Chests of gold and silver fabrics were plundered and taken away, followed by large groups of young womenfolk, who were bound into a line by the samurai with ropes.
In this era inherently defined by rank, wealth was wholly concentrated in the hands of the hereditary nobility. The great nobility lived unimaginably extravagant lives, while the samurai were greatly consuming, and the commoners were destitute, with virtually no savings.
After the battle, a large troop of Mexica samurai, shouting the names of the gods, advanced to the next mansion. Chiwaco also continued cautiously forward with his brethren and soon arrived at the Craftsman District.
There weren’t many Mexica samurai here, nor were there troops sent to plunder. The large contingent of samurai gathered at the massive craftsman center, taking the craftsmen into custody and providing protection en masse, numbering over a thousand. Occasionally, small squads of samurai, bloodthirsty with rage, would blindly charge here, only to be ordered back to the Nobility District by their commanders.
Puap looked towards the location of his family estate and then silently stepped forward. He patted the shoulder of the old militiaman and indicated for him to lead the way. They followed a narrow path, circled around the craftsman center, and returned to the expansive Civilian District.
The Civilian District of South City had gradually become calm, but this part of the East City was still embroiled in fighting. Throngs of Tarasco militiamen scattered across the streets, with Mexica samurai chasing and slashing behind them; occasionally, some would drop their weapons and surrender. Swarms of Tekos brutes charged out of the enclosures they had been trapped in, like uncaged hyenas, looting the nearest houses with roars. They grabbed anything from cakes, jerky, fabrics, cocoa, to exquisite pottery, and then set them ablaze. Flames raged, smoke billowed, and terrified Tarasco civilians fled from their houses. They were like wild rabbits dashing in all directions, filled with panic as if their burrows were collapsing, avoiding all armed predators.
The blazing fire soon caught the attention of the Mexica legion. A large number of samurai stormed in, easily striking down the tribesmen with their bulky and small bags. Then, shouting, they followed the orders of the Prince, putting in effort to extinguish the flames or isolate the fire scene.
Chiwaco, with a ferocious expression, thrust his spear and impaled two Tekos brutes who were running towards them. Then, he worriedly looked back at South City, unable to discern the exact location of the fire. Puap, carrying the Prince, urged softly,
"Old Chi, this way. The East City gate is near! Hopefully, there’s still a Defending Army holding out that can get us down the city walls!"
As he spoke, he touched the two differently shaped Jade Talismans in his chest, preparing for all eventualities.
The old militiaman, with lips pursed, silently led his brethren forward. Just as the group had turned a street corner and seen the dense lanterns at the East City gate, they collided head-on with a large squadron of Mexica samurai marching quickly.
Coyote Family Head Coyote was taken aback and stopped in his tracks. He drew the weapon at his waist and scrutinized the group that had suddenly appeared. His gaze lingered on the more than a dozen long spears, then swept over the black robes of civilian style.
"Eh, a dozen scattered militia? Come, kill them all!"
Coyote indifferently raised his hand, and dozens of samurai drew their weapons, spreading out to encircle them.
Puap had just taken out the Prince’s Jade Talisman and was about to speak when the old militiaman quietly waved his hand. Taking a step forward, he brought out a connecting token, bowed, and said with a grin,
"Master, we, the Alliance’s inside operatives! Obedient, good people!"
Hearing the Mexica language that was not entirely fluent, Coyote tilted his head warily, and a trusted aide stepped forward to take the wood token. After examining it for a moment and seeing the Hunter symbol on it, the aide respectfully turned and reported back.
"Family Head, it’s indeed a token from the Northern Legion, belonging to the Scout Vanguard. They must be the inside operatives in the city."
At this news, Coyote’s expression slightly relaxed. He observed the attire of this group of inside operatives, his brow furrowing with curiosity as he asked,
"The army has already entered the city; since you are inside operatives, what are you doing here?"
"We need to leave the city, to report the latest intelligence,"
Puap answered cautiously.
Coyote’s eyes flickered, his gaze slowly scanning the group’s bamboo baskets, noting the vaguely exposed Wealth. Then his gaze settled sharply on the child Puap was carrying on his shoulders. The Coyote Family Head sniffed lightly, then advanced with a dozen trusted aides,
"You, don’t move! Who is he?"
Coyote narrowed his eyes and raised the torch in his left hand. He looked at the child’s arm and neck, noting the pale complexion and delicate skin, which stood out starkly against the samurai’s rugged appearance. A cold smile spread across Coyote’s face as he tightened his grip on his War Club in his right hand.
Sensing the sharp murderous intent, Puap’s pupils suddenly constricted, and he too reached for his own weapon.
"Ah, Master, this is the Prince! Captured, to be presented to the great Alliance. To you, the noble Commander-in-Chief, for you... We, only want, the plundered Wealth."
Seeing this, the old militiaman hurriedly bowed, a smile plastered across his face as he stepped forward. He tugged at Puap’s arm and carefully lowered the silent Prince Shatini to the ground. Then, waving his hands, the old militiaman pulled the furious Puap away, cautiously leading the militiamen back.
"Oh? The Prince? The Tarasco Prince!"
At this, Coyote’s eyes lit up. He bent down to inspect, checking the Prince’s pearly teeth, examining the uncalloused small hands, and finally noticing the Divine Eagle tattoo on the neck, erupting with elation.
"Ah, truly the Prince of Tarasco?! A noble, sacred Sacrifice! The Alliance’s superior battle merit!"