"Gillim, dispatch three thousand elite Samurai and five hundred Jaguar nobility. Let them make a round through the southern Mistec, showing off the Alliance’s military power, before joining the ranks of the Southern Army in the west. At the same time, send an Envoy to reprimand the Zapotecs and have them compensate the shortfall in their tribute after the autumn harvest!"
Gillim nodded, accepting the command and jotting down the decree. He asked quietly,
"My King, you will campaign after the autumn harvest. If there is still a shortfall in the third tribute from the south, how shall it be handled?"
The King smiled slightly.
"Then note down the shortfall and compensate it in the New Year’s tribute. If there is still a shortfall... the Alliance will not wage war now, but will remember it firmly, all accounts to be settled later!"
Gillim nodded solemnly.
"My King, once the war starts, resources will vanish as if the forest is burning, disappearing one after another. The manpower and resources of the Alliance are all stretched thin. Without the tributes from the vassal lands, it would be difficult to sustain. The people of Tarasco will only find it harder than us."
Aweit nodded in agreement.
"According to recent reports, the Southern Route Army led by Iskali is progressing well, having captured the outermost ring of Stone Forts. Once Xitaqualo is captured, the Tarascans will have no defensible position left! Xiulote’s Northern Route Army has also successfully established a foothold at the Lerma River, holding off a large number of northern enemies. How the battle proceeds from here will depend on his own performance."
Gillim bowed his head in salute.
"The Southern Army is the main force of the western campaign, and the Northern Route Army is ultimately just a diversion. As long as your Highness can attract the reinforcements from the Chapala Lake Region and continuously maintain pressure on the Akanbaro State, it would be a great feat!"
Upon hearing this, Aweit smiled gently. He did not say much, but calmly gave further orders.
"Gillim, continue sending Envoys to the various City-States of the Alliance, urging them to mobilize the Samurai who do not need to farm to hurry to the north-south front lines. Before the autumn harvest, we need to launch another wave of attacks! Similarly, send Envoys and Scouts to the major forces to test their attitudes towards the Alliance and observe military mobilization. Tell Acap he’s doing well in the Holy City of Cholula! Let him continue discussing theology with the Elder Priests there and send him another batch of special tobacco and Holy Water!"
Upon hearing the name ’Holy Water,’ Gillim’s hand paused, his expression finally changing slightly. After a moment, the Intelligence Officer regained his composure and continued recording in his hand.
Afterward, Aweit stood up, looked through the broad windows to the northwest mountains, pondering silently.
"Xiulote, you better not disappoint me..."
At that moment, in the distant Holy City of Cholula, within the towering pyramid sanctuary, Acap suddenly shuddered. He was dressed in an exquisite robe, his face fair, and he moved like the messenger of the gods, laughing and talking with a group of white-haired elders.
Thick divine smoke wafted through the sanctuary, spreading a pleasant and intoxicating strange scent.
"Elder Acap, the supreme view of the divinity you were just discussing was excellent, why did you suddenly stop?" a seemingly benevolent dignified elder asked with a smile, sitting cross-legged straight ahead.
Acap pondered briefly, finding everything normal, and similarly responded with a gentle smile,
"Respected High Priest, the divine smoke you burn is too precious, bewitching me so wholly that I lost myself."
The High Priest laughed heartily and then waved his hand. Several graceful maids promptly approached, adding even more precious herbs and flowers to the beautifully crafted bronze censer.
"Then please, Elder Acap, continue to lose yourself and meet with the supreme divinity in dreams!"