NOVPUBFlames flickered on the city battlements, illuminating the astonished expressions of everyone; the night wind weaved through the city towers, carrying the lingering scent of blood. Xiulote’s smile paused in the wind. His expression instantly turned solemn, focusing on the cloth bag in Chiwaco’s hands.
"The chief of Tarasco? Bring it here, open it!"
The trusted aide promptly stepped forward and carefully opened the cloth bag. An aged, white-haired head was presented before everyone. The head’s features were old, the expression peaceful, the eyes closed, with only the white hair stained with blood. Puap couldn’t bear it and turned away, slightly bowing his head and wiping the corner of his eye with his hand.
Xiulote stared at the head for a moment, then looked back at Chiwaco. The old militia’s expression was equally tranquil, tinged with a hint of anticipation as he looked at him.
"The chief of Tarasco... the greatest contribution to this battle..."
The young king pondered for a while, then gazed at the Surrendered General, Ezpan.
"Ezpan, have you ever seen the Hummingbird chief?"
Ezpan shook his head with a bitter smile.
"Your Highness, I was just a miner before... later just a Militia Captain..."
"Hmm. Summon Commander-in-Chief Crocodile, Ospai!"
Xiulote nodded slightly, then fell into deep thought.
The young king had never seen the chief of Tarasco but had long heard of this opponent and greatly admired him. If the Tarasco Kingdom were likened to a chariot, the young King Su’angua was merely a general waving long spears on the chariot. Chief Jinjinni was the true charioteer controlling the kingdom. Born into distinguished nobility, he had managed the kingdom for thirty years, aiding successive monarchs. He was ruthless and flexible externally, suppressing the northern and southern Tekos; internally, he strengthened central authority, controlling both the Priest and nobility. It could be said his understanding and influence over the Tarasco Kingdom surpassed that of anyone else in the world.
In this western campaign, the fierce resistance encountered by the two Mexica legions originated from the Hummingbird chief’s desperate mobilization in the Lake Region. Without the aid of new weapons, the second western campaign likely would have also returned without success... Although hope was extremely faint, Xiulote still wished to recruit the opponent... but now...
The young king once again looked towards the serene, closed-eyed head, feeling an inexplicable surge of anger and irritation in his heart. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝙗.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Chiwaco carefully observed the contemplative His Highness. His face bore desire and hope, yet a hint of ill-omen surged in his heart.
The torches flickered, the wind gradually died. The city tower was quiet; even the air turned solemn. Soon, a procession of torches rushed from the camp outside the city and headed straight towards the city battlements.
Ospai, in his sleeping robe, with messy hair and dark circles under his eyes, glanced over the capital filled with fire and conflict, his heart growing sadder, even his steps staggered. The Crocodile Commander-in-Chief bowed his head, stopping several paces away, then prostrated before His Highness.
"Respected Your Highness, Ospai greets you. What may I do for you?"
"Hmm, Ospai, calling you out so late, there are mainly two matters."
A faint smile appeared on Xiulote’s face. He stood atop the city wall, overlooking the magnificent capital city, then glanced lightly at Ospai.
"The lights tonight are extraordinarily brilliant! From above, the city’s flames, fallen banners, burning Temple, present a sight rarely seen in a century. Ospai, you are a wise man, you must have seen clearly on the way here, what are your thoughts?"
"Ah... thoughts... I... the King has been captured, the Kingdom is lost... Your Highness, by the Chief Divine’s witness! From now on, I will be loyal to you!"
Ospai’s eyes flickered. As clever as he was, he instantly understood the meaning of His Highness. His heart still struggled, but his body truthfully knelt on the ground, earnestly responding with his words.
"You rise like the sun, Your Highness! I will exert all my effort, to aid Your Highness, ruling the lands of the lake!"
"Very well. Ospai, rise. Oh, there is one more thing I wanted to ask you."
Xiulote chuckled softly, lightly patting Ospai’s shoulder, then pointed forward.
"You see, I have a newly acquired head, and you should be acquainted with it. Hmm, what do you think, how should it be dealt with?"
Ospai’s heart shuddered; upon hearing this, he looked up to see in a trusted aide’s hands, an aged head being held. The Crocodile Commander-in-Chief shivered all over, and after barely recognizing it, he fell to the ground in horror, his voice trembling.
"Ah, Your Highness... this... this!... I...
"What, don’t you recognize him?"
"Your Highness, Chief Jinjinni managed the kingdom for thirty years, naturally, I recognize him..."
"Oh?"
The young king’s voice slightly raised. He continued smiling and asked.
"Ospai, then how should it be dealt with?"
"Pounding" the Crocodile Commander-in-Chief violently knocked his head on the ground several times, then with tear-filled eyes, said,
"Your Highness, although the Hummingbird chief resisted the Alliance and committed great sins... he was distinguished, lived simply, and had a resolute character. In the hearts of the Tarasco nobility, he is a figure both revered and feared...
I was stationed on the frontier, also suppressed by the chief for over a decade, often harboring resentment... but now seeing his head, I also cannot help but shed tears... Since the chief has been beheaded, please, Your Highness, preserve his last dignity and let him turn to ashes in the flames..."
Hearing this, Xiulote’s expression shifted slightly, and he nodded slowly. He sighed softly, then patted Ospai’s shoulder again.
"Alright, as you say!... Ospai, I know you value loyalty and integrity, and I admire your talents... I will grant you the highest rank among the Prepetcha people in the lands of the lake. I treat you sincerely, you must not be double-minded again! Otherwise..."
The voice suddenly grew cold. The young king’s face expressionless, he looked again towards the aged head.
