"It's going to be Spain. No doubt about it."
"Spain? What do you mean?"
"Our empire's first war. With graduation just around the corner, I couldn't help wondering who the enemy would be."
Lorenzo and he were sharing a leisurely meal in the dining hall.
'A cadet on the brink of graduation would naturally be curious about such things.'
"Hm. That makes sense. Those damned Spaniards still haven't acknowledged our independence."
In actual history, Spain did not recognize Mexico's independence until 1836—fourteen years after it had been declared. In this world, where the empire had gone so far as to confiscate Spanish property, such recognition might take even longer.
"Right. It's not as if we need Spain's recognition now that Britain and France already see us as a sovereign nation. But the moment those bastards regain political stability, they'll try something, I'm sure of it."
Their first war.
In the original timeline, it hadn't quite reached the level of a war—but there had been an incident known as the Battle of Tampico. It was an absurd episode, where Spain, in an act of brazen arrogance, sent only about 3,500 troops to invade vast Mexico, only to be driven back by General Santa Anna.
'They assumed their forces would be welcomed by loyalists who still opposed independence—but even so, you need a halfway competent army before expecting collaborators to rise up.'
Indeed, there remained a silent minority within Mexico still discontent with independence. Most were peninsulares or criollos nostalgic for the Spanish crown, though even some indigenous groups harbored old grievances—most notably the Tlaxcaltecs.
The Tlaxcaltecs had, long before the Spanish conquest, endured brutal oppression under the Aztec Empire, which frequently raided their lands for human sacrifices—consumed as ritual flesh.
'The infamous Flower Wars.'
Their hatred of the Aztecs had been profound. So when Hernán Cortés arrived, the Tlaxcaltecs allied with him and played a decisive role in the fall of Tenochtitlán. In return, they were granted significant autonomy even under colonial rule.
In original history, they had remained loyal to Spain and opposed Mexican independence to the very end—only surrendering under heavy pressure and becoming part of the Mexican federation as the state of Tlaxcala.
'If Spain's expeditionary force ever reaches Tlaxcaltec territory, disaster could unfold.'
Spain had brought far more muskets than soldiers—intended for arming loyalist forces inside Mexico. If the Tlaxcaltecs were among those armed, the conflict could evolve into a fratricidal civil war.
'Their territory lies inland, not far from Mexico City. Still, if possible, this should be resolved swiftly in the provinces before it spreads.'
In this alternate world, where Spain's assets had been expropriated, a stronger response was likely. One had to be prepared.
"If they come, where would they land? Veracruz?" asked Lorenzo.
Many believed that Veracruz, as Mexico's most developed port and its center of commerce, was the most likely invasion point.
While he already knew the Spanish would target Tampico, Lorenzo did not. There was no harm in guiding the conversation in that direction.
"Veracruz is the obvious choice, but precisely because of that, its defenses will be tight. They might instead aim for a smaller port, like Tampico."
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Right? And regardless of where they strike, they'll have to stop by Cuba first to resupply."
In recorded history, Spanish General Isidro Barradas had docked in Havana—the capital and largest port of Cuba—before launching the assault on Tampico.
"That would be the perfect staging ground. If we had informants in Cuba, we might know when the invasion will begin."
"Exactly. Glad to see we're still in sync."
"Four years together—of course we are. Shall we head out?"
Their final meal as cadets came to an end.
February 1828
Today marked the end of his four-year journey at the military academy. While his peers would be commissioned as officers, he would step into the civilian world.
Agustín I, when first sending him to the academy, had said that military service need not be a lifelong path. He was to serve only during times of war or national crisis—otherwise, his place was in society.
'I was forced into it… but in hindsight, it wasn't all bad.'
He had gained much.
He'd met Eduardo and founded a defense company. He had built relationships with classmates, upperclassmen, and instructors—forming valuable ties within the Mexican military. Remarkably, most of his business ventures had progressed smoothly even in his absence. And, as a curious aside, he had introduced modern football to the Mexican Empire.
He stood by the parade grounds, letting the sentiment wash over him. At that moment, the academy's board members, instructors, senior officers, and finally Emperor Agustín I entered the graduation ceremony.
Before the watching families of the cadets, the third graduating class of the Mexican Imperial Military Academy commenced its final rites.
At the podium stood Brigadier General García Conde, the academy's superintendent—and Eduardo's maternal uncle.
"We shall now begin the graduation ceremony of the Academy's third class. I extend my gratitude to the cadets' families, our honored guests, and most of all, His Imperial Majesty. First, to the sound of the military band, the graduates shall march in."
The band struck up a majestic tune.
In full dress uniform, they stood at the edge of the parade ground, ready for their final march.
"Forward—march!" came the order.
"Forward—march!"
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
Applause rang out as they stepped in perfect cadence. At the front, Lorenzo saluted the brigadier general on behalf of the graduates.
"Beloved cadets, the time has come to demonstrate, in the real world, all you have learned here. You are now officers of the Mexican Empire…"
With the speech concluded, the awards ceremony began.
His father personally presented the honors, then gave the commencement address—emphasizing the duties of a soldier, moral conduct, and unwavering loyalty to the Empire.
Thereafter came the oath of allegiance, and finally, Agustín I personally awarded the diplomas.
"Congratulations. You've become a fine man."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
And with that, the ceremony concluded.
'Far more elaborate and exhausting than any regular university's graduation.'
"You've grown so handsome, my son."
His mother, arriving with his younger siblings, embraced him warmly.
'She hasn't changed.'
"Mother, you saw me just a few weeks ago during leave."
His younger sisters—Sabina Iturbide and Juana Iturbide—also came to the ceremony.
"Hello, brother."
Clearly awkward after so long, they offered only a brief greeting.
Since his transmigration, he had hardly seen them—he'd been busy rushing from one endeavor to another.
'Judging by their demeanor, this body probably wasn't close to them either. In the original timeline, didn't they both become nuns?'
In fact, of Agustín I's ten children, nine survived to adulthood—yet seven never married.
'Three of the daughters became nuns. If it was by choice, fine—but…'
Given the era's expectations, where adulthood was defined by marriage and children, it was likely that Agustín I's downfall cast a long shadow over their lives.
'I'll have to start paying more attention to my family.'
On the day of his graduation, two young men whose university education he had financed also completed their degrees: Sergio Ortega, son of Andrés Ortega, and Diego Luis, son of Víctor Luis.
He invited them to the palace for dinner—a chance to discuss what lay ahead.
"Sergio, Diego. It's been four years. How did your studies go?"
"Thanks to Your Highness's generosity, I was able to complete my studies successfully. I am deeply grateful."
"The same goes for me. Thank you, Your Highness."
'They're the same age as me, but unlike my academy classmates, it's harder to be casual with them.'
They spoke of their time at school, sharing tales and observations. When he mentioned his work on the rifling machine and the mechanical harvester, Sergio's eyes lit up with interest.
As the meal drew to a close, he brought up the main topic.
"Sergio, now that you've graduated—what are your plans? Just so it's clear, I paid your tuition as a gesture of gratitude, not to place you in my debt. The same applies to you, Diego. Your fathers once did me a great service."
He would have liked to employ them—but only if they wished it.
Sergio, after a moment's thought, replied:
"If Your Highness would permit, I'd like to contribute my skills to your enterprises. Not out of obligation—but because I believe your companies are the only ones truly applying proper engineering in this country."
"Excellent. Which sector interests you most? Steelworks? Mining? Or perhaps the defense company?"
"The rifling machine and the mechanical harvester you mentioned both rely on imported steel. I've long believed that for our Empire to advance, we must develop our own steelmaking capacity. Hearing Your Highness speak tonight has only confirmed that. I'd like to help improve our national steel production."
'A patriotic answer. I like that.'
There was no need for hesitation.
"Very well. I look forward to working with you."
They shook hands. He then turned to Diego, who had been quietly observing.
"And what about you, Diego? What path do you intend to take?"
Diego answered without pause.
"If Your Highness allows it, I would like to serve directly at your side."
"At my side? As an aide?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
'Hmm… With a humanities background, technical development isn't suitable. He's a bit too young for management, and there's no fitting position for him in the companies yet. As a mid-level manager? Possibly—but if that's the case, having him serve as my aide might be better. Perhaps he thought the same.'
"Very well. I look forward to working with you."
"I will do my utmost."
They too shook hands.
"Ah, Your Highness, one request… Would you mind speaking to us more informally?"
"You find it uncomfortable?"
"Yes, I do."
"Truthfully, I'd prefer the same."
"Hmm… Alright then. Diego, you'll begin work at the palace starting tomorrow. There's much to be done."