Fear not my readers! I have not abandoned this novel!

Anyways, just a little note before we start. I just want to thank Ninja-Samurai-Assassin for contributing in the story! I can't believe I forgot about Cuba's relationship with the Philippines QvQ (They either never mentioned it in school or I didn't listen to my history teachers). And because of that, I believe that Act 1 will still be extended! Woopee! Now then, on with the story~~~!

PS. I'm so sorry if it's too short. I'm really sick right now and my head wouldn't cooperate with me.

x-x

"So jefe established this trading thing and never told us…?" Manuel asks.

"Perhaps so," replies the worker. The two nations exhale sharply as they watch the enormous ships being built. The ships, known as the galleons, are going to be used for transporting products between Asia, Mexico and America.

"I was about to tell you guys, but I guess you already found out." Antonio pops out of nowhere.

"Maybe you should tell us next time, jefe…" Maria says.

"I guess so. Lo siento, mi hija, hijo. All those aside, how are you two?"

"We're fine. We got to know each other quite a lot, so yeah. Who are you going to introduce to her next?" asks Manuel.

"I suppose we could visit Cuba to see Carlos… but Maria is not going to stay as long."

"Why not?" Antonio thinks for a minute or two, about what to say to Maria. "Well, uh… Boss Spain is going to be busy in Europe so…"

"Why? What's happening in Europe?"

"Many things, you know."

"Is there a war going on, jefe?" It was Manuel who asked this time.

"No! Not at all… Just some misunderstandings… But hopefully, it will not turn to war." Maria and Manuel proceed to glance at each other, with a hint of worry in their faces.

"Anyways, Maria, are you ready to go?" Antonio breaks the silence.

"Ah, I suppose I am," replies she.

"Well then, I'll give you a minute to say goodbye to your sibling," he says as he walks over to the ship. Maria nods, and smiles at Manuel, offering him a hug, in which he happily accepts.

"See you soon?"

"I guess."

x-x

September 19, 1762

x-x

"You've issued a declaration of war!?" Maria exclaims at the Spanish soldier. "Don't you realize that we could be very much affected!?"

"Apparently, Señor Antonio Carriedo had issued this declaration ever since… January," the soldier mentions.

"January!?"

"But, Señor knows that you will be affected as well, including the other colonies. That is why he asking you to help make preparations for the war."

"What does he think we are!? We're not as strong as him and the other nations!" Maria puts her fingers on the bridge of her nose, while sighing frustratingly. She puts her hands on the table, calming down. "Do you have any idea where the British are located?"

"Reports have said that… they've sailed from Madras, India last month and we believe that they would be here in a few days."

"Why the hell didn't you tell me about it a whole lot earlier!?"

"Señor Antonio—"

"It doesn't matter…" Maria sighs.

"The commander?" The soldier flips through the papers.

"We are not really sure who, but what we know is that… Arthur Kirkland is one of the commanders."

"Arthur Kirkland?"

"Britain, a nation like you, Señorita."

"I see… Have you warned my people of the upcoming war?"

"We're on it."

"I suppose that'll do… you may leave." The soldier salutes, however, he does not leave.

"Señorita… Brigadier Francisco has not returned yet… The British attacked Havana, and he is the acting Lieutenant Governor there."

"What!? Then who—"

"The Spanish Crown has appointed the Archbishop..."

"And not a military expert!?"

"It is not our decision. None of us are qualified to be in command, and we do not have much time to send another replacement from Spain. I suggest that we should just hope for the best."