas, it was important to give them some hope.
"As for our long-term plan to improve food production," Miguel began, "I have some ideas that I'm still developing. I'm confident that over time, we can significantly increase our farming efficiency. I have a project in mind that could revolutionize our agriculture."
Murmurs began to circulate in the room again, with expressions ranging from confusion to curiosity. Arthur, the blacksmith, leaned forward, interested. "And what would this project be, Baron? Can you give us more details?"
Miguel smiled, keeping the mystery for now. "I'm still working on the details, but I can assure you it's something that will greatly enhance our production capacity. Once I have the plans finalized, I'll share them with all of you, especially you, Arthur, the blacksmith. For now, I ask that you trust me and continue to do your best with the current resources."
There was a moment of silence as everyone processed this information. Some seemed more convinced than others, but the promise of a concrete and innovative plan sparked a glimmer of hope in the meeting.
"Baron," said one of the farmers, rising hesitantly, "we understand you're working on something big. But we need immediate actions. This journey to the nation of the beastmen is a risk we need to take, but what if it doesn't work out? We need a plan B."
Miguel nodded, acknowledging the valid concern. "I agree. We need a plan B. While I'm away, I want everyone to keep working in their fields and explore any methods to increase our production with the resources available. When I return, I hope to have good news and a long-term solution to share with you, but for immediate aid, I ask Thomas to prepare some coins to purchase any food from traders passing through while I'm gone."
Miguel knew his words wouldn't dispel all doubts and concerns, but he also knew that action was the only way forward. He felt a renewed determination to make his projects a reality, knowing that the survival of the barony depended on their success.
"Thank you all for being here and for your willingness to work together to overcome this crisis," Miguel said, concluding the meeting. "Let's prepare for the journey. Thomas, I need you to organize the guards and ensure everything is ready for our departure."
Thomas nodded and immediately began issuing orders to the guards present. Miguel looked at Ricardo, who was sitting further back, observing everything attentively. Ricardo stood up and approached Miguel.
"Do you really think we can negotiate with the beastmen?" Ricardo asked, with a serious expression.
"I'm not sure," admitted Miguel, "but we need to try. And I believe that, with respect and clarity, we can find a way. Meanwhile, we also need to continue working to improve our internal production. I have some ideas that might help."
Ricardo nodded, supporting Miguel's decision. "I'm with you. Let's do whatever it takes to ensure no one goes hungry."
With that, Miguel felt a wave of support and solidarity. He knew he was taking a big risk in attempting to negotiate with the beastmen, but he also knew it was a necessary risk. With Ricardo by his side and Thomas ensuring order in his absence, he was determined to do whatever was necessary to save the barony.
As preparations for the journey were made, Miguel began mentally outlining the details of his planting and irrigation projects. He knew it would take time and collaboration to make them a reality, but he believed he could turn his vision into a practical and effective solution.
With the team assembled and plans underway, Miguel felt a renewed sense of hope. He was ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing he had dedicated and committed people by his side who cared deeply about the welfare of the barony. The journey to the beastmen's nation would be just the first step on a long road to recovery and prosperity.
Arthur left Miguel's office with slow, thoughtful steps. As he walked through the dirt roads of the village, he reflected on everything discussed in the meeting. The new baron had brought a wave of hope and determination, but had also introduced a series of challenges and uncertainties.
Arthur pondered the idea of negotiating with the beastmen. The mere mention of them had stirred a mixture of fear and disbelief among those present. He himself was skeptical. The beastmen were known for their distrust and territorialism, and the possibility of successful negotiation seemed distant. However, the desperate situation called for desperate measures, and he understood the urgency of Miguel's plan.
As he walked back to his smithy, Arthur also reflected on Miguel's plans to improve food production, although the lack of details left everyone confused and somewhat apprehensive. Nevertheless, Arthur felt a glimmer of hope seeing that the young baron was willing to seek innovative and practical solutions.
"He's young, but he seems to have a good heart and a clear head," thought Arthur. "Perhaps he really can make a difference here."
Arriving at his smithy, Arthur returned to work, but his mind continued to wander through the ideas discussed in the meeting. He knew his skills as a blacksmith could be crucial in the new baron's plans and was willing to contribute in every way possible. The food crisis was a serious problem, but Arthur felt that, for the first time in a long while, there was leadership willing to face the challenges head-on.
With a sigh, Arthur picked up his hammer and began striking the hot iron, the familiar sound bringing him a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to do his part to ensure a better future for everyone in the barony.