Axolotl was aware that although the farmers of Prepetcha were compliant, their warriors were equally deadly. The Army of the God of Death’s Great Chief was not just for show, and once they started fighting, it would result in rivers of blood.
"Makes sense, continue."
Xiulote listened patiently.
"Our tribe is poor, so we can only think of ways to gather some wealth. Farming only gets us by, and the only skill we can rely on is hunting. Archery, spear throwing—who in the tribes does not know these? As long as the villages organize hunting parties, and we have a yield, we can trade for the items we need."
"Hmm, what are you skilled at hunting?"
"Shooting birds, trapping rabbits, digging out rodents, snaring deer, hunting wolves... and capturing prisoners."
Hearing this, Xiulote fell into deep thought. Slowly, new ideas formed in his mind. After a while, the king nodded and said,
"Once the banners are reorganized, I will arrange for the leaders of each banner to organize a hunt. The Kingdom is in need of manpower and slaves. After the autumn harvest, there will be special squads for capturing prisoners, led by Jaguar Warriors, heading south or west. The able-bodied men from all parts of Guajili can join."
"Praise Your Majesty!"
Axolotl bowed deeply.
"I will also inform the Kingdom that a market will be set up in the tribal gathering places to trade your hunting yields. The market will have supervisors to maintain fair trading prices to prevent you from being cheated by dishonest traders."
As he said this, Xiulote instructed his trusted aide to record the royal decree. Then, he smiled and asked,
"Do you have any other suggestions?"
Axolotl racked his brain and answered reluctantly,
"Your Majesty, there is one last suggestion that can temporarily appease the people, especially the tribal warriors who have been conscripted."
"According to the traditions of the wilderness, tribes have a high regard for red, even willing to give their lives for the sacred red. If you could grant warriors red fur, red feathers, or red dyes, you would be the most generous Great Chief! Of course, if there were red-haired women, that would be even better!"
Hearing this, Xiulote was slightly taken aback. He remembered how the Spanish colonizers in later generations had made a specific offer to "buy peace" with the Chichimeca Canine Descendants by supplying hundreds of red-haired women.
"A good suggestion. Red fur, feathers, and dyes, the Alliance is not lacking. Bertade, take note of this and consider granting them upon our return."
"At your command, Your Highness."
"Respected Majesty, what about me..."
Axolotl knelt on the ground, looking up at the king with a hopeful gaze.
Xiulote’s smile was gentle.
"Axolotl, you’ve already died once, which absolves you of all your guilt. A divine axolotl dies and is reborn, then changes its face. What do you wish to do next?"
"Ah, praise Your Majesty! Thank you for your mercy!... I wish to cross the great river, return to the wilderness, and guard Pamus City for you..."
"... Uh... I wish to stay here in the village of Guajili, to be a devout village priest, to spread the glory of the Chief Divine for you..."
"... Uh... I will follow whatever arrangements Your Majesty makes."
Xiulote nodded with a smile, announcing the decision.
"Axolotl, from today, you will join my Personal Guard, serving alongside the Royal Banner."
In the harsh wilderness of the Northern Land, no one who becomes a Great Tribe Chieftain is simple. Axolotl had experience as a Tribal Chieftain and had been hardened by large-scale wars; he was not someone to be casually tossed among the Canine Descendants! It was safer to keep him close at hand.
"Praise Your Majesty!"
Axolotl closed his eyes and kneeled on the ground, as if he had exhausted all his energy.
A few steps away, Ozoma and Keka exchanged glances, both having much to say but remaining silent. Meanwhile, the old Preaching Priest, Teya, knelt alone in the corner, ignored and daring not to speak. His plot had been well-prepared for a long time, but it almost caused a great trouble.
"Ah! Most High Majesty!"
"Soon, a new priest will come to take over your position."
"... At your command, Your Majesty."
The old priest Teya collapsed to the ground, suddenly losing all his strength.
"You, however, will be transferred to the Rivermouth Fortification, serving as a Second Level Preaching Priest."
"Ah!... At your command, Your Majesty!"
The old priest Teya was suddenly invigorated, bowing deeply with a louder voice than before.
"Hmm, Bertade, let us depart!"
Xiulote smiled casually.
"Axolotl, you come with me as well."
The king pondered for a while, looking at Axolotl one last time.
"Remember, you have already died once. From now on, you are to be called Arno!"