Dungeon King: My Goblins Have Captured Countless Female Players

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."