"Jingle, jingle~~"
Soon, the bells swayed softly. A waft of fragrance swept in, and the atmosphere in the Stone Hall changed in an instant, gaining a touch of ambiguity and languor.
More than twenty young, lithe, curving snake bodies, wearing only silver bracelets and ankle bells, pressed themselves toward the great nobles present. On their delicate faces were tempting expressions—cold aloofness, fervor, fear, grief and anger, unwillingness, or obedience. At this moment, whether they were willing or not, they danced with all their might, pleasing the Mexica nobles who had conquered them.
"Sacrificing the God-descendant of our sworn foes and enjoying their wives and daughters—this is the exhilaration of victory and conquest! As long as the Divine King leads us toward victory after victory, the Tigers of Mexica will keep their heads lowered and obey the king's commands! No matter how harsh those commands may be..."
Mountain Clan Chief Izel stroked his chin, his expression grave and thoughtful. Yet after only a few breaths, his chin and the back of his hand were licked by something slick, warm, and soft. Gentle breathing gradually moved downward, and that warmth and slickness drifted with it. The young Mountain Clan Chief suddenly shuddered all over, drew back his hand, and swayed slightly.
"Ha ha! We Mexica People value abstinence above all, and prize endurance and restraint! And now, the Cloud Snakes of our sworn enemies have come to challenge the warriors of the Alliance and search for the Tigers' weaknesses!"
Reed Clan Chief Sintel laughed loudly, yanking off his upper robe in one motion and revealing the tattoo of the Tiger Between Reeds on his chest. Very soon, four fragrant, soft, warm snake bodies wound around the faintly revealed tiger body, coiling and pouncing, up and down.
"Roar! I want to see which