Steel Empire
Provocation Measures

Several days had passed, and a message from Gerhart had arrived at Berengar's palace as he made preparations for the invasion of Innsbruck. Berengar instantly read the letter, and a satisfied grin spread across his face. When Linde saw his facial expression, she knew nothing good could come of it. However, he would not do his job as the head of his spies if he did not ask for the details; therefore, he quickly asked about what made Berengar express such contempt.

"What's going on?"

Berengar patted Linde on the head as he walked to where he left his cup and sipped the beer inside.

"Not by much, the idiot Gerhart just stated that as Regent he's annulled the agreement in which our father had made Adela engaged to me."

With this news, Linde was startled; she had no idea of the hot grudge Gerhart held against Berengar, nor did she know that the boy had an unhealthy obsession with his sister, and therefore, his sister, it was impossible to predict that he would behave this way. Knowing Berengar's fiery temperament and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect what he has claimed, Linde is afraid to ask what his plans are but ultimately, feels it is necessary.

"So, what are you planning to do?"

Berengar chuckled as he calmly drank another mouthful of beer from the chalice on the table before exclaiming loudly.

"That is simple, I will deny his authority on the matter and regard Count Otto's words as absolute; gerhart may be a regent, but he has no authority to oppose the Count's wishes. He tried to act like me and failed miserably. . During my County, my father was not in any condition to appear in public. While his father was at war, so unless the man died, he could easily undo whatever Gerhart had done during his tenure as Regent."

Therefore, Berengar quickly drafted a letter that would serve as an act of provocation against Gerhart; the contents of the letter were as follows.

"Esteemed Gerhart von Graz,

My dearest cousin, as a man who once held the same position that you currently occupy. Allow me to educate you about the stupidity of your actions and why they are completely invalid. First and foremost, your power as regent comes from the fact that your father, Count Otto von Graz, was the ruling authority within the County of Steiermark. Under his authority, he has given you the power to protect his interests and manage his affairs as he fights our enemies.

Your justification for canceling my engagement to your beautiful little sister comes from the fact that I have taken a lover, who has produced a child. Nonetheless, your father has stated since two weeks ago that he will not end the alliance between our two families, which is currently united by the aforementioned engagement.

Thus, by declaring the annulment of the engagement between Adela and myself, you publicly declare your intention to violate the legitimate interests of the Count of Steiermark and thus act as a usurper. As sworn ally of your father, who is also my beloved uncle, I will be forced by the alliance we hold to liberate County Steiermark from your usurpation. Therefore, I implore you to think twice about your actions before I am forced to march on your family's land and overthrow you!"

Really, really,

Linde read the letter made carefully by Berengar in astonishment; noticing his facial expression, Berengar asked why he looked so surprised.

"What?"

Linde approached Berengar and sat on his lap while looking into his eyes with a serious expression before asking the question in his mind.

"You're not really going to war with your cousin over this matter, are you?"

Berengar, on the other hand, simply smiled and rubbed Linde's cheeks with his hands before answering in a serious tone.

"I would happily go to war with God himself if he attempted to steal one of my women from me!"

Linde blushed when she heard Berengar's arrogant claim, but seeing the look in her eyes, she knew she was serious, which made her heart beat faster. However, what worried him the most was the imminent interference with his plans to seize the County of Tyrol.

"If you're at war with Steiermark, what happens to our plans?"

Seeing the confusion on his lover's face, Beregar decided to clarify his position on the matter.

"When Gerhart saw my threat, she would act in one of two ways, whether she would retreat, like a coward, or she would call me to my bluff, he said, and I will be forced to march on Steiermark. Knowing my cousin and his weak spine, the threat of soldiers on his doorstep when his father goes to war will be more than enough to make him cancel his intentions.will attack his land, Tyrol comes first!"

In some ways, this was a small win for Linde. In his mind, Berengar basically said that his plan to attack Tyrol and seize his Family's land for himself; and furthermore, he and his son were more important than his engagement to Adela. This was by no means Berengar's intention, but he did not know the intricacies of women's minds for what men could sail the stormy seas?

Therefore, Berengar immediately sent his letter to Gerhart; at the same time, he also sent a letter to Count Otto, who would be in a field in Bavaria, at the same time, hoping that he could end his son's sassness before Berengar was forced to act. The letter contained all the necessary information about the ongoing dispute to get his uncle by his side. Either way, regardless of how Otto responded, Berengar would not take action until after he had successfully claimed Tyrol for himself and brought down Linde's father and loyal followers.

Sorry new update because nendang+tadi mornings UTS:')