After spending some time with his daughter, Carlos returned to his office.
Though calmer thanks to Isabella and Krugger's words, the conflict within him had not disappeared. It lingered—quiet, persistent—waiting for an answer that had yet to arrive.
He waited.
Anxiously.
For his son's letter.
Two months later, it finally came.
The moment Carlos saw the seal, his face went pale.
Krugger, upon hearing that a letter from Francisco had arrived, did not hesitate. He made his way immediately to Carlos's office.
By now, Krugger was a well-known figure within the government of Antioquia. The burly Prussian general had played a decisive role in shaping Carlos's army—eliminating threats, suppressing unrest among hostile groups, and deterring Spanish advances.
Opinions about him were divided.
Some hated him for centralizing military power.Others respected him.A few even revered him.
