Chapter 299: Declaration of Independence (2/2)

However, your industrial districts are heavily guarded, and we had no way to infiltrate them; as such most of us have failed in our tasks!”

Upon hearing this, the Austrian representatives became thoroughly enraged; the Emperor had violated the terms of vassalage. As far as the men gathered in the great hall were concerned, this was an act of war. As such, they began to erupt with fury in response to these claims.

One political representative of common birth was the first to protest the Emperor's actions.

”Bastard! There must be war!”

Immediately after he spoke, a minor nobleman followed with an even more vicious response.

”If they seek to destroy Austria, we should show them the power of Austrian steel! I would like to see who dares to bully us now that our military prowess is unrivaled in all of Europe! I volunteer to lead an incursion into Northern Italy to drive this false Emperor from his throne of lies!”

After this was said, an argument broke out between the politicians and noblemen within the chamber.

”You! You are but a small Baron and have no prior military experience; what gives you the right to lead an army! I am a colonel in the armed forces and a Viscount; I should be the one to lead the army to victory against the Empire!”

The two noblemen began to verbally spar with one another until Berengar once more pounded his armrest, signaling them all to calm themselves. After this action, the room fell deathly silent as Berengar, with a stoic gaze on his face that expressed the personification of a sovereign monarch, made his official declaration of Independence.

”In response to these scandalous actions by the Holy Roman Emperor who has betrayed the rights of vassalage, I hereby declare the Independence of our realm and the formation of the Kingdom of Austria! I Berengar von Kufstein first of my name, and rightful sovereign of Austria decree that henceforth I shall be the monarch of Austria and all of its people as granted to me by right of conquest, and the support of the Lord almighty!”

After saying this, Marquess Otto stood at attention as he saluted Berengar with a gaze of firm determination on his face.

”Hail to the King!”

The moment he did so, the various politicians and noblemen gathered in the great hall responded in the same manner without hesitation. These men immediately formed ranks and pounded their chests in salute as they repeated the words spoken by Marquess Otto.

”Hail to the King!”

Upon seeing this, a cruel smile curved upon Berengar's lips; he felt it was inappropriate to hail to himself, and as such, a wicked idea formed in his mind as he chanted the following words while saluting his subordinates.

”Hail Victory!”

With those words stated, the men present formally drafted a declaration of Independence and the formation of the Austrian Kingdom. As such, they handed the letter to the Swiss spy and informed him to give their regards to the Emperor.

On this day, Austria had become an Independent Kingdom, in doing so, brought war to its doorstep that would soon shatter the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire. After all, the loss of Austria was not only a blow to the face of the Holy Roman Emperor but his treasury as well, one that he could ill afford.

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