CHAPTER 1197: CHAPTER 758: PROMOTING FORCEPS, CONCEALING IDENTITIES

"Wah! Wah!..."

The piercing cries continued to echo within the Temple. Even when held in his father’s arms, little "Shaokang" showed no sign of compromise. His tiny face was scrunched, his mouth wide open, and his limbs flailed energetically, each cry ringing clear and loud.

"Wah! Wah!..."

Xiulote watched his crying son with interest, a strange feeling rising within him, different from the first time he became a father. In his gaze, there was a hint of joy at the continuation of his bloodline, a trace of affection at seeing the infant, a touch of pride in becoming a father... and some inexplicable scrutiny and consideration. After all, this was a son who might inherit the family business and receive an estate!

"Haha! This little guy is truly sturdy, with big arms and legs, such a large one!... Huh? The sides of his head are somewhat elongated, almost like... almost like a Mayan?!"

Mentioning "Maya," Xiulote’s eyes flashed, vaguely contemplative. It was unknown where the old militia’s exploratory fleet had ventured and when they could return...

After thinking for a while, he put his son down into the hands of High Priest Itoya. The elderly priestess gently and skillfully lulled little "Shaokang" to sleep. The loud cries finally came to an end.

"Esteemed Highness, this is truly a robust male infant! He is blessed by the War God!..."

High Priest Itoya smiled and spoke auspicious words. Xiulote pondered briefly, his gaze sharp as he looked at the elderly priestess.

"High Priest Itoya, you understand that this child’s identity is somewhat special."

As Xiulote mused, he spoke his thoughts aloud, considering the priestess’s future while noting her anxious expression.

"This child is not born of Alisa. I will not allow him to have access to the Alliance’s inheritance. However, I will not let him lose his life without reason... After all, he is my son!"

As he said this, Xiulote regained his calmness, transitioning once more to a composed and steady king."

"So, High Priest Itoya. From now on, you will leave the Alliance’s priesthood and join the Kingdom of the Lake. I will handle these formalities for you. The Goddess Temple where you will preside will be located in the secluded mountains to the southwest of Patzcuaro City, a remote sanctuary not open to outsiders, providing protection for a child’s growth!"

"Once Nashu has slightly recovered and the child has grown a bit, I will arrange for my trusted aides to escort both back to the Kingdom of the Lake. The priestesses of the Temple will also accompany them to care for my woman and son!..."

"Ah! This... Your Highness... I..."

Upon hearing this, High Priest Itoya showed a bitter expression. Seeing the Prince’s solemn demeanor, she knew she had no power to refuse. However, the potential risks involved were truly chilling. Inheritance in the Mexican Royal Family has always been a storm of blood, and royal male infants dying mysteriously were not uncommon.

The "Chief Divine will bless you, do not worry! In the Patzcuaro Lake region, there will be specially designated Secret Guards to protect you."

At these words, Xiulote paused, unexpectedly bowing to the elderly High Priest Itoya.

"High Priest Itoya! The nurturing of Nashu and the child’s health are entrusted to you! I swear by the name of my ancestors that I will give you the reward you deserve!"

Seeing the Prince bow, High Priest Itoya trembled, her legs nearly giving out. Receiving such a bow from His Highness meant a debt that could only be repaid with her life!...

"Alas!..."

After some time, High Priest Itoya sighed deeply and bowed her head in return.

"His Highness Xiulote... I will follow your command! I will ensure this infant’s health with my life... The Chief Divine witnesses this!"

"Good! The Chief Divine witnesses this!"

Xiulote’s face showed a satisfied smile. He paused for a moment, then gestured towards the forceps on the side, instructing High Priest Itoya.

"High Priest Itoya, through today’s delivery, you should also realize the significance of this Divine Revelation’s Holy Relic in saving difficult births!..."

"Your Highness Xiulote, without a doubt, this is a Holy Relic for childbirth, capable of saving tens of thousands of Alliance citizens!"

Upon hearing such high praise, Xiulote smiled again. He nodded, giving another command.

"The enlightenment from the Divine is always vague. I only remember the general shape of this forceps, and the specific application improvements await the expertise of real birthing priests... High Priest Itoya, the improvement of the forceps is entrusted to you!"

"I will assign you two craftsmen, providing adequate materials. Once it’s initially perfected, I will have the accompanying painter draw detailed plans, with usable products taken to the Alliance and the Capital City’s Divine Revelation Place. From then on, the forceps will be officially promoted under the Divine Revelation Place’s name throughout the world!"

"Promoting the forceps is a major task that saves countless lives! High Priest Itoya, your name, along with the craftsman’s involved in the creation, will be added to the list of developers and recorded in the epics!..."

"...Thank you, Your Highness Xiulote! I will swiftly perfect this Holy Relic, making it more suitable for use in childbirth..."

High Priest Itoya’s expression turned solemn as she held the forceps as if truly facing a Holy Relic, then lowered her head slightly, speaking in a low voice.

"As for adding my name to the list of developers... please do not rush it! For now, I only wish to remain as silent as a shadow in the night. Please report to the Alliance that I and the priest apprentices from the Temple were attacked by the remnants of the Tlaxcala while gathering herbs outside, our fates unknown..."

"Hmm? High Priest Itoya..."

Upon hearing this, Xiulote raised an eyebrow, quickly comprehending her intention. He gazed deeply at High Priest Itoya, truly somewhat amazed.

"Your choice truly astounds me!"

"Your Highness, this is the unpredictable fate that befalls mortals. Mortals must be forced to accept it cautiously and prudently..."

High Priest Itoya smiled faintly, responding with a profound meaning. Then she bowed her head again, offering respectful prayers.

"Exalted Highness, I also believe in you, believing that you are genuinely enlightened and protected by the Divine! And my cautious days will ultimately be worthwhile. You will surely not let this child live in obscurity till old age... The exalted Sun will inevitably ascend, and the shadows of the night will fade, appearing under the sunlight!"

Upon hearing such words, Guard Commander Ecatl finally raised his head, carefully observing the cautious and elderly High Priest Itoya. And Xiulote contemplated for a long while before nodding again. He reiterated the previous promise, although its meaning was already entirely different.

"High Priest Itoya, I am delighted to welcome you to the Kingdom of the Lake, becoming a priestess of the Holy City’s line of Goddess! I swear by the name of my ancestors to give you the reward you deserve! The Chief Divine witnesses this!"

"Praise the Chief Divine! And praise you, exalted Highness!"

After the solemn prayer, the scene in the Temple came to an end. The weak Nashu was still in slumber, while the sturdy Shaokang had been startled awake by the prayers, letting out loud cries.

"Wah! Wah!..."

At the entrance of the Temple, Xiulote stopped walking. Without turning back, he listened to his son’s cries, gently sighing.

"Phew! With things as they stand, what of the future? Even if it’s an excuse, I cannot retreat, only making her move away from me... Forgive me, Chief Divine!"

Having said this, the young king strode away without pausing. Military affairs in the camp were busy, with a grand expedition impending; he had no time to rest.