NOVPUBAweit laughed aloud. After half a year of campaigning, battered by wind and sun, his complexion was slightly reddened, his features defined and rugged, and his expression even more resolute. In his casual banter, he seemed more unrestrained and bold than before, with an added undercurrent of merciless severity.
"Your Majesty, should some stimulating herbs be added to the drinks?"
"Hmm, follow the priests’ tradition, the first through the third rounds of drinks should be mixed with different herbs. Begin with the enlightening Ebony Jade, continue with the hallucinogenic Bare-Capped Mushroom, and conclude with the tranquilizing Rat Tail Sage. Remember, use only a third of what the priests would, don’t add more."
Aweit paused thoughtfully, then answered with a smile. For his beloved daughter Alisa, he had picked up herbology again, a subject he had learned in his youth, and his expertise even exceeded many high priests.
Gillim nodded respectfully. After a moment, he asked softly,
"Your Majesty, should some women be arranged to serve the generals?"
Aweit lowered his gaze and shook his head.
"The samurai’s tents should not be tainted with worldly distractions. At most, bring some musicians and dancers. As for the girls who sing and entertain, send them directly to the nobility’s private tents."
Gillim bowed to take the order. Soon after, he raised his head again and asked calmly,
"Your Majesty, a few months ago, the samurais intercepted some of the Tarasco envoys, capturing two princesses of the Tarasco royal family. After two months of indoctrination by the priestesses accompanying the army, can we ensure they pose no threat... Should we let them wait upon you?"
Upon hearing this, Aweit was momentarily stunned. He recalled briefly, then cast a commanding gaze.
"The Tarasco royal princesses? Are they from the envoy group to Tlaxcala?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the ones the Jaguar Warrior Brigade ambushed. After your western campaign, marrying a Tarasco royal princess would help you better control the people of the Lake Capital City. And if the royal families of both nations could produce a lineage, that would be an even better selection for a prince. Your descendants could rule the vast region of Michkenque for the great alliance."
Gillim bowed again, his expression open and unswayed by personal feelings.
Aweit’s demeanor grew serious. He pondered for a long time before he affirmed,
"The Tarasco princesses... there’s no need to rush. We’ll discuss that after conquering Qinchongcan. As for the Patzcuaro Lake region, the prince designated is Xiulote; that won’t change!"
"Your Majesty, His Highness Xiulote is the heir to the royal family, and in the end, he must return to the Capital City. The Patzcuaro Lake region in front lies six to seven hundred miles from the Capital City, and messengers take a month to travel between them. And the further Chapala Lake Region is over a thousand miles away, a journey even an eagle would need ten days to complete. These frontier lands can only be guarded by a royal prince. In these unpredictable times, it’s beneficial to the royal family and the alliance to prepare early."
Aweit smiled, noncommittal. He turned to the Intelligence Officer, inquiring about the intel he cared for,
"The barbaric people of Tlaxcala have invaded the alliance’s border. What are the current troop strengths, and how is the battle going?"
"The Four States of Tlaxcala have currently mobilized thirty thousand samurais and thirty thousand militia, invading the Xochipeople state in the southeast. The local city-state nobility has abandoned the fields and villages, holding onto the fortresses and cities, and has requested reinforcements from the Lake Capital City!"
The king frowned. The supply line for the southern army passed through the southwestern Lasico state, just two hundred miles from Xochipeople state. If the Tlaxcala army broke through there, the enemy’s vanguard could reach the Mexican Valley and threaten the rear of the grand army.
"How did the religious elders in the Holy City of Cholula react?"
"The religious elders have tacitly approved the mobilization of the Four States’ leaders. The Tarascans have pledged to convert, which is an offer the elders cannot refuse."
"What about the religious leader Petl? Acap has a good relationship with him, can he be persuaded again?"
"Your Majesty, that cunning old fox cannot be bought with sweet honey. His Highness Xiulote’s capture of Huayamo and the advance on the gates of Qinchongcan City have deeply shaken the elders. While they are outwardly friendly to the alliance, they have started to be wary in secret. They fear the alliance’s growth!"
"Hmm, well. The Telask people are our hereditary enemies; a battle with them is inevitable. Send more Holy Water to Acap, let the religious elders have more visions of the divine!"
Gillim nodded in understanding, showing a faint smile. He continued,
"The southeastern city-states have maintained their defenses for a long time and can hold out for at least three months. The issue now is that the southeastern city-states have a small population and can’t sustain enough samurais. Without enough warriors in the defense lines, they lack the ability to conduct harassment attacks!"
After some thought, Aweit asked,
"Is there an enemy thrust in the northeastern city-states?"
"The Vastec people in the northeast have had secret meetings with Tarasco envoys, and there are signs of unrest. The great nobles of the two northeastern states need to watch out for Tlaxcalan incursions. Actually, they are unwilling to head south to support the southeastern state nobles."
"These city-state nobles... Xiulote is right, centralization of power is the future for the alliance! Then, withdraw five thousand Royal Warriors from the southern route to form a support battle group. Command them to advance east along the Tarsas River, intimidating the Mistec people on the southern shore. These ’Cloud People’ have interrupted their New Year tribute, so it’s high time to send a messenger to reprimand them! Besides, let the northern General Osellor be vigilant, and if necessary, he may take the offensive to suppress the Vastec factions first!"
Gillim pulled out a charcoal pencil and began recording everything on rough paper. Extremely disciplined and intelligent, he had learned to write proficiently within a year. Afterward, the Intelligence Officer raised his head, revealing his deep eyes.
