NOVPUBAccompanied by Toltec’s loud shout, the tent fell silent in an instant. The warm night wind swept through, the central bonfire flickered, illuminating the surprised faces of the generals, and lighting up the unconscious Tarasco King lying on the ground. Everyone’s gaze turned simultaneously, surveying the captured "White Deer" and also gazing at the proud Black Wolf.
Upon hearing Black Wolf’s words, Xiulote’s eyes sparkled, and he instantly rose to his feet. He first smiled, nodding in approval toward Black Wolf. Then, he glanced at the Head Warrior at the entrance, his gaze briefly resting on Yuku’s head, and sighed softly in his heart. Lastly, the young King took two steps forward, coming to the center of the tent, looked down at the captive’s face, and issued an order solemnly.
"Summon the Sky Family Head, General Oorta, who is with the army at once; also call for the Crocodile Family Head, General Ospa, from the rear camp."
Two trusted aides immediately departed, and the tent continued to maintain its solemn silence. The Highness in the middle remained thoughtful and silent, while Marshal Iskali also stood up. He walked slowly to Xiulote’s side, gazing at the "White Deer" on the ground, his eyes filled with complex anticipation.
The long night breeze stirred the tent, bringing a rustling sound, as if it were everyone’s heartbeat, making the brief silence feel prolonged. Soon, the young Sky Family Head hurried over, arriving first. As he entered the tent and saw His Highness in the center, he immediately prostrated himself in salute, praising reverently.
"Congratulations on Your Highness’ great victory! You are the true Divine Eagle, dominating the ’Sky’ of Tarasco!"
At these words, Xiulote gave a faint smile. He gestured for Oorta to come closer, then pointed to the ground.
"Oorta, take a good look. Who is he?"
The young Oorta obediently bent down. He examined the blood-stained captive, a moment of confusion crossing his face. He looked inquiringly at His Highness before taking out a handkerchief, wiping the dirt and blood from the captive’s face. Oorta looked closely for a while, and suddenly realizing something, he opened his mouth in surprise, the handkerchief falling from his hands.
"Ah, he, he... could he possibly be...?"
The generals’ gazes converged on him, bringing an overwhelming pressure like a mountain. Iskali’s gaze was stern; he stepped forward and grabbed Oorta’s collar, demanding sharply.
"Is he the Tarasco King? Are you sure?"
The young Oorta was flustered, his complexion panicked. He initially nodded subconsciously, then shook his head in confusion, unable to speak out.
At that moment, the tent flaps were opened again. Accompanied by two guards, a tall and robust figure, slightly hunched, unarmed, stepped quickly into the tent from the outside. Ospa’s complexion was grim, he half-lowered his head, swiftly scanning the situation in the tent. Then, his face turned instantly pale, his movements halted abruptly, and he stared wide-eyed in shock. The Crocodile Marshal rushed out two steps, and threw himself upon Su’angua’s body, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Your Majesty!..."
Ospa cried out in pain. He shook Su’angua’s body, trying to grasp something, but there was nothing to hold onto.
Xiulote raised his hand to stop the guards from drawing their weapons. His eyes shone brightly, and he patted Ospa on the shoulder, asking in a deep voice.
"Ospa, are you certain he is Su’angua?"
Ospa lifted his head, looking toward the majestic Highness, and nodded in despair.
"Yes... Your Majesty... he is the King of Tarasco, the bloodline of the contemporary Divine Eagle."
"Hahaha! Awooo! Roar!"
The generals erupted in an instant, shouting loudly, and thunderous cheers finally exploded within the command tent! The faces of the Samurai overflowed with irrepressible excitement, and Toltec even spread his arms, howling like a Coyote.
Xiulote nodded with a smile, as the old general Etalik blew the loud flute. The generals stood up to the sound of the flute, saluting His Highness in unison. Then, the Samurai raised their weapons in their hands, roaring in unison! The shouting turned into earth-shaking howls, the wild cries a staggering force, forming an unstoppable power!
In the frenetic tent, Iskali fell silent for a moment, then lowered his head, saluting His Highness with solemnity. Oorta’s legs weakened, collapsing powerlessly to the ground. He was unable to utter a word, only able to kneel at the feet of His Highness.
After the moment of uproar, monkey Kuluka raised his right fist, the first to shout the slogan,
"Long live His Highness! Great victory in the Western campaign!"
"Long live His Highness! Great victory in the Western campaign!"
The generals roared in chorus.
"Divine blessing to the King! Blessing to His Highness of Divine Revelation!"
"Divine blessing to the King! Blessing to His Highness of Divine Revelation!"
The generals saluted again.
Xiulote stood proudly in the midst of the tent. He looked at the many valiant warriors with their heads bowed before him, his heart brimming with joy as if drinking a refreshingly sweet spring water during the height of summer, also feeling a tipsy comfort. The young King laughed heartily and slowly raised his hand; the uproar immediately ceased.
"Pour the drinks!"
Xiulote took the cup, looking around at the generals. Wherever his gaze fell, the Samurai all bowed their heads. Finally, he looked at Iskali, the senior Mexica Marshal who also stepped back, bowing in honor.
"The first cup, to honor the Chief Divine! Praise Our God!"
"Praise Our God!"
The faint taste of Tequila lingered in the mouth, cool with a hint of bitterness, and also carrying the unique flavor of the "Cactus". Xiulote’s face beamed with a smile, and even his body and mind relaxed.
"The second cup, to honor the King! Praise Our King!"
"Praise Our King!"
The bonfire flickered, and the blue smoke rose within the tent, escaping through the skylight in the roof, until the infinite sky. Xiulote looked up for a moment, feeling as if he were soaring, the whole world beneath his feet.
"The third cup, to honor the generals present! The success of this battle owes to the generals’ utmost effort and dedication, and the Samurai’s fearlessness. Your merits are all kept in my heart! I promised before the war that, should we be victorious, I would bestow noble titles and grant lands... such promises will be fulfilled, and I will not break my word!"
