"Waa! Waa!"
The ringing cries still echoed through the temple. Even held up in his father's hands, little "Shaokang" showed not the slightest intention of compromising. His tiny face scrunched up, his mouth opened wide, his arms and legs flailed hard, and he let out one clear, loud wail after another.
"Waa! Waa!"
Xolotl watched his crying son with keen interest for a while, and a strange feeling rose in his heart, utterly different from when he had first become a father. In his gaze was some joy at the continuation of his bloodline, a little fondness at seeing an infant, a trace of pride at becoming a father, and a few inexplicable measures of scrutiny and consideration. After all, this was a son who would very likely inherit the family estate and receive an enfeoffment!
"Haaha! This little fellow really does have a tiger head and tiger brains, thick legs and thick arms—what a big one! Hm? The two sides of this head are a little elongated. It looks rather like... rather like a Maya?!"
At the mention of "Maya," Xolotl's eyes stirred, and vague thoughts took shape. He did not know just where the old militiaman's exploration fleet had reached, or when it would be able to return...
After thinking for a while, he set his son down and handed him into the arms of High Priestess Itoya. The elderly priestess moved lightly and skillfully, and in just a few motions she coaxed little "Shaokang" to sleep. The ringing cries finally stopped as well.
"Honored Prince, this truly is a sturdy baby boy! He is under the protection of the God of War!"
High Priestess Itoya smiled as she spoke auspicious words. Xolotl pondered for a while, then looked at the elderly priestess with a sharp gaze.
"High