In the mansion's courtyard, Ricardo and Miguel were in position, ready for another training session. With wooden swords in hand, they faced each other with determined looks. Ricardo, always the strict mentor, shouted, "Focus, Miguel!" The wooden swords clashed with force, echoing through the courtyard and drawing the attention of the nearby staff.
The young mage Lila and the servant John were among the spectators, watching intently. The two sat side by side, their closeness suggesting a budding friendship. John explained to Lila the movements and techniques Ricardo and Miguel used, while she watched with interest.
Ricardo attacked with a series of quick, precise strikes, and Miguel defended with increasing skill. They moved with grace and agility, each strike countered by a skillful defense. The sun shone high, casting dancing shadows over the courtyard and intensifying the heat of the battle.
"Faster, Miguel!" ordered Ricardo, increasing the pace. Miguel, sweating and panting, tried to keep up with his mentor's accelerated rhythm. Each time their swords met, imaginary sparks seemed to fly.
The staff stopped their chores to watch the fight. They quietly gathered, forming a circle around the two combatants. Among them were guards and other servants of the mansion, all eager to see the young king's progress.
Ricardo, with a swift and precise movement, disarmed Miguel, who fell to the ground, exhausted. Ricardo extended a hand to help Miguel up. "You're getting better, Miguel. Your swordsmanship is becoming sharper. One day, you'll be as good with a sword as I am."
Miguel accepted Ricardo's help, feeling proud of his mentor's praise. "Thank you, uncle. I'm doing my best."
Ricardo, with a mischievous smile, added, "Now, I want us to fight without the swords, just like you did with those mercenaries in the forest."
Miguel was taken aback. He hadn't expected that. Training with swords was challenging enough, but fighting without them? Ricardo was clearly trying to push him beyond his limits.
The staff and guards watching murmured among themselves, curious about the next bout. Some of the mansion's servants joined the group, increasing the small crowd around the courtyard.
Miguel took a deep breath, trying to calm the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He knew Ricardo was right. He needed to be able to fight in every way possible, especially without weapons, to protect himself and his kingdom. Looking at the growing circle of spectators, he felt a surge of determination.
"Let's go, Ricardo," said Miguel, preparing for the next bout.
Ricardo smiled, assuming an unarmed combat stance. "Show me what you've learned, Miguel."
The two repositioned themselves in the center of the courtyard, ready to begin the new training. The anticipation in the air was palpable, with all eyes fixed on the two combatants. Miguel knew this training was crucial, not just for his skill, but to show the people he was committed to becoming the leader they needed.
With one last look of determination, Miguel prepared to face his mentor once more, this time without the safety of the wooden sword.
After preparing, Miguel and Ricardo started the hand-to-hand combat. The mansion's servants and some guards watched anxiously, forming a circle around the two combatants. The tension in the air was palpable.
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Miguel took a deep breath, assuming the fighting stance he had learned in jiu-jitsu. Ricardo, on the other hand, adopted the rudimentary combat stance he had learned at the military academy of the Kingdom of Ardia.
Ricardo made the first move, quickly advancing with a direct punch. Miguel, agilely, sidestepped, grabbing Ricardo's arm and attempting to apply an arm lock. Ricardo, however, was strong and managed to break free, pushing Miguel back.
"Impressive," murmured one of the guards, observing the skill of both fighters.
Miguel wasted no time and advanced again, trying to take Ricardo down with a low strike. Ricardo jumped back, but Miguel quickly grabbed his legs, pulling him to the ground. Ricardo deftly rolled to the side and stood up quickly, keeping his guard high.
"He's fast," commented one of the mansion's servants, his eyes fixed on the fight.
Ricardo attacked again, this time with a series of punches and kicks. Miguel blocked most of the attacks, but one punch hit his stomach, causing him to recoil with a groan of pain. Ricardo seized the opening and tried to grab Miguel, but using jiu-jitsu technique, Miguel ducked and spun, sweeping Ricardo to the ground.
The spectators held their breath, watching the skill and speed of both combatants' movements. Lila and John were particularly fascinated by the fight. John whispered to Lila, trying to explain each move that Miguel and Ricardo made, even though he didn't understand any of the techniques.
Ricardo quickly got up, dusting off his clothes. "Where did you learn that, Miguel?" he asked, visibly impressed.
Miguel smiled without answering and advanced again. Ricardo attempted a high kick, but Miguel grabbed his leg and brought him down again, trying to immobilize him with a leg lock. Ricardo, however, twisted free and rolled away, getting back to his feet.
"This fighting style... I've never seen anything like it," Ricardo murmured to himself, still impressed with Miguel's technique.
Miguel, feeling the adrenaline rushing through his veins, knew he needed to keep up the pressure. He advanced again, this time using a combination of strikes and jiu-jitsu holds. Ricardo tried to resist, but Miguel's technique and precision were starting to overcome his brute strength.
In a quick move, Miguel managed to pin Ricardo to the ground, applying an arm lock. Ricardo struggled to break free, but Miguel's technique was flawless. After a few seconds of intense struggle, Ricardo finally gave in, tapping the ground to signal his surrender.
The spectators erupted in applause and cheers. Lila and John smiled, visibly impressed with Miguel's skill. The guards and servants murmured among themselves, admiring the young baron's technique and ability.
Ricardo, still on the ground, smiled at Miguel. "You really surprised me, Miguel. This fighting style is something I've never seen before, even having witnessed you defeat two mercenaries with it."
Miguel, helping Ricardo up, smiled back. "It was a good training session, uncle. You made me sweat."
Ricardo laughed, dusting off his clothes. "You're becoming an excellent fighter, Miguel. Keep it up, and you'll be unbeatable."
The spectators continued to applaud as Miguel and Ricardo exchanged mutual respect. The fight had shown not only Miguel's skill but also his determination and courage. He knew he still had much to learn, but each day he was becoming more prepared to protect his new kingdom.
***
Miguel was in his office, analyzing various sketches and documents, with a worried expression on his face. Around him were Elnar, Arthur, and Marcus, all sharing the same concern: the lack of specialized labor in the new kingdom. The room was silent, except for the occasional sound of paper being handled and the heavy breathing of the men present.
"Elnar," began Miguel, "the situation is tough. We have many projects underway, but the lack of specialized labor is delaying us."
Arthur, the blacksmith, nodded. "My son and I are working non-stop, but we can't keep up with everything. Marcus is also overwhelmed with carpentry projects."
Marcus, the carpenter, added, "We need more people, Miguel. If we could train more people to help us, it would solve part of the problem, but we don't have the time for that."
Elnar, with his usual calm, offered a solution. "I can send some of our blacksmiths and carpenters to help. It's not many, but it should ease the workload a bit."
Miguel thought for a moment, considering the offer. "That would be a great help, Elnar. I appreciate your offer and accept the help. But even so, we need a more lasting solution. We need more trained people or a more efficient system."
He looked at the sketches on his desk, thinking of a solution. "A production line, like an industry... but how can we do that here?"
Arthur frowned, confused. "A production line? How would that work, My King?"
Miguel tried to explain. "In my world... I mean, in theory, a production line divides the manufacturing process into specific stages, where each worker or machine performs a single task repeatedly. This increases efficiency and production."
Marcus seemed intrigued. "That sounds interesting, but how can we implement something like that here? I've seen many carpenters working together in other places but not in the way you described."
Miguel sighed, realizing the complexity of the situation. "I need to think more about this. I need to find a way to adapt this idea to our reality."
He stood up and thanked everyone for their help and ideas. "Thank you for your help and suggestions. We need more time to solve this. Please leave so I can think a little on my own."
The three men nodded and left, leaving Miguel alone in his office. He sat back down and looked out the window, observing the growing city. He knew that finding a solution to the lack of specialized labor was crucial for the kingdom's future.
Miguel picked up a glass of wine and took a sip, trying to relax and think clearly. The idea of a production line was still on his mind, but he needed to find a way to adapt it to the reality of his new world.