Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!-Chapter 563 - 275: Throne in the Shadows

The Stone Hall of politics was somber and solemn, shrouded in overlapping shadows. Only a few slender beams of light seeped through the thick Divine Curtain, outlining shapes of the sun in the cold corners of the floor.

The King sat enthroned among the shadows, his faint gaze descending from on high like a beast of prey perched on its throne. His voice was distant and icy, as if to freeze the very air, sending chills down one’s spine.

Xiuxoke took a deep breath, vaguely detecting the scent of blood. His expression remained resolute and composed. As a battle-hardened noble samurai, his fierce willpower would never easily cower. He bowed his head, offering an unashamed answer.

"Your Majesty, the Yue family has been closely allied with the Royal Family for generations. I received Tlalocan’s warm hospitality during my visit, so it was difficult to decline. At the banquet, we merely spoke of landscapes and customs, drinking until intoxicated. The next morning, I left without even seeing him."

"Ah, friendships spanning generations."

Aweit smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Xiuxoke, I hear Tepeiter is dissatisfied with the new policies and intends to support the Royal faction to replace me as the king of the Alliance?"

Upon hearing this, Xiuxoke’s expression turned stern. He hurriedly lifted his head, looking earnestly at Aweit.

"Tepeiter was just venting momentarily, and would never dare to betray the Alliance. I have already sternly warned him... Black Wolf as the harbinger for the jaguar and leopard, Red Hawk flying high with the eagle. Your Majesty, the Royal faction is unwavering in its loyalty to you, always regarding you as the supreme sun!"

"Oh, unwavering loyalty."

Aweit smiled once again. Then, his demeanor abruptly turned grave as he inquired with a deep voice.

"Xiuxoke, if Tepeiter has intentions of rebelling against the Royal Family and he contacts you, what will you do?!"

"...Chief Divine be my witness! Your Majesty, I am loyal to you. If Tepeiter dares to betray the Alliance, I am willing to lead the Royal Legion to eradicate my kin in the name of justice and quell him for Your Majesty!"

Perspiration faintly appeared on Xiuxoke’s forehead. His fists clenched in secret, yet his expression remained composed and firm.

"Oh, eradicating one’s kin for justice."

Aweit curled his lips into a smile that was more mocking than amused as he looked at his relative before him.

"Not bad, Xiuxoke, I believe you."

The king’s voice finally carried a hint of mirth, yet the words grew ever more chilling.

"Because, that’s exactly what Tepeiter said."

As the last word fell, Aweit raised the Divine Staff and gently tapped the throne with its silver end. Symbols of divine and royal authority simultaneously erupted with an intermingling clink.

"Gillim."

"Your Majesty."

"Show it to him."

"At once."

Gillim nodded silently, finally stepping out from the shadows of the throne. Unbeknownst to all, he now held a wooden box a foot in height. Approaching silently, the Intelligence Officer solemnly bowed and placed the wooden box before the kneeling Xiuxoke.

As the Intelligence Officer neared, the faint odor of blood grew stronger. Xiuxoke fixated on the red at the bottom of the box, a strong premonition welling up inside him. He took a deep breath, allowing the taste of rust to invade his lungs, as if standing on a battlefield, and slowly opened the wooden box. Then, with just a glance, his pupils shrank sharply, and his hands trembled violently.

Inside the wooden box lay the head of Tepeiter, his eyes wide with the resentment of his final moments, his mouth agape as if roaring in protest.

"Ah, this... this!"

Seeing the face of a familiar old friend, Xiuxoke’s maintained composure finally shattered! Three days ago, they were still merrily drinking together, intoxicated. But now, just three days later, Tepeiter had arrived in this royal hall before him!

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Overwhelmed with intense emotions, it took several breaths for Xiuxoke to regain the ability to speak. He looked at the king in disbelief, his face a mask of shock.

"Your Majesty, this, this, who did this?!"

Aweit’s smile remained neutral, silent. Gillim bowed low, answering solemnly.

"Naturally, it was you, Deputy Head of the Eagle Warrior Battalion, Lord Xiuxoke."

"Ah! Me?!..."

"Yes, indeed you. Tepeiter caused discord within the Royal Family, opposing the king’s new policies. Your loyalty to the king was unquestionable, and you went with a royal decree to execute him, purposely intoxicating him at the banquet. Later that night, after leaving the feast, you ordered Jaguar Warriors from the Holy City Legion to carry out the fratricidal act. With the complicity of an insider from the Yue family, you executed Tepeiter, who had been a longtime friend yet harbored thoughts of treason. Subsequently, you supported the celebrated Izel from the western campaign to inherit the position of Family Head of the Yue family. And after the act, you departed with a smile amidst their farewells!"

"What’s more admirable is that on the very night of this great deed, you lay with two women and slept undisturbed! Such a loyal samurai’s creed, such a warrior’s fearless act is truly awe-inspiring. Your deeds will soon be sung throughout the Alliance, revered by all!"

Smiling, Gillim finished speaking and once more bowed deeply, his gaze filled with sincere admiration.

"Your Majesty!..."

Xiuxoke clenched his fist to his chest, refusing to look at the bowing Intelligence Officer. He was only filled with turmoil as he stared blankly at the king on his throne. Aweit smiled indifferently, slowly and confidently concluding.

"Xiuxoke, this is what the world knows as ’the truth.’ Remember, you are Xiulote’s father, the son of the High Priest, a representative of the Royal faction! The two Royal lines must be closely united, leaving no gap for the nobility to exploit!... Besides, you, of a humble background, still need a meritorious deed to secure your position as Deputy Head of the Eagle Warrior Battalion."