So now I don't understand.
You admit you attacked him because he had a bunch of 150+ peasants.
workers, troops etc... not because he did anything. Well just having
potential troops is dangerous in war time so lets attack him. OK.
That makes sense to me, I'd probably do the same thing.
And you admit that your actions have poisoned Sir Codrics view of you.
Thus he will always be an enemy to you because you attacked him because
you felt threatened by him, makes sense.
So now your just let us know that you will always be enemies and thus
might as well declair war. At least then your not a bad guy for
attacking without declaration. Thats cool also.
So now everyone knows this war between you two will never end just
because you attacked a noble who had done nothing. How life would have
been so simple had you just believed Sir Codric in the beginning. Ah,
what a mess we make when haste and fear are our only guides.
Basil