The Malian king had a broad face and bright, friendly eyes.
There was even a very natural smile on his lips.
Pachakutek was stunned as he watched the other side order the soldiers to release his attendants.
"King Musa?"
How did you get here?
Pachakutek asked, while Musa looked at Pachakutek, maintaining that friendly smile.
Musa, the Malian king, responded in a deep and warm voice, as if he were meeting a long-lost friend.
"Oh dear, it seems to be a misunderstanding!"
“My warriors told me that the Holy Pharaoh of Holy Egypt had come to see me at noon, so I intended to go to him in person to apologize.”
"But on the way, I felt it was too late and I was afraid of disturbing the Holy Pharaoh's rest, so I gave up and decided to make a special trip to visit him again before the meeting tomorrow."
As Musa spoke, his voice suddenly became more amused.
"Unexpectedly, on the way I saw several shadowy figures running towards the place where the Inca ships were moored."
"I thought someone was trying to sabotage us, so I planned to arrest them and hand them over to King Pachakutk for punishment!"
"But now it seems that it was probably a huge misunderstanding, hahahahahaha!"
Pachakutek was speechless for a moment, and could only laugh along with the other person.
Then, his mind raced as he tried to find a reasonable explanation.
After all, he needed a reason to justify his presence here late at night.
Otherwise, Musa might discover the "secret" on the dock.
"Hahaha, it's all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"
“My soldiers came to report that our soldiers on the shore had been arrested. I thought the Greek patrol had misjudged them!”
Pachakutek quickly regained his composure, his smile carrying a hint of apology.
Musa laughed heartily and waved his hand: "Hahahaha! I thought there were thieves impersonating Inca soldiers at the dock, and I was just about to investigate!"
"I even had my soldiers send ships to intercept them, thinking they were trying to steal a ship and escape. How shameful! Haha!"
His laughter was hearty, and he seemed completely at ease.
"It seems we have both misunderstood each other. I am truly sorry, King Pachakutek."
Pachakutek chuckled and shook his head: "Indeed, King Musa, haha."
But Pachakutek was very cautious; while responding, he secretly observed the king's every move.
Indeed, Musa was adorned with gold ornaments all over his body, so his identity could not be fake.
Musa, meanwhile, curiously surveyed his surroundings.
"It's so late, and you and your subordinates are busy here. There must be something important going on."
Just then, the thing that Pachakutk feared most happened.
Musa then pointed to the busy figures on the ship: "Hmm? I see they're carrying something. King Pachakutek, are your men planning to leave?"
"Oh? Or are you saying you're not attending tomorrow's meeting?"
Pachakutek felt a pang of anxiety upon hearing this, but his face remained impassive.
"Ah! Of course not, it's just... we just bought some things here and are planning to ship them back to the Inca first."
Musa nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, but his eyes remained fixed on the situation at the dock.
"Ah, I understand, I understand."
"By the way, does King Pachacuti know? I've always been very interested in the navigation technology of the Inca civilization."
"The unique hull reinforcement technology and the design concept that adapts to various sea conditions are truly admirable."
"Your ships are different from those of the Greeks, but they are much stronger, just like your Inca soldiers, who are very brave!"
Pachakutek maintained a polite smile, sensing that the other party's purpose in saying this seemed to be to get closer to his ship.
"King Musa is too kind. Our ships are just ordinary vessels that have been reinforced."
"Compared to the trade network and gold smelting technology of the Mali people, it is far inferior."
Upon hearing this, Musa threw his head back and laughed, waving his hand dismissively.
"Hahaha! You're being far too modest!"
"However, speaking of which, I've heard that the Inca have recently encountered some... difficulties?"
His tone became concerned, but his sharp eyes never left the commotion on the dock.
“If King Pachakutek has any need for help, our Mali people are happy to lend a helping hand.”
These words immediately triggered alarm bells in Pachakutk's mind.
Behind this seemingly casual inquiry lies a clear probe into the Inca's predicament.
Therefore, he had to be careful, neither showing panic nor being overly defensive.
"This is indeed a huge test for us Incas."
"However, we are confident that we can overcome this! As my current Inca statesman said: 'No mountain, however high, can block the sun's brilliance.'"
"So, everything will eventually pass."
Musa nodded approvingly, then changed the subject.
"Ah! Your soldiers are working so hard!"
He pointed to the dock, where several Inca soldiers were struggling to carry a box that looked heavy.
Moreover, even in the darkness, Musa could clearly see their backs bent under the weight of the heavy objects.
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