Chuta Mansion, meeting hall.
"What's the problem, then?", asked the Chief of Central Mountain City, his tone tinged with impatience. "If our warriors can defeat them, I don't see the issue", he explained, crossing his arms.
"The problem lies in the fact that, so far, all our neighbors have understood the benefits of joining our kingdom, which has allowed their annexations to be peaceful. However, given how things are unfolding with those tribes, it's very likely we'll face armed conflicts, which would change how our neighbors perceive us", I responded with a resigned tone, revealing my concern. "I know we would win any battle we fought, but I didn't want us to engage in combat so soon. I would prefer everything to be resolved peacefully", I added, emphasizing my stance.
"Now I understand", said the Chief, noting my reaction to the prospect of armed conflict.
"Moreover, these people believe in spirits and mythical beings that, according to them, inhabit the jungle. They only need the right guidance to understand the greatness of the gods", I said, considering a religious approach to the situation.
"It's possible that the gods tried to communicate with their tribes, but since they couldn't comprehend the divine message, they associated it with spirits", commented the High Priest, reflecting on the beliefs of those communities.
"Perhaps, due to their lifestyle so closely tied to nature, they've managed to establish a special connection with the Goddess of Earth and Nature", I suggested, complementing Simte's idea with a touch of openness.
"That could be", murmured the High Priest, thoughtfully. "Our people have always lived among mountains, closer to the Sun and the Moon. We've never had such a deep connection with nature as they do. It's possible that those spirits are indeed emissaries of the Goddess of Earth and Nature. We'll need to study their beliefs and speak with them to better understand their relationship with these spirits", he added, contemplating the possibility of a new divine pantheon.
"Returning to the main issue… Those cities will be established regardless, but we must begin setting up military citadels near the borders with these tribes. We'll call them 'citadels,' and they must have army members always protecting the territory. Their fortifications should be built with solid, durable materials", I announced after a brief pause, giving Simte time to reflect on the tribes.
"On another note, the peoples of the southern cordillera are considering joining us, but complications have arisen. The 'Children of the Sun' from the high cordilleras have maintained trade relations with them for many years, and some even pay tribute to their main leaders", I explained, detailing the situation.
"Can we help with anything?", asked one of the Chiefs, showing interest.
"It's not necessary", I replied calmly. "Military deterrence has worked and has accelerated the unification of the southern peoples. Soldiers who wish to return to their original districts may do so, and those who have started families can stay. Division leaders will need to redistribute soldiers as needed", I clarified, ensuring everyone understood the arrangements.
"Now that I've explained the general situation, let's move on to your reports", I said as an assistant entered the hall with trays of appetizers, liquor for the adults, and, for me, a refreshing fruit juice.
The next hour was spent with the Chiefs presenting reports on their respective districts.
The district of Lake Mountain City reported on progress in the shipyards and the construction of new ships. They also announced that the first regiment of the second Sand division was already operational, conducting coastal explorations and preparing to implement navigation improvements that would enable the formation of the first regiment of the third blue division. Additionally, two new coastal cities were built: one at the northernmost point of the territory and another in the Suaza Gulf.
The district of Mountain Pass City stood out for its remarkable progress. They had significantly improved the infrastructure of their cities, increased the number of towns in their territory, and facilitated the voluntary relocation of people seeking land more suitable for agriculture, resulting in the formation of new settlements.
They also collaborated in clearing a safe passage through the mountains and establishing workshops for building boats in the area of the new district under development. Additionally, they mobilized the third regiment of the first Flow division to form the fourth regiment, tasked with protecting the rivers and lakes of the new district.
The district of New Valley City reported a relocation of plantations better suited to the Mountain Pass district, improvements in irrigation systems, and an increase in storage capacity in cities near the rivers, which allowed for greater circulation of food by river.
They also mobilized the second regiment of the first Flow division to form the fifth regiment, which will be responsible for protecting the rivers bordering what will, in the future, be known as the Amazon jungle.
The district of Central Mountain City reported potential agricultural settlements to the south of their location, on the eastern side of the central cordillera. The people in these lands are in negotiations to join the kingdom. They also announced the establishment of the first Suaza Bank headquarters, which will offer opportunities for those wishing to start businesses or use its deposit services.
The district of Mountain Cross City indicated that the peoples of the southern cordillera are likely to join the kingdom before the year ends, although one town showed resistance due to its proximity to the 'Children of the Sun.' They also discovered new mineral deposits in the western mountains, increasing the production of precious metals.
The other leaders of cities, towns, and villages, chosen as representatives of their districts, also reported progress. They highlighted the creation of boarding schools for villages without access to education, improvements in agricultural production, an increase in food availability, and the optimization of rural roads.
"These are all excellent news", I said, pleased with our kingdom's progress. "I hope that, by next year, we'll need to move this meeting to an even larger hall", I added with a smile, projecting optimism.
"All this is thanks to your leadership, young Chuta", the leaders exclaimed, showing their gratitude.
"On the contrary, it's thanks to all your efforts", I replied modestly, deflecting the credit to them. "Now, let's move on to your requests", I said, looking at them with interest.
"For our part, our district needs more iron tools to increase production and clear more land for crops", requested the Chief of New Valley City. "We'd also like to know if it will be possible to build the new academies", he added after a brief pause.
"We're in a similar situation", commented the Chief of Mountain Pass City. "However, we also need the assistance of more regiments to secure a safe passage to the Zenú people. While there are already trails, it would be ideal to have wider routes connecting our districts", he explained.
"I understand", I said, evaluating possible solutions. "Iron production is increasing, and thanks to the advancements made by the academy members, we'll soon be able to further boost tool manufacturing", I responded seriously.
"As for the academies, construction will begin this year, as the first graduates will complete their studies and be able to teach in their respective districts", I added, addressing the second concern.
"Thank you very much, young Chuta", the leaders said, relieved by the news.
"I must clarify that, due to the limited number of students and the talents of this first generation, only some courses will initially be offered at each academy. We'll strive to ensure these align with the main economic activities of your districts", I explained, anticipating potential concerns.
"We understand", the leaders responded, though with a slightly disappointed tone.
"In the future, all courses will be available in all districts", I assured, noting their disappointment. "Any other requests or comments from the other Chiefs or leaders?", I asked, reopening the floor for discussion.
"Our district wishes to increase metal production, like Central Mountain City", requested the Chief of Mountain Cross City.
"I'll send a group of experts in the new furnaces we're developing to establish a smelting area in the cities near the mineral deposits", I responded, addressing his request.
"Thank you, young Chuta", said, satisfied.
"Young Chuta, I have a question", interjected the Chief of Lake Mountain City.
"Tell me, Chief Xiua", I replied kindly, though I noticed his haughty glance, which reminded me of certain awkward situations. "I hope he doesn't assume privileges just because of his daughter's closeness to me", I thought, slightly annoyed as I recalled the tensions with my parents and my two new 'friends.'
"Following your orders, we've been supporting the peoples who have joined the kingdom with the construction of cities and the great city of the lake district", he explained. "My question is about the division of territories. How will we know which area belongs to each district?", he asked, with genuine curiosity.
"That's an excellent question, though, in a way, unnecessary", I replied, capturing everyone's attention as they looked at me with disbelief.
"As you know, our kingdom has evolved rapidly, going from a mountain-centered village to a territory encompassing numerous peoples who have joined us, across a wide variety of environments, in a very short time. As you've noticed, our territory expands every day, so it's likely that we'll soon need to reorganize the territorial division to ensure more efficient and precise management of the kingdom's territories", I explained in detail, giving the leaders time to process the implications of my words.
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I know this change may be hard to accept, but it's for the good of our kingdom", I said in a conciliatory tone. "I hope they haven't been intoxicated by power yet", I thought, slightly worried about potential resistance to the change.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta is beginning more formal meetings, and new territorial expansions are being planned, and these will be the last formal meetings. In the future, they will only be shorter meetings, depending on the topic.
Unnecessary fact of the day: The Mayans put up a bigger fight than the Aztecs, even when their splendor had already passed. However, this is because, as I mentioned before, the Europeans, in this case the Spanish, took advantage of a division that prevailed in the Aztec empire at that time.
Read my other novel called The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
You can find it on my profile.]