System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 871 - 271: Making You a Commander (10,000 Characters)_4

The guard gave a light tap on the door and announced, "Marquis, an edict from Triumph City."

No sooner had the guard spoken.

A man's voice sounded from behind the firmly shut wooden door.

"Come in."

The guard acknowledged and softly pushed the door open before entering the chamber.

A subtle scent of incense drifted into his nostrils as he stepped inside.

He walked directly to Marquis Mark Duca at the desk without glancing elsewhere.

Stopping four or five meters away from the desk, the guard bowed a bit and reported, "Marquis, an edict from Triumph City."

Mark kept his eyes on the document he was perusing.

"Set it there."

The guard placed it down promptly.

Mark added, "Fetch Knight Commander Godfrey to the study."

"Inform him we have crucial matters to discuss."

The guard assented and swiftly exited.

Not until the door swung shut once more.

Did Mark finally set aside the document and fling it to the side.

With a sweep of his arm, he grasped the edict left by the guard and unfolded it deliberately.

Under the glow of the desk's flickering candle and the wall's oil lamp, he scrutinized it closely.

As Mark read on.

His mildly creased forehead tightened more and more.

Shortly after.

Footsteps echoed outside Mark’s study.

"Marquis, Godfrey..."

Once the steps halted, a man's voice rang out.

Mark cut him off before he could say more.

"Skip the greetings, enter at once."

Godfrey, standing outside, caught Mark’s command clearly.

The wooden door creaked open slowly.

Godfrey eyed Mark up ahead and marched in boldly.

Noting the towering stack of papers on the desk, Godfrey inquired, "Marquis..."

Mark flung the fresh edict across the desk toward Godfrey with a flick of his wrist.

"Read it first."

Godfrey advanced without delay, lifting the edict from the desk with both hands.

Spotting the crowned golden lion emblem, Godfrey’s eyebrow arched.

He recognized it instantly as the Carolingian Clan's mark.

His eyes swept over the edict's seals.

All of a sudden.

Godfrey’s eyes bulged in shock as he exclaimed, "His Highness Mitchell orders the troops at Windmill Ridge Canyon to assault Spirit Reef Port?"

Mark offered no response, fixing his gaze intently on Godfrey.

Godfrey’s thoughts raced furiously.

As though weighing the deeper meaning.

Soon enough.

Mark reclined into the plush leather chair.

He questioned Godfrey, "Knight Commander Godfrey, what’s your view on this?"

Hearing Mark’s question, Godfrey focused sharply.

He dipped his head in a slight bow toward Mark and replied deferentially, "Marquis, allow me to speak bluntly."

"Mitchell Carolin is treating the Ducas Clan like a mere chess piece!"

Mark paused, letting Godfrey proceed.

Godfrey pressed on without pause.

"The prior order sent forces into the Duchy of the Red Dragon."

"Aimed at stirring conflict between Duke of Red Dragon and Duke Cangyu."

"Yet the outcome fell utterly short."

"In truth, zero progress was made."

Godfrey’s voice hardened, "Yet..."

"It cost the Ducas Clan over three thousand Sword and Shield Corps troops!"

"Those three thousand Sword and Shield Corps soldiers vanished forever in the Duchy of the Red Dragon."

"Denied even their proper names, branded merely as rebels in Duke Cangyu’s Feiyu Army!"

"Naturally, I understand that orders from superiors demand soldiers charge ahead without question."

"From another source, it might pass."

"But these pointless commands that squander lives serve no purpose."

Godfrey drew a steadying breath, easing his tone a touch.

"A single instance could be overlooked."

"However, Marquis!"

"Mitchell Carolin has sent another such decree to the Ducas Clan..."

"Spirit Reef Port—that belongs to Marquis Polk!"

"Leo Polk has long allied tightly with Caesar Carolin."

"Leo Polk counts as one of Caesar Carolin’s closest allies, without doubt."

"Should you, Marquis, lead a massive force to strike Spirit Reef Port as commanded."

"Every power would take sharp notice!"

"Considering Marquis Polk’s fleet of dozens of warships and his forces, victory would come at a heavy toll to your own troops."

"Furthermore, Marquis Polk could hold out behind Spirit Reef Port’s fortifications until aid arrives!"

"Marquis Polk’s army in front, reinforcements from the rear..."

"At that moment, even the formidable soldiers of the Sword and Shield Corps would suffer utter annihilation..."

Mark murmured.

"Knight Commander Godfrey, I’ve given thought to your words as well."

"You’re aware the Ducas Clan has already sided with His Highness Mitchell."

"The Ducas Clan must carry out His Highness Mitchell’s commands without fail!"

"To do otherwise would mean outright defiance!"

"The vital issue lies in the Empire’s present turmoil, where Caesar stands accused of murdering Charlemagne VI and has fled Triumph City..."