"Of course, conquering the lowlands, the central regions, and even the Maya peoples of the highlands, pushing deep into the inland tropical jungles, is destined to be an extremely difficult process! And for the next few years, the foremost goal is still to pacify the important coastal city-states and open the sea route to Cuba!... As long as the chiefdoms of the Maya peoples along the way bow their heads and submit, even if it is only nominal vassalage and tribute, this grand strategy will count as an initial success!..."
"And the former Mayapan royal house, the surviving remnants of Cocom... They once ruled over the vast lowland and central Maya, and held traditional claims over the independent chiefdoms of the various peoples... They have already converted to the Main God, and with the Kingdom's military force behind them, they are a political force that can be used and cultivated to control the depths of the jungle!..."
The lake surface shimmered with golden light, and the mountain colors reflected the red clouds. The setting sun shone over the blue sea, and the flotilla of boats drew toward the emerald bay. South of Lake Sacrifice City, relying on the corner of the sacrificial lake's bay, a natural lake harbor had formed. Xolotl led the generals ashore in great strides, entering the city-state's Water Fort to rest. And a sumptuous evening banquet had long since been prepared.
The evening banquet outside Lake Sacrifice City was abundant and delicious, without too many outsiders to disturb them. Corn kernels paired with turkey chunks, then stewed with chili and spices into a richly fragrant meat soup, made the traditional Pozole (Pozole/ pozolli) of the Mexica Alliance. Tender roasted grasshoppers smeared with chili powder, paired with small cakes and avocado mash, were a seaside insect appetizer