Christian spoke first, his voice calmer now that the contract was signed, though his tone still carried the weight of responsibility.
"You should speak with your faculty and with the people in metallurgy," he said. "They must inspect the weapons personally. Given the blueprints you are providing, I doubt the Company will risk supplying low-quality arms—but it is better to be cautious. Once the crates reach New Granada, you will not be there to judge their condition. And by the time complaints return across the ocean, they may already be producing your designs in their own factories."
Francisco nodded seriously.
"Thank you, Director," he said. "I know I would never have reached this agreement without your support. I will dedicate myself even more fully to the encyclopedia. And I promise you—if I return to New Granada in victory—I will send a complete copy of the Royal Botanical Expedition of Mutis."
At that, Christian's eyes lit up with a brightness no pound or peso could buy.
