Central City, Government House Meeting Room.
Moctezuma and the other Aztec dignitaries were astonished once again. They had an idea of the vast quantity of valuable goods they would have to offer to acquire just one kilogram of that pristine salt.
To obtain merely one kilogram, it would require a couple of years of dedicated labor. What was likely most surprising to them was the fact that their robust bartering currency did not rank as the most valuable item among the products with prices fixed by the kingdom.
"Allow me to offer another example," I indicated to Moctezuma, who by this point was observing me with an expression of resignation.
"This piece is an emerald, a gem of immense value within our domains, whose extraction and processing prove complex. The smaller emerald is worth nearly one gold coin, while this larger one amounts to ten gold coins," I explained, pointing to some of the adornments arranged on the main table.
"I have understood," he replied, with a tone that denoted annoyance and reluctance.
"So, how do you intend to make the payment?" I questioned him again.
"Mmmm… Do you accept gold?" he asked me with evident irritation, a nervous tic barely perceptible in his eye.
"Of course… Nevertheless, I have a proposal regarding the payment method for your kingdom; would you be interested in hearing it?" I queried him.
"I'm listening."
"Firstly, we will require a considerable quantity of provisions and native animals from your kingdom. While this will not cover a large portion of the total payment, we can reduce a percentage of the overall value as a gesture of goodwill for our first commercial exchange," I presented to him.
"It is an acceptable proposal, though I do not understand the need for the animals," he conceded.
"Secondly, we wish to establish a small settlement on the northern coasts of your territory."
"Do you covet our land?" he asked with a hint of suspicion.
"No, you have misunderstood me… What I seek is to find a coastal town outside your borders, specifically a little further north. Furthermore, we will need the protection of your brave warriors against hostile tribes. The purpose of this enclave is to allow our ships to dock safely on the nearby shores and thus enable us to trade a much larger volume of products with you," I patiently clarified.
"I understand, if you can trade more goods with us, we can accept this proposal."
"Before moving on to the next point, we were informed that you possess slaves, is that true?" I asked him.
"Yes."
"Our third proposal consists of acquiring these slaves. We will be willing to pay very generously for them. This could even cover a significant portion of the total transaction value," I requested.
"Buy slaves? Do you trade in people?" Moctezuma inquired with surprise.
"We do not, and in our kingdom, it is extremely unusual to find slaves, but we urgently need labor for agricultural and mining work," I explained to him.
"I understand, I see no objection to you acquiring the slaves. At least this will settle the debts of some of them," Moctezuma accepted.
"It is gratifying to hear that… These are the initial propositions; for now, we will accept this, in addition to gold, silver, and bronze as methods of payment."
"That seems adequate… Would it be possible for us to acquire these 'ships' that brought us here?" he asked expectantly.
"Of course, but their value is considerable, demanding a large quantity of gold coins," I replied with the same amiable tone. "By his reaction, he seems on the verge of exasperation," I reflected, noting the annoyance on his face.
"Umm… We will negotiate that on the next visit," he declared with resignation.
After assimilating the intrinsic power of currency, Moctezuma seemed to show a keener interest in implementing a similar system in his own lands. Although he was not the supreme ruler of the empire, being the son of one of the preceding Aztec emperors, he wielded considerable political influence. Additionally, his vast knowledge in the realm of deities granted him a certain authority over the religious beliefs of the people.
During the subsequent hours, the meeting continued, meticulously adjusting the details of the prices and quantities of the products to be exchanged in this inaugural commercial agreement.
Moctezuma fervently attempted to negotiate the high prices, but given the immense quantity of resources requested, the figures could not be drastically reduced. However, Moctezuma managed to find a way to lower the general prices by including a significantly larger number of slaves, and even by assigning local labor for the construction of the coastal city adjacent to his territory.
I was pleased with Moctezuma's negotiating prowess, and even more so, with his naiveté. I accepted these terms without further contemplation. Moctezuma was unaware that these slaves would transform into the first group of liberated individuals, who would form a mixed community or ethnicity with the Suaza. And this would be but the prelude to a future annexation.
"We have concluded for today," I announced with a radiant smile adorning my face.
"Yes… This has been… Truly exhausting," Moctezuma commented, rubbing his temples.
"I hope you can participate in tomorrow's meeting with the priests," I reminded Moctezuma.
"I will not miss it," he affirmed with renewed spirits; apparently, our perspective on the gods struck him as quite intriguing.
An hour later, Basilica, Visiting Room.
"It is an honor to behold you, Son of Heaven," Simte expressed to me in a measured tone.
"The pleasure is entirely mine, Simte… Lately, we haven't spent much time together," I replied, taking a seat opposite him and sipping from a cup of hot chocolate.
"That is because you are too busy to honor this old man with your presence, Son of Heaven… After all, the Kingdom's progress is of greater magnitude," he commented with a mysterious cadence.
"Are you angry? Or are you simply toying with me?" I inquired.
"I do not know, Son of Heaven, what do you suppose?" he asked me, maintaining the mysticism inherent in his words as he sipped his mate from a gold-crafted straw.
"Hahaha… It seems you haven't changed at all."
"It is difficult to change at this age, Son of Heaven."
"With your wisdom and the favor of the Gods, you could surely become a soldier of the Explorers."
"You overestimate my capabilities, Son of Heaven."
"That is not it, I simply trust in the Gods."
"Your mind has become as clear as water, Son of Heaven. It all began at the Sun and Moon ceremony, did it not?" Simte said with joy.
"It seems you have always been watching me… Yes, it is as you surmise," I confirmed, perceiving the constant concern Simte showed for me. "That moment changed something within me. Now I feel lighter, and my mind no longer feels so confused," I added.
"It must be the favor of the Gods. Apparently, they have approved of the use you have made of divine knowledge… No doubt, they have observed your humility, goodness, and kindness from above."
"I don't think they think so highly of me, but I hope so… By the way, I came about the Aztec envoys, what do you think of them?" I said, changing the subject.
"They are people deeply devoted to their gods, but it seems they have altered their beliefs to benefit previous leaders… I am not sure if they still retain the original convictions about the gods," he replied with a thoughtful tone.
"Do you think they have manipulated the ancient writings of the Gods?"
"No, they have simply taken advantage of the people's ignorance and have interpreted the divine messages in favor of the Emperors," Simte answered with a touch of sadness for those people.
"I see… Although this is common among the leaders of great nations. We have witnessed similar cases before, Simte. I only hope that the new priests of that people can resume worshiping the gods as is proper."
"That young Moctezuma seems to possess great wisdom, don't you think, Son of Heaven?" he asked me suddenly.
"I believe so too, Simte… His desire to understand the gods seems genuine. I trust that, after tomorrow's conversation, we can reach a mutual understanding, and that, with it, he can improve the conditions of his people… We will need them in the future."
"Are you referring to the prophecy, Son of Heaven? Do you truly believe something dangerous is approaching from across the sea?" Simte inquired, understanding what I meant.
"That's right, Simte… I feel that the moment is approaching, and although we will not be in danger in the coming years, I fear for the future of our kingdom."
"Then why did you send those ships across the sea?" he asked.
"I want to verify if the gods' warning is true."
"Are we ready?" Simte asked me, clasping his hands and nervously fiddling with his thumbs.
"We will be… The gods will protect us."
The next day, Basilica, Religious Council Room.
"Today is a special day… Seven years ago, some of you supported me, believed in me, and put your faith in the gods… I arrived with an idea, with wisdom, and with the will to help all who believe in the gods."
"Along the way, more believers heard our call, listened to our words, and heard the whispers of the gods."
"Now we are much larger than many expected… And I firmly believe that this is just one step to grow even more."
"Our people now live much better… The elders can rest peacefully… Children grow up safe and healthy… There are hardly any diseases left, and everyone has enough food."
"We have reached the point of knowing distant territories… Unreachable for our past selves… We have crossed the seas and walked to distant lands."
"We have proven to the gods that our peoples, though distinct, can unite to pay them tribute… We left our differences behind and prioritized what always had to be above all things."
"The gods."
"Today we have a guest who, like us, has studied the knowledge left by the gods, and just as we did in that meeting years ago, now we will begin a profound discussion about the gods."
"Moctezuma, I ask you to approach the stage and discuss the gods with me."
He stood up and walked steadily towards the stage. He looked around for accusing glances, but what he found was anticipation.
"Moctezuma… I know you believe your beliefs are unique, your gods are the only ones, and you are the ones chosen by them to worship them, aren't you?"
"That is so, that was so and that will be so," he replied with conviction and absolute loyalty. "Our gods demand blood, truth, and devotion… No other gods or people who disrespect them are allowed."
"I understand… Just like you, everyone here believed the same, and I'm not saying they no longer believe it; what I want to emphasize is that they continue to believe it, but now their minds have opened to new heights… We are one step closer to definitive knowledge about the gods… Everyone you see here was like you, devout believers, but everyone needed to ask themselves a crucial question… Do I truly know the Gods?"
"Moctezuma, do you know the gods?" I asked him directly with a penetrating gaze.
"Emm… I… Well…"
"Moctezuma… Do you know where the gods live? What language do they speak? Their rules?"
"Moctezuma… Do you know the true pantheon of the Gods?"
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
This is a bit of a long chapter. I hope you don't mind.
Chuta plans some political moves in advance. And obviously, he finalizes the first large-scale trade agreements, which require maritime trade. I should clarify that these won't be Kingdom-only businesses; private merchants will also participate. On the other hand, the gods, the pantheon, and other elements belonging to the kingdom's "official" religion are formulated, but lack depth. I could develop this element much further, but I feel it's unnecessary.
Unnecessary fact of the day: Huitzilopochtli and Metztli are the gods of the Sun and Moon, respectively (I don't remember if I've already clarified this). However, I should clarify that according to the Aztec religion, there are at least three different ways to name the Sun god, and something similar happens with the Moon god.
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from the Visions of Future Saga.
You can find them on my profile.]