Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!-Chapter 1599 - 1138: Gold Assay and Oath

The sea and sky are a vast blue, without any sight of seaweed or clouds. Schools of fairy fish roam the ocean, showcasing their graceful swimming posture and vivid beauty. Dozens of shearwater birds soar across the sea and sky. These amphibious 'flying ducks' are migratory seabirds capable of flying over ten thousand kilometers each year. They follow the whales in the ocean, catching the fish startled by the whales... And at this moment, they hover around three anchored sea ships of Castile, clearly mistaking these sea 'giant beasts' for whales.

"Almighty bears witness! Columbus, since you've spoken so much and the three captains have nodded... then we'll sail west for five more days! If after five days we haven't seen land, the fleet must turn back immediately!"

"...Alright! Almighty bears witness! We've already sailed four to five thousand kilometers, reaching the waters of West Pan Gu Japan! Trust me, within five more days westward, we will surely see land or a great island!"

"Ha! Columbus, no matter how enticing your words, we'll only sail for five more days! Five days later, if you're unwilling to turn back... heh!"

"Uh! I, Expedition Commander Columbus, have already sworn to the Almighty and Holy Mother! If we don't see land in five days, we'll return!"

A long and dangerous crew meeting on the deck of the flagship Santa Maria, after half a day's discussion, finally reached a conclusion.

The captains of the three ships: De La Cosa was neutrally silent, seasoned enough not to take the lead. The Pinzon brothers appeared neutral but leaned towards Columbus in their words. After all, their whole family joined the expedition for a chance at prosperity!

As for the two Royal Family representatives, they held esteemed positions but were more concerned with safety, hoping for a return. Yet, they were unwilling to take responsibility in front of the Queen for initiating a return and abandoning the exploration of new routes. Meanwhile, the sailors' representatives argued continuously, finally agreeing with reluctance under Columbus's portrayal of 'vast wealth' to continue sailing for five days, seeking signs of land...

"Hoo! Holy Mother! Thank you for your protection!"

Seeing the sailors sheathed their scimitars, Columbus breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling somewhat exhausted all over. His back was already soaked, his hair matted with sweat. Only at this moment did he truly feel he had survived and escaped a dreadful sailors' mutiny!

"Praise be to You! Merciful Almighty..."

"Wait!"

"Ah?! What's wrong?"

Columbus lowered his praying hands, raising his head tensely to see the sharp-eyed Boatswain Bartolome and the composed Goldsmith Carlo standing nearby.

"Columbus! You said earlier today, that this incident will not be pursued, nor will it be reported to the kingdom's nobility?"

"Yes! I have already sworn to the Almighty and Holy Mother, and Scribe Rodrigo has notarized it..."

"No way! That's not enough!... The Almighty and Holy Mother always first look at Their servants! And we, in front of the Almighty's servants, are unable to speak... You must follow our rules, follow the sailors' rules on board!"

Hearing this, Columbus hesitated for a moment, quickly realizing. He was born a commoner of a commercial city-state, having traveled across countries for so long, naturally familiar with the rules at the societal bottom. In the poor alleyways of commercial city-states, amidst the wilds rampant with bandits, or like now in the dreadful deep sea far from the Almighty, these are places not covered by church beliefs and kingdom laws!

In these places, among the most fierce and bottom-tier of society, it is impossible to act according to laws favoring nobility if you wish to gain mutual trust. Therefore, people must rely on established customs, and conduct various 'mystical ceremonies' under the guise of the Almighty's name to establish a 'contract of spirits'.

"Alright! Bartolome, do you want me to take the 'bird's beak' oath, or conduct the 'gold test' ceremony?"

"Doctor Sanchez didn't participate today. In this matter, we don't trust him... With Goldsmith Carlo here, naturally, it's the 'gold test' ceremony!"

"Gold test? Fine! Let's do it then!"

"Alright! Praise be to the Almighty! Praise be to immortal gold! This gold is good, carrying Heaven's light, never tarnishing! It is beloved by the Almighty, witnessing us and establishing a golden contract!"

Goldsmith Carlo took out a copper coin from his pocket, carefully sprinkled a tiny amount—about a few grams of golden powder, reluctantly on his face. He recited a seemingly elusive prayer in the Almighty's name. Soon after, he sang a strange, gold-related ditty, akin to a rural wizard.

"...Gold watches over you two, your souls carry light! Carve your names and swear, just as true as gold!... Whoever dares to breach, will face a lifetime of hunger and poverty, and even become undead after death, eternally unredeemable!"

The eerie whispers from Goldsmith Carlo made all the sailors shudder with genuine awe. On this ocean-going vessel, both goldsmiths and doctors held extremely special and transcendent statuses!

This is not just because goldsmiths can repair weapons, and doctors cure illnesses, but because goldsmiths possess exorcism duties, while doctors partake in pestilence removal! In the culture of Christ, gleaming gold is far more than currency and wealth. It is naturally blessed with Divinity, holding a revered status in faith and is a mana material for various mystical rituals... 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Columbus, carve your name on the copper coin!"

Goldsmith Carlo chanted briefly before handing his engraving knife to Columbus. The latter trembled slightly before solemnly carving his name, even more serious than during prayers to the Almighty...

Of course, undoubtedly, this wasn't 'witchcraft' that the Church expressly prohibits but was equally one worshipping the Almighty. In the Bible, Almighty Himself declared, 'Gold is good', 'The first river in Eden Garden encompasses gold-producing Havilah', 'Gold is a noble material in the Christ belief'...

"Hmph! These contemptible shamanic customs masquerading in the Almighty's name!"

Seeing Columbus and Bartolome swearing during the gold test, Scribe Rodrigo sneered disdainfully, his eyes revealing contempt. He was educated in a Church school and always mingled with the kingdom's nobility, naturally unenthusiastic towards these lower societal 'mystical practices'.

And Columbus, this commoner 'commander' from a commercial city-state, dare make such 'shamanic contract' with low-level sailors... If the Kingdom of Castile's Church knows about this, it might become difficult to be accepted into the high society of the kingdom. Certainly, Archbishop Talavera had given Columbus a chance previously. Since he tactlessly refused, likely, there wouldn't be a second chance...

"Good friends, truthfully say! Does the vow hold truth?"

"...Truer than true gold!"

"Good comrades, keep the rules!... After today, will it change?"

"...As unchanging as gold!"

"Alright! The vow is made, the gold test is valid!"

Seeing Columbus complete the 'gold test' ceremony, the sailors involved in the mutiny all breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, the way they looked at Columbus softened considerably, even gaining some inexplicable closeness.

Columbus also breathed easier. He tugged at his sweaty collar, tiredly waving his hand to reassure the sailors.

"Okay! Everyone disperse!... Merda! Raise the sails, continue westward!... West Pan Gu! Japan! It's really right ahead!"