The early morning in Betim carried a different scent now. Not just of bread, sawdust, and river air — but of purpose. Men shouted orders near the western edge of the village, where a new structure was taking shape. The ground had been cleared, logs driven deep, stone hauled from Esmeraldas and Sarzedo. This would not be a home or warehouse.
This would be the Council House of Betim — the beating heart of a city not yet recognized, but already real.
A Council Without a Crown
Marcos stood in the center of the rising foundation, boots in the earth, sketch in hand. Unlike the palatial halls of Rio or the narrow chambers of Curral Del Rei, this space was designed with intention. Long, central corridors for fast navigation, open chambers for witnesses, and private rooms for strategic councils.
By his side, Ana and Baltazar discussed the list of candidates for the first civic council.
Ana, by merit and loyalty, would serve as Head of Logistics and Urban Planning.
Baltazar would oversee Security and Justice, coordinating between the Guarda Barbosa and the expanding rural patrols.
Father Joaquim, recently arrived from Contagem, a pragmatic and reform-minded priest, would mediate community disputes and register local marriages and contracts.
A trader from Sarzedo and an artisan from Igarapé were also being considered — men of skill, not lineage.
"We don't build this for the Empire," Marcos said. "We build it for the people who follow us."
The Blueprint of a City
Later that day, inside his study, Marcos unrolled a large sheet of parchment. It showed not only Betim as it was, but as it could be.
"What is this?" Ana asked, eyes widening at the strange symbols.
"A plano diretor," Marcos replied. "A master plan."
He explained the principles slowly, using charcoal to shade areas:
Wide main roads connecting key entry points to storage centers and markets, allowing two loaded carts to pass side by side.
Designated zones: commercial streets closer to the river, workshops and kilns to the east, and quieter residential rows further inland.
Drainage paths and central wells to avoid flooding during rainy seasons.
Reserved space for a public square, future schoolhouse, and eventually, a hospital.
Ana stared, amazed.
"No village thinks like this," she murmured.
"They will," he said. "Once they see what it makes possible."
Distant Winds of Resistance
From Sabará came word through the Nove Dedos: the merchant family Vilarins had sent a representative to Ouro Preto, seeking legal grounds to dispute Betim's urban claims. They argued that such authority belonged to provincial officials or crown agents — not to a merchant with no noble title.
Tobias intercepted letters suggesting that funds were being gathered to bribe a judge.
"Then we gather evidence," Marcos said. "If they deal in shadows, let them know we cast longer ones."
Two more operatives were sent — one to Ouro Preto and another to Rio de Janeiro, under cover of apprenticeships, ready to report any movement against Betim's interests.
The Shield Expands
The Escudo de Honra, still wrapped in mystery, received two new recruits — bringing its total to twelve. Gaspar and Mateus, now integrated, had begun training the next pair. Discipline, silence, and endurance became the code of their existence.
They now accompanied Marcos on rotating shifts, posted during public gatherings, trade inspections, and nightly patrols of the estate. Farmers in the outskirts whispered that they could hear footsteps behind them, only to find nothing.
The legend grew.
"Ten men could fight a hundred," they said.
"Now there are twelve."
Of Coin and Conscience
The month's report arrived on parchment sealed with Ana's sigil. It read:
Current Liquid Reserves: 82,000 milréis
Primary Income Sources:
– Tile production (34%)
– Refined grain and flour (28%)
– Tool distribution (19%)
– Caravan tolls and contract escorts (11%)
– Miscellaneous (8%)
Marcos allocated 30% of monthly profit to the Guarda Barbosa, and a steady 20% to the Nine Fingers, whose operations now included encryption, cipher training, and portable ink-based message burners.
Voices of the Future
Children played with blocks in the central square. One had arranged them into roads, complete with small clay wagons.
"This is the road to Contagem," he told his friend proudly.
"And this one to the ocean."
His friend nodded. "But where's the emperor's palace?"
The boy shrugged. "He doesn't live here. But Marcos does."
System Notification
[Mission Complete: Formalize Political Arm – Council House Construction Begun]
✔ Ground broken, council members selected
✔ First charter framework implemented
✔ Urban plan presented and accepted by leadership
Reward Unlocked:
Design Schematic – "Basic City Watch Station + Civil Registry Office"
New Mission Available:
"Strengthen Betim's Autonomy – Conduct First Regional Assembly with Neighboring Villages"
Marcos closed the parchment, the flame of the oil lamp reflecting in his eyes.
"We're no longer surviving," he whispered.
"We're planning."