System: Build My Own Territory-Chapter 663 - 236: Usurpation (10,000 Words)

In the city, streets crisscrossed, extending like blood vessels to every corner of the city.

On Steel Street, the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer could be heard, as fine weapons and luxurious ornaments were born here.

The aroma of bread filled the air on Flour Street, enticing the hungry stomachs of passersby.

On Silk Street, the chirping of orioles and the dance of swallows, the luxurious brothels and shops displayed an extravagant and intoxicating lifestyle.

There were palatial residences in the Upper District, gardens blooming with myriad flowers, where nobles in elegant attire laughed and conversed at banquets.

There was also the crowded chaos of the Civilian District.

Ships from various places came and went like shuttles, laden with rare treasures, fragrant spices, fine wines, silk, and furs!

Though it was nighttime, the sound of bargaining in the market did not diminish at all.

This was Triumph City!

The center of power, the symbol of prosperity!

In a castle built from white rock and fortified with steel fortifications.

In the domed reception hall.

In the center of the hall.

On the dining table, pure gold candlesticks were placed.

The candlelight swayed gently in the breeze.

Illuminating the white tablecloth, covered with delicacies.

The roast lamb was golden and crispy on the outside, emitting a tempting aroma.

The rich foie gras was served on an intricately carved silver platter, surrounded by a circle of exquisite fruit arrangements.

The goblets were filled with deep red wine, its rich fruity aroma wafting through the air.

The musicians sat neatly in a row in the corner, playing melodies, adding an elegant atmosphere to this banquet.

From the main seat.

A middle-aged man, dressed in a luxurious robe, with gold silk embroidered edges glistening in the candlelight, and sparkling jewels inlaid at the collar, sat stably.

The warm candlelight shone on the faces of eight or nine people sitting at the dining table.

Their expressions were varied, seemingly contemplative, worried, expectant, arrogant, cunning, excited...

But none dared to speak before the middle-aged man took the lead.

They merely sat silently in their seats.

At this moment.

The middle-aged man raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over the eight or nine people.

He revealed a sunny smile, his voice clear as he said, "Mitchell thanks you all for coming."

"With your presence, I feel greatly encouraged and reassured!"

The eight or nine people quickly raised their goblets, gesturing from afar.

"Your Highness, you are too kind!"

"Indeed, Your Highness! I have always been here, and the Griffin Clan has always been here!"

"As long as you give the order, Your Highness, the entire Rivers Clan soldiers will follow your command!"

"Your Highness, you are the true heir of the Kaldi Empire!"

"..."

Mitchell Carolin solemnly nodded and downed his goblet of wine in one go as a gesture of thanks.

The noble lords didn’t hesitate, and also downed their wine in one go.

Under Mitchell’s gesture, they sat upright on the soft leather chairs.

Mitchell set down his goblet, speaking with gratitude, "I know that you all have always supported me."

"Just as you supported my father, Charlemagne VI, before me."

"For this, I extend my heartfelt thanks."

"Thanks to those who consistently support the Royal Family and tirelessly strive for the Empire’s prosperity and stability."

The eight or nine people did not dare to speak.

Mitchell raised a goblet filled by a maid, stepping down from the main seat.

He walked slowly behind each noble lord.

Finally, he stopped beside a tall, lean man with short hair.

The eyes of everyone at the table turned, focusing on the short-haired man.

In those gazes, there was fear, admiration, and also flattery...

"Like Duke Heiyao, one of the Three Great Dukes of the Empire!"

"During the turmoil at the Empire’s borders faced with the cavalry of the Elfini Empire, he unhesitatingly led the family’s cavalry to the front line!"

"Fighting bloodily, quashing unrest, protecting the peace of the Empire’s citizens, and guarding the integrity of the land!"

Duke Heiyao stood up.

The lean figure contrasted sharply with the sturdy frame of Mitchell!

Duke Heiyao had no words, merely raised his goblet and lightly clinked it with Mitchell’s.

The sound was crisp and pleasant.

Duke Heiyao drank his goblet of wine in one go and sat back down.

To the eyes of the crowd, he directly chose to ignore them.

That feeling, as if among those present, apart from Mitchell, he had no fear!

Mitchell didn’t mind at all.

He laughed breezily, "The Grand Duke is still as my little nephew remembers, reticent, decisive!"

He continued to walk, reaching the side of a plump middle-aged man.

The gazes of the crowd turned, looking over as well.

"Like the Great Merchant from the entire Garonia Continent, known as Li Nu Xiangying—Clint Dickinson."

Looking at Mitchell standing in front of him, Clint Dickinson grinned, revealing an odd, mousetooth-like smile.

Mitchell continued, "Thanks to the Dickinson Clan’s generous financial support and aid in trade development, the entire Empire has become more prosperous!"

The two lightly clinked their goblets.

Mitchell raised his goblet, taking a small sip.

To moisten his somewhat dry throat.

He continued to walk, still speaking as he went.

"Also, the youngest Marquis in the history of the Kaldi Empire—Marquis Mark Duca!"

The eyes of the crowd turned to the young man seated in the middle right of the table.

In those eyes, there was amusement, mockery, and mostly disdain.

Mark Duca naturally gathered all those strange looks into his eyes.

However.

His expression unchanged, he slowly stood from his seat.

He raised his goblet on the table, waiting for Mitchell Carolin, His Highness, to come to him.

Mitchell smiled slightly, continuing to speak.

"Though he is very young, youth is capital!"

"Since assuming his title a short time ago, he has already made a mark in the military."

"If given more time, Marquis Mark will surely become the backbone of our Empire."

Mark Duca slightly raised his chin, both hands holding the goblet, lightly clinking it with Mitchell’s.

Then.

He downed the goblet of wine in one go.

Mitchell nodded in satisfaction, also taking a small sip.

After patting Mark on the shoulder, he continued to walk.

"And like..."

Until ten minutes later.

Mitchell had introduced everyone seated at the table.

He returned to the main seat.

Mitchell’s gaze swept over those present, whose expressions were still varied.

His tone shifted: "However, it is regrettable that..."

"As we work together for the development of the Kaldi Empire, sacrificing lives and shedding blood."

"There are those with ulterior motives, thinking only of their own interests, seeking to usurp the throne!!!"