158 Reunions (1/2)
As soon as he saw the town of Hueatlan on the shore, Corco knew that even here, the old adage of this world held true: Wherever he had gone, there had been a rich west and a poor east.
Although the region of Xallisco, land of the great Lord Huemac, sat within the tropics and right along the water, Corco couldn't see a single tree. Maybe it was the distant mountains in the north, or the westerly winds which blew across the endless land of Chutwa, but the town of Hueatlan was surrounded by dried, cracked mud, interrupted by hardy shrubs. In between all this misery, the town itself consisted of short-stacked houses. Since they were build form the same kind of mud, they blended into the environment, yet were still an impressive reminder of humanity's resilience.
As familiar as the Verdant Isles had seemed to Corco, as strange was Chutwa. Not only did the town lack a proper wall, its stone and mud houses, as well as its trapezoid doors and its strangely flowing arcs made Corco aware of the distance to his home. Although the Chutwa were somewhat similar to the Yaku in terms of skin color and appearance, the local stares greeted him as soon as he stepped off the ship. Maybe it was the unknown flag he flew, or maybe its incredible, vibrant purple. Though Corco assumed that their interest was more down to all the silver and silk he had loaded his body with. For the first meeting with his new brother-in-law, Corco had done his best to look presentable.
Meanwhile, his debonair companion was much more casual about their visit.
”So, where's the grand reception?” Prince Wacoca asked, still dressed in his usual sleeveless vest.
”This feels familiar, huh?” Corco mumbled as he looked over the dilapidated port town. Sleepy and quaint, or maybe derelict and deserted, he found himself in a similar position to the last time he had set foot on a continent. Wasn't this town just the same as his arrival in Porcero? He really hoped they wouldn't have to threaten their way to a resolution this time. Although he wouldn't mind forcing the hand of the locals, they didn't have enough men for any big plays.
”This must be young master Corco.” As he thought on their chances to deal with the local militia, he heard a familiar voice. Although he had only spoken with him once back in the capital, servant Mazatl 's unique arrogance had made him easy to remember. As he watched the servant of the local lord walk towards him with another five servants in tow, the king faked a smile.
”Mazatl, what joy to meet again so soon!” he lied. Meanwhile, he could feel Wacoca lean in close.
”So that provincial lord sends his servant to meet you and doesn't even call you king?” the verdant prince whispered.
”Shhh,” Corco silenced his overhonest companion. ”It's Chutwa.” As if that was all the answer needed to explain his actions, Corco marched forward and received the servant with a hug in typical Chutwa fashion. Of course, the Chutwa weren't an especially warm people. Rather, they would hug servants so as to facilitate bribes. Although Corco had never been to the 'sophisticated' Empire to the west, he had been taught Chutwa practices in his youth, and so he knew to slip the greedy servant a few sheets of silver during their embrace.
After they had separated, Mazatl felt for the cold metal in his pocket. Even then, he glanced down to see the shine of the material, before he graced the king with a calm nod, as if it was natural.
”Please follow this way. Chatra Huemac houses his concubines outside of town, upon the northern hills.”
After Corco looked over his shoulder and jerked his head forward, his men followed, each of their hands full with a large, wooden chest. Rather than the guns and cannons he had used on Saliena back in Porcero, these treasures would be the weapons Corco would use to achieve his goals here. All he needed to do was meet up with his new brother-in-law and let his wealth do the talking.
As he looked around, he became more and more aware that Lord Huemac could use his silver. Although the streets were filled with Chutwa scholars locked in games on with books in their hands, their usual, clean white robes looked filthy brown instead. Many had holes, but only some had been patched up. Not even the brothel they marched past made any special attempt to appeal to patrons.
Worst of all were several groups of robed figures. In groups of three and four, they swaggered through the town as if they owned the place. Indeed, when one of them crossed their path, Mazatlmade way as if it was natural.
”Wait, what did you mean by 'concubines'? Where are we going?” At last, Corco realized what his guide's earlier words meant. When he looked over to the man besides him, he saw the servant's familiar sneer again.
Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please clickfor visiting.
”Of course, young master will be brought to his sister. Young master did not believe his visit would warrant attention from Lord Huemac, did he?”
”Of course not,” Corco smiled, and put another counter on his mental list. ”Although I have to say that I rule my own land now, so calling me young master seems inappropriate, doesn't it?”
”Of course, Master Corco.” As a servant, Mazatl should have been well aware of the rudeness of this address, putting a king on the same level as a master craftsman. Again Corco swallowed the insult. Again, he vowed not to forget it, as silence fell over their group.
-----------------------------
”So in the end, father's empire was split up.” Though they hadn't seen each other for an entire, eventful year, Corco's sister hadn't changed at all. After her marriage and her long time in Chutwa, she still wore the same expensive silks with the same grace that was so uncharacteristic for a woman her size.
”Yeah, things are messy for now. I aim to fix that though. Just give me a bit more time.” Corco leaned back in one of those ankle-high stools the Chutwa seemed to like so much. At least the pillow was decent.
”But why would you make the long trip here when there are so many troubles at home already? Why make this dangerous trip, as a king no less? What if something happens to you, brother?”
”Well, I would have sent someone else, but who could have come here? Most of my close aides are busy with their own matters, so my options were limited. Plus, looked at the way they treat me already, and I'm a king. Do you think your husband would have let any other man even meet with his beautiful bride?” Corco winked, but Yasimi's face remained a mask. For a while they sat in silence while they sipped their tea. Yasimi had said it was a rare blend from the mountains of Enyana, though Corco really couldn't tell what that meant. No matter where it came from, the drink wasn't bad. Even if their cultish scholars were as dangerous as their desire to dominate their neighbors, the Chutwa knew how to brew one hell of a tea.
”I do not believe Chatra Huemac is very interested in someone like me,” Yasimi broke through the quiet. Although her face was still stiff, her eyes were cast down, into the tea cup between her hands.
”He's not? That's a surprise. Weren't you courted by most young masters in Medala? I've heard the stories,” Corco teased. Of course he himself could never share the Medalan sense of aesthetics when it came to women, but still, back when her name had still been Prima, Yasimi must have been very popular in the capital.
”Unlike me, most noble women in Chutwa are rather frail. I believe the cause lies with the dominance of the scholars in Chutwa. Rather than a strong heir, the Chutwa nobles hope for a smart heir. Thus, most young ladies set themselves apart with a good grasp of language and the arts.”
”But you're good with language as well, aren't you? After all, you leaned Chutwa well enough, right?”
”Indeed. Otherwise, Chatra Huemac would have never deigned to marry me, not even as a mere concubine. All the silver in Arguna would not have changed that had I been found lacking.”
”So you don't see your husband a lot then?” he asked a question he was very interested in. How could he establish trade relations if he never met the local lord?