Luis did not respond immediately. Instead, he calmly opened the folder, took out a map, and spread it across the table.
The paper unfolded, revealing the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro.
Several points were marked in dark ink.
Luis had not yet offered any explanation—he was simply adjusting the map.
The first to lean in was Saldanha da Gama.
His eyes scanned the drawing for a few seconds before stopping at a specific point.
"This region…"
He narrowed his gaze slightly.
"Copacabana?"
Custódio José de Melo leaned in as well and quickly confirmed the location.
"That's what it looks like."
Luis nodded.
"Exactly. This is a map of the entire Copacabana coastline. As you know, the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro is filled with beaches, but these areas can, at best, be considered rural. Essentially, the only people there are fishermen."
His fingers then moved across the map and finally touched the marked point at the edge.
"Look at this point. This is the far end of Copacabana Beach. Right now… this is one of the most vulnerable areas of Rio de Janeiro's coastline."
The atmosphere shifted subtly but clearly. Deodoro and Álvaro watched Luis with neutral expressions, while the two admirals nodded in agreement with his words.
Luis continued:
"Today, any vessel can approach from there without much difficulty."
"There is no solid defensive position, and no effective control over entry across the entire southern zone of the capital."
He raised his gaze.
"I want to change that."
Luis paused briefly, picked up a glass of wine, and took a sip to moisten his throat. Then he slid his finger along the map.
"My proposal is simple."
"To build a coastal fort here."
A short pause.
"A well-positioned fort, with sufficient range to cover the beachhead."
"And to prevent any unauthorized approach by ships."
Custódio José de Melo and Saldanha da Gama were no longer just listening—they were carefully analyzing Luis's idea.
Historically, the Copacabana Fort would only be inaugurated nearly thirty years later, a few months after the beginning of the First World War.
"The position is good…" Custódio murmured.
"More than good," Saldanha replied in a restrained tone.
"If properly built… it closes an obvious gap."
Luis spoke again, this time looking directly at Deodoro and Álvaro:
"Building a fort is no simple task. That location is essentially a large rock formation—a massive, solid stone. Firm, resistant, and in a perfect position for coastal defense. I've already confirmed that the only structure there is a small chapel, and it wouldn't even need to be removed—it could be integrated into the fort itself."
Across the table, Deodoro da Fonseca said nothing.
But his gaze had changed—it was now more focused, more interested in the boy's proposal.
Luis noticed immediately.
And continued:
"It's not just a defensive structure."
"It's a statement."
He placed his hand on the map.
"Control. Presence. And response capability."
"The Paraguayan War ended twenty years ago. Its deterrent effect is fading."
"And the Europeans have been growing increasingly ambitious in their expansions."
Of course, Luis knew that European powers had no real intention of invading Brazil—but that did not stop him from fueling the fire. Moreover, from the perspective of those in the room, the statement was not unreasonable. European powers had invaded Brazil in the past, and driving them back had always come at great cost.
Now the room was completely silent.
No one wanted to interrupt him.
Luis stepped back slightly, giving them space to observe.
"The entire southern zone benefits from this."
"Trade."
"Security."
"Military prestige."
A pause.
"And political visibility."
His eyes went directly to Álvaro Bittencourt.
No disguise. A clear and direct message.
Álvaro did not respond, but his brow tightened.
He was thinking.
Calculating the pros and cons of what Luis was proposing.
What bothered him was the fact that he was no longer the one applying pressure—he was the one being pressured.
That was not good for negotiations.
On the other side, Colonel Artur Vale remained silent.
But internally…
he had already reached a conclusion.
This boy… is a real problem. Fortunately, this doesn't seem to be a direct conflict. If it were, Álvaro would suffer heavy losses at his hands. Even if he won in the end, the cost would not be light.
His gaze hardened.
Boldness, rhetoric, precision—and matters of "collective" interest.
This fort seemed aimed at the Navy, but as an Army colonel, he knew the truth: nothing is more valuable to an army than a well-positioned fort. The president was a Marshal of the Army—he clearly understood this as well. For the admirals, it was also advantageous—having the fort meant fewer points along the coast to defend.
With just a few words…
Luis had accomplished something difficult:
He had captured the attention of two admirals.
And sparked the president's interest.
Without raising his voice.
Without forcing anything.
Simply… by demonstrating value and presenting arguments.
Luis then partially closed the folder.
"This is the first project."
He looked around.
"The others are… equally interesting."
A faint smile appeared.
"I imagine you'll want to see them."