Chapter 299: Declaration of Independence (1/2)
Months had passed since Berengar's birthday, and it was now July 17th, 1421. This day would forever be remembered in German History within this world as a critical day in Berengar's schemes to unite the German people into a single cohesive Empire.
At the moment, Berengar had gathered together all of the significant noblemen, and the political representatives of the Duchy of Austria, whether they be common man or nobility. The gathering in the Castle of Kufstein was quite lively, as many of these men were from vastly different social standings.
Nonetheless, they were not informed why they were summoned and were impatiently waiting upon Berengar's arrival. As a man with a taste for flair, he had decided to be fashionable late to this important meeting.
An hour had passed after all of the representatives arrived before Berengar personally displayed himself. He was dressed in the most luxurious attire he had, set in the colors of his house; his renaissance style clothing had an elegant dalmatian fur overcoat over it as he strode up to his Ducal throne and sat upon it authoritatively.
After sitting there in silence for a few moments, waiting for the voices to calm down, Berengar finally voiced his intent for gathering so many important figures to his abode. However, the manner that he performed it was different than anyone was expecting.
”Guards, bring in the prisoner!”
With that decree, the heavily armored soldiers of Berengar's personal guard left the room before dragging a swiss man who was bound and chained. Evidently, The man had been interrogated quite ruthlessly, as there were signs of physical abuse on his person.
After being tossed in front of Berengar's feet and forced to kneel by the nearby guards, Berengar stared at the man with a cruel smile upon his face before giving him an order.
”Tell these men who have gathered here on this day what you have confessed to me!”
The swiss man had dirty blonde hair and dark eyes. His hair was unkempt, and his appearance haggard; he gazed around at the various Austrian men of different social statuses with confusion, trying to understand what was about to occur.
However, Berengar grew impatient and slammed his fist on his armrest, alerting the man to his fury. As such, the man immediately began to declare his guilt and the reason for his imprisonment.
”I am a spy sent by Emperor Balsamo Corsini with the intent to sabotage Austrian development. My compatriots and I were caught red-handed in the act by the Austrian Department of Intelligence, and at this moment, I confess to the sins I have committed of my own free will.”
The moment the Swiss man said these words, the crowd began to erupt in debate.
”The Emperor seeks to cripple Austria? For what purpose!”
”This is an attack on our entire Nation and must be met with recourse!”
”Damned Italians, always butting their heads into Austrian affairs, I say we give them a taste of their own medicine!”
Various voices of contention erupted in the Great Hall of Kufstein; however, after a while, Berengar tapped his armrest loudly, instantly calming the men who had gathered.
”Order! I want order in my great hall! If you have any questions, direct them to the prisoner one at a time!”
As such, the men began to calm themselves. Marquess Otto holding an essential position in Berengar's Council was the first to address his concerns to the Swiss agent.
”Why would the Emperor do such a thing to our Duchy? We have not provoked him in any way!”
The swiss agent immediately looked over at Berengar, who gave him a silent murderous glare; this glance was enough to inform the spy of the penalty he would face for lying. As the chills invaded the prisoner's spine, he immediately confessed what he knew about the matter.
”The Emperor fears the rapid growth of Austria and is terrified of the prospect that Berengar might challenge him and his authority. As such, he has sent hundreds of agents into Austria with the intent to sabotage your industry.