System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 956 - 285: Waging War
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
"My apologies, Viscount."
"The intelligence I have managed to collect thus far is limited to this."
"Two days ago, I dispatched a spy team to infiltrate Morgan Town and gather crucial information."
"However, three days have passed, and the spy team has yet to return."
"I fear my operatives have been discovered and apprehended by the soldiers garrisoned within Morgan Town."
Seated at the head of the table, Jon Zuck absorbed Zock's report.
Yet, a profound silence followed Zock's explanation.
Despite the presence of nine individuals gathered around the square walnut table, the conference room was steeped in an almost palpable quiet.
The stillness was so profound, one could have heard a pin drop.
The remaining seven Manor Lords also turned their attention, their gazes fixing upon Zock.
Feeling the weight of their collective scrutiny, Zock instinctively lowered his posture, bending his waist further.
After a pause that stretched for half a minute, Jon's deep voice finally resonated, shattering the heavy silence.
"So, you not only failed to procure any useful intelligence."
"But you also allowed a spy, intimately familiar with your identity, to fall into enemy hands?"
Zock immediately began to perspire, his voice urgent as he responded.
"Forgive me, Viscount, I have failed in my mission and have betrayed your trust. I implore you to mete out my punishment."
It wasn't just Zock who felt the tension.
The other Manor Lords grew visibly uneasy.
Though they shared a close association with Zock, none dared to intercede on his behalf.
This was due to the palpable shift in Jon's tone and the indisputable authority that now radiated from him.
Jon's questioning continued, his words sharp.
"Do you comprehend the gravity of letting down my trust in you?"
Zock immediately accepted responsibility, stating firmly, "Viscount, I await your judgment."
Observing Zock's bow, which approached a ninety-degree angle, Jon let out a frosty scoff.
"Effective this month, Connelly Manor in Alba Town will forfeit its privilege of utilizing the Fisherman's Wharf without charge."
"Henceforth, just as any ordinary merchant vessel, you will be required to remit the standard fees for using the wharf for transportation."
"This includes cargo tax, docking tax, market tax, and potential surcharges during special periods, among other levies."
"Not a single coin will be waived!"
Jon fixed his gaze upon Zock Connally, inquiring, "Lord Zock, do you harbor any objections to this ruling?"
Listening to Jon's voice, which now carried an intimate yet firm tone, and considering the implications of his words, Zock's breathing quickened involuntarily.
Fortunately, the punishment was limited to the revocation of his free access to the Fisherman's Wharf.
This measure would undoubtedly reduce the profitability of his future trading endeavors.
While the financial loss in Gold Pounds would be substantial, the nature of this penalty remained within his capacity to endure.
Zock dared not utter a single superfluous word, replying swiftly: "Viscount, Zock has no objections."
"Your instructions will be followed without question."
Seeing Zock's submission, Jon averted his gaze from him.
Jon's eyes then swept across the faces of the other seven Manor Lords present.
His deep voice resounded once more.
"I presume everyone here is aware of the reason for this gathering?"
The Manor Lords exchanged uncertain glances.
Jon, evidently disinclined to waste further words, proceeded directly to the core issue.
"The purpose is to address the Lord who has unilaterally seized control of Morgan Town!"
"A Lord who appeared out of nowhere has dared to obliterate all five Manors within Morgan Town."
"Furthermore, they have confiscated all the assets and subjugated the populace of these five Manors!"
"While Morgan Town lies on the southern frontier of the Marquisate, its inhabitants are still Manor Lords under Marquis Ducas, and thus, Vassals of Marquis Ducas!"
"Employing military might, they have commenced external aggression and territorial annexation."
"As the Viscount appointed by the late Marquis Ducas, and now a Vassal to Marquis Mark Ducas, it is my solemn duty to quell this internal disturbance!"
Hearing Jon's voice grow increasingly resonant, a somber expression settled upon the faces of all the Manor Lords.
Jon Zuck suddenly stood, addressing the assembled Manor Lords: "I, Jon Zuck, in my capacity as Viscount, hereby issue this summons."
"Declare war upon Morgan Town and the mysterious Lord concealing himself within its walls!"
"Who shall answer this summons?"
Jon's gaze once again surveyed the eight Manor Lords positioned around the table, awaiting their affirmation.
Just as hesitation flickered among some, Zock swiftly rose from his seat.
He looked directly at Jon and declared, "Connelly Manor answers the Viscount's summons."
"The five hundred soldiers of Connelly Manor are at the Viscount's command."
"This is my testament to atonement for my failure to meet your expectations, Viscount."
Upon receiving Zock's prompt affirmation, a subtle hint of satisfaction touched Jon's features.
He commended, "Lord Zock, your immediate response demonstrates that you have indeed not disappointed me."
"Do not trouble yourself excessively regarding the taxes."
"Should this campaign prove victorious, the punishment issued earlier shall be rescinded!"
"You may be seated."
Zock's eyes brightened with a measure of surprise and relief.
"Thank you, Viscount!"
Undeniably, the first one to step forward receives preferential notice. Zock is acutely aware that despite his close ties to Jon, the unfulfilled task constitutes a failure in his duties and shows no respect to Jon. The penalty imposed on him acts as a stern caution to the remaining seven Manor Lords – dereliction of duty inevitably brings repercussions. Should this war conclude in victory, Jon possesses the authority to revoke his punishment. If Jon issues a formal request, it would be nearly impossible for them, as his loyal followers, to deny the benefit of tax exemption at Fisherman’s Wharf, thus refusing to comply.