Chapter 320 320-The True Intention
Anna, recalling the past, began, "Was it when we captured Fernsouth Castle? No, that's not right. I remember back then we only had a bunch of villages on the outskirts, and the soldiers under our command were a mixed bunch of peasant troops…"
Suddenly, she clapped her hands, realization dawning, "I remember now! Lord Howard secured the title of Baron Fernsouth by forcefully usurping it, having actual control over more than 75% of Fernsouth's territory. The Fernsouth Castle was conquered later, but the title was obtained even before the war had started."
Bosiden nodded and said, "Then consider Resarite's current request for two pieces of land in the Duchy of Croatia, which are under Lord Howard's control. What would happen if Lord Howard agreed?"
Anna spoke slowly, pondering every word, "He might be using his son as a decoy, a smokescreen for his real plan. If Lord Howard fulfills his request, Resarite could have his son transfer the lands to him. Then, he would control over 75% of Croatia, positioning himself to usurp the title of Duke of Croatia!"
Alonso, interjecting, asked, "Wait, can you slow down a bit? I'm having trouble following."
At this point, Howard coughed and explained, "The emperor intentionally gave me two countships in Croatia but withheld the ducal title, likely aiming to incite a dispute between me and the current Duke of Croatia. This is a political maneuver by the emperor. He wants me to usurp the title of Duke of Croatia and then engage in a war with the current duke, thereby depleting my military strength."
Alonso's eyes widened, "This part I understand."
Howard nodded in acknowledgment.
"If Resarite convinces his son to transfer an as-yet unattained earldom to him, which his son is likely to agree to, Resarite would effectively control over 75% of Croatia. That would qualify him to usurp the ducal title. Once Resarite ascends from a marquis to a duke, he'll be of the same noble rank as me. He'll no longer be my vassal. The baronial and earldom lands I granted him would all become his ducal territory. This is different from your current fiefs."
"Although you control your lands entirely, you still pay taxes to me and provide troops during wartime without compensation. But once Resarite becomes a duke, he'll be independent of me. And it's a complete severance, with no future obligations. He wouldn't owe me taxes or military support and could even wage war against me as an equal duke."
Alonso inhaled sharply, a mix of fear and realization in his voice, "I never imagined Resarite could be so menacing... We underestimated him."
Anna slammed her riding crop to the ground, exclaiming, "This treacherous wretch!"
Kaido added, "This is intolerable. How could Resarite even dare to propose such a thing? He harbors treasonous intentions!"
Margaret, unusually vocal, offered her opinion, "Lord Howard, please don't be deceived. You have worked hard for your current territories. If Resarite were to break away with three earldoms and a barony, it would be a massive blow to you. It would be akin to a disastrous defeat in war, losing entire territories!"
Rubbing his eyes, Bosiden spoke softly, "Indeed, even in princely wars, seizing three earldoms in one go is excessive. Look at the recent war: the allies lost so many soldiers and fought seven or eight perilous battles just to annex the Duchy of Bavaria, and even then, they only gained four earldoms. Resarite's aspiration to effortlessly acquire three earldoms and a barony is truly infuriating."
Vettel pondered, "Hasn't Resarite considered that his scheme might be exposed? How can he be so audacious?"
Anna, reflecting on the Katerina family and her cousin representing the Valuva family, mused, "Perhaps this is what it means to be a powerful noble."
Howard turned to Anna and asked, "If you were to fight a battle with an equal number of troops against Resarite, do you think you could win?"
Anna replied, "I'm not certain, but I wouldn't let him win easily."
Howard then questioned Margaret, "Do you think your military skills surpass Resarite's?"
Margaret, patting the dagger at her waist, responded, "I can't defeat him in battle, but I can assassinate him."
Howard, visibly disturbed, said, "Let's not discuss this topic any further."
He glanced at Kaido and shook his head.
Viewing Kaido as a lord who could be imprisoned by a knight squire even within his own lands, Howard had no faith in Kaido's military prowess and didn't bother to ask him.
That left Bosiden, Vettel, and Alonso.
None of them were renowned for their martial prowess, so Howard was somewhat inclined to overlook them.
However, after a glance at their faces, he decided to give them a chance and asked them the same question.
The three men exchanged looks, unsure of how to respond.
Bosiden spoke up, "Though I may not defeat him in direct combat, I could use diplomatic efforts to rally allies and ultimately triumph over him."
Vettel added, "Warfare is a matter of resources. While I might not beat him with the same number of soldiers, I could hire mercenaries with money to win."
After a moment of silence, Alonso said, "My lord, it seems I'm not skilled in anything particular, but I treat the villagers in my domain well. Perhaps they would provide me with a substantial number of conscripted soldiers."
Howard listened to their responses, feeling unsatisfied.
Military capability is just that – a measure of martial strength, not something that can simply be compensated for with diplomatic or financial prowess.
Battles are won through military strategy and tactics, as Howard himself had demonstrated in his victories over Blima, Mibo, and Duke Ferald of Florence.
Despite being outnumbered, his tactical preparation and strategic foresight, aided by Resarite, had led to victory.
This wasn't merely a question of numbers.
After hearing his vassals' answers, Howard had already formed his conclusion.
Resarite's importance was pivotal; the notion of giving up on him was not an option.
Back at Fernsouth Castle, at Anna's suggestion, they convened again for a meeting.
However, Howard wasn't particularly optimistic.
Without sufficient military ability, even ten thousand troops could be lost in vain.
The meeting lasted for an hour and a half, with everyone voicing their opinions and the discussion turning into a heated debate.
Just then, Golan announced the arrival of Earl Edward.
After a moment's thought, Howard instructed Golan to lead Earl Edward to the drawing room, not wanting him to witness the scene in the council chamber.
However, Earl Edward, brimming with a jovial demeanor, unexpectedly walked straight into the room, inadvertently stumbling upon the secret meeting.
Aware of the situation, and responding to Anna's imploring gaze, Earl Edward offered his advice.
He clapped Howard on the shoulder in a friendly manner, which Howard found slightly displeasing, feeling that their statuses had changed and their friendship had not yet transcended these newfound boundaries.
Earl Edward spoke cheerfully, "Duke Howard, don't think I'm overstepping. I might be just an earl, but I'm here to offer you advice."
Howard narrowed his eyes and said, "Please, go ahead."
Edward suggested, "One word: delay. Resarite wants two earldoms, one for himself and one for his son. Don't agree, but don't disagree either. Just drag it out. After all, you're a duke now, and holding three or four direct earldoms isn't exceeding any limits. Just keep them in your hand, there's no loss. Just drag it out with him."
Bosiden, concerned, asked, "But what if Resarite rebels?"
Edward, slapping the table emphatically, declared, "Let him rebel! How dare he? Then we counter-attack his castle and imprison him!"
Vettel, still worried, queried, "And after we imprison him? Do we take away his earldom in Lagusa or release him to win his favor?"
Edward chuckled and leaned back in his chair, saying, "Keep him imprisoned. When Howard faces a war and needs a brilliant commander, release him then and let him lead the army."
As time ticked by, minute by minute, twenty minutes later, Howard decided to adopt Edward's suggestion.
The tense atmosphere in the council room gradually dissipated, smiles returning to everyone's faces.
Following Howard's cue, the attendees slowly began to exit the meeting room.
Howard instructed a maid to bring some refreshments to entertain Edward.
Edward didn't refuse the offer but instead remarked, "Howard, you're a duke now, but I too aspire to become one."
Standing up, Howard walked over to the window to breathe in the fresh air, speaking in a relaxed tone, "I understand. If you ever find yourself in a war, I'll definitely send troops to support you."
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