Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!-Chapter 557 - 273: Father’s Long Journey, Meetings and Partings

The bright moon rose high from the East, as the red sun gently set in the west. With the moonrise and sunset, the sky was half crisp and cool, and half filled with rosy clouds. The transitions of darkness and light between dawn and dusk in the mountains lingered in the heart, leaving behind enchanting scenery. Such moments, akin to life’s journey, kept revolving in a cycle of repeated encounters and farewells.

Xiulote, dressed lightly and simply, stood on the boundary between the plains and the hills, gazing towards the wild fields of the north. Behind him were the sturdy walls of Huayamo Fortress and the boundless farmlands replete with harvests. Since setting out at the start of December, more than ten days had passed. He had traveled from the East to the North, inspecting farms along the way and checking on the military settlements in the Lake Region, until finally he paused here, waiting for his father coming from the south.

As the daylight gradually faded, a row of torches appeared to the north. The torches undulated between the hills and the open fields, resembling stars slowly drifting closer. At last, familiar silhouettes became faintly visible beneath the stars, and Xiulote could no longer contain his excitement, striding forward to meet them.

The leading figure revealed a broad smile and stretched out his arms to give the young man a tight embrace.

"Father, you must have had a hard journey!"

"Haha, Xiulote, my son. You seem to have grown taller in the more than half a year we haven’t seen each other!"

Xiuxoke released his son and looked him over carefully, measuring Xiulote against his own height, which seemed to mirror his own, and laughed heartily.

"Olosh, look at him, straight and tall as a pine, noble in appearance as a golden eagle, almost exactly as I was in my youth!"

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"Come on, you were rough and stout in your youth, resembling a cactus more than anything, certainly not this handsome... Those delicate features, eyebrows, and eyes, however, do resemble his mother..."

Olosh teased Xiuxoke with a smile. He then stepped forward and affectionately patted Xiulote on the shoulder.

"Teacher Olosh!"

Xiulote, brimming with happiness, also gave Olosh a hug.

"How was the journey here?"

"The settlements are doing quite well, with harvested fields all over the Lake Region. Didn’t come across any thieves on the road, the farmers all stayed honestly in their villages, filled with a peaceful joy... Deers are feeding in the fields after the harvest. I hunted one with a javelin yesterday, I’ll roast a deer leg for you, so you can taste my cooking skills!..."

"Ah, roasted deer leg, my favorite! Good, add a bit more chili powder and herb leaves..."

At this moment, all the majesty and stratagems of royalty disappeared. In the rare warmth, he could finally relax, shedding his armor to once again become a carefree youth. Although this time would not last long, like the moon’s rise and fall, vanishing in the glory of the starlit night like the fleeting life of an epiphyllum, these memories would preserve a rare softness and warmth in his heart, which was gradually becoming harder and colder.

So the group chatted merrily as they made their way to Huayamo Fortress. The evening banquet was already prepared, the food abundant, and the atmosphere relaxed. It wasn’t until everyone drank a cup of steaming cocoa, with the scent of herbs lingering at their noses, that Xiuxoke took a satisfied breath and spoke seriously.

"Xiulote, everything is in constant change and reiteration. After the Jaguar grows, it becomes the king of the jungle. It occupies the forest alone and faces all challenges..."

"Father?... You’re returning to the Holy City?"

Hearing his father’s words, Xiulote paused. He looked into his father’s profound eyes, tasting the unspoken reluctance within, and a vague premonition began to form.

"Yes, I’ll be leaving soon... My son, you’ve become a brave Samurai, an outstanding Commander-in-Chief, and are becoming a great King... You’re surrounded by many people, and you have their allegiance... I’m reassured."

Xiuxoke smiled, squeezing the young king’s hand. He then sincerely nodded in acknowledgment to Bertade.

"Thank you for your protection!"

"That is my duty."

Bertade replied with a calm face and a nod.

Xiuxoke smiled without further words, continuing to look warmly at Xiulote.

"The war in the East has ended. The King has commanded me to set out as soon as possible to return for the sacrificial rites in mid-January..."

"I too have received the report and was about to dispatch an Envoy with this year’s tribute."

Xiulote nodded. Since he was unable to go personally, he planned to have Eagle Warrior Balda lead the envoy group, presenting the newest bronze helmets, bronze short swords, exquisite copperware, and some precious collections from the former Royal Family.

"Your grandfather has already sent word in advance."

Xiuxoke reached out, gently touching his son’s cheek.

"After the Sacrificial Rite, I will join the fully reconstituted Alliance Royal Army, and become Vice Legion Commander of the Eagle Warrior Battalion... from then on stationed long-term in the Lake Capital City, serving beside the King."

"Ah! Vice Legion Commander of the Eagle Warrior Battalion, serving beside the King?"

Xiulote looked surprised. After a moment’s thought, he gestured emphatically with his hand. The warriors around them drew back. The flames in the great hall flickered briefly before stabilizing again, highlighting the four people remaining in the center.

"Father, the Eagle Warrior Battalion is the most esteemed battle group of the Sun God’s Divine Guards, comprising mostly the sons of the Capital City’s Nobility. Only a King of great renown can effectively command them... Are you the only one from the Great Nobility being reassigned?"

"King Aweit certainly regards you highly. But his ambitions are vast, and they don’t simply focus on our lineage."

Xiuxoke said, smiling calmly, having anticipated these events. Once he entered the Capital City, treatment should be favorable, but leaving would be challenging. As for Xiulote, who had been granted a vast expanse of the Lake Region, he would be overseeing the western tribes, away from the core of the Alliance. His presence, as the direct heir, would serve as a kind of assurance.