Guards, Intelligence, and Serving the Emperor

August was warm clouds and rain, gently caressing lovers' cheeks, stirring the heart with lingering tenderness. The summer rain fell on and on, the clear breeze swept past without a trace, and several days vanished in the blink of an eye.

The High Priest's Mansion was still under heavy guard. Temple Warriors held torches aloft, patrolling day and night. And in the residence where Xolotl was staying, where firelight flickered, night had again sunk deep, with a faint hidden fragrance drifting through the air.

Moonlight flowed like water through the open skylight, soaking the simple bedroom in a clear glow. A beautiful red-edged echeveria quietly bloomed beneath the moonlit night. Its succulent leaves were elegant and plain, unfolding layer upon layer, their edges tinged with tender pink. At first glance it was dignified and lovely; after looking for a long while, it held a wordless allure.

"A beguiling spirit-shadow... a goddess beneath the moonlit night."

Xolotl sat upright in the bedroom, fully dressed. He gazed at the flower before him and murmured softly.

"Echeveria."

Echeveria, also known as red-edged stone lotus, was a succulent plant native to Mexico, of the Echeveria genus. Its leaves were long and slender, their rims flushed red, its overall shape like a graceful red-edged lotus. In later ages, it would be extremely popular. And in the Mexica Alliance, it was likewise a flower beloved by nobles, able to be planted in well-lit rooms.

Nashu wore short garments and stood in attendance beside the echeveria, quietly waiting for His Highness to retire. August was hot. She had short hair and bare feet, and the short clothes on her body could only cover the vital places, making one unable to help casting probing glances her way.

Xolotl's eyes stirred slightly, and his gaze shifted over. A clear,