Strategic Calculations

When Laszlo returned to Vienna, the results of the papal election were already out. Nicholas, as expected, was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Pius II.

The election ultimately dragged on until the ninth day. Nicholas received 9 votes, was successfully elected Pope, and the enthronement ceremony for the new Pope was held in Rome.

On the Naples battlefield, both sides remained in a standoff near Naples. The Imperial Army had a numerical advantage, while the French forces were clearly more formidable in combat. This situation prevented either side from making rash moves.

The Naples navy was not so lucky. In a naval battle in the Southern Italy sea, the Genoese fleet almost completely annihilated the main Naples fleet in one engagement, then imposed a strict blockade in the nearby waters.

An emergency Privy Council meeting was immediately convened at Hofburg Palace. The temporary representative of the Court Military Committee was Baron Adalbeck, the Director of Conscription, while the other seats remained unchanged.

Even the usually confident Aeching now looked troubled. Their actions were a step slower than Venice, putting them at a disadvantage, but fortunately, this gap was not large, and there was still room for recovery.

Laszlo spread out a map on the conference table, staring intently at the various factions on it.

"I think there will be another fierce confrontation before the actual fighting begins."

Laszlo pointed at Milan on the map, drawing a large circle around it as the center.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Aeching agreed wholeheartedly, "The diplomatic battlefield is no less challenging than the actual battlefield. We are already a step behind and must make immediate decisions to divide and dismantle the enemy's alliance."

"Hmm, let's look at our potential enemies. Venice and France go without saying. What about Florence?"

"Your Majesty, they are traditional allies of the Venetians, and Milan and Florence developed a deep hatred during the war to annex Lucca. It will likely be difficult to win them over."

"What do they want?"

"Land from Milan and the Papal States."

"Then we'll beat Florence too. Next, what about Genoa? No, Genoa is still fighting us in Naples...: : : :"

"Your Majesty, we could try to win over Genoa. They most likely only want Pavia from Milan, and their desire won't be very strong. Territory in Greece and on the Aegean Sea might have a stronger appeal to them...: : : :"

Laszlo felt it wasn't that simple: "Their relationship with France is so close; can they really be won over?"

"Your Majesty, Genoa's reliance on France is mostly for self-preservation. If we promise to protect their safety and freedom, they will make the right choice between the Emperor and France."

"Alright, it's worth a try. What's next? As for the Duke of Savoy, with Philip's death, all alliances established between Savoy and Milan through marriage are nullified.

I know Savoy and his little brother Montferrat have always coveted the lands west of Milan. When he agreed to ally with Milan, he even demanded Vercelli. Troops can reach Milan from there within two days, his ambition is obvious."

Aeching reminded him: "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry about that. A short while ago, the Burgundy army, after months of siege, captured Geneva, and now their forces are aimed directly at Chambéry. If he dares to look back at Milan, he can forget about the lands north of the Duchy of Savoy."

"That's right, they can form an encirclement, and I can form my counter-encirclement! Who are the remaining enemies? Swiss...: :.. We don't need to waste our diplomatic resources on them, it's pointless. Ferrara? Mantua? Bologna? Send people to appease these frightened minor princes."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I want to form my alliance, right here in Vienna. Let's see who we can win over... Would Philip be willing to come?"

"According to the alliance we signed with the Duke of Burgundy, if the opposing party includes the King of France, they will provide assistance."

"Good. Next is Ferdinando. I've gone to such lengths to help him secure his throne; he has no right to refuse. Can we bring in the Papal States?"

"It will probably be very difficult. According to the news from the new Pope, the various factions within Rome generally tend to remain neutral.

They neither want French or Imperial forces to enter Italy, nor do they want Venice to continue expanding, so the Papal States will most likely remain neutral."

Hearing Aeching's report, Laszlo pondered for a moment before saying, "This result is acceptable. Who else can we win over?

R2

"Your Majesty, there's also Albania. Furthermore, not many Imperial princes are interested in the war in Italy.

The Count of Munich and the Duke of Landshut have agreed to provide guards as foreign mercenaries, and Count Albrecht 'Achilles' of Ansbach is also willing to personally lead his army to support you."

Hearing a familiar name, Laszlo was not surprised.

Albrecht 'Achilles', the younger brother of the Elector of Brandenburg, served as the supreme commander of the Holy Roman Empire allied forces in the war against the Ottoman, and was personally appointed Imperial Marshal by Laszlo.

Unlike his brother, Frederick II, who opposed reform, Albrecht was a staunch supporter of Imperial reform,

and had repeatedly expressed loyalty to Laszlo.

Playing both sides, this was a tactic that European noble families excelled at.

However, after the Crusade, out of curiosity, Laszlo inquired about the origin of Albrecht's nickname 'Achilles' and only then learned about his deeds in the first half of his life.

At 17, Albrecht had already distinguished himself in the Hussite Wars. He was naturally exceptionally vigilant and skilled in martial arts, often leading from the front and facing challenges head-on.

In 1438, he attended the electoral meeting on behalf of his ailing father, casting the Elector of Brandenburg's vote for Laszlo's father, Albrecht II.

Soon after, a large army from the Kingdom of Poland invaded Bohemia. Albrecht, angered by this, led his troops to join the Austrian-Hungarian allied forces, helping the Emperor defeat the Polish twice and preserve Bohemia.

Albrecht II was amazed that this young man from the Hohenzollern was so brave, and often praised him in front of others.

Later, Laszlo's teacher, Aeneas, wrote a poem celebrating Albrecht's military achievements and courage, in which he compared Albrecht to Achilles, a hero from ancient Greek legend.

Thus, Albrecht earned the nickname 'Achilles'.

Looking at it this way, he was indeed loyal to the Emperor—if one were to ignore his war of conquest against Nuremberg in 1450.

Attacking an Imperial Free City was a great sin, but before the Emperor could deal with it, Albrecht suffered a humiliating defeat.

Therefore, the Emperor only imposed a symbolic punishment, as he was one of the few "loyal" princes within the Empire. "Hmm, it's rare for him to have such a sentiment. Aeching, send out all the diplomats and proceed according to the plan."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Adalbeck!"

"I am here, Your Majesty."

"I need an army that can be quickly deployed for combat, so I order you to gather idle mercenaries throughout the Empire. The recruitment target is twenty thousand, with cavalry ideally between three thousand and five thousand. Can this be completed within three months?"

"No problem, Your Majesty!"

Hearing the affirmative reply, Laszlo nodded with satisfaction and then looked at Jacob: "I may need a large loan later,

and even issue war bonds. The Imperial Bank must be prepared."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Laszlo finally looked at Aeneas: "Coordination with the free cities and estates assemblies in the various states can begin.

Prepare them mentally first, so we don't have back-and-forth arguments when the war tax is levied. The construction and development of Austria cannot be halted because of the war. I will try my best to ensure that the war does not affect the homeland. For the rest, I will trouble you."

"It is my duty, Your Majesty."

After arranging all matters, Laszlo finally breathed a sigh of relief, making his hurried return from Innsbruck to Vienna worthwhile.

This war would be difficult to start immediately. Laszlo felt that at least several months or even half a year of preparation time would be needed. During this period, he could still wait and see, as the situation in Milan had not yet completely stabilized.

However, he had publicly declared the Milanese Pact to be valid and effective. The initiative was now in his hands; whether Milan was a republic or any claimant rebuilding the Duchy, it would be illegal.

He could decide himself when to send troops to flatten Northern Italy.