1 month for winter.
The next day, Raphaello woke up with the same usual routine, feeling the cold that announced the approach of winter. The cold breeze penetrated through the cracks in the shipyard, reinforcing the imminence of the cold season. The village, shrouded in misty cloaks, showed signs of preparation for the coming months of inclement weather.
Raphaello arrived at work at Roger's forge, unsure whether he would reveal his future plans. He greeted Roger and mentioned the increasing cold, starting a casual conversation about preparing for winter. Curious about local traditions during this season, Raphaello expressed his lack of knowledge about how people dealt with the severity of winter in the region.
- Good morning, Roger. How is our production going? Do you intend to maintain the same intensity during the winter?
Roger scratched the back of his neck lightly, showing a sign of tiredness as he considered how to explain the situation to Raphaello. He then responded with a slightly patient tone, wishing Raphaello would understand.
- Well, Raphaello, you see, here in the village, most of us reduce work during the winter. When the cold weather arrives, our main focus is making sure we have enough firewood and coal to keep us warm. If we don't have enough resources, winter can be very difficult for all of us.
Confused by the information presented by Roger, Raphaello continued to ask about Roger's plans for the cold season.
- So what do you intend to do, Roger?
- I intend to completely stop production and will probably provide some help to those most in need.
The scarcity of resources in the region, compared to other areas, makes winter challenging for inhabitants.
Raphaello found himself in a delicate situation. He pondered whether he should reveal his own plans for the winter, hesitant to involve Roger in his activities. However, he tried to make a reservation.
- And if there was a sufficient supply of coal to maintain production, would you continue working during the winter?
Roger answered Raphaello's question with a slightly suspicious expression. Raphaello had raised the issue of having more coal on purpose, hoping the blacksmith would be curious enough to question him.
- But of course, after you started working for me I was able to produce 3 times more. This made me feel very confident about saving money for this harsh winter that we are going to have.
Roger answered Raphaello's question with a hint behind his ear. Raphaello raised the issue of there being more coal on purpose to Roger because he knew the blacksmith was curious and would ask him back.
- Why are you bringing this up, boy? There is no way to guarantee more coal during the winter. It is prohibited to take firewood from the Barão forest; If anyone is caught, there will be severe punishments. This entire area belongs to him.
Raphaello responded with a hint of mystery in his voice.
- Let's say there's a chance we can get enough coal for you to keep working through the winter. Would you be willing to do that?
- Of course, but you're hiding something from me. Tell me what you know.
- Roger, I believe you are a person I can trust and who can help me. I just didn't want to involve you in this, but I think it's time for me to share.
Raphaello paused and continued.
- Roger, with Draxer's help, I started a small charcoal production in the forest. We are using three ovens and with my Ignis Frigoris magic I intend to speed up production for the winter. The objective is to supply coal in large quantities to the people of the village, so that they can face the winter with peace of mind.
Roger's eyes widened, surprised by the revelation. He interrupted Raphaello with an inquisitive look.
- Are you serious, Rapha? Are you producing coal illicitly within the Baron's territory? You know this is extremely dangerous, don't you? If the Baron finds out, the consequences could be disastrous.
Raphaello nodded, demonstrating understanding regarding the seriousness of the situation.
- I know, Roger. That's why I need your help. I need to ensure this production is kept secret. If the Baron finds out, not only me, but also the people involved, will be in serious danger. The way we are doing it is perfect, we won't be discovered by the baron, I just need you to help me with some things.
Roger was extremely worried when he remembered the tragic consequences of previous attempts at illicit production in the village. He scratched his head, trying to ponder the situation.
- I understand the seriousness of the situation. This is something serious, Raphaello. We cannot risk the safety of the people in the village. We need to be cautious in all our movements.
Raphaello nodded, agreeing with Roger's concerns.
- Yes, that's why I'm counting on you, Roger. With your influence and reputation in the village, I trust you to act as an intermediary between the merchants and the inhabitants interested in purchasing coal. We need to be discreet to avoid attracting the attention of the Baron and his authorities.
Roger listened carefully to Raphaello's words, assessing the seriousness of the situation. He nodded in agreement, pledging to help Raphaello in the best way possible.
- Also, Roger, I need to inform you that these next 10 days will be the last I will work for you. My attention will be completely focused on coal production, and I must dedicate myself entirely to that. If you plan to continue with the forging, you will have to manage without me.
Roger listened to Raphaello's words with visible regret, understanding the need for the decision. He silently accepted the deal, recognizing the importance of the mission Raphaello was about to embark on.
Raphaello continued his work alongside Roger throughout the rest of the day, helping with the forging and strengthening the bond between the two. Roger felt a mix of emotions as he reflected on the conversation, recognizing the value of having someone like Raphaello in the village. He envisioned the possibility of positive change and considered how encouraging it would be to have more people willing to challenge the status quo.
...
After a day of intense work in the forge alongside Roger, Raphaello left the establishment and headed to the village's central square. The sun was slowly setting, dyeing the sky with shades of orange and pink, as lanterns began to light up along the narrow, winding streets. Raphaello spotted Draxer waiting for him near the fountain in the square. Draxer's face was serious, and there was a noticeable tension in the air.
As he approached, Raphaello noticed Draxer's tense expression and felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew that Draxer would only ask him to meet someone important if it was something serious. Raphaello tried to hide his anxiety, maintaining a calm and determined posture, but his mind was filled with speculation about what awaited them.
Draxer looked at Raphaello and gave him a meaningful look indicating that the situation was delicate. His eyes were serious, revealing the seriousness of the planned meeting. Raphaello noticed Draxer's hands were slightly shaking, a clear sign of his uneasiness.
- Raphaello, today we will have an important meeting with someone who can help us in our endeavor. We need to be prepared to deal with any situation that arises.
Draxer's voice was firm, but Raphaello could hear the slight tremor in his words, denoting the gravity of the imminent encounter. Raphaello nodded with determination, aware of the importance of the moment and ready to face any challenge that came his way.
As Raphaello and Draxer prepared for their meeting, a distinguished-looking young man and two swordsmen followed closely behind him. The young man, a little older than Raphaello and Draxer, wore an elegant attire that, although it could not be compared to that of a nobleman, made him stand out among the village's inhabitants. His cold, calculating eyes roamed over Raphaello with an expression of distrust and caution.
Within moments, the young man approached, his erect and confident posture revealing an unshakable determination. He cast a sharp look towards Raphaello, assessing him carefully before addressing Draxer.
- Is this the person who will solve the village's winter problems, Draxer?
asked the young man with a suspicious tone.
- It better be true, or else you will suffer the consequences for taking up my time.
The firmness in his voice left no doubt about his authority in the village. Raphaello noticed the intensity of his presence and the tension that was forming in the air, understanding the importance of making a good impression on this influential individual.