System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 920 - 279: Eight Hundred Pan Rock Iron Guards (10,000)

Mr. Grayson had not yet finished speaking when Lynn interrupted him directly, stating, "Wait!"

Grayson looked at Lynn with confusion, asking, "Master Lynn, is there something wrong with what I am saying?"

Lynn stared at Grayson, his brow furrowed. "You mentioned that the battle for Imperial Authority has fully commenced?"

The confusion on Grayson’s face deepened. "Yes, Master Lynn. After Marquis Duca’s Sword and Shield Corps seized Spirit Reef Port, Marquis Polk immediately declared war on Marquis Duca."

Lynn nodded, as he was already aware of this development.

Grayson continued, "Immediately after that, the Duke of Red Dragon declared war on Duke Cangyu. Concurrently, Caesar Carolin declared war on Mitchell Carolin. The battle for Imperial Authority has fully begun!"

As Lynn listened to Grayson’s explanation, his eyebrows drew closer together. He realized the urgent need to establish the intelligence collection center quickly. Otherwise, he would be operating in the dark, ignorant of developments outside his territory. If not for Grayson transporting prisoners of war and goods to his domain, he might have learned this information days later from Boer or Gasper. Lynn now recalled that the Ducas Clan's assault on Spirit Reef Port had indeed served as the spark for the Imperial Authority battle within the Karedi Empire. However, Lynn also understood that this was the ultimate consequence of the continuously escalating tensions within the Empire!

Lynn responded, inquiring, "Mr. Grayson, aside from these events, are there any other major occurrences within the Karedi Empire?"

Grayson appeared slightly puzzled but did not probe further. After a brief moment of thought, he addressed Lynn. "Currently, besides the declarations of war by the marquises, dukes, and princes... oh, there is one more significant event."

"Marquis Polk has rallied the lords within his marquisate, intending to attack Spirit Reef Port, which is currently occupied by the Ducas Clan's Sword and Shield Corps."

"The exact number of armed soldiers gathered remains unknown..."

Lynn nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Grayson, for your explanation. I truly am not well-informed about these matters."

"As a token of my gratitude, may I invite you to sample some gin?"

From Lynn’s earlier questions, Grayson had already surmised something. Nevertheless, he did not mind. This information had already become common knowledge. The only reason Master Lynn might be unaware was the remote location of his territory. However, upon hearing the mention of gin, a smile graced Grayson’s face. "That would be most kind, Master Lynn."

Lynn gave a slight nod and walked over to George. After instructing him to oversee the unloading of goods from Grayson’s cart and to notify the kitchen about preparing food for the prisoners of war, Lynn led Grayson towards the tavern.

Once inside the tavern, Lynn and Grayson took seats at a round table. Red, who had brought a bottle of gin, efficiently poured drinks for both of them.

Watching the golden liquor cascade from the glazed bottle like a silken ribbon into the glazed cups on the table, the impact of the liquid caused it to swirl. The potent aroma of the spirit immediately filled the air. Grayson, having not tasted gin in quite some time, couldn't help but salivate, swallowing audibly.

After Red had filled the cups to about seventy to eighty percent capacity, Grayson unhesitatingly extended his right hand, lifted his cup, and addressed Lynn. "Thank you for your hospitality, Master Lynn."

"Cheers!"

Lynn smiled faintly and reciprocated, "Cheers."

Following the pleasant chime of the glazed cups meeting, Grayson lowered his arm and downed the gin in a single gulp. As the liquor flowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and the gin was consumed in one go. Instantly, the robust aroma permeated his mouth, and a comforting warmth spread from his throat down to his stomach.

Experiencing the familiar heat coursing through him, Grayson’s eyes widened involuntarily. He sat in silence on the wooden chair, savoring the spreading warmth.

After a minute, Grayson, having composed himself, exhaled a breath tinged with the scent of alcohol. His face was alight with satisfaction as he remarked, "Master Lynn, the gin brewed in your workshop is becoming increasingly potent. With gin like this, I feel a single cup could render me intoxicated."

Lynn chuckled. "Then Mr. Grayson should drink responsibly."

"Once the goods on the cart are unloaded, you will still need to select the glazed products you desire at the Glass Workshop."

Seeing Red pour more drinks for them, Grayson laughed and stated, "Master Lynn, while my drinking capacity might not be exceptional, I am considered one of the best within the Brown Clan. At the very least, I can outdrink Alan and Kari, those two."