Jorge, Eukario, and Yusuf crossed the threshold of the big house, feeling the immediate contrast between the suffocating heat of the outside and the measured coolness of the interior. The day promised to be unusually hot, and at that moment of midday, the sun scorched with its dense and oppressive weight. Miceros, always attentive, appeared with the silent efficiency that characterized him, bowing his head respectfully before retreating to organize the meal preparations. As was customary in the estate, every detail was supervised with the utmost care, but in recent occasions the meticulousness was even greater: Lakua and Kamar, two of the most influential landowners in the country, would share the table.

Eukario and Yusuf would also be present at lunch, a gesture that Jorge had maintained in his recent receptions, acknowledging the fundamental role they played. However, it was still not time for the meal, and Jorge was not willing to let more time pass without obtaining answers. As they crossed the foyer, he made a subtle gesture to Yusuf, indicating for him to join him.

The room they headed to was an interior lounge, shielded from the heat, where light filtered through dark wooden slats, casting irregular patterns across the polished stone floors. A discreet sandalwood incense burned in a golden censer, filling the air with a dense, spicy aroma.

Jorge settled into a wide chair made of intricately carved wood inlaid with mother of pearl, an exquisite piece where luxury was not at odds with comfort. He took a seat naturally, crossing one leg over the other and resting his arm on the armrest. His gaze lost itself for a few moments in the sway of the linen curtains, which swayed with the imperceptible breeze flowing in the dimness of the room.

Yusuf, without waiting for an indication, took a seat on an ivory upholstered couch, facing the lord of Tharakos. He did so not with servility but with that mix of respect and confidence that distinguished him, with the serenity of someone who knows that his knowledge is valuable. He had served Benassur with the same effectiveness, and now served Jorge, but not as a mere executor of orders, but as someone who understood the rules of power and knew how to navigate within them.

"Let’s talk about what we left pending, Yusuf," Jorge said, with the calculated calm of someone who does not intend to repeat the question.

Yusuf barely inclined his head, a gesture of assent indicating the readiness of someone about to share knowledge reserved for just a few. His dark, intelligent eyes sparkled with a flicker of contained satisfaction. He elegantly shook his mane.

"Of course, elí. Ask whatever you wish to know."

"Tell me precisely how our society of free men is organized; also the origin of the slaves. And don't forget to explain to me well how the soma functions," said Jorge simply, but clearly showing that he would not settle for vagueness.
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