The warm April wind was sowhat scorching, and the samurai camp was exceptionally noisy. But amidst the heat and clamor, there was a patch of slightly cool shade, quietly casting its shadow in the remote corners of the camp. The emblem of the Chief Divine stood tall, as the temple samurai, wearing wooden helts and masks, guarded the residences of the accompanying priests. Following the faint scent of herbs to the deepest part of the camp, one would find the somber curtains and the enigmatic smile of the goddess statue.
"Honored Majesty, Priestess of the Goddess of Spring, Akuitsi, greets you!"
The elderly priestess Akuitsi smiled kindly, her waist adorned with an obsidian dagger, and respectfully saluted the king.
Upon hearing "Majesty," Xiulote raised his brows and smiled gently.
"Akuitsi, the ’Snake of the Goddess of Spring’ from Prepetcha mythology... Are you a priestess of the goddess from the Prepetcha lineage?"
"Praise the Chief Divine! Esteed Majesty, I hail from the Patzcuaro Lake region, one of the first Prepetcha priests loyal to the kingdom. I have served the Supre Main God in the Qinchongcan Capital for over eight years...
Priestess Akuitsi’s expression was calm, her smile as amiable as that of an elderly woman. Yet the sharp blade at her waist, the scent of herbs on her, and her title as the ’Snake of the Goddess,’ all hinted at her latent lethality.
"Majesty, before this eastern expedition, Intelligence Officer Nashu sent people to the temple to recruit so elderly priestesses skilled in potion-making. I was fortunate to get the chance to serve the great royal army, accompanying the troops for two or three years! When the Royal Banner headed to the seaside lands, I was once again summoned by the Guard Commander, accompanying the banner eastward..."
"Oh? Skilled in potions? Excellent!"
Hearing this, Xiulote pondered with interest, glancing at the Guard Commander beside him. Guard Commander Ecatl lowered his head, carefully explaining to the king.
"Family Head, the seaside regions lie in lowland jungles, adept at concocting and concealing poisons... Priestess Akuitsi is truly a master of potions, providing an extra layer of security for your safety!"
"Hmm."
Xiulote nodded, looking at the elderly Akuitsi, and asked in a deep voice.
"Honorable Potion Master, how did your inspection go?"
"Majesty, there were so unexpected findings, but nothing dangerous."
Priestess Akuitsi, with a kind and gentle face, stretched out her hand, revealing an ancient ’tooth’ she had sohow acquired without notice.
"I carefully searched and found a hollow ’serpent tooth’ from her mouth. It is likely a legacy from the seaside tribes, capable of concealing poison. However, using the ’serpent tooth’ is not easy. And no poison was found within this ’serpent tooth.’"
Seeing this ancient ’tooth,’ Xiulote shivered slightly, recalling that night of the Serpent Priestess’s approach and seduction. He furrowed his brows, a faint killing intent flickering in his eyes.
"Thank you, Priestess Akuitsi. Did you find anything else?"
"Majesty, I gave her so ’Holy Water,’ questioning her repeatedly in her semiconscious state about her purpose for this trip... Additionally, I made so unexpected discoveries."
"Hmm? The purpose of this trip, unexpected discoveries?"
"Yes, Majesty."
Priestess Akuitsi smiled benevolently and began to recount softly.
"Her intention in coming was indeed without malice, rely wishing to submit to you. She fears the kingdom’s might and reveres your great strength. As a child, she witnessed her mother being dismbered and sacrificed by her father’s legitimate wife, deeply traumatizing her. She deeply craves powerful entities, both spiritually and physically..."
"In the face of the ’Holy Water’ concocted in the Highland Temple, she was defenseless and confessed to the plot to murder the Great Sun Chief, naly colluding with the Chief’s Head Warrior to commit murder and seize power..."
"I also asked about other secrets and thoroughly examined her body... Alas, I can only say, she is truly a man’s boon! This thorny cactus fruit, once peeled, is a mouthwatering, perfect serpent fruit... Majesty, if you wish to savor her for a long ti, you may entrust her to . With half a year of proper ’guidance,’ no errant thoughts would remain in her mind..."
"...Thank you, Priestess Akuitsi! I think it’s best not to waste precious secret potions..."
Upon hearing Priestess Akuitsi’s recounting, Xiulote remained silent for a mont, calmly expressing his gratitude. He knew the implications of the ’guidance’ the priestess ntioned and was aware of the terrifying potency of the priestess’s secret potions. He constantly restrained himself from crossing such dangerous boundaries.
"Since the Serpent Priestess harbors no malice, a eting could be worthwhile. In truth, her courage and wisdom interest more than her beauty!"
Upon hearing this, the older Priestess Akuitsi gave a knowing look at the young king. She then glanced at Guard Commander Ecatl, who remained silent with lowered eyes. Akuitsi’s heart stirred, and she bowed deeply to the supre king.
"As you wish, Majesty! I serve you with utmost devotion. The delectable ’gift’ awaits you in the tent. I have ticulously inspected her and nourished her with a decoction of Zicao for seven consecutive days... Witnessed by the Chief Divine! She is not pregnant, nor will she be in the coming month."
"..."
Hearing this, Xiulote scratched his nose, rare embarrassnt surfacing. Akuitsi glanced up, smiling knowingly, and spoke.
"Esteed Majesty, I need to prepare dicinal ointnts, so please excuse my temporary departure... Hmm, it might take the entire night at the remote tent in the west. Should you need anything, simply instruct the Guard Commander to summon ... The Water Serpent is now without fangs, ready for intimate enjoynt..."
Having completed her salute, Priestess Akuitsi promptly turned and left, leaving behind a classic priestly blessing.
"Praise you, Majesty! May you be joyful and strong like the great beetle on the tree!..."
"Uh? Great beetle?... I am not, I did not ask!..."
As the sunset painted the sky, darkness descended silently over the camp. Xiulote stood awkwardly at the tent entrance, turning to look at Guard Commander Ecatl.
"Ecatl..."
Guard Commander Ecatl bowed, avoiding looking at the king’s discomfiture. He rely lifted the tent flap, standing respectfully at the entrance.
"Family Head, I am here, ever ready to guard for you!"
"...You all!..."
A few breaths later, Xiulote shook his head, laughing silently. He gazed at the deep crimson sunset, taking a long breath. Then, his steps steady, he strode into the tent, the pitch-black curtain falling behind, screening out all view.
A mont of silence ensued, broken only by the king’s indistinct murmurs. But soon, the sound of a woman’s subdued sobs followed, growing into a stormy tempest, like the crashing waves of the sea~
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