Steel Empire
Border Conflict

Ingbert currently oversees the transport of steel and textile shipments to Prince Steiermark, who lives in the city of Graz. He had just departed from the Barony of Kufstein and he was now sitting at the entrance of the town of Kitzbuhel, the capital of Barony Kitzbuhel, which was Barony located directly east of Kufstein and shared its border. As he approached the town of Kitzbuhel while hoisting the House von Kufstein banner, he was stopped by the City Guards who were currently engaged in a heated debate.

"Under whose authority do you dare to stop this trading Caravan?"

The man who stopped him wore a brigandine breastplate and wore an iron basket helmet on his head. He currently had several archers and spears nearby that held the Caravan captive. They all looked as if they were ready to release their anger at any moment. Clearly they hold a grudge against the Barony of Kufstein. The man in charge sneered in disdain at Ser Ingbert as he answered the young man's question.

“Based on the decree of Baron Guntrum von Kitzbuhel, anyone who enters through Barony Kitzbuhel through his western border will be investigated for heresy. I hereby order you to remain within the confines of Kitzbuhel until after the investigation is completed. In the meantime, we will confiscate all assets carried by your caravan as potential evidence. If you are determined not to be guilty of the charges, then all seized items will be returned to you at the time of your departure." - WEB."

Ingbert was furious at the blatant disregard for his identity and attacked the guards.

"It's outrageous!"

The guard grinned evilly at Ingbert and lowered his spear menacingly as he proceeded to taunt Ingbert.

"Any resistance will be considered a confession of guilt, and thus we will be forced to execute you as a heretic. I'd suggest you hand over your weapons peacefully and come with us."

Although Ingbert wanted to fight his way out, the number of city guards was far more than him and his caravan guards; therefore, there was not much he could do about the current situation. All he could do was tell the Berengar spy network set up in Kitzbuhel about the matter and have them relay the message to Berengar. Because of this, she is placed under confinement in a local tavern, where she quickly meets the bar girl who works for Berengar in secret and gives him a message. Soon Berengar heard of Baron Kitzbuhel's horrific actions and demanded a response.

...

Berengar sat in his seat of power where Linde knelt in front of him, telling him about the events that had happened to Ingbert and his caravan inside Barony fo Kitzbuhel. He slammed his fist on the armrest angrily and got up from his chair as he yelled at Linde.

"It makes no sense, Baron Kitzbuhel has no right to interfere with my trade. Obviously, he did this at the behest of the Church in retaliation for my execution of those damn inquisitors. Get back to him for this!"

"I want an envoy sent to Kitzbuhel to mediate this complaint. I won't let my business be interrupted by that bastard who feels right himself!"

Linde frowned in dissatisfaction at Berengar's inaction and tried to push him into violence as he approached his side and stabbed into his chest gently.

"Why didn't you send your troops? With the strength of your army, the Baron cannot resist your demands!"

Berengar knew what she was trying to do and stroked her delicate strober blonde hair before pulling her closer.

"You little vixen; you know that? No, I wouldn't use violence for such a small matter. Besides, it would be the justification your father needed to bring his army down on me if I did. I'm gonna do it. I would rather avoid a war with the entire Tyrolean army if I could; they were too many; at most, I could withstand the siege until they surrendered, but at that time, my business would be destroyed, and my men slaughtered will avoid violence until he gives me the decent Cassus Belli."

Linde pouted but finally accepted her decision. Not only was everything he said true, but he knew that when Berengar made a decision about something, nothing shook him. Therefore, he leaned his head on her shoulder and coaxed her further.

"Hopefully, he did something to justify the war; it's now getting very boring around here because I can no longer tempt your little fiancee."

Berengar scoffed at Linde's reaction, this girl might be a masochist by now, but that doesn't mean her entire sadistic tendencies have disappeared. Obviously, he needed more training. However, he was busy at the moment and could not comfort his little pet; therefore, he gave him the task of dispelling his boredom.

"I won't let Gunrtrum get away with it, reach out to the cell on his ground and make my hand burn Guntrum's granary, let him see what happens when he dares provoke me!"

With this, Linde smiled mischievously; this was the cruel and domineering tyrant who had stolen her heart. He quickly obeyed his orders and began commissioning a local cell in Kitzbuhel to sabotage Barony's food store. Soon this conflict escalated into an all-out war. When that happens, Berengar will show what the thunder of a dozen 12-pound cannons can do to the walls of the seemingly mighty Guntrum castle. Years in the future, historians will recognize this as Berengar's first conquest and the starting point of the rise of the German Empire.