Steel Empire
Declaration of War

Berengar was currently sitting in the seat of power in Kufstein, listening to his father's advisers quarrel over trivial matters. He begins to get the urge to blow his own brains out with one of his pistols if this gruesome conversation continues for much longer. For the past two weeks, Berengar has been engaged in a war of intrigue with his neighbor, Baron fo Kitzbuhel. What begins as a simple asset seizure under a fake investigation quickly turns into a repeat act of sabotage with Berengar getting the best of Guntrum at every meeting. At this point, Berengar grew tired of how easy it was to defeat Guntrum in the small war of intrigue they waged.

Baron Guntram von Kitzbuhel was a very pious man in his forties who was a staunch supporter of the Church. He donates large sums of money to the Vatican each year as proof of his faith. In the pursuit of justice on behalf of the church, the man had foolishly confiscated Berengar's merchant caravan and detained them for a long time, while "investigating" the caravan for heretical materials. Currently, the man was sitting on a significant pile of steel and textiles that should have been delivered to their buyers during this period of time. Without these supply shipments, Berengar's lucrative trade to the East from his land began to stall.

Although on the surface Berengar had been trying to resolve these differences diplomatically, the reality was that he was exerting significant pressure on his rivals behind the scenes. Of course, none of his agent's actions could be attributed to him other than mere speculation. Baron Guntrum had originally promised that after the supplies were thoroughly searched, he would allow them to cross his border; however, it had been two weeks since the man had first begun seizing his trading caravan, and Berengar began to lose his patience in this matter. If he could not resolve this matter immediately, then he would definitely suffer a huge financial loss. However, simply confiscating his belongings and inspecting them was not the proper reason for the war, and as such, Berengar was unable to force Guntrum to return his assets. While daydreaming in a dazed boredom,

"Baron Guntrum did what? This is clearly an act of war!"

Berengar, with a puzzled expression, as he was unaware of what had happened and decided to confirm the situation. From his voice, it would definitely be good news.

"What is an act of war?"

Eckhard respectfully bowed in front of Berengar and reported the current situation at the border to his subordinates.

"My Lord, Baron Guntrum has stated that he will confiscate your supplies indefinitely and donate them to the Church as compensation for the crimes you have committed against Christendom! He had also started executing the Caravan Guards, saying that they were heretics without providing any evidence to support his claim!"

Despite the terrible news, a sadistic grin spread across Berengar's face as he heard Eckhard's words. And finally! This was his chance to not only use force but also waste that godly woman for good! Therefore, the young Regent immediately gave his decision without hesitation in his tone.

"Eckhard, call the banner and gather the militia. If Guntrum thinks he can execute people under my protection while robbing me like ordinary robbers, then he is clearly underestimating my power! Other than the local garrison, I want Kufstein's full military force deployed to the border as quickly as possible!"

Eckhard quickly hit his chest to salute

"That will be done, my lord!"

Although the other Berengar advisers quickly swarmed over him and tried to appease him, in particular, his Chancellor gathered by his side and punished him for so quickly using violence.

"My lord, do you believe it is wise to march to Barony Kitzbuhel, Baron Guntrum has a sizeable army of well-equipped professional soldiers, he said, and while your father may have equipped our troops with excellent supplies, that doesn't mean it will. It's easy to besiege his mighty Castle! I implore you to rethink this recklessness and focus on diplomacy!"

Berengar sneered at his Chancellor with disdain; what was the purpose of this person to lecture him about the art of war. However, he refrained from doing anything unwise and only scolded the man.

"Falko, I've been robbed of my people's work. I will get satisfaction; the entire Barony of Kitzbuhel will more than make up for the assets that have been stolen from me!"

A horrified expression spread across the rector's face as he quickly realized what the young Regent meant with these words.

"You're going to claim the Baron's land?"

Berengar's sinister gaze landed on Falko and made him shiver in fear, the words the young Regent spoke only added to the fear the chancellor felt at that moment.

"My dear Chancellor, my father, is getting older; what kind of child would I be if I didn't make him a Viscount before he died from this world?"

Berengar would use this excuse of war as a means to destroy the entire Guntrum family and put his realm into Kufstein. This would fulfill Berengar's two ambitions, send a clear message to his enemies that he should not be provoked; and expand the limits of his family's power. While Falko stared at Berengar with a horrified expression, Berengar marched to prepare himself for battle; he would personally lead his army to Barony Kitzbuhel and destroy their army. The young regent could not help but think for himself as he dressed for the upcoming war.

"Something interesting has happened!"