The Delights of Chocolate
So, I went to the storekeeper to get the materials to start. I indicated that we needed to use a wooden box, and then take the seeds out of the fruit along with the pulp. Everything is put together in the box, although it's not big, it measures 10 x 15 x 20 cm (width x length x height).
I left it for 7 days, a week, to see the result. I was very excited about the expectations of at least replicating the sweet taste of modern chocolate. It might sound funny, but all the best chocolates in the world are European, although none of them produce it, or they were not exposed to it for as long as the Native Americans were, that's another story.
While I waited for the seven samples I was trying to make to ferment, I walked around the city. Being in the palace is very boring in my opinion; it is too religious and bureaucratic, so every time I have the opportunity to go out, I take advantage of it.
It is very entertaining to look at the markets here; they are called tianguis, like in modern Mexico. It seems that traditions have not been lost. While I was passing by, observing, I didn't notice a group of children approaching.
My parents had already told me about the always fun tianguis of Tlatelolco, a place full of life and wonders. Today, I decided to see it for myself. While exploring, a group of children, a bit older than me, were playing in the shade of a large pyramid. When they saw me, I didn't pay them much attention. The children, led by a boy named Itzcóatl, watched me with curiosity. Itzcóatl, with a challenging posture, approached me and said in a firm voice:
"Who are you and what are you doing here little one?"
Without losing my smile, I replied:
"My name is Cuauhtémoc. I am exploring."
The other children began to laugh, finding my bravery amusing. But I was not scared; I was the prince, and my bodyguards were nearby. However, Itzcóatl was not so impressed. To him, I was an intruder in his playground.
"This is our place; you have to ask for permission to play here or walk around with that silly smile of yours," said Itzcóatl, crossing his arms.
I still didn't fully understand the tension. It was all quite curious because, to me, there was no place where I was not allowed to go. I looked at the other children and then at Itzcóatl. My smile did not fade, and with innocence, I responded:
"Can I play with you?"
I was looking for friends to have fun with. Although I was thinking of having a meeting with the other children of the nobility, it was also a good way to get closer to people from the middle and lower classes of society.
There was a moment of silence. The other children looked at Itzcóatl, waiting for his decision. Itzcóatl, feeling the responsibility of his leadership, thought for a moment. Finally, he nodded but with a condition.
"If you can catch me, you can play with us," said Itzcóatl, running off.
Although I was the smallest and slowest, I ran after him with all my might. The other children joined the race, cheering one another on. Laughter and shouts filled the air, and little by little, the initial barrier of distrust began to crumble.
After several failed attempts, I was tired, panting, and laughing. I finally caught up to Itzcóatl, touching him with my small hand.
"I caught you," I said, amidst laughter and heavy breathing.
Itzcóatl, surprised by my tenacity, couldn't help but smile. He extended his hand in friendship.
"Well done, Cuauhtémoc. Now you are one of us."
From that day on, I took every opportunity to play with them, even hiding my identity to play more comfortably. While waiting for the fermentation, when the day came, I ordered it to be exposed in a plaza during the day, covered at night and kept dry when it rained. Luckily, I didn't have to be constantly attentive or do it myself; it was just a matter of waiting for others to do it, and if they didn't do it right, there would be sacrifices.
I have always thought about subverting religion, although to soften it. These sacrifices are seen as public condemnations, with an extra step involving heart extraction in a religious setting. Well, I will continue thinking of a plan; I have plenty of time, and I am very young.
That process lasted 5 days, left to reduce the moisture and water within the seed. Even the smell was unavoidable; it was fascinating.
Now came the hardest part, roasting it. Without modern machines, I had to do it manually and traditionally. I discovered that there were pieces of iron brought by trade, tribute, and obtained through mining activities. So, I ordered the blacksmith to make a sort of flat plate, as making a pan was still a long way off, which would work to roast the cacao. Although it was difficult, it took part of my life.
In the end, it was rather rough, but it worked to put the cacao seeds and separate the shell from the seed. The nibs are ground to obtain a paste called cocoa liquor, a mixture of cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
When I was almost done, my mother came to see how I was doing or if I had already given up, as many days had passed without her asking.
When I showed her my progress, she relaxed a bit, but then she said something that I didn't like.
"My son, you must stop hanging out with those children. You are a prince and must be with those of your class," she said in a reprimanding tone.
I knew why she said it. It was impossible to do something without them finding out, although it was good to be with the children of other nobles. Keeping that in mind, I had already thought about it, but it was difficult to find someone of my age or maturity. There have even been rumors that I have been blessed with intelligence, walking early, speaking fluently, and understanding various things.
So, I decided to respond, "Mother, I know what you think, but it is still necessary. After all, what can I do?"
"And if I invite all the children from 3 to 7 years old to come and play with you?" she replied, looking for a solution.
But I didn't want to distance myself from the new friends I made. The freedom and forgetting of my identity reminded me of my past life, where I couldn't be like that, and I wanted to take advantage of it.
But I didn't want to disappoint her either. "Okay, Mother, you can invite them, but invite my other friends too."
I wanted to set a condition; I didn't want to distance myself from them.
She looked at me with annoyance. "Fine, but it will be another day, and I hope you finish that experiment of yours."
I enjoyed how she called my attention, but there was nothing to do; I just wanted to enjoy it and desire to enjoy it.
After reaching the conching stage, which involves stirring everything in a large container at a constant temperature or slightly warmed environment, stirring for hours or days, fortunately, I am a prince, and there are people to do it. I can't imagine doing everything myself.
While waiting for the texture and everything about my chocolate, I went with my father to witness the traditional game called Tlachi. Although I had heard of it, it was very spectacular to see it in person. It was very fun. When the match was ending and everyone was furious, I decided to leave; I didn't want to know the result. I had heard that someone gets sacrificed at the end, but as I said, I didn't want to know.
Upon returning to my room, I started thinking about a sport I always liked to play, which is not as difficult as the one I saw, and that is soccer. In centuries to come, soccer will become one of the most played and watched sports in the world. Besides, it's so simple: you just need to set up two goals, which is even optional. You just need to place two vertical logs at a certain distance, and it will work. Even to make the ball, you just need to spend some life, not much, since there is already a prototype. When I finish making my chocolate, I will propose to my parents to help me again.
After several days, when the chocolate solidified, I began to bring it to my father at Cencalli time, which is the famous snack eaten in modern times. I decided to let him try the chocolate to gain more confidence when I decided to create soccer here.
"Quite delicious, very different from what I'm used to, delicious, you surprised me," my father commented while eating pieces of chocolate.
"Yes, it's delicious, and don't be deceived. Now, Father, can you do me a favor?" I quickly said so he wouldn't give me too much trouble about what I was going to ask next.
"Yes, but first give me the entire process and materials. I am thinking of selling it and letting the other nobles try it, so they understand the dignity of my family and the luxuries we have," he said in a proud and haughty tone, never missing a chance to show off.
"Father, there is no need to ask. You can go directly to them. I just want the material for making the Tlachi ball and a large field outside the city," I commented, hoping he would say yes.
"You want to make your stadium, look at you, barely two years old, and you're already thinking about that. It seems you liked the game the other day," he said sarcastically and mockingly.
"No, Father, what I want is to create a new sport and play with my friends, including those from the lower class and the noble children," I said to avoid misunderstandings.
"Alright, you have asked for too much these days, as if I am spoiling you. This time is the last time you ask for increasingly expensive things."
"Thank you very much, Father, and I promise this time will be the last time." I was excited and hugged him, then left.