System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 872 - 271: Making You the Commander

"Public opinion has swung firmly in favor of His Highness Mitchell."

"Furthermore, the undecided Noble Lords are now swearing loyalty to His Highness Mitchell..."

Godfrey's face turned grave.

Neither Godfrey nor Mark across from him remained unaware.

Both understood the passing of the Empire's Emperor, Charlemagne VI, hid depths beyond the obvious.

Yet.

The proof they faced stood irrefutable.

Caesar had stepped alone into Charlemagne VI's bedchamber.

The Dagger of Judgment, gifted by Charlemagne VI to Caesar, had stabbed straight through the Emperor's heart.

Thus, Charlemagne VI met his end!

In a mere standard fight for imperial rule,

The final throne of the Karedi Empire might have gone to Mitchell or Caesar—impossible to predict.

But at present.

Mitchell clearly held the upper hand.

Against a killer who slew his sovereign and sire alike,

Most naturally backed the famed ’Spear of the Empire’, hero of quelling a traitorous marquis!

After a moment's reflection, Godfrey addressed Mark before him.

"My Lord Marquis, before we move our troops and strike,"

"We must grasp His Highness Mitchell's intent in ordering the Sword and Shield Corps to assault Spirit Reef Port."

Mark appeared to have pondered this already.

He replied straightforwardly, "Spirit Reef Port sits at the border of Marquis Leo Polk’s lands."

"Still, apart from Iron Anchor Bay, it's the nearest harbor to Triumph City."

"Without seizing Spirit Reef Port, Caesar's backers could swiftly load onto warships and converge there."

"In short, enemy control of Spirit Reef Port spells doom for Triumph City."

"Its value exceeds even the Sword and Shield Corps holding Windmill Ridge Canyon!"

Godfrey nodded, "Thus, His Highness Mitchell schemes for you, my Lord Marquis, to seize Spirit Reef Port and claim it..."

"Revealing three key motives!"

Mark arched a brow, eyeing Godfrey as he said.

"Speak, Knight Commander Godfrey."

Godfrey pressed on without delay, "First, the Ducas Clan holds only marquis rank; it lags behind Duke Cangyu or Duke Heiyao in prestige and arms."

At that, Godfrey offered Mark an apology, "Forgive me, my Lord Marquis, if my words sting..."

Mark shrugged it off, "Continue."

Godfrey proceeded, "Hence, His Highness Mitchell commands you, my Lord Marquis."

"To dispatch a fellow marquis of modest power to lead the charge."

"Troops clash with troops, leaders with leaders!"

"Minimizing any messy ties!"

Mark gave a faint nod.

Godfrey added, "Second, the Sword and Shield Corps striking at Spirit Reef Port leaves Windmill Ridge Canyon exposed."

"This aids not just you, my Lord Marquis, but the whole Sword and Shield Corps!"

"For against a Red Dragon Rider assault, the Corps' might couldn't hold long."

"The end would come from the Red Dragon Riders' cavalry trampling them flat."

"As happened before with over 3,000 sword and shield troops in the Duchy of the Red Dragon."

"Without aid from other Lords, loss looms certain!"

"Assaulting Spirit Reef Port changes that."

"Victory lies within reach there."

Mark murmured agreement, nodding sagely.

Godfrey went further, "Success unlocks the third intent!"

"Should the sword and shield soldiers capture and hold Spirit Reef Port,"

"You, my Lord Marquis, secure the harbor nearest Triumph City."

"Ideal for building sea forces later, shipping troops via warships, or conducting campaigns."

"Post this imperial clash, tax merchant vessels sailing through!"

Godfrey's voice deepened, "The throne battle is just the Empire's powers realigning."

"It must end eventually."

"At core, a full reshuffle of control."

"If the Ducas Clan endures the war and claims vital towns and ports herein."

"The Ducas Clan retains its path to rise!"

Mark Ducas's gaze sparked as he heard Godfrey.

Though silent himself, Godfrey had captured every notion in his mind.

Whatever the war's outcome,

No outsider would claim the Empire's throne!

Since Charlemagne VI's recent death, the Lords who swore fealty to him stay steadfast in their loyalty.

Should any other individual seize the Emperor's throne, fierce collective resistance would surely arise.

This explains why multiple Grand Dukes fervently back the two Princes!

Even without being from the founding line,

they possess sharp wits in abundance!

It's well-known that

a Grand Duke usually fathers numerous heirs.

Rising above a throng of blood kin to claim the ducal title

proves far more challenging than it appears.

Amid Princes, Dukes, and swarms of Lords, surface-level loyalty prevails.

In reality, it's just mutual manipulation.

Mark fully comprehends this dynamic.

As Princes themselves, Mitchell and Caesar undoubtedly grasp it too.

Precisely as Godfrey stated.