Four Urgent Matters

At the man's words, the great hall instantly fell silent, as if even the breeze had stilled.

Xolotl stood where he was and watched in silence. Though they had not met for many years, the old acquaintance's appearance had not changed in the slightest, as if carved from stone and wood. He paused only a few breaths before a smile appeared on his face, and he lowered his head to return the courtesy.

"May the Main God bless us! Greetings to you, respected Cihuacoatl of the Alliance, Chief Minister and adviser of the royal house! May you be like the wings of an eagle, accompanying the king as he soars high, governing the four quarters under heaven!"

"May the Main God bless us!"

Gilim slowly rose, then bowed again. Afterward, he stepped forward, his hand making a distant, inviting gesture, and sincerely praised him.

"Your Highness, after several years apart, it truly fills me with joy to be granted audience with you again. You are the eagle of the west, and also the long serpent of Michoacan, ruling the Alliance's Lake Kingdom with the martial courage and wisdom of Divine Revelation!"

"In just a few short years, the Lake Kingdom has been established in the west and grown more prosperous by the day. Centralizing power and reforming institutions, implementing county governance, settling garrison farms and registering households, granting fields for military merit, promoting industry and controlling commerce, Divine Revelation creations, campaigns south and north, changing the enfeoffment system... every achievement you have made, whenever I hear of it, makes me strike the table in admiration and feel nothing but deep respect!"

At this, Gilim once again prostrated himself and paid homage with a grand salute.

"The gods granting Your Highness enlightenment is truly the good fortune of the Mexica People!