章節 3: Seeds of Doubt
Lapu-Lapu's heart hammered against his ribs. Humabon's casual dismissal of the foreign threat, the Kastila, sent a shiver down his spine. He had hoped to find common ground—a shared fear that would propel them towards unity. Instead, he found himself caught between suspicion and a growing sense of foreboding.
"Trade?" Lapu-Lapu pressed, his voice firm despite the disquiet churning in his gut. "What kind of trade could these strangers offer that outweighs the dangers they represent?"
Humabon leaned back in his throne, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Weapons, Lapu-Lapu. Powerful weapons unlike anything we've ever seen. Imagine our warriors wielding these against our enemies! We could conquer all the Visayas and unite them under the banner of Cebu!"
Lapu-Lapu's brow furrowed. He understood the allure of power and the heady rush of conquest. But a deeper unease gnawed at him. These foreigners, with their strange ships and unfamiliar weapons, felt like a tempest brewing on the horizon. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were more interested in subjugation than trade.
"And what price would we pay for these weapons, Rajah?" Lapu-Lapu countered, his voice laced with a hint of challenge.
Humabon's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of something akin to annoyance crossing his face. "A small tribute, perhaps. A token of our goodwill. Nothing that would diminish our strength."
Lapu-Lapu studied the Rajah of Cebu, his gaze lingering on the opulent jewelry adorning Humabon's person. He doubted the Kastila's offer was as simple as a "small tribute." His instincts screamed caution. Yet the thought of the illness and the vulnerability it exposed gnawed at him. Perhaps there was a way to leverage the Kastila for their weapons without succumbing to their control.
"May I speak with these Kastila myself, Rajah?" Lapu-Lapu requested, his voice betraying none of the turmoil within.
Humabon steepled his fingers, his gaze piercing. "Why, Lapu-Lapu? Are you doubting my judgment?"
Lapu-Lapu met his gaze unflinchingly. "Not at all, Rajah. But perhaps a different perspective, a different approach, might be beneficial."
A tense silence stretched between them. Finally, Humabon sighed, a hint of concession in his voice. "Very well. Zula will arrange an audience with the leader of these Kastila. But be warned, Lapu-Lapu, these foreigners are not accustomed to negotiation."
A knot of apprehension tightened in Lapu-Lapu's stomach. He knew this was a gamble, a foray into the unknown. But the fate of the Visayas, perhaps even his own future, rested on this encounter. He had to see these Kastila for himself to gauge their true intentions. With a deep breath, he bowed to Humabon.
"Thank you, Rajah. I will not disappoint you."
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