Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

Chapter 525 - 256: Autumn of 1484 - Catholic World, Europe Before the Second Voyage_2

The Kingdom had never found a reliable ally, and now all it could do was place its hopes in the King’s plans. Of course, if the opportunity arose to embroil the Spaniards across the Strait, or in some other quagmire they couldn’t extricate themselves from, the Kingdom would gladly interfere in secret, wishing that our dangerous and greedy neighbors to the East would encounter even more trouble...

Having listened to this, Diogo slowly exhaled. He devoutly looked towards the East and with his thumb, traced small crosses on his forehead, lips, and chest, praying fervently in Latin.

"Per signum Sanctae Crucis, de inimicis nostris, libera nos, Domine Deus noster... Dias, it seems that currently, the only one willing and able to help us face the Spanish threat is..."

"The Holy See."

Dias nodded affirmatively.

"The esteemed Pope Sixtus has always been friendly towards the Kingdom. Four years ago, the Pope signed a decree, approving the ’Treaty of Alcaswash’, which clarified the Kingdom’s dominion over the seas, and also allowed us to end the Spanish War of Succession with some dignity. However, since this year, Pope Sixtus’s health has not been good, and I fear that he will soon... This is also why the Archbishop of Portugal reported the news of Elder John’s Kingdom to the Holy See immediately, sending the Coptic Cross."

Upon hearing this, Diogo nodded in understanding. He clenched his fist to his chest, his emotions fluctuating, as he summarized each word.

"Once the Pope is called by the Almighty, how the attitude of the new Pope towards the Kingdom will change is unpredictable... Only by finding traces of Elder John’s Kingdom and mastering the routes of contact with our Eastern brethren can the Kingdom truly have lasting influence in the Holy See!

And only by occupying the unclaimed lands by the sea and establishing key coastal strongholds to control the trade routes of the East can we, the Portuguese, have a future of strength and prosperity!

Holy Mother bless! On this voyage, I will not stop, I will explore straight unto death!"

Dias looked at his resolute friend, hesitating to speak. A faint premonition of ill fortune crossed his mind. After a while, he took out an ancient silver crucifix and carefully handed it over, saying softly,

"Diogo, in the southern lands of the Demon, there are many irresistible evils! They enter our bodies unnoticed, stealing the lives of the Lord’s Citizens. This is the Holy Relic left by my grandfather, take it with you. I hope it will grant you the Almighty’s blessing on your journey into the heart of evil!"

Diogo nodded gratefully, accepted the crucifix, and solemnly put it away. After thinking for a moment, he said in a serious tone.

"Dias, during the last voyage, I wrote a journal, which detailed the course and landmarks after heading south from the Gold Coast. At the Equator, there’s a difficult calm belt that requires ample paddlers and provisions. And in the deep sea far from the coast, the wind often changes; we need a new design for triangular sails... when I head down to the captain’s quarters later, I’ll give you the journal. If I don’t return this time, the exploration beyond will be up to you!"

Dias looked at his friend for a moment and then nodded slowly.

"Fine! Diogo, on this voyage, the King has especially sent a new court advisor, a noble scholar and skilled cartographer from Nuremberg, Martin Behaim. He will accompany you to calculate latitudes with Jacob’s staff and record the detailed southern route. If you are unfortunate... I will continue the exploration and