System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 913 - 278: Total War Declared (10,000 Words) (Part 4)

Upon hearing the herald's words, nearly identical to the original message, Godfrey's breathing grew ragged. His very being started to tremble uncontrollably. It has started! Finally, the conflict has commenced! If it were merely Marquis Leo Polk levying war against Marquis Duca, it wouldn't have escalated into a full-blown conflict engulfing the entire Karedi Empire. However. Beyond the marquis's declaration of war, the Duke of Red Dragon has now declared war on Duke Cangyu. Even more significantly. Prince Caesar Carolin has declared war against Mitchell Carolin! Marquises, dukes, and even a prince with a claim to the Imperial throne! This is the true battle for Imperial Authority! The conflict for Imperial Authority was ultimately ignited by the Ducas Clan’s Sword and Shield Corps soldiers capturing Spirit Reef Port. This single event shattered the last semblance of stability in the Karedi Empire, a realm already teetering on the brink of chaos! The battle for Spirit Reef Port. Ultimately became the catalyst for the ensuing battle for Imperial Authority within the Karedi Empire! The tumultuous era for the Karedi Empire is fast approaching! Danke, standing beside Godfrey, couldn't help but notice his lord's unusual agitation. He voiced his concern, "My lord..." Galvanized by Danke’s call, Godfrey immediately regained his composure. He cast a brief glance at Danke before addressing the herald directly, inquiring, "Are there any other directives to be conveyed besides these?" The herald nodded affirmatively and continued, "Marquis Leo Polk is currently mustering his vassal soldiers within his domain." "An assault on Spirit Reef Port is imminent." "The marquis's explicit command is to defend Spirit Reef Port at all costs!" "No matter the sacrifice involved." "He emphasized that Spirit Reef Port holds critical importance for both the Ducas Clan and Prince Mitchell Carolin." After delivering Marquis Mark Duca’s instructions, the herald departed. Godfrey remained on the city wall, a silent figure beside Danke. Following a moment of profound silence. Danke could no longer contain his curiosity, turning to Godfrey and asking, "My lord, the war has begun, what are our next steps?" Godfrey nonchalantly met Danke's gaze and replied, "What steps should we take?" "I am but a mere Knight Commander, and you, a humble Knight Captain." "Matters of such magnitude are beyond our purview!" Danke's eyebrows rose in recognition, Keping in mind Lawrence’s recent warning to Godfrey. It was evident. Even Godfrey harbored a simmering resentment towards Lawrence's power play. Godfrey then stated, "Lead the way, we are heading to the Siren's Nest." "I must ensure Marquis's directives are fully communicated to Lord Lawrence!" Danke immediately responded with a crisp, "Yes, my lord!" With his affirmation, Danke stepped forward, setting the pace. Godfrey followed close behind, descending from the city ramparts. Within Spirit Reef Port, the acrid stench of burnt flesh emanating from the fallen bodies on the city wall had dissipated. This was thanks to the formidable ten-meter-high walls acting as a bulwark and the steady breeze flowing from the Seine River. The grim reality outside the city walls seemed a world away from Spirit Reef Port. Save for the soldiers patrolling the streets, who were now the Ducas Clan’s sword and shield troops. Beyond that, residents peered cautiously from their homes, their faces etched with fear as they surveyed the unfolding situation. Guided by Danke, ten minutes later, Godfrey found himself standing before a three-story structure. Perhaps as a deliberate measure to avoid drawing undue attention, the building's facade bore little distinction from its neighbors, constructed primarily of brick and stone. However, within this seemingly ordinary edifice, the air was thick with lewd banter exchanged between men and women. Echoes of stifled moans permeated the surroundings, causing a frown. Godfrey even perceived. That the Siren's Nest brothel appeared largely unfazed by the turmoil of the Spirit Reef Port conflict. Danke directed a glance towards the entrance, where four armored soldiers bearing the sword and shield insignia stood as sentinels. Confirming the location, he addressed Godfrey, "My lord, this is the Siren's Nest." Godfrey offered a terse acknowledgment and proceeded to step into the establishment. The unsavory language detected at the doorway intensified upon his entry. Almost without any semblance of inhibition. As he entered the first-floor hall of the brothel, he was immediately confronted by a scene of rampant indulgence, bodies intertwined in a frenzy of carnal desire. The overpowering aroma of incense mingled with the scent of sweat and the unmistakable musk of human intimacy assailed his nostrils. Godfrey shifted his gaze, attempting to discern any particular individual. But found. Numerous couples, shamelessly entwined, paid no heed to the surrounding onlookers. The audible exclamations originated from the lips of the women engaged in their illicit activities. Godfrey cast a fleeting glance before averting his eyes. He continued forward, making his way towards the hall's interior. Approaching him was. A portly gentleman, his face a mask of soft fat, ambled towards them. The obese man's gaze fell upon the armor adorning Godfrey and Danke. His countenance broke into a wide smile as he inquired, "Honored lords, my establishment has just received a new shipment of young ladies, would you care to sample their charms?" "Rest easy, even if these newcomers are young, their skills are absolutely first-rate!" As he said this, The portly man gestured with his right hand behind his back, summoning a line of scantily clad women standing some distance away. They practically didn't require a verbal cue; seven or eight young girls quickly trotted over. Since they were unclothed, Their bouncing chests jiggled with every stride as they approached.