In this list, the civilians born Kuluka, Toltec, and Ezpan had been promoted two levels, while most of the nobly born other generals had mostly been promoted one level. The Surrendered General Oorta was granted a flat rank, and Ostpai, a noble who had lost his family’s warrior’s glory, had been demoted.
Jaguar Warrior Olosh and Divine Blessing Legion Legion Commander Natali should have also been on this list. However, after the autumn harvest, Olosh was leading the Holy City Legion and would return to the Holy City with his father, while Natali’s Divine Blessing Legion would also return to Xilotepec City. Xiulote had temporarily noted down both of their achievements and would wait for a time when he had the authority to grant rewards.
Upon rising, Monkey bowed deeply again. It took a while before he managed to calm his excitement and finish reading the list, but he did not see the Head Warrior’s name. His mind quickly turned as he looked further down, instantly experiencing a longing he had never considered before.
"Third-Level Noble, involved in national affairs, heritage passed down through generations... granted 8000 mu of land, 400 servants, ranked higher than a legion commander... deploying 30 warriors and 15 auxiliary troops in wartime. This time promoting one person, Holy Eagle Warrior Head Bertade!"
The Noble granted 8000 mu of land actually cultivated 3200 mu, 400 servants, enough to support 50 full-time warriors, and over 20 part-time auxiliary troops. This was already the highest level among the nobility within the fief, second only to the supreme divine Monarch.
On reading this, Bertade pursed his lips. He knelt on one knee, profoundly bowing to His Highness. Then, while still kneeling, he loudly suggested to Xiulote.
"Your Highness, please retract this grant! I come from a humble background as a common civilian warrior, have always been your Escort, and I have never led a legion nor achieved remarkable deeds. Now, to elevate my rank above the rest, I fear others might resent it..."
"Bertade, what are you talking about?"
Xiulote interrupted with a laugh. Then, his expression became serious and he spoke earnestly.
"You were the first to follow me and have always protected me, saving my life numerous times! You led the Personal Guard, single-handedly trained numerous warriors and generals, and have always been utterly loyal! You are always calm and speak little, decisive and strategic in your actions. In terms of seniority, accomplishments, abilities, character, and even popularity... you are truly exceptional. How can you not accept this division of land and become the highest-ranking noble of honor?!"
On hearing this, Bertade appeared deeply moved. Facing the dignified His Highness, he opened his mouth, but for a moment, he could not speak. The Head Warrior had to prostrate himself fully and perform a solemn bow before he could continue speaking.
"Your Highness, the fief is newly established, it is not suitable to grant such generous rewards now. It might be better to wait for the future..."
"This grant to you is in part to set an example for the generals and is precisely for the future! I have a long-term plan, and I need you to train your own trusted aides to truly stand on their own!... In a few years, you will travel to the far Eastern Great Lake... to the serpentine island in the lake... to conquer the local natives... in the farthest east... to wait... to capture..."
On hearing His Excellency’s prophetic speech, Bertade showed an astonished expression, which then turned solemn. He respectfully bowed again, resolutely saying.
"Your Highness, your will is my life, and even if I have to travel thousands of miles to the Endless Great Lake, I will capture the foreigners as foretold!... But..."
The Head Warrior paused for a moment, seeming hesitant.
"Your Highness, I am not speaking for my own sake. It’s just that this grant, though named by Alliance levels, is actually entirely different. The warrior hierarchy’s rewards are extremely generous, and their status is quite high. Military noble ranks are roughly equivalent, but hereditary and honorary nobility, compared to the Alliance, are much more stringent... Your Highness, do you intend to limit the top-tier Great Nobility and cultivate the middle warrior class?"
"Ha ha, you see right through it! Bertade, you are now the only one by my side whom I can trust with great responsibilities!"
The youthful King’s face showed a genuine smile. The old nobilities of the fief’s south had occupied the majority of the local villages and fields. Their land and servants vastly exceeded the standards in the military grant document... and this was the basis for the next step.
"Monkey, didn’t you just ask me where all these lands and servants came from?"
Xiulote laughed heartily, his laughter filled with grandeur and killing intent.
"This time with the granting of lands, 11,000 people were rewarded, with nearly everyone in the Northern Route Army receiving promotions and grants. 220,000 mu of land to be granted, 110,000 servants... And all these lands and servants, they’ll all come from here!"
The young King pointed forcefully at the large map, as if swinging the legion’s flag. And the red flag’s pointed location, the Mexica legion’s advance, was just south of Apachigan, on the fertile lands by the river in the prosperous Kulamo City!