Year 12 of the SuaChie Calendar, third month.
Dawn City.
One week after the meeting with Zasaba.
I was in my study at the Stone Manor, meticulously reviewing the documents and codices that summarized the trade agreements and the kingdom's internal production. The afternoon light streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the dancing dust motes and the parchment in my hands.
Regarding the commercial dealings with Europe Quyca, the situation was maintaining a steady growth—to my liking. On one hand, this meant we were receiving the 'payments,' or rather, the exchanges, for the products we had requested: draft animals, a diversity of foodstuffs, seeds unknown to Great Quyca, and the highly prized import of knowledge in the form of books, maps, and works of art.
On the other, and no less important, the flow of enslaved people from Guanza Quyca (Africa) continued, who were being redirected to the Suaza Kingdom's coastal settlements along the eastern shore of Great Quyca. This was a necessary evil in my plan: to use the Europeans to position the African population on the periphery of the kingdom, securing new inhabitants of the realm who would act as colonists in the settlements that were still forming.
The reports also showed me that the first animals brought from European Quyca were already having their young. Horses, cows, chickens, pigs, and even domestic dogs and cats. All of them had been carefully monitored by a sub-department of the Ministry of the People, dedicated exclusively to the care and acclimatization of these new species.
I recalled that Turey had served as the unofficial consultant, 'advising' the keepers on the correct handling of these animals. The prospect of the growing number of animals was a mix of good and bad aspects.
On the positive side, this increased the capacity for agricultural production with draft animals, reducing the reliance of people on the heaviest processes. It also expanded the amount of available protein, although this was still limited due to the low number of cattle, pigs, and horses. Poultry, however, had increased significantly, ensuring eggs and chicken meat. Finally, it also contributed to domestic life, with dogs and cats already declared pets and accompanying their owners—a civilizing luxury that my people would soon assimilate.
However, the dark side of the equation was undeniable: soon, these types of animals would displace the continent's natives, and many endemic species would disappear due to competition or predation. Progress, as always, came with a cost.
I paid special attention to the arrival of rats on the ships. I wanted to avoid any plague. I remembered the devastating consequences these rodents had brought to Europe in my past life. In this new world, and in a kingdom with superior sanitary standards, I had to be relentless. I directly ordered those in charge of every known port in the Floating Islands and the rest of the territory to conduct rigorous inspections and enforce strict quarantines. Public health was as vital as the army.
Another important element of the reports was the plantations of seeds brought from abroad.
Fortunately for the kingdom, we had acquired rice and sugarcane, both of which could thrive in the tropical and humid climates of the kingdom's continental regions. Rice promised to be a high-yield staple food, and sugarcane would open the doors to the mass production of molasses and other sweets. On the other hand, some legumes and vegetables, such as peas and broad beans, were being cultivated, but the results were not optimal.
With my knowledge of the future, I deduced that these plants likely needed an optimal temperate climate for cultivation and a different photoperiod than that of the equatorial zone. Therefore, I ordered that a large portion of the legume seeds be allocated to slightly less tropical areas, and the winter cereal vegetables like wheat, oats, and barley, be sent to the temperate climates of the mountainous regions. In any case, large quantities were earmarked for planting in continental regions and for research into flora adaptation, seeking long-term self-sufficiency.
"It won't be so easy to eat rice whenever I want," I thought, imagining some future rice dishes.
A rather shocking piece of news, though expected deep down, was that the explorations of the kingdom's west coast, which had been ongoing for more than three years, had completed a more detailed mapping. These voyages, relegated to a secondary role by the discovery and subsequent encounters in Guanza Quyca and European Quyca, were yielding unexpected fruit.
The navigators had even reached peoples further south on the continent, such as the Mapuche, who had begun friendly trade with the kingdom. And thanks to this contact, the kingdom had found a type of potato that adapted much better to varied and extreme climates.
This potato would be much more useful for the Europeans, who had attempted to plant the Andean varieties with mediocre results. Furthermore, I must admit that this new potato seemed considerably more delicious to me than the potatoes known in the kingdom until now.
Just as I was reviewing a document on the kingdom's production of iron, copper, and other precious metals, the door burst open with an uncontrollable energy that could only belong to one person. Umza entered with her usual extroverted demeanor that made her so distinctive.
"Chuta! The new chocolate cake is ready! My mother, Za, has achieved the perfect balance with the jungle cocoa butter and the cane sugar that just arrived," she exclaimed, with a smile that she was trying to contain.
I immediately noticed a small dark smudge right at the corner of her lips. It was cocoa. Pure and simple. I couldn't help but smile at her lack of subtlety.
With forced seriousness, I asked her, "Umza, tell me with absolute honesty. Did you like the cake? Is it truly ready for me to taste?"
She feigned innocence, her eyes wide open. "Me? No, Chuta. I haven't tasted it. We are waiting for you. Your parents, Turey and Nyia, are in the drawing-room."
I rose from my seat, and in a swift movement, I reached out to her face. She stood still, surprised by my sudden proximity. With my thumb, I wiped the chocolate stain from her lips. Then, without breaking eye contact with her brown eyes, I brought my thumb to my mouth.
The flavor was intense: the earthy, deep bitterness of our jungle cocoa, balanced with the granular sweetness of the European cane sugar. A true clash of worlds, and the promise of a sweet future for the kingdom.
"It is quite delicious," I commented, my voice calm and confident, while Umza visibly blushed, with an expression halfway between surprise and the shyness she rarely showed. I had completely disarmed her.
I left the office toward the drawing-room, with Umza following me, incredibly quiet and with flushed cheeks. The cake was indeed delicious, and for a moment, ambition and war felt very distant.
Two weeks later.
The taste of chocolate was still a pleasant memory, but my mind was back on continental strategy. I was on the western side of Lake Coapolcan (Lake Nicaragua), in the Chibcha Federal Region.
I had arrived the previous day at the mouth of The Crossing River, which they had been improving for a couple of months. Before the improvements and since the creation of the Chibcha Federal Region in Year 10, the kingdom had been consolidating its control in Central Quyca, but its cultures and customs were so varied that it was very difficult to control everything at a micro-level. In general, the Kingdom only served as a protector and provider of trade and infrastructure.
We had created several way-stations along The Crossing River with the permission of these peoples. And one of the Pipil towns in the Nicarao area had developed early ties with the kingdom and had led other small communities of Lake Coapolcan toward an 'official' union. Although, in reality, they were only allies and depended heavily on the trade that the kingdom was conducting through this incipient channel.
Now I was traversing the land route that would lead from the western shore of the lake to the Sunset Ocean (Pacific). The route was clear. The road was not the best; it was simply dirt and without many improvements, but I knew that soon we could begin improving it to establish Central Quyca's first transcontinental path: the Nicarao Path.
The atmosphere was an intoxicating blend of humidity and life. There were stretches where the surroundings were open to the sunlight, while others passed through the dense vegetation of the tropical forest. Along the way, I could see quite a few curious animals approaching fearlessly: colorful birds, monkeys of various types, and even some giant rodents. The environment was quite peaceful; the future, ironically, might have turned it into a safari or something similar.
However, I knew I should not be complacent. The tropical forest was a predator in itself, and jaguars, pumas, and other creatures were surely waiting in the shadows, anticipating any false move. We always had armed escort, but in the heart of the jungle, vigilance had to be personal.
I thought of Turey with irony. Her absence was felt in the immensity of nature.
"Surely," I thought, "if Turey had come, she would have taken some Jaguar or Ocelot as a pet. And then she would have asked me to include it as the kingdom's official mascot."
The path to the Sunset Ocean was not just a trade route; it was the umbilical cord that would connect the Kingdom to the vast Asian market in the future, when the Tequendama (large ship) could safely navigate the Pacific. Control of this narrow isthmus was the key to global economic dominance, a step that, in my past life, history had taken centuries to solidify.
I would do it in less than a decade.
Five hours later.
After several hours of starting the journey from the lake shore, the vegetation finally ceded. The air became saltier and more humid, not with the Caribbean warmth of the Floating Islands, but with a deeper, almost untamed freshness. The sight before me filled me with silent admiration.
I had reached the shores of the Sunset Ocean (Pacific).
The immensity of the sea stretched out, calm and blue, contrasting with the vibrant green of the jungle we had just crossed. From my elevated perspective, I could see a coastal city in frank growth, light grey and brown, due to the stone and wood buildings rising, and the bustle of an active port. Some Guaraguao (small ship) and Wayamú (medium ship) of the kingdom, along with larger local canoes, moved between the port and the nearby sea. In the distance on the ocean, I could also see several Tequendama cutting through the waves.
The image itself was not very different from those I constantly saw in the Floating Islands, but the perspective was everything. I had crossed the continent, even if it wasn't the most difficult route; the mere fact of completing the journey filled me with something akin to pride.
On the other hand, something caused me a pang of historical irony. I had traveled a path similar to that Spaniard who, in my past time, was the first to 'discover' the Pacific Ocean for Europe, though his name escaped me, and honestly, I did not care.
Upon arriving at the city, known as Edge Sunset City, I noticed the clear urban organization of the kingdom, but with touches specific to the Mayor, its citizens, and the neighboring towns. This city shared a similar name with Edge Dawn City, located at the mouth of The Crossing River, where the journey had begun. The nomenclature sought to emphasize that these two cities were the extreme points of my future interoceanic route.
A large number of people received me at the entrance, forming a respectful line. I could see a mosaic of faces: people from the continental regions of the Suaza Kingdom, former inhabitants of the Floating Islands, and groups of migrants from the Triple Alliance (Aztecs), Mayas, and, for the most part, Pipiles from nearby towns who had decided to settle in the city.
The streets were ordered with the basic design dispositions of the kingdom: wide, with covered drainage, some central plazas, temples dedicated to the unified faith, and streets dedicated to commerce. The port, however, was almost as active as the main commercial street, a testament to the success of the initial maritime routes.
The city's Mayor, Tolú, led me to his City Hall, which also served as his private residence. Tolú was a corpulent man of Zenú descent who had joined the kingdom in Year 5, at the beginning of our continental expansion. Due to his contributions and capabilities, he had been given the opportunity for this important step in Central Quyca.
As we walked, he shared his story with me while I connected it with the reports I received from Zasaba. According to the Shadow reports in the city, the man was a staunch supporter of the kingdom, as he and his family had managed to progress thanks to the improvements in living conditions. He and his wife had been able to have more children, which, in the conditions prior to the union of the peoples in the kingdom, would have been much more difficult to afford or maintain, and his wife might even have died in childbirth.
"My Lord, the road from the lake was completed so quickly thanks to the enthusiasm of the Pipil peoples of the area," Tolú explained with a wide smile. "They understand that this route means their products will travel faster, that their people will grow wealthy. It is not just about the protection offered by the Suaza Kingdom, but about the opportunities."
Tolú invited me to stay in his large house, which was one of the best-constructed buildings in the city, and I gladly accepted. It was important to show closeness and trust.
Inside his house, Tolú introduced me to his three older children and the three younger ones. I nodded and greeted each one by name. While doing so, my mind was actually working on a higher level: everything seemed to be correct.
Edge Sunset City was proof that my model of expansion—based on trade, infrastructure, and social mobility—worked better than military conquest. Now it only remained to wait for all the principal actors to gather for the joint expedition.
2 weeks later, month four of Year 12 of the SuaChie Calendar.
I was once again in Dawn City. Since my arrival at Edge Sunset City, I spent two days checking the city's situation, speaking with some Pipil leaders, and then toured some coastal cities, taking advantage of the trip to evaluate the entire Chibcha Federal Region.
Each city I visited seemed like its own world. The kingdom's inhabitants, local Chibchas, and some 'colonists'—whether former slaves or people seeking other horizons—decorated each city and embellished the streets with a mix of cultures that added a distinct energy to each settlement. It was a fascinating complexity, a melting pot of civilizations that would secure me an unshakeable power base, as long as I could maintain order.
Since my return to Dawn City, there had been no urgent problem to solve. There were no reports of serious problems on the continent, nor requests for complex diplomatic meetings with the Europeans. The calm was welcome, and I had spent quite a lot of time with my family, a rarity in my life as a leader.
What did happen, and was important, though emotionally difficult, was that my mother, Za, and my father, Hyba, had to return to Central City. My mother was pregnant, and it was much more convenient for her to have the baby where medical conditions were superior, with the best-trained personnel of the Simte Academy.
I was nervous at first. The memories of my past life, where modern medicine had eradicated almost all the risks of childbirth, clashed with the fragile reality of this century. But after their departure, with the certainty that the 'doctors' would do everything possible to care for her, I managed to relax, although a layer of worry remained latent.
Just as a series of sad thoughts and memories I wanted to forget were coming to my mind—a constant danger for someone with a perfect memory—my concentration broke. A knock came at the door of my office in the Stone Manor.
"Come in," I said.
Zasaba entered, his face serious, and greeted me with a nod. "Young Chuta, excuse the interruption. The preparations are ready. Captain Sogeking and Fleet General Umzye are waiting to have a meeting with you."
The Joint Expedition. It was time to name the mission leader. I immediately accepted, and Zasaba ordered an aide of his to show them both in.
While we waited, I offered him hot chocolate. "It's freshly made, Zasaba. From this month's harvest. It almost tastes as good as my mother's."
Zasaba politely declined. "Thank you, Young Chuta, but I must maintain clarity. The topic ahead will be intense."
A few minutes later, Sogeking and Umzye entered the office. The energetic, smiling face of Sogeking, the Fleet Captain, contrasted sharply with the seriousness and palpable tension on the face of Umzye, the Fleet General of the Northwest region.
Sogeking, unable to contain himself, was the first to speak. "Chuta... I correct myself, Young Chuta. I heard about a new voyage. For this new expedition I..."
I interrupted him, raising my hand with a smile, although my gaze was firm. "We have an agreement, Sogeking. An agreement from years ago."
I reminded him of a crucial moment in the kingdom's recent history. "When our Suaza ships first crossed the Dawn Ocean, I appointed you as the expedition leader, along with General Nygua. I promised that if there was ever an expedition to the Sunset Ocean, only Umzye would lead it, for having missed the opportunity of the first crossing."
Sogeking was about to retort, probably with one of his jokes or an attempt to beg me, but I interrupted him again.
"Promises are kept, Sogeking. Especially those that carry the weight of a debt."
Then, I turned my gaze toward Umzye. His generally stony face now showed a contained, almost trembling emotion. He had been waiting for this for four years.
"General Umzye," I said, officially. "You will be in charge of guiding the Joint Expedition. Your leadership is indisputable, and your patience has been rewarded. You will be seconded by three European Admirals, and you will have the freedom to designate a subordinate of your choice to assist you directly."
Umzye bowed deeply, with a gratitude and solemnity that overflowed formality. "I thank you for your trust, Young Chuta. I promise to fulfill the mission without any inconvenience and to maintain the honor of the Suaza Kingdom in every interaction."
The others in the room were visibly moved upon witnessing Umzye's appointment. Even Sogeking, who looked reluctant and disappointed a moment before, mumbled a crude but friendly joke toward Umzye.
"Looks like they'll finally drag that turtle out of the harbor, huh, Umzye?"
Umzye, instead of getting angry as was usual at Sogeking's teasing, smiled. A genuine smile that was rarely seen on the General, a testament to the weight that the wait for this opportunity had carried.
I, who heard everything, only smiled. "Sogeking, your place is now in Nexus City, coordinating logistics and defense. Your experience with the Europeans is more needed there. Return to your post."
Sogeking, although still with a hint of disappointment, nodded. "Understood, Young Chuta. I will return to the other side of the ocean immediately. May the turtle have wind in its sails... Though it's quite boring on the other side."
I ended the meeting, feeling that the first piece of a gigantic diplomatic play had moved. "General Umzye, Captain Sogeking, Chancellor Zasaba. All that remains is to wait for the guests and embark on that great voyage. May it be for the aggrandizement of the Suaza Kingdom and the unification of the two oceans."
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
This time there was a slightly bigger delay, but I had to help my mother who is ill.
As for the chapter, I decided to put a stop to it, although I've actually made a month's progress on a single chapter.
The reason I'm putting it on hold is that I have several doubts about how to proceed, and I don't mean that I have no idea how to continue (if you knew all the world maps I already have ready, you'd be surprised), but rather that I'm unsure what you want to read.
For example, I'm eager to show you wars between the Aztecs, their enemies, and the Suaza as their support. I also want to develop the journey across the Pacific, taking my time with some detours, reaching Japan, returning later, some problems of insubordination, illnesses, and storms. I also have many small stories about Chuta's daily life, which complement technological advancements, cultural development, and real progress in the kingdom.
However, I don't know what you would like.
Furthermore, I've noticed a decrease in support, and although I never wrote this novel to please everyone, I don't want to move forward without considering your opinions.
Above all, I'm concerned about the opinions of those who have most supported the novel, commented, debated, and even contributed ideas and information. By the way, I'll reply to the missed comments soon.
PLEASE, I HOPE YOU'LL COMMENT ON WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM THE NOVEL.
Btw, There are no Unnecessary Facts of the Day today.
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future (Chapter 90)
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis (Chapter 34) (INTERMITTENT)
#The Walking Dead: Patient 0 - Lyra File (Chapter 14) (INTERMITTENT)
You can find them on my profile.]