Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

Facing the demands made by the Chapala Legion, Ospe firmly shook his head in refusal.

"Respected 'Feathers' Pengguari, I cannot agree to your request for troops."

The Commander of Chapala, Pengguari, was nearly forty. He had a dignified appearance with gracious manners and wore a splendid feathered garment. His name, meaning "Feathers," clearly indicated his highly noble birth. Hearing the words of the northern Marshal, he too shook his head.

"Respected 'Crocodile' Marshal, the Chapala Legion has traveled hundreds of miles to assist, and our loyalty to the Kingdom is as clear as day and night. We came here to fight bravely, not to sit idle in a fortress! Now, the nobility from the western Saka region are constantly coming forth with complaints. They and the Legion's commanders are related, and the samurai are worried about the safety of their homes in the Lake Region. They are infuriated by the enemies' massacre of the Nobility and can no longer wait!"

Ospe remained silent, feeling the heavy pressure, as defense was never his style. After contemplating for a moment, the rational part prevailed, and the "Crocodile" Commander still shook his head.

"Pengguari, the enemy's intelligence isn't clear, and the King has ordered us to hold our position. I am the northern Marshal and bear the responsibility of overseeing the entire situation; now is not the time for battle."

Upon hearing this, Pengguari slightly bowed his head, speaking coldly.

"Ospe, if the enemy's intelligence isn't clear, we should immediately seek clarification. You are the northern Marshal, but our Chapala Legion is independent, representing the autonomous Lake Region. You bear the overall responsibility, while we have local responsibilities. The Legion came to support the Kingdom and protect our homeland. If even the weaker Otomi can roam the south with impunity, then defending the Kingdom is merely empty talk!"

At this point, Pengguari paused for a moment, then seriously added.

"If you persist in refusing to send troops, our 5,000 Chapala samurai will march out on our own to provide support! I will leave 10,000 Militia at the Rivermouth fortress. Akanbaro State still has 6,000 samurai and 20,000 Militia, enough to keep the defense."

Upon hearing Pengguari's words, Ospe was greatly troubled.

These regional Great Nobility possessed their own private troops, had prestigious ranks, and were each incredibly headstrong, valuing their home properties above all else. The last time the Great Nobility of Akanbaro marched out independently, dispersing Mexica raiding parties, they ended up ambushed by enemy forces, losing nearly a thousand samurai and over three thousand Militia. This attack by the Otomi was clearly a repetition of the same strategy.

As the Legion Commander of Chapala, Pengguari had 5,000 samurai and nearly 10,000 Militia under his command, a force not much different from that of the northern legions. In terms of status, the "Feathers" was a long-exalted member of the Nobility, which he could not strictly suppress with rank. Now, with the northern border still awaiting the next batch of Chapala reinforcements, he was even less able to restrain them.

As the northern Marshal, he couldn't enforce strict obedience in the troops. If he allowed the Chapala Legion to march by land, their slow progress would fail to intercept the enemy force transported by the Naval Forces. The most likely outcome would be an ambush by the main force of Mexica samurai, resulting in heavy losses.

At this very moment, the Otomi forces raiding downstream were already significantly affecting the fortress's morale, as well as undoubtedly impacting the arrival of the next batch of reinforcements. He had no choice but to alter the original defense plan and take action to eliminate this enemy force first.

After pondering for a long time, Ospe finally stared into Pengguari's eyes and said sternly.

"Feathers of Chapala, if you march out alone and encounter the main force of the Mexica, your destruction is certain! The fierce Mexica samurai are drastically different from the Otomi. Wait a few days, let me investigate the military situation on the North Coast, and then we can discuss the matter of dispatching troops together!"