Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

The moon rose at the treetops, and the sea wind brought with it a distant scent. When night fell, the nocturnal creatures in the jungle began their exploration and hunting.

A young short-tailed cat silently followed the faint scent of fish in the wind to the edge of the jungle. It hesitated for a long time because there were many campfires ahead that filled it with fear, along with many two-legged creatures walking around. Eventually, it continued forward, following the fishy scent, to a tent without firelight. It quietly approached the side of the tent but was frightened by a deep roar, jumping back in place.

The low growls inside the tent were intermittent, with faint sounds of crying and whimpering, akin to a jaguar biting a fawn. The short-tailed cat listened in confusion for a moment, then quietly approached again. It peered through a crack at the bottom of the tent and saw a strong "big cat" repeatedly pouncing and biting a "fawn," even pinning it down. That "fawn" was constantly struggling, letting out sobbing cries and trying to escape, but was repeatedly grabbed by its long legs and dragged back.

"Meow meow?..."

The short-tailed cat blinked and sniffed its tiny nose. It detected a strong fish scent, seemingly emanating from the two beasts in front of it. However, such large and dangerous, fiercely battling beasts were beyond its ability to catch. Then, its nose turned and quickly found another two sources of the scent: an empty clay bowl and a damp piece of cotton cloth.

"Crack crack..."

The young short-tailed cat let out a sound of yearning, then immediately fell silent. It patiently waited as the sounds inside the tent grew more urgent until a startling "tiger roar" caused both fighting beasts within to finally become exhausted, lying intertwined with only the sound of rapid breathing remaining.

"Crack crack..."

The short-tailed cat made a brief hunting sound. It seized the opportunity and jumped beside the clay bowl that contained fish oil, giving it a "clang" bite but failing. Its tiger tooth ached, and it nervously jumped again, biting into the piece of cotton cloth. Then, without looking back, it dashed out of the tent, leaving only a low warning cat growl from its stomach...

"Ooh ooh! This is mine, no stealing!..."

"Eh?!"

Xiulote jolted upright, revealing his muscular upper body. With a sharp gaze, he looked around, his expression bewildered, somewhat uncertain.

"Was that just... a cat?"

"Huff huff, yes... Your Highness, it was a short-tailed cat. Huff huff... They're common in the Totonac jungle..."

Miyava lay weakly on the grass mat, her chest heaving violently. From her ankle to her neck, she was flushed like a petal. The warmth of spring made her sweat all over, as if she had been pulled out of water, like a water serpent, wet and boneless, yet carrying a scent that tickled the heart.

"... Truly a beauty like water..."

Xiulote watched for a while, a shift occurring in his gaze. Seeing the King's faint red dangerous eyes, Miyava trembled inside, pleadingly hugging the man's hand.

"Huff huff... Your Highness, in Totonac mythology, the short-tailed cat is considered the Envoy of the Wind God. Encountering it is a good omen indeed!"

"A good omen..."

Xiulote pondered briefly, recalling his purpose today. He nodded slightly, smiling as he spoke.

"That little cat just took your short-clothing as food... Truly a foolish cat!"

"Hehe! Your Highness, the short-tailed cat isn't foolish. It's just like you, having smelled the fish scent, unable to resist..."

Miyava smiled charmingly, reaching out to stroke the man's cold hard face.

"Your Highness, it's all your fault!... Using so much slippery fish oil and insisting I wear clothes... But anyway, they've been torn apart and can't be worn anymore... Oh dear, next time, could you be gentler?..."

Hearing this, Xiulote touched his nose without speaking. He closed his eyes, feeling the woman's touch, his heart gradually calming. On the exquisite beauty beside him, he could freely release the pressure and fury accumulated in his heart, like a wild beast from the wilderness. And when everything was over, rare relaxation overwhelmed him, even the boiling murderous intent significantly calmed.

"Too tight a string makes the tone grim... Ecatl's words are not without reason..."

Xiulote lowered his gaze for a moment, and when he reopened his eyes, they were clear, with no sign of the previous faint red. He pushed away the woman's embrace decisively, stood up, and put on his short-clothes in two motions. Then, he tossed his outer robe to the woman, speaking in a deep voice.

"Put it on! Time for serious matters."

"... As you wish, Your Highness!"

Miyava pursed her lips, inwardly scolding him as "heartless" while deftly donning the man's robe, drawing her hair before glancing at the obsidian stone mirror, then sitting firmly opposite the King.

"Your Highness... a cat came into the tent... I don't have many clothes..."

Miyava's eyes flowed with allure as she leaned forward, cautiously trying to test Xiulote, who was drinking without speaking.

"This place is too secluded... Could I perhaps... move closer to the main tent with you..."

"Hmm?"

Hearing Miyava's words, Xiulote raised his head, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's. He gazed at the woman expressionlessly, then spoke in a calm tone.

"Miyava, I once said that your wise mind is more valuable than your exquisite body..."

"The last time I came, I left you with a question: How should the Kingdom govern the surrendered seaside Samurai and tribespeople to establish solid, true leadership?"

"Today, I'm here to hear your answer!"

Upon hearing this, Miyava, the Serpent Mother Chieftain, nodded steadily. She straightened her back, sitting upright, discarding any seductive posture. Then, after a brief contemplation, she confidently asked.

"Your Highness, if I understand it correctly... What you mean by true governance is controlling every tribe's Samurai, controlling each Chieftain's succession, and controlling every Priest's appointment... Military, tribes, divine authority, all must be in your grasp, right?"

"Correct! You've understood it quite well!"

Xiulote nodded slightly, his voice brimming with strong confidence.

"To govern the Totonac lands, the Kingdom must hold military, political, and divine authority of every tribe, all in our hands! And for any tribe daring to resist, there's only the fate of extinction!"

Listening to the confident words of the King, Miyava trembled entirely, her face flushing with a strange blush. She gazed greedily at the King's face, unable to resist licking her red lips. After a moment, she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with allure as she spoke enchantingly.

"Mighty Your Highness! I never doubt your formidable strength, nor the might of the Kingdom Legion… However, conquest and governance are like burning wasteland and cultivating fields, two separate tasks indeed!..."

"The flames of burning can incinerate all deadwood and weeds, clearing fertile wasteland. But growing crops upon it requires diligent labor and careful nurturing… All this can't be done without farmers who plant the seeds."

"Your Highness, you are the irresistible fire, capable of incinerating the Totonac lands, destroying all the old jungles. But do you have enough farmers to carefully sow and cultivate in this newborn field?"

At this crucial, soul-searching inquiry, Xiulote's expression briefly froze. He gazed deeply at the woman before him, amazed by her keen insight. Momentarily, he emptied the remaining wine in his cup, speaking calmly.

"Miyava, you're indeed a smart woman!... Today is your chance; you need not hide anything. Whatever comes to mind, say it outright! After today, you may not have another opportunity to speak..."