The following days passed quickly. Fortunately for Francisco, the Spanish ambassador was scheduled to visit a factory in London, and Rodrigo—knowing Francisco's curiosity about the steam machine—had asked permission for him to join the visit.

Francisco was thrilled when he heard the news and prepared carefully for the day.

On the morning of the visit, he woke up early and found Rodrigo waiting by the entrance of the inn, smiling as usual. Together, they made their way toward the embassy.

Rodrigo said as they walked, "You were lucky, young sir. The ambassador became interested in the steam machine after you mentioned it. He sent some aides to gather information and even wrote a letter to the mainland asking about it — and he was shocked by what he discovered, shocked enough to raise his interest to the highest level."

Francisco looked intrigued. "Shocked? What did he find?"

Rodrigo nodded gravely. "From what I've heard, the reports say the British aren't just using those machines in a few workshops anymore — they're spreading them across the country. They're building larger factories powered entirely by steam, and it's changing their production faster than anyone expected. The ambassador realized that if Spain doesn't keep up, we could fall behind in less than a decade. And it seems the mainland already knows — they're spending enormous sums trying to copy the design. Somehow, they managed to obtain the blueprints."

Francisco nodded, surprised by how far the interest had reached. "Why so suddenly, though? These factories must have existed for at least a few years. Shouldn't Spain have shown interest before?"

Rodrigo gave him a knowing smile. "It's not that no one was interested. The technicians at the Real Gabinete de Máquinas have been studying the idea for years. Like i previously said they even managed to acquire some blueprints in secret. The problem is, they still lack the materials and precision tools to build one that works like the British machines."

Francisco frowned. "If they already have the plans, why visit the factory again?"

Rodrigo shrugged. "Probably to see how far the British have advanced — and whether they're already producing the machines on a large scale. Spain still spends a fortune trying to build just one that functions properly."

Francisco frowned again. "Wait — you're saying they have the blueprints but can't reproduce the machine to the same standard? Don't they know why?"

Rodrigo looked around cautiously, as if making sure no one else could hear, and whispered, "They aren't sure, but there are rumors that it has something to do with the quality of the steel—and with another machine, though I'm not exactly sure what kind."

Francisco nodded thoughtfully. The idea fascinated him. A machine that created another machine… that was something completely new. It was the seed of new ideas francisco never trough about technology that way, not looking back it make so much sense

This kind of knowledge might have been common among the higher classes, but most people would have ignored it completely. Still, Francisco felt a spark of excitement. Perhaps this was related to the world he had glimpsed in his vision—machines working with such precision that they could reshape civilization itself.

When they reached the embassy, a line of carriages was already waiting for the ambassador—and, apparently, for Francisco as well.The Spanish flag fluttered faintly above the building, its red and gold barely visible through the London fog. Standing by the entrance, the aide greeted him with a polite smile and extended a hand.

"Young Francisco, I'm glad you made it," he said, then leaned closer to whisper, "The ambassador arranged all this for you."

Francisco frowned slightly. "For me? Can I know why he's doing this?"

The aide gave him a knowing look. "I don't know if you've heard of Agustín de Betancourt?"

Francisco shook his head. "Who is he?"

The aide sighed, half in admiration. "A genius. He was able to study the blueprints of the steam machine and reproduce them entirely by hand. Thanks to him, we now possess some of the most advanced technical knowledge in Europe."

Francisco raised an eyebrow, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "So… he stole them, then?"

The aide blinked, clearly offended. "We never stole anything. He was simply too clever—able to copy them from memory after seeing them once."

Francisco rolled his eyes and muttered, "Whatever you say," while thinking privately, Sure… like that's true.

The aide pretended not to notice and continued, "The problem is that these machines have extremely demanding requirements—particularly regarding the quality of steel and the precision of their parts. The Crown believes there must be another, more advanced machine used to shape those components, but so far, the Real Gabinete de Máquinas hasn't been able to replicate it. They're attempting to design their own, but with little success."

Francisco mumbled, half sarcastic, "Then why not ask your genius to look again and invent new blueprints from scratch?"

The aide ignored his sarcasm and said, "He couldn't do it himself. So, when the ambassador heard your last time, he thought—why not let this clever young man take a look at the machine? Maybe he'll discover another old book with answers… or something else."

Francisco rolled his eyes. If it were that easy, they'd have built it already. Still, he nodded in understanding. "So, you want me to try?"

The aide smiled faintly. "Exactly. The ambassador doesn't expect much—it's more of a long-term investment. If you succeed, he earns great merit at court. If you fail, he only loses some time… but gains your gratitude."

Francisco nodded again, this time with a knowing expression. He understood perfectly what the ambassador was aiming for. It was a clever political move—an investment in both knowledge and people. He couldn't really blame him. After all, he wasn't losing anything by helping. If anything, the thought of standing before the machine that probably powered a new era filled him with anticipation. Somewhere, deep in the noise of those iron lungs, he felt he might glimpse the first heartbeat of the future he with so much exictedment saw

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