Outside the Royal Tent, a squad of Shorn Guard stood watch with axes in hand, motionless down to the smallest fraction. Inside the Royal Tent, teacher and student sat facing each other, both gazing at the unfolded map of the south.
"The greatest difficulty of the southern campaign... is the vastness of Mixtec territory, and the long grain roads for logistics... especially on the eastern route..."
Avet murmured to himself, silently calculating in his mind. Beside him, Xolotl's bearing was modest, his tone respectful, carefully observing propriety. Even when offering important counsel, his expression and voice were as warm and gentle as a spring breeze.
"Honored Divine King! Of the Eastern Route Army's grain roads, sixty percent of the supplies are shipped out from the Lake Texcoco region, and forty percent come from the military farms at Shuigu City... From the Lake Capital, it is three hundred li to Shuigu City. From Shuigu City, it is another four hundred li before reaching the foot of God Stone City. Altogether, that is a seven-hundred-li grain road, all of it broad highland passages where large bodies of militia can move, yet with no waterways available..."
"Divine King, you have always attached great importance to grain roads. You are a divine commander of wisdom, brilliance, and thorough foresight. In the two vital logistical strongholds, Shuigu City and High Mountain City, you stationed four thousand Royal Warriors in each. And this Royal Legion was even placed under the command of the most reliable Chichimicqui the Dead Dog, precisely to ensure sufficient grain transport and guarantee the absolute safety of the rear!..."
"The Main God bears witness! The Eastern Route Army is the Alliance's true main force. Its awe-inspiring military might has shattered the courage of the Mixtec people; they have never dared fight us