A week had passed since the unexpected visit from his sister, Amélia. Miguel still felt shaken by the encounter, but he knew he had to move forward and make crucial decisions for the future of the barony. Now, he focused on organizing a fair vote to determine if the population within the border wanted to be independent from the duchy. Sitting in his office, Miguel pondered ways to proceed with this monumental task.
Initially, he considered consulting the beastmen about how voting and elections worked among them. However, he decided that this matter should be resolved by himself, without further burdening his allies. Miguel knew he needed to find a solution that respected the people's will and was practical to implement.
After much reflection, the only viable option that came to mind was to personally visit each village and ask the people directly. Miguel took a detailed map of the barony's villages and began to study it. There were a total of 37 villages spread across the region. He did not know the exact total population of the barony but estimated it to be low, considering that the only city, Drakmoor, had just over 1,000 inhabitants.
With a plan in mind, Miguel decided to send two soldiers to each village. Their mission would be to ask the local residents if they wanted independence from the duchy. He instructed the soldiers to ask only adult women, whether married or not, or those already working. The same would apply to the men. Miguel knew that in this world, children started working early, so he felt it was fair to include those who worked in the voting.
Additionally, he directed the soldiers to count all adults, regardless of whether they were men or women. They should also record the number of children, even those not yet working. Miguel wanted to collect as much data as possible to create a sort of demographic survey of the region.
Sitting at his desk, he meticulously wrote down all the instructions on a piece of paper. His handwriting was careful, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. He listed the villages, voting criteria, and information the soldiers should collect. Every detail was important to ensure that the people's will was respected and the final decision was fair and legitimate.
While writing, Miguel couldn't help but think about the uncertain future he was charting. The barony's independence could bring prosperity and freedom, but it also represented a great risk. He knew that by making this decision, he was challenging not only the duchy but also the kingdom itself. However, his determination to create a better place for everyone was unwavering.
After finishing writing his instructions, Miguel reviewed each point to make sure nothing was forgotten. With a deep sigh, he stood up and carefully stored the paper. The next step would be to gather the soldiers and explain their mission. He hoped the people's response would be positive and that he could lead the barony toward an independent and prosperous future.
Miguel looked out the window of his office, observing the city in the distance. The wall was almost finished, a testament to the collective effort of humans and beastmen. He knew that with unity and determination, they could achieve great feats. And now, it was time to give the people a voice and let them decide their own destiny.
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The next day, after Miguel instructed the soldiers, they quickly departed for their missions. Each pair received a village to visit and collect votes. Meanwhile, Miguel, alongside Ricardo, headed once again to the city square. He knew it was a crucial day for the future of the barony and needed to communicate this to the inhabitants of Drakmoor.
The square soon began to fill with curious people, drawn by the presence of the baron and his guards. Miguel climbed onto an improvised platform, made of planks and boxes, so everyone could see him. The crowd quieted, and he began his speech with a firm and emotional tone.
“My dear citizens, I stand before you today to express how proud I am of each and every one of you. This barony has faced trials and adversities that few would imagine. I remember those who fell in battle so that we could all be here today, safe. Men and women who gave their lives to protect this place we call home.”
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Miguel paused, observing the attentive faces in the crowd. He saw determination and hope in his people's eyes. “Today, we are faced with an important decision. Due to the negligence of the kingdom, and especially the duchy, I believe it is a just action for this region to become an independent realm.”
A murmur of surprise and admiration ran through the crowd. People began to talk among themselves, processing Miguel's proposal. Suddenly, one of the residents shouted, “My lord, you are our savior! If it weren't for you, we would be starving or in the hands of those assassins!”
More and more people began to thank Miguel, expressing their gratitude for everything he had done. Miguel raised his hand, asking for silence again. “Freedom is an achievement, and everyone here has that right. I am a servant of the people now, and I did no more than my duty.”
The crowd applauded in approval, moved by Miguel's speech. He then organized tables for the voting, with the help of some soldiers. The tables were strategically positioned around the square, each with improvised ballot boxes where votes would be deposited. Miguel explained the voting process, encouraging everyone to participate but not forcing anyone.
While the tables were being organized, people continued to chat animatedly about the independence proposal. The square was full of life and hope. Miguel observed the scene, feeling a mixture of anxiety and confidence. This was the moment to decide the barony's future.
Finish the scene with Miguel and the soldiers finalizing the preparations for the vote, but without starting the process yet. He ensured that everything was in order, ready to give the people the opportunity to decide their destiny.
The atmosphere in the square was charged with expectation and emotion. Miguel knew this was an important step, not only for him but for everyone living in that land. The decision they would make today would shape the future of Drakmoor and all its inhabitants.
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The voting process was meticulously planned by Miguel to ensure it was fair and anonymous. He knew this decision was crucial for the barony's future and wanted each vote to be cast without pressure or external influence.
Miguel and his soldiers prepared improvised ballot boxes, using small barrels with a narrow opening at the top to deposit the votes. Each voting table was covered with an improvised tent, made of sheets and wooden poles, to provide privacy for the voters. Inside each tent, there were two urns, each with a symbol drawn on the front: a "V" for "in favor" and an "O" for "against."
When a person arrived to vote, they received a piece of paper and a piece of charcoal from one of the guards. The guard then explained how the process would work: “You will enter the tent and see two urns. If you want the barony to become independent, draw a 'V' on your paper. If you are against independence, draw an 'O'. Deposit the paper in the urn corresponding to your vote and then leave the tent to make way for the next voter.”
Once instructed, the person entered the tent, voted in private, and left. The next voter then repeated the process. The guards ensured that everything ran smoothly and that no one was interrupted while voting.
The square was organized with several of these voting stations, allowing many people to vote simultaneously. Miguel watched closely as everything was prepared, ensuring the soldiers were aware of their responsibilities and that the voters understood how the process worked.
It was a simple but effective system designed to respect each voter's privacy and ensure that the people's will was clearly expressed. Miguel knew this was a monumental task, but he was determined to see it done correctly.
The explanation was given to the guards and citizens, and everyone was ready to start voting. The ballot boxes were prepared, the tents set up, and the charcoal and papers distributed. The square was silent, awaiting the start of this historic moment.
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Miguel attentively watched the people vote. The buzz of the square filled the air, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and anxiety. The sight of the improvised ballot boxes, small barrels with a narrow opening, and the people heading to the voting tents was a milestone of change. He thought about his luck in discovering the huge stockpile of papyrus in the mansion's basement. These papers were essential for the voting, allowing him to distribute hundreds to the soldiers who went to the villages, along with two urns for each pair.
As people voted, Miguel reflected on the importance of this moment. Each person approaching the improvised tents carried the hope of a better future. He knew that most nobles didn't care about the opinions of their servants and subjects, but he wanted to be different. He wanted every voice to be heard and every vote to count.
Ricardo approached, bringing with him a sense of unwavering support. “I never thought I’d see a vote with the population. Most nobles don’t care about the opinions of their servants and subjects. Your mother would be proud of the man you’ve become, Miguel.”
Ricardo's words hit Miguel deeply. He thanked his uncle for the praise and support, but deep down, he felt uneasy. He knew he was not the real Miguel but Luiz, and that, even now being Miguel, it was Luiz who was receiving the true credit. This duality troubled him profoundly. He thought about the sacrifice and courage this required, but also about the burden of living a life that was not originally his.
Observing the square, Miguel realized how crucial this moment was. It was not just a vote; it was the building of a new identity, both for him and for the barony. Each paper deposited in the urns symbolized the trust the people placed in him. He knew he had a huge responsibility and needed to keep going, despite the uncertainties and challenges that lay ahead.
He looked around and saw familiar and unfamiliar faces, all united by a common cause. It was a historic moment, and Miguel knew that, regardless of the results, he was doing the right thing. Even feeling sorry for the real Miguel, he committed to honoring that name and carrying forward the dream of a place where everyone had a voice and a chance.