Returning to his room, Miguel began to think about the different situations he had to face, but being as late as it was, he had to wait until the next day to meet with Fernández and review the convoy before departing.
—Frankly, I find it curious that, despite being the heir to the territory, I hadn't seen the people who are supposed to manage the territory beforehand. It could be that my age wasn't sufficient to involve me in politics, but proposing the idea of the ambush, although risky, earned me the Count's recognition,— Miguel thought. —As a first measure, we must look for the largest quantity of firearms we have available. We need their penetrating power to face potential armored enemies, and according to the memories of this body, there are already various models of matchlocks and cannons, although the latter are found more at sea than on land.
—Second, we need to inspect the wagons and requisition those with the greatest protection to place our projectile troops in them,— Miguel continued. —Furthermore, we need volunteers to expand both the cavalry and the infantry. I do not believe the Marquess didn't leave hidden or straggling troops to limit the possibility of the Count's counterattack.
—Third, we need sufficient supplies for the journey, as well as enough ropes or chains, if possible, to set up improvised camps if for some reason we end up staying out past nightfall. We are not Roman legions, at least not yet,— Miguel mused, thinking about a utopian future—at least for him.
—Honestly, I think that is why they brought me to this world: for reading Chinese novels and web novels. If it weren't for that, I would really be thinking about ending it all right now; whatever happens, it wouldn't be worth it. But well, we have made peace with the past. Now all that is left is to try playing this new life with the cards I've been dealt, and I'd like to think I have at least 'The ladies' standing on the button... Well, let's not exaggerate, at least the cutoff.
At 4:00 a.m., Miguel got up without anyone coming to call him, although he was sure Miel was about to come and wake him. Without wasting time, he bathed and dressed quickly, and headed to the guard barracks inside the duke's castle, where the majority of their 300 guards rested when not deployed in the city or on patrols in their direct territories. There was also a flurry of activity there in preparation for both the departing convoy and the troops rotating between protecting and reconstructing the damaged parts of the city, as well as the troops clearing the battlefield with the help of the initial volunteers.
Amidst the men entering and exiting, were the figures of Francisco and Fernández, distinguishable from the others by their different-colored shoulder pads.
—Captain Francisco, Lieutenant Fernández, —said Miguel. —It's a pleasure to see you both this morning. I would like to ask about the preparations for the march and inquire where we keep the arsenal. I have some plans in my head that I would like to confirm with you, Lieutenant Fernández.
With a slightly amused look that seemed to say "I told you so," Francisco looked at Fernández. With a nod, the lieutenant then looked at Miguel.
—Young master, it shall be done as you say. I have instructions from your father to assist you in the final details of the mission to return our people to their homes. I will also do everything in my power to ensure that whatever you need is made available.
—But if you'll allow me the audacity, young master, why are we returning these people to their homes so soon, without confirming whether the enemy is still within our territory or not? They could be easy prey for straggling enemy soldiers who resort to banditry, if they haven't already joined the Marquess's forces and are preparing an ambush for us, —said Lieutenant Fernández.
—Lieutenant, the city's grain reserves are running out at a high rate, but beyond that—which we can somewhat alleviate by rationing and purchasing food—we need the people to return to their homes so they can begin spring planting. Otherwise, the consequences won't just be rationing, but a widespread famine throughout the county. And I have the impression that even if we resort to purchasing food, we face two problems, —Miguel continued, raising two fingers and drawing from the knowledge of his young body's memories: —One, the speculators—an offense contemplated in Art. 298 of the Colombian Penal Code... well, I mean unscrupulous merchants who don't care about the nation that feeds them and illegally raise prices to take advantage of people's hardships; and two, the supply routes passing through or very close to the territory of the Marquess of Narico to the south.
—So, one way or another, we need food autonomy, especially when the northern route is not open due to the number of bandits on the road, —Miguel concluded, and thought: We really need to check on that situation in the north.
With a look that was initially neutral but then turned thoughtful, the lieutenant looked at Miguel.
—Wise words, young master; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, —he continued. —Follow me, please. Let's go to the armory. The equipment your father has prepared for you is ready there.
—Excellent. With your permission, Captain, —Miguel addressed Francisco.
—Go ahead, young master, —he replied.
Walking to the fifth floor of the guard tower and passing several security checkpoints along the way, the two finally reached the guard arsenal. Various types of weapons were piled there, from short and long swords to pikes and halberds, passing by bows and crossbows, until they found a privileged spot where a full-body brigandine armor, a visored helmet, and armored boots lay.
—The master has only been able to obtain this set of armor given the urgency of the matter. We need to make a few adjustments to it, which is why it isn't a full plate suit, so we can remove the excess parts, —Fernández pointed out. —Julián! Come up here for a moment.
While Miguel was inspecting the armor and the weapons around it, a very ordinary-looking young man ran in.
—At your service, Lieutenant, —he stood up straight and replied with a military salute.
—Young master, I present to you Julián, the village blacksmith's apprentice and a part-time soldier, serving as an attached blacksmith for the guard missions whenever we are deployed outside the city, —said Fernández. —Julián, take the young master's measurements and adjust the armor accordingly. You only have today to complete this work, and it takes precedence over the rest of the non-essential orders for the convoy.
—Understood, Lieutenant, —replied Julián. —Young master, allow me to take your measurements. Please put on the full armor, and let me help you with the most problematic parts.
—Sure, blacksmith, no problem at all.