Chapter 69: Declaration of War (1/2)
Berengar currently sat upon the seat of power within Kufstein, listening to his father's advisors squabble over trivial matters. He was beginning to gain the desire to blow his own brains out with one of his pistols if this dreadful conversation continued any longer. Throughout the past two weeks, Berengar had been engaging in a war of intrigue with his neighbor the Baron fo Kitzbühel. What started as a simple seizure of assets under a bogus investigation quickly turned into repeated acts of sabotage with Berengar getting the best of Guntrum in every single encounter. At this point, Berengar was starting to get bored with how easy it was to best Guntrum in the minor war of intrigue they were waging.
Baron Guntram von Kitzbühel was a deeply pious man in his forties who was an ardent supporter of the Church. He donated a significant sum to the Vatican each year as a show of his faith. In pursuit of justice on behalf of the church, the man had foolishly been seizing Berengar's trade caravans and holding them for an extended time, while ”investigating” the caravans for any heretical materials. By now, the man was sitting on a significant stockpile of steel and textiles that should have been delivered to their buyers during this time frame. Without the shipment of these supplies, Berengar's lucrative trade to the East of his lands was beginning to halt.
Though on the surface Berengar had attempted to resolve these differences diplomatically, the reality was he was giving significant pressure to his rival behind the scenes. Of course, none of his agent's actions could be tied to him other than mere speculation. Baron Guntrum had initially promised that after the supplies were thoroughly searched, he would allow them to pass through his borders; however, it had been two weeks since the man had first begun seizing his trade caravans, and Berengar was starting to lose his patience on this matter. If he could not resolve the issue soon, then he was sure to suffer heavy financial losses. However, merely seizing his goods and inspecting them was not a proper cause for war, and as such, Berengar could not force Guntrum to return his assets. While spacing out in a daze of boredom, Berengar briefly overheard Eckhard's shouts as one of Berengar's spies rushed into the Great Hall and reported the situation to the new Marshal.
”Baron Guntrum did what? This is clearly an act of war!”
Berengar, with a look of confusion, as he was unaware of what had transpired and decided to confirm the situation. By the sound of it, it was bound to be good news.
”What is an act of war?”
Eckhard respectfully bowed before Berengar and reported the current situation at the border to his liege.
”My Lord, Baron Guntrum has stated that he will be seizing your supplies indefinitely and donating them to the Church as compensation for the alleged crimes you have committed against Christendom! He also has begun executing the Caravan Guards, saying that they are heretics without providing any evidence to back his claims!”
Despite the horrific news, a sadistic grin spread across Berengar's face as he heard Eckhard's words. Finally! This was his chance to not only use force but lay waste to the pious cunt once and for all! As such, the young Regent gave his decree immediately without any form of hesitation in his tone.
”Eckhard, call the banners and rally the militia. If Guntrum thinks he can execute men under my protection while robbing me like a common brigand, then he clearly underestimates my power! Aside from the local Garrisons, I want the full military might of Kufstein deployed to the border as quickly as possible!”
Eckhard quickly pounded his chest in a salute
”It will be done, My Lord!”