The morning sun painted the roof tiles of the manufactory in soft gold as Ana stepped into Marcos's study with the latest numbers. She placed the parchment on his desk without saying a word—just a nod.
Marcos glanced at it and smiled slightly.
The ShadowMarket was now a machine with many wheels, and each was gaining speed.
Quarterly Financial Report – Breakdown by Product
– Charcoal Soap Bars: 5,420 réis (Most profitable, high demand in rural zones)
– Filtration Barrels: 3,800 réis (Steady growth; average of 2 barrels/day)
– Tool Oil (Thickened Formula): 2,400 réis (New item; growing demand in Betim)
– Polished Clay Pigment Blocks: 1,850 réis (High value, low volume)
Total Product Revenue: 13,470 réis
Service Revenue (Distribution + Logistics): 2,800 réis
Net Profit (after operations and salaries): 9,200 réis
The numbers confirmed what Marcos already knew — the system was working.
But his thoughts were elsewhere today.
A dusty man stood by the outer gates. His clothes were patched and faded, hands calloused, and a wide-brimmed hat shadowed his tired eyes.
He gave a single name: Eduardo da Serra.
A farmer, spokesman for the vila de São Tomás das Rochas, located two days south by cart. The village had land, crops, and hands to work. But no protection.
For three harvests now, they had been under increasing pressure from a group tied to a local land baron. The so-called "collection agents" demanded a cut of crops, timber, and even pottery. Those who refused were beaten or had wells poisoned.
Eduardo lowered his eyes.
"We heard about your black soldiers… and the filtered water. We don't have much coin. But if you help us, the land is yours to trade with."
Marcos didn't answer right away.
He stared out the window at a pair of Blood Roses patrolling the outer wall.
Their presence had already reduced petty crime in Contagem by nearly 60%. Local merchants had begun to request them by name. One small caravan, escorted by just two Blood Roses, had made a round-trip to Sabará without a single delay.
But São Tomás das Rochas was outside his current sphere of influence.
It was a gamble.
A long-term one.
The kind the Barão de Mauá would have taken.
Later that evening, Marcos met with Baltazar and Gaspar under torchlight in the strategy room.
"The Blood Roses are visible. Structured. Legal. If we move them that far south without official cause, it'll draw unwanted attention from regional landowners and city guards," Baltazar warned.
Gaspar added, "But the Nine Fingers could go. Quiet. Fast. Observe. Sabotage if needed."
Marcos nodded.
"Then we send both," he said. "The Blood Roses in two weeks — escorted with supplies as a 'trade convoy.' And the Nine Fingers? Tonight."
He turned to Tobias.
"I want a full terrain report, sent through hidden courier every 48 hours."
The next morning, Marcos personally oversaw the packing of essential goods: five water barrels, ten compressed soap blocks, a barrel of thickened oil, and a crate of pigment bricks — all labeled for humanitarian aid and demonstration purposes.
Eduardo da Serra would return with the goods in two days, escorted by one disguised Blood Rose and two merchants.
Meanwhile, Gaspar, Vicência, and Élio disappeared into the forest.
At the manufactory, Ana began overseeing a new branch of logistics: "Traveling Service Units", mobile carts with filtered water, repair tools, and basic medical aid. The goal was to keep workers healthy en route and offer services to villagers too far from the central hubs.
Marcos authorized the initial budget:
– Mobile Cart Construction (x2): 1,200 réis
– Staff Training & Gear: 800 réis
– Pilot Deployment: Route to Betim-Sabará Corridor
At the bottom of the report, Ana had scribbled in pencil:
"Efficiency is loyalty. The more we help, the more they depend."
Marcos smiled at her insight.
That night, under candlelight, he updated the map again:
Contagem – Stability: 42% / Reach: 14%
Betim – Stability: 38% / Reach: 12%
Nova Lima – Stability: 56% / Reach: 19%
Sabará – Stability: 22% / Reach: 8%
Belo Horizonte (Core) – Stability: 75% / Reach: 58%
São Tomás das Rochas – Status: Pending Recon / Risk Level: High
And next to it, in the corner, he added a personal note:
"If we free them without owning them, they will choose to follow."
The rose would bloom in shadows too.