Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!
Chapter 1006 - 606: The End of the Year 1488, "That Man," Joao II

Chapter 1006: Chapter 606: The End of the Year 1488, "That Man," Joao II

"Clip-clop..."

The clattering of hooves echoed on the long path of bluestone, drifting northward. Dias rode his horse, treading the light winter snow of the Iberian Peninsula, with the bright coastal sunlight behind him. Underneath him, the meticulously cultivated Lusitano warhorse stood over a meter and sixty tall, making his figure appear particularly majestic. Beside him, the cavalry of the Royal Family remained silent and composed, well-trained to maintain their formation even while galloping.

A good road of fifty miles, riding on warhorses, only takes one or two hours. Moments later, the surrounding villages gradually thinned, the estates of the nobility faintly visible, and the ancient Sintra Palace lay just a few miles away.

Only then did Dias emerge from his contemplation. He slightly quickened his pace, riding parallel to the two court knights leading the way.

"Praise the Almighty! Esteemed Court Knight Eminio, I have just returned from a sea voyage, has any significant event occurred in the Kingdom?"

Hearing this, Court Knight Eminio’s expression shifted. He glanced at the Royal Steward, who appeared a bit leaner, and recalled the joy on His Majesty’s face upon receiving the steward’s letter, then replied with a smile.

"Holy Mother protect us! Esteemed Royal Steward, Knight Dias. Over the past few months, His Majesty has been in a good mood. Prince Afonso of the Kingdom is now officially engaged to Princess Isabella. This wedding, witnessed by the Pope, is set for over a year from now, the spring after next!"

"Oh? Prince Afonso and Princess Isabella have set a wedding date? Truly, the Holy Mother protects us!"

Hearing this joyful news, Dias also smiled. Prince Afonso was Lord Joao’s beloved only son and heir. Princess Isabella, in turn, was the first daughter of Queen Isabella of Castile.

Decided a decade ago, this political marriage could be considered the only noteworthy outcome for the Kingdom of Portugal in the Castilian succession struggle. At present, Princess Isabella resides on the land of the Kingdom of Portugal, "guarded" by the knights of the Royal Family. Her marriage to the Prince would continue to bring the claim to the Kingdom of Castile’s throne to their descendants.

In fact, the relationship between His Majesty Joao II and Queen Isabella is quite complex. They are both adversaries and mutual admirers. Queen Isabella often used another term to refer to His Majesty Joao, "o homem," meaning "that man"!

Dias pondered for a moment, returning from the numerous rumors swirling in his mind, and smiled at the two.

"Holy Mother protect us! Esteemed Royal Knights, upon my return from the Southern Continent, I have brought back some ancient relics, possibly remnants of the Elder John’s nation. If you both have time, feel free to come and observe them over the weekend, to explore the enlightenment of my Lord together!"

Hearing this, Court Knight Eminio paused slightly. Then, interpreting the glances from his fellow knight, and considering the abundance of the Southern Continent, he immediately understood, smiling as he replied.

"Observing Holy Relics and seeking the Lord’s enlightenment is the duty of every devout believer! Esteemed Royal Steward, I am most willing to visit. Praise the Almighty! And bless you, fortunate one!"

"Haha! Praise the merciful Almighty!"

Soon, the riding entourage once more fell silent as they moved forward. The crisp clatter of hooves continued northward, until just outside Sintra Palace. About a dozen royal guards stood guard with pikes at the palace gates, while on the tall walls were vigilant heavy crossbows, and the newly fashioned matchlock guns.

The group dismounted here. Dias removed his gloves and hat, laid down his weapons, and strode into the court of Sintra.

This palace, originally built by the Moors seven hundred years ago, was vibrant in color. Over various reigns, it had become a splendid example among Western European courts. Within the palace were uniquely styled domes, sacredly bright spires, and ornately decorated flat tops. The blend of different styles demonstrated a relatively tolerant religious atmosphere in the Kingdom of Portugal at that time.

Paying no glances to either side, Dias proceeded under the guidance of the guards to the grand hall. Once there, he slightly glanced around before kneeling on one knee, reporting excitedly to the King in the hall.

"Great Lord Joao! Your loyal Royal Steward, Dias, has returned from the sea voyage to the Southern Continent! Under the protection of the Almighty and you, we have finally navigated around the edge of the Southern Continent and discovered a route to the East!"

"Good! The merciful Almighty blesses the devout citizens! Dias, the Almighty protects you, protects me, and protects the tribes of the Cape Iris!"

Joao II, at thirty-four, was in his prime. His face was slightly long, eyebrows extended, with remarkably well-defined features, particularly his pronounced nose. Most striking, however, were his bright, flashing eyes. Unconcealed ambition and fervent determination almost radiated from those eyes, akin to blazing flames.

Seeing His Majesty’s eyes, Dias lowered his head, his expression full of reverence. He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

"His Majesty is like a mighty lion, standing atop the mountains of Sintra. All the great nobility of the Kingdom kneel at his feet! What possibly could bring him down? ...Ah, I cannot imagine."

After a few casual exchanges, the lord and minister quickly delved into the main topic. Joao II spoke decisively, inquiring in detail about the route to the East. Dias answered every query, recounting in detail the voyage along the Southern Continent, until that unforgettable storm.

"...The waves were towering, ten to twenty meters high, crashing down relentlessly! The sky was gloomy, with wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, as if the apocalypse had arrived. Our sailboat was repeatedly pressed into the depths by the giant waves, yet with difficulty resurfacing... Only after thirteen days did we sail out of that storm. Then, the fleet turned east, then once more north, and days later, we finally beheld the Southern Continent stretching from east to west once again! Holy Mother protect us!..."

Saying this, Dias’s eyes still carried the palpable fear of escaping death. He prayed silently, then bowed respectfully, saluting Your Majesty.

"...Thus I realize, this is the blessing from the Almighty, showing mercy to His faithful! Through me, he reveals the route to India and Seris to your greatness!"

"Praise the Almighty! The new route to India and Seris!"

Joao II rose abruptly. Although he had already learned of the new route from Dias’s letters yesterday afternoon, hearing the Royal Steward’s answer now, he couldn’t contain his excitement!

"A new route, a new Silk Road! What an immense path of wealth, yet so devout a journey of faith!... Merciful Almighty! Praise be to You, bless the Kingdom of Portugal, bless the Iris Tribe, for bestowing such grace!..."

The low prayers echoed in the magnificent hall. After a while, Joao II calmed his fluctuating emotions. He resumed his seat on the throne, pondered briefly, then asked.

"Dias, you said you encountered the local indigenous people at the southernmost point of the Southern Continent? Are they followers of the Cross or believers in the Crescent Moon? Are they members of a powerful Kingdom, or loose tribes?"

"Indeed! Your Majesty, we landed and saw the villages of indigenous tribes. We captured a few prisoners, but their language was entirely different from the western tribes, we couldn’t communicate at all. In their villages, I saw neither the Holy Relics of the Cross nor the evil symbols of the Crescent Moon, only some filthy witchcraft totems, all purified by the fire of the Lord!"

Dias pondered briefly, answered carefully. As for the sailors’ actions in the village, there was no need to elaborate.

"The tribes there are very loose, with not many people in the villages. Their weapons are very primitive, living in thatched houses, wielding stone-made weapons, with very few ironwares... According to my estimate, there are no formidable indigenous Kingdoms. Just a hundred armored soldiers from the Kingdom could establish a sturdy outpost!"

At this, Dias clutched the Silver Cross on his chest, bowed again.

"Your Majesty, the stormy cape at the edge of the Southern Continent is utterly fierce. This time, the expedition fleet successfully passed through, truly was the Almighty’s blessing! To thoroughly pave this route, the Kingdom must establish solid port outposts at both ends of the stormy cape to supply food and water and repair damaged ships. Otherwise, this route would be a nightmare for merchant fleets!..."

"Hmm... Dias, I trust your judgment."

Joao II’s eyes sparkled, nodded. Then, he smiled confidently and said.

"However, this cape is a blessing from the Almighty! It ought not be called stormy cape, rather... Cape of Good Hope!"

"Cape of Good Hope? Praise the Almighty! Your Majesty, your spirit is a precious wealth for the Kingdom, which fills me with admiration, just as I admire the conqueror King Alfonso!"

"Haha! Dias, my Royal Steward, only you understand my ambition!"

Hearing such praise, Joao II laughed aloud, nodding with satisfaction. Here, King Alfonso refers to Afonso I, founder of the Kingdom of Portugal three hundred years ago. In Joao II’s heart, he often took the great ancestor as an example.

The sovereign and his minister laughed heartily. After a moment, Joao II regained composure, seriously asked.

"Dias, what was the farthest position you reached in the South Latitude?"

Upon hearing this, Dias slightly recalled, remembering the measurement that night, the rotating Southern Cross in the sky, responded confidently.

"Your Majesty, I finally rested at a very wide rivermouth... the position should be between 33 degrees to 34 degrees South Latitude!"

"33 to 34 degrees South Latitude? So far away?!"

Upon hearing this, Joao II rubbed the armrest of the throne, pondered silently. After a while, he retrieved a creased letter from the pile on the desk. This letter was worn, even slightly yellowed. More astonishingly, there were a few lines of Arabic written on its surface,

"Dias, come, take a look at this letter! The exact position of the Elder John’s country is inside!"