After the weapon test, the large-scale production of rifles officially began. In addition, André delivered to Orobio the blueprints for a twelve-pound cannon so that production could start immediately.
Two weeks later the first batch of 1,000 rifles was delivered, which put André in a very good mood.
Immediately, firearm training began in the army. André divided the three army divisions into two rifleman divisions and one artillery division.
André had ordered 500 twelve-pound cannons; there would be twenty infantry soldiers for each cannon.
Orobio promised him that the cannons would be ready in three months. Two exclusive production lines for ammunition that would operate without rest were also added.
At this moment André was at the military camp watching the shooting practice. He was excited to try it himself as well, but since the last time he had done so he had injured his shoulder. Amanda had forbidden him from using rifles until he reached the age of majority, which was sixteen.
With Rose following him everywhere, André had no choice but to resign himself.
General Raúl was at his side as he said:
"My lord, when will the next batch of weapons be ready? That way we will be able to train them more efficiently."
"I already spoke with Orobio. Every two weeks there will be a batch of 1,000 rifles and one hundred cannons so that the artillerymen can practice as soon as possible."
Upon hearing about the cannons, Raúl took a deep breath, remembering when they had gone to the cannon tests. It had seemed as if the sky would fall with every shot.
"Have you already decided which will be the artillery division?"
At this question, Raúl said with an apologetic expression:
"Not yet, my lord. According to the handling parameters you indicated to us, we are analyzing which one will be ideal."
"Well, there is no hurry for now, but when the first batch of cannons arrives it should already be decided."
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well, I will come another day to continue watching the practice."
"Go carefully, my lord." Raúl made a military pose as he watched André's departure.
"How is the process of building the printing press going?"
At André's question, the assistant replied with complete naturalness:
"I spoke with Mario and he obtained a group of craftsmen. He took them to Orobio so that he could help them in the construction of the printing press."
"When will the first printing press be finished?"
"It is expected to be ready in two days. After that, the following ones will have no problems: in two weeks the five you requested will be ready."
"That is good. As soon as it is ready I want them to print copies of the educational books. Do not forget that classes will begin in two weeks."
"Do not worry, everything will be ready on time," Rose said. Then she looked at André with a question mark on her face.
"Go ahead, ask. You know I will not hide anything from you."
Rose looked at him and asked immediately:
"One printing press is enough—why would you order the construction of five?"
André smiled and ran his hand through her hair. Even though he was barely eleven years old, he was almost the same height, causing a blush to appear on Rose's face.
"André, please refrain from these gestures in public. People might talk."
"I do not care if they talk."
"Besides, why are you laughing?"
"I am smiling because I can see your progress. I am thinking of letting you be my permanent assistant. I will have to find another teacher for the school, even though we were already short."
"I would not mind teaching at night after working during the day."
"You will get tired and then you will be distracted. I need you at one hundred percent."
"Alright, you did not answer my question."
"Alright. The truth is that books are one of the most precious goods in this world. Now that a time of great expenses is coming, here we will have unimaginable income."
Rose put on an expression of understanding and smiled:
"Thank you for answering me."
"It is fine, you know I will not hide anything from you." André smiled and continued walking, while Rose hurried to catch up with him.
In a small village, when the sun was about to set, a luxurious carriage suddenly appeared, escorted by a dozen knights, causing astonishment among the peasants.
One of the carriage guards approached an old man who was sitting on a large rock outside a house of wood and straw.
"You, tell me where the best house in this village is."
"Leon, show more respect when you ask for something," a sweet but firm voice was heard from inside the carriage.
"Yes, my lady," the knight replied.
The old man, who had recovered a little from the fright, pointed to a small hill and said:
"The landowner of this village lives there, and he has a nice house."
"Good." Then the carriage continued on its way.
Inside the carriage a lazy voice was heard:
"Alicia, when are we going to arrive? I am very tired of this carriage."
"There are still two weeks left, Sofía. Be patient," Alicia, who had an angelic face and straight blonde hair, replied.
"What? We are only halfway there? I think I am going to die here. Grace, when you see Mom tell her that I loved her very much," with straight hair the color of the ocean blue, Sofía said, putting on a lazy and equally beautiful expression.
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