The sun had not yet risen when Carlos got up from his bed of mud and straw. The dry straw mattress rustled with every movement, and he stretched his arms with a low groan. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but at least it was off the ground—a luxury compared to the dirt floor of the slave quarters.

  I woke up too early, as usual. But I've also been sleeping very early. At least I'll get to see the sunrise... it would be nice to have a little coffee while I'm at it, but there isn't any. He rubbed his eyes, still heavy with sleep. Coffee originated in Ethiopia, and if I'm not mistaken, the Portuguese only got the plants around 1700, sending a spy to steal them. I won't find it here. But maybe I'll find some plant to make tea... I have a book that might help me with that.

  As soon as the sun began to color the sky with orange and golden hues, he went out for a walk around the area. The morning air was fresh and humid, carrying the smell of damp earth and vegetation. It didn't take long for him to find lemongrass plants, some even cultivated in small gardens by the quilombo people.

  With these herbs, I can finally have something warm to drink in the morning. Now I just need to decide what I'm going to eat for breakfast.

  On his way back home, picking a few sprigs of lemongrass, he met Tassi, who was coming towards him with a determined step.

  "You're the one I was looking for!" she said, crossing her arms. "I'm starving, and you told me you'd make something tasty with corn."

  Carlos couldn't help a wry smile. I already regret saying that. It seems she's going to come here every day to eat.

  "Of course, of course," he replied, settling the aromatic sprigs in his arm. "I already know what I'm going to make for you. Just bring me your iron pot."

  He thought to himself: I'm not in the mood to prepare anything too complex, especially since I don't have the ingredients. I'll make some popcorn. I'll make the tea in one pot and the popcorn in the other. Actually, I already know what I could make for my breakfasts: a little cornmeal cake with lemongrass tea would be perfect. I even know how to make cornmeal cake... the problem is there's no ready-made cornmeal for sale here, and I don't even know how to make cornmeal. I'll talk to Aunt Vera about it later; she probably knows.

  Inside his house, he lit the wood stove. He put water and the lemon balm leaves in a clay pot, which soon began to emit a citrusy, calming aroma. In the other pot, the iron one, he put oil and the popcorn kernels he had set aside earlier.

  Tassi approached, frowning as she observed the preparations.

  "Huh, you're not going to add water this time?" she asked, pointing to the corn pot. "And the corn was already off the cob... you're not going to make me eat just plain corn again, are you?" She made a face. "I get sick of things quickly, you know!"

  Carlos laughed, shaking his head.

  "Worse yet, I'd also like something different. I feel like eating a cornmeal cake. And I think you'd like it."

  Tassi's eyes lit up with curiosity.

  "You're right," she agreed, pulling up a stool to sit. "I think I'll give that cake a chance. We have to ask Aunt Vera."

  It didn't take long for the first pops to echo in the iron pot, like miniature thunderclaps. Tassi jumped slightly in her seat, looking surprised at the pot and then at Carlos, who just smiled amusedly.

  "What's happening in there?" she asked, leaning forward with wide eyes. "Don't tell me that corn was a weapon from your world, because the noise is just like one!"

  "Ha ha ha, are you crazy?" he laughed, the sound of the pops increasing. "That noise is the corn popping and turning into popcorn."

  Tassi shook her head, disbelief written on her face.

  "What do you mean, 'popping'? Since when does food pop?"

  Carlos began to gesture as he explained, excited.

  "Basically, the water inside the kernel heats up and turns into steam, creating pressure," he said, making an expanding motion with his hands. "I mean, the steam wants to get out and pushes the corn from the inside out, until the shell can't take it anymore and... pops!"

  Tassi was silent for a moment, processing the information with a thoughtful expression.

  "Steam has that much power to make things pop?" she asked, visibly impressed.

  "You have no idea," Carlos replied, enthusiastically. "In my world, steam engines changed everything. They could carry hundreds of people, operate giant iron machines, move entire factories..."

  Tassi, with her emerald eyes, looked incredulous but fascinated.

  "I don't believe that!" she exclaimed, shaking her head slowly.

  Carlos smiled, answering with conviction:

  "Well, believe it, because one day I'm going to make a machine like that around here."

  The pace of the pops gradually decreased. Carlos then took the pot off the fire and, out of habit, tried for a second to "turn off" the stove until he realized there was no way to turn off a wood stove. He shook his head, laughing at himself, while also removing the tea pot, whose aroma now dominated the space.

  He placed both pots on a small clay table he had made himself in the center of the house, surrounded by rustic wooden stools.

  Ugh, popcorn isn't breakfast... and there's no coffee. It'll have to be lemon balm tea. It would be good to have at least some chickens to fry an egg... Although, I'm almost drooling over simple popcorn.

  Slowly, he lifted the lid of the pot, revealing the white, fluffy popcorn. Tassi's eyes widened at the transformation, leaning forward in admiration. Carlos sprinkled a little salt and offered her the bowl.

  "In my world, we used to eat this while watching movies," he explained, pushing the bowl towards her. "It's like a play... popcorn is more of a snack."

  Tassi wasted no time and started trying it, grabbing handfuls with her hands and examining the white flakes before putting them in her mouth.

  Wow, the corn became completely different. Not just the appearance, but the taste and texture. But he ate this at the theater? I've heard of it... European nobles watching costumed people pretending to be others. The nobles always had strange tastes. At least the king of my kingdom had understandable tastes: a harem of women to serve him. By the way, I wonder if he was nobility in his world, to watch plays? No, he doesn't seem like it. And he said they aren't plays, they just resemble them... they're 'movies.'

  "So, what do you think?" Carlos asked, watching her reaction.

  Tassi chewed thoughtfully before answering.

  "I like it, but I don't love it," she said, grabbing another handful. "It's a very exotic food. Next time, I want to try this cornmeal cake."

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  "I like it a lot too," Carlos replied, serving the tea. "And eating it with coffee would be great, but since there isn't any, let's have it with this little tea."

  He served the tea in clay cups. The pale yellow liquid steamed, and he blew on it gently before tasting.

  Tassi carefully picked up her cup, smelling the citrus aroma before trying it.

  "What an interesting drink," she commented, taking a cautious sip. "We didn't have anything like this in my homeland. Is all this stuff from the future Brazil? At least, I never saw anyone eat popcorn at the sugar mill."

  Carlos shook his head, swallowing his sip of tea before answering.

  "Actually, no. The natives of Brazil already ate popcorn or pipoca," he corrected. "The word 'pipoca' comes from Tupi and means 'burst skin.' lemongrass is also a medicinal herb that the natives knew; they used it for medicinal purposes, but you can drink it as tea without any problems. Corn was also consumed by the indigenous people. Due to Portuguese influence, people began to make flour, as they do with wheat, but with corn because it was cheaper, and that's how cornmeal cake came about. Basically, the food of the future in Brazil will be very good because everyone brings a bit of their own cuisine, and everything ends up mixing."

  Tassi became serious for a moment, looking into the bottom of her cup.

  "Put that way, it almost sounds like a good thing..." she said, with a hint of bitterness in her voice. "But this whole process was forced."

  Carlos lowered his eyes, suddenly embarrassed. I forgot who I'm talking to. I'm not in my time, where we can sweep the ugly parts of history under the rug.

  Seeing Carlos become crestfallen, Tassi sighed, and her expression softened.

  "But I won't complain about eating good food," she added, with a half-smile. "Not to mention I can't bring anything from my country. The army food wasn't that great, and even though I traveled to many places, I was never free to get to know the people and their cooking."

  After talking a bit more, the two left the house. Right at the exit, they came across Aqua accompanied by an impressive figure: a person completely covered in a medieval knight's armor, which shone intensely under the sunlight. The armor was complete, without gaps, and looked incredibly heavy. What was most striking, however, was the breastplate, which was shaped like breasts. The figure held a long sword planted on the ground.

  Carlos stopped abruptly, his eyes widening. My God, it looks like those female armors from MMORPGs! Except this one covers the whole body, unlike the ones in games that looked like metal bras and panties.

  "Good morning," Aqua greeted, with her usual calm tone. "This one, in armor, is Quixotina, the greatest knight of the mocambo. Because of that, she knows the Jaguar Forest and the region's caves very well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

  Before leaving, Aqua turned to Quixotina with a meaningful look.

  "Please, don't scare the newcomers," she said, with a mix of warning and resignation.

  As soon as Aqua walked away, a voice echoed from inside the armor, higher-pitched than one would expect.

  "Are you the Carlos who requested my help? I am the Knight of the Light, Quixotina de La Mancha."

  Carlos blinked several times, trying to process the scene. Well, Espectro and Aqua warned that she was eccentric... but they could have emphasized how much. And this name is just like Don Quixote. Does that book also exist in this world? That would be too big a coincidence. Why would there be things so similar here, and others completely different? But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that she can help me.

  "Yes, that's me, Miss Knight," he replied, giving a small bow. "Thank you very much for your help."

  Quixotina expected looks of confusion—she was used to it. Carlos, however, only seemed slightly disconcerted for a moment before recomposing himself. His companion, the warrior with an "F" marked on her forehead, remained with a totally perplexed expression, her mouth slightly open.

  "So you are the knight who freed several people from slavery, aren't you?" the metallic voice echoed again, with a challenging tone. "It was a valiant action. However, I still have to see if you are worthy of my help. The test is very simple: just answer me... do you agree that Dulcinea is the noblest and cutest girl in this world?"

  Carlos almost choked on his own saliva. So 'Quixotina' really comes from 'Don Quixote'! Luckily, I really like to read and had read that book shortly before coming here. I just hope she isn't as crazy as Don Quixote, who beat up everyone who didn't agree that Dulcinea was the most beautiful... Thinking about it, it's better to agree.

  "I agree," he said quickly, nodding his head. "There is no girl cuter and nobler than Dulcinea."

  Quixotina was astonished, her helm tilting slightly to the side in a gesture of visible confusion. No one ever agreed! It was the perfect justification for a duel—and she was very interested in dueling. After all, he must be strong, to have killed the mill owner and his overseers alone. Something worthy of a knight! But his answer ruined her plans, leaving her speechless.

  Tassi was also surprised, turning to Carlos with wide eyes.

  "Why did you answer that?" she whispered, pulling his sleeve. "You don't even know the girl!"

  Carlos leaned close to her, speaking in a low voice:

  "It's because I know a Don Quixote, a character from a book who asked the same question. If the person said 'no,' he would duel them. I bet she's doing a kind of 'cosplay.' Anyway, we need her help, and I don't want the crazy lady of the mocambo as an enemy."

  Tassi didn't understand the "cosplay" part, but she understood the rest—and it made her excited, a mischievous smile appearing on her lips. It was a good opportunity to face a strong opponent; she was feeling rusty.

  "I disagree!" she declared, loudly, taking a step forward. "The cutest and noblest girl in this world was me, when I was younger. Dulcinea is nothing but an ugly girl next to me!"

  Carlos rubbed his face, exasperated.

  "Idiot! Why provoke the woman?"

  "What?!" Quixotina's voice became as sharp as grinding metal. "Take back what you said! Otherwise, we will have to duel to see who is right!"

  "Tassi, apologize!" Carlos insisted, pulling her arm. "If she isn't as crazy as Quixote, she'll forgive you."

  "I won't!" Tassi replied, shaking him off. "I want to duel anyway! I didn't help much in the fight against the mill owner, and the time before last I was captured. I'm rusty!" She pointed at Quixotina. "This Quixotina seems like a good opponent to train with... although she can probably barely move in that heavy armor."

  Quixotina heard and immediately responded, slamming her sword on the ground forcefully.

  "If you wanted a duel, you got it! I'll make you pay for what you said!"

  "Of course!" Tassi replied, with a confident smile. "But it has to be a fair duel. I don't mind if you keep the armor; I just need a weapon."

  "No firearms!" Carlos interjected, stepping between them. "Do you want to kill her?"

  "Of course not!" Tassi rolled her eyes. "I just need a sword. She can even keep her armor; with my experience, I can handle someone like that."

  "Don't worry," Quixotina cut in, raising her sword. "A knight never fights dishonorably. You can use my sword. I don't need a weapon. You can even come with that firearm; I can defeat anyone who speaks ill of Dulcinea, regardless of the weapon!"

  Tassi laughed, shaking her head disdainfully.

  "But if you are unarmed, can this even be considered a duel? Anyway, I accept. But not here—let's go to a more remote place."

  She thought to herself: This woman thinks she can beat me with just her fists? She might have excellent armor, but she must be very slow in it. With my agility, I can easily defeat her.

  Carlos sighed deeply, realizing the situation was getting out of his control.

  "Can't you two stop this?"

  Despite Carlos's pleas, Tassi stood by her decision, following Quixotina with determination. The two moved away to a clearing farther from the houses, and Carlos, reluctantly, agreed to be the referee, running after them.

  "On 'one,' you begin!" he announced, with a resigned voice. "Three... two... one... Begin!"

  To Tassi's total surprise, the woman in armor was not slow. Quite the opposite: she moved with supernatural speed, so fast that an ordinary person would barely see her. But Tassi was not ordinary—her eyes followed Quixotina, who closed the distance faster than a galloping horse. In seconds, she was already in front of Tassi.

  This is impossible! She's too fast!

  Tassi used all her strength to strike with the sword, but it was as if she were moving in water. Quixotina grabbed her by the waist and threw her into the air as if she were a feather. Tassi didn't even have time to think—the impact against the ground was sharp and painful. Before she could react, she felt the metallic weight of a boot on her chest.

  "Surrender! And take back what you said about Dulcinea!"

  Tassi dropped the sword and tried, in vain, to push the foot that immobilized her, panting and dazed.

  "This is cheating!" she shouted, her voice hoarse. "You're using a strength gem! That's the only way you could run like that in such armor!"

  "It is not cheating!" the voice echoed, inflexible. "In knightly duels, magical weapons are forbidden. However, I was not using a magical weapon, but a strength amulet! And amulets are allowed! That said, now tell me: who is the cutest and noblest girl in this world?"

  Tassi struggled for a moment, but finally lowered her head in defeat.

  "Ugh... Dulcinea!" she spat the words. "Dulcinea is the cutest and noblest in this world!"

  Hearing this, Quixotina finally removed her foot, making a triumphant bow.