In New Granada, at the Gómez estate, an event occurred that would forever alter the course of the Americas — and it began with a letter.

Carlos sat at his desk, carefully reviewing a stack of documents. Behind him, his butler stood at attention, awaiting orders.

"Has the factory in Medellín begun construction yet?" Carlos asked without looking up.

"Yes, sir," the butler replied respectfully. "The mayor has been very cooperative. He says he expects your support in helping him reach the government of Antioquia in return. He knows becoming governor may be difficult, but if he can at least serve as the governor's aide, he might secure the position in the future."

Carlos nodded thoughtfully. "Good. See that it's done properly. Having someone close to the future governor could prove useful in the long run."

The butler hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a lower tone. "It seems the commander of Antioquia has sent soldiers to observe the estate, sir. Apparently, the Viceroy said something to him."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Are they planning to harm me? No… that wouldn't make sense. Francisco remains their biggest concern. If something were to happen to me or Isabella while he's in Hanover, they'd risk driving him to turn against Spain — perhaps even seek revenge with the help of a foreign power. The Viceroy wouldn't be foolish enough to provoke that."

He leaned back in his chair, expression sharp. "Tell the servants to be cautious. I don't want anyone drawing attention for the next few months. We'll keep things quiet until the commander loses interest. Also, send this letter to Bogotá. The first group of immigrants is expected to arrive at the gulf in December. I need someone trustworthy to ensure everything goes smoothly — discreetly. The Spanish government mustn't suspect a thing."

The butler nodded solemnly, taking the sealed letter in hand. Carlos was about to dismiss him when a sudden knock echoed at the door.

Carlos frowned slightly. "Come in."

An aide entered, bowing quickly. "Sir, a messenger from the Alonzo family has arrived. He carries a letter from the patriarch himself and insists that he's under strict orders to deliver it only to you."

Carlos froze for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes. He nodded slowly, gaze distant as his mind began to turn.

The aide shifted, uncertain whether to speak, but the butler placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a subtle shake of his head.

"Invite him in," the butler whispered. "Have him wait in the sitting room. Treat him well. We'll join him shortly."

The aide nodded and left quietly, leaving Carlos still seated — eyes fixed on nothing, thoughts already running far ahead.

Carlos asked quietly, "Do you think this is the right choice?"

The butler hesitated, then replied in a thoughtful tone, "Is that a question from Señor Carlos to his butler… or from Carlos to his friend Alfonso?"

Carlos smiled faintly. "To Alfonso."

The butler nodded and spoke with care. "I don't know if there's a right or wrong choice, my friend. But I do know the viceroy has already shown intentions to harm your family. And as a father myself, I believe no man should give loyalty to someone who wishes to destroy what he loves most."He paused, glancing at Anna's portrait. "And I'm certain that Miss Anna, wherever she is, would want you to protect your children — even if it means acting against your principles."

Carlos turned toward the painting, his eyes heavy with memory. "You're right. If she were here, she'd probably have taken the musket herself and shot the viceroy for threatening Francisco."He laughed briefly, then slapped his face lightly, as if to focus his resolve. "There's no other way. For our family… it's time to do it."

Carlos opened the door and walked toward the living room, where the messenger was waiting.

The man stood and bowed slightly. "Are you Señor Carlos Gómez, patriarch of the Gómez family?"

Carlos nodded slowly.

The visitor handed him a sealed envelope. "This is a letter from the patriarchs of the Lozano and Alonzo families. It contains instructions about a meeting — where and when. They hope you will attend. And now, if you'll excuse me, I must leave. There are too many eyes watching this estate."

Carlos watched him leave, narrowing his eyes.

Behind him, Alfonso murmured, "He doesn't look like a simple messenger."

Carlos nodded. "Francisco once told me those families have men who do their 'dirty work' while they stay safe in their estates. Seems he was right. Makes you wonder how long they've been waiting to strike at the viceroy."

The butler only shook his head — he had no answer.

Carlos didn't expect one. He returned to his study, broke the seal, and opened the letter. Inside were simple instructions: the meeting would take place on Christmas Day, in Bogotá, at the estate of a fallen noble house — one that was now for sale.

Carlos frowned. "They even have the means to use government estates for their meetings. Spain has more enemies than one might think."

The butler nodded, then frowned as he read on. "It says you may bring only two men. That's dangerous, sir. We don't know their intentions. If it's an ambush, you could lose your life."

Carlos considered the point and hesitated. "Let's give it some thought. There are five months until Christmas. We can use Isabella's visit as an excuse to be in Bogotá, and I'll decide there."

The butler agreed, but added another concern. "Francisco will arrive in Hanover in a few months. If he hires German mercenaries, we must prepare. They won't be here immediately—perhaps next year a first batch will arrive. Should we build barracks beside the armory in the mountains for them?"

Carlos shook his head. "Not now. We must keep a low profile. If we start building in the mountains the commander will notice at once. For the next months, forbid the blacksmiths from going to the armory—have them work at the smithy Francisco built."

The butler bowed. "Yes, sir."

Before Carlos could say more, a small, insistent knock sounded at the door, followed by a child's voice. "Father! Father—did you promise to take me to the villa today if I finished my homework?"

Carlos and the butler exchanged amused looks. The butler offered gently, "It seems Miss Catalina has become more attached to you since Francisco left."

Carlos smiled helplessly. "She won't leave my side. She even brought a mattress to my room and decided to sleep there."

The butler chuckled. "She's scared you might leave too. First she lost her mother; then her brother was taken across the sea. And Grandmother María has been unwell. Right now, you two are all the family she has."

The child knocked again, more urgent. "Father! Please—are you coming? I finished my lessons!"

Carlos called, "I'm coming. Wait a minute." He turned to his butler and spoke with sudden resolution. "Burn that letter. Proceed with the plan. And make preparations for travel at Christmas."

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