One declaration of war silenced everyone.
All of Swook Street became so quiet that a pin dropping could have been heard.
Every soldier froze.
They exchanged glances.
Go to war with the Inner Bay?
That was the Golden Lion Family's Inner Bay!
Did they stand a chance?
Every soldier could see the apprehension on the others' faces, but as soldiers loyal to the Bette Family, they could hardly voice their opposition.
More importantly, if they objected now, they would most likely be killed as a sacrifice to consecrate the war banners.
The bloodied soldiers who had just charged into battle fell silent.
Count Bette narrowed his eyes.
At that moment, the Count realized that he seemed to have stayed out of his soldiers' sight for too long-long enough for them to have forgotten his temper entirely.
Just as the Count was about to give the soldiers before him a reminder-
"Declare war!"
A cry rose from the crowd.
Several more immediately followed.
"Declare war! Declare war!"
Each cry came from a different location, yet all originated from one person.
Arthur!
Using [Ringing Art], Arthur broadcast his voice.
His transcendent [Bluff] filled that voice with fervor.
Almost instantly, some of the soldiers were stirred into action.
"Declare war! Declare war!"
Those soldiers roared.
People blindly followed others.
Like dominoes, once the first one fell, a chain reaction began.
Within mere seconds, all of Swook Street rang with cries of "Declare war!"
Count Bette struck while the iron was hot-
"Notify the Bette Territory's fleet. I want to see them assembled at the port before sunrise!
Notify the lords under my command and have them mobilize their troops!
Three days from now, I want to see them at Rondohart Port!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Depro's, Diliven's, and Peggy's deputies answered in unison.
Then