System: Build My Own Territory

Chapter 872: Chapter 271: Making You the Commander

"The wind of public opinion has already shifted towards His Highness Mitchell."

"Moreover, those wavering Noble Lords have also begun to pledge allegiance to His Highness Mitchell..."

Godfrey’s expression became serious.

Neither he nor Mark, sitting opposite him, were oblivious.

They both knew that the death of Emperor of the Empire, Charlemagne VI, was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

However.

The evidence before them was undeniable.

Caesar had entered the bedchamber of Charlemagne VI alone.

The Dagger of Judgment that Charlemagne VI had bestowed upon Caesar pierced the Emperor’s heart.

Charlemagne VI was thus slain!

If it were simply a normal imperial power struggle,

The last throne of the Karedi Empire could have fallen to either Mitchell or Caesar, it was hard to say.

But now.

Clearly, Mitchell has a greater advantage.

Compared to a murderer who killed both his king and father,

The majority naturally preferred to support the renowned ’Spear of the Empire’, who had previously suppressed a rebellious marquis!

After thinking briefly, Godfrey spoke to Mark sitting in front of him.

"My Lord Marquis, I believe before deploying our forces and launching an attack,"

"We need to clearly understand the purpose of His Highness Mitchell instructing the Sword and Shield Corps to attack Spirit Reef Port."

Mark seemed to have already considered this issue.

He spoke directly, "Spirit Reef Port is located on the edge of Marquis Leo Polk’s territory."

"Yet, besides Iron Anchor Bay, it’s the dock closest to Triumph City."

"If we don’t capture Spirit Reef Port, the forces supporting Caesar can easily board warships and gather there."

"Simply put, if Spirit Reef Port falls into the enemy’s hands, it would be a fatal blow to Triumph City."

"Its importance even surpasses that of the Sword and Shield Corps stationed at Windmill Ridge Canyon!"

Godfrey nodded, "So, His Highness Mitchell’s plan is for you, my Lord Marquis, to capture Spirit Reef Port and take control..."

"This can be understood in three intentions!"

Mark raised an eyebrow, looking at Godfrey, he said.

"Let’s hear it, Knight Commander Godfrey."

Without further ado, Godfrey spoke, "Firstly, the Ducas Clan is only a marquisate; neither in status nor military strength can it compare to the Duke Cangyu or Duke Heiyao."

Speaking of which, Godfrey apologized to Mark, "Apologies, my Lord Marquis, my words might be harsh..."

Mark was indifferent, "Go on."

Godfrey continued, "Therefore, His Highness Mitchell has issued a decree for you, my Lord Marquis."

"To send you, whose strength is limited and also a marquis, to launch the attack."

"Soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals!"

"Because this way, the entanglements will be minimal!"

Mark nodded slightly.

Godfrey went on, "Secondly, with the Ducas Clan’s Sword and Shield Corps attacking Spirit Reef Port, it inevitably leaves Windmill Ridge Canyon vacant."

"This is beneficial, not only to you, my Lord Marquis but to the entire Sword and Shield Corps!"

"For with the strength of the Sword and Shield Corps, if faced with a Red Dragon Rider offensive, it will be unsustainable."

"The ultimate result would merely be trampled by the charge of the Red Dragon Riders’ cavalry."

"As before, over 3,000 sword and shield soldiers faced in the Duchy of the Red Dragon."

"Unless supported by other Lords, defeat is inevitable!"

"But going to attack Spirit Reef Port is different."

"At least there is a chance of victory."

Mark hummed softly, nodding in understanding.

Godfrey continued, "If victory is achieved, then it leads to the third point!"

"If the sword and shield soldiers can seize Spirit Reef Port and occupy it,"

"Then you, my Lord Marquis, would gain the port closest to Triumph City."

"Whether for future maritime force development or using warships for transportation and military operations, it’s an extremely advantageous condition."

"Following this imperial power struggle, you can even rely on Spirit Reef Port to collect taxes from passing merchant ships!"

Godfrey shifted his tone, "The imperial struggle is merely the Empire’s power switching hands."

"Ultimately it will conclude."

"In essence, it’s a reshuffling of imperial powers."

"As long as the Ducas Clan survives this war and secures crucial towns and ports from this campaign."

"The Ducas Clan will continue to have the potential for growth!"

Listening to Godfrey’s words, Mark Ducas’ eyes lit up slightly.

Though he hadn’t spoken any word, Godfrey had essentially voiced all his thoughts.

No matter how this war turns out,

The throne of the Emperor of the Empire will not be seized by someone else!

Because with Charlemagne VI’s recent demise, those Lords who pledged allegiance to him remain loyal.

If someone else takes the Emperor’s position, it will undoubtedly be met with collective opposition.

This is why several Grand Dukes strongly support the two Princes!

To become a Grand Duke, even if not the first generation,

They are by no means lacking astuteness!

It is known that.

A Grand Duke often has many offspring.

To emerge among many blood relatives and obtain the duke’s position,

Is not as simple as it seems.

Between the Princes, Dukes, and a host of Lords, apparent allegiance exists.

In truth, it’s merely mutual exploitation.

Mark understands this principle.

As Princes, both Mitchell and Caesar surely understand it too.

Just as Godfrey said.