Opposing Archbishops

A massive open-air assembly ground has now been set up in the Minorite Square, right next to Hofburg Palace.

Representatives from all over Austria gathered here to discuss the affairs of Austria as a complete nation.

Laszlo not only addressed the All Austria Conference on the first day but also attended the meetings for the following two days, showing great concern for the conference.

As for the results of the conference, Laszlo no longer had any expectations for various so-called "conferences," so he was naturally not disappointed.

Everyone gathered to discuss legal and trade-related matters, and most of the time it was meaningless bickering.

Every state believed it should bear less taxation, and it was by no means easy to make Vienna's laws apply throughout Austria.

Laszlo has now fully realized that holding various conferences, apart from wasting time, hardly achieves the results he expects.

After all, a conference is essentially a negotiation, and since it is a negotiation, it is impossible to unilaterally demand that the other party meet one's requirements, and Laszlo, on the other hand, did not want to pay too high a price.

In the end, the result of various conferences was only meaningless debates and quarrels.

There were, of course, benefits, which was to show that he had the attitude and determination to solve problems, as for how much determination, that was hard to say.

Empty talk and pointless arguments were meaningless; Laszlo decided that it would be better to focus on practical matters in the future.

Of course, there are negotiations where one can unilaterally demand that the other party meet one's requirements: the humiliation and punishment inflicted by the victor upon the vanquished.

No matter the era, the truth that swords are always superior to tongues remains eternal.

Having re-realized this principle, Laszlo immediately handed the All Austria Conference over to Aeneas to handle, while he focused on the affairs of Mainz.

To Laszlo's surprise, before he sent someone to contact Adolf of Nassau, this disgruntled defeated candidate had already arrived at the Imperial Palace in Vienna to request an audience with the Emperor.

At the imperial court in Vienna, the Emperor and his ministers welcomed Archbishop Adolf's visit.

Laszlo scrutinized the stern-faced, bald Archbishop before him, somewhat surprised by his sudden arrival.

"Archbishop Adolf of the House of Nassau," Laszlo sat upright on the beautifully renovated throne, idly toying with the Emperor's scepter, "why have you traveled all the way from Mainz to Vienna?"

Archbishop Adolf bowed his head slightly, his voice respectful yet tinged with a hint of grievance: "Your Emperor, the election of the Archbishop of Mainz has always been of paramount importance to the Empire.

Yet, such a solemn electoral ceremony has subjected me to grave injustice and flagrantly trampled upon the laws of the Empire and your authority."

Laszlo leaned forward slightly, his hawk-like gaze scrutinizing the scheming Archbishop.

His character panel appeared before Laszlo's eyes; his attitude was friendly, which was good.

However, this fellow's talent as an advisor was extremely mediocre, and Laszlo was sure he would not use such a "gem" of an advisor, who had low attributes but possessed the traits of [Greedy] and [Cruel].

But for him to be the Archbishop of Mainz was just right.

"Archbishop Adolf, please explain in detail what happened?"

"Your Emperor, the election of the Archbishop of Mainz should have been conducted impartially. For many years, I have served the Church and the Empire tirelessly, sparing no effort.

However, Dieter secretly colluded with other forces, using despicable means to manipulate the election, causing me to unfortunately lose by a small margin.

Most importantly, they actually proceeded with the election and declared Dieter the next Archbishop without you or your representative present.

This is a blatant disregard for imperial law and your authority!"

Archbishop Adolf grew more agitated as he spoke, clenching his fists as if he were truly advocating for justice.

He was also a master at speaking falsehoods with a straight face.

Laszlo leaned back in his throne, his expression becoming solemn—maintaining such perfect acting skills in this situation was also the result of his diligent practice—and he said in a low voice: "The position of the Archbishop of Mainz is crucial. As the head of the Elector Palatine and the religious leader of Germania, the Archbishop has a profound influence on the balance of power within the Church and the stability of the Empire.

What you have described largely aligns with what I understand; such wickedness is indeed intolerable.

However, the Archbishop of Mainz holds a special status, and I cannot act rashly."

Hearing that the Emperor had shown signs of relenting, Adolf was overjoyed and quickly said: "Your Emperor, continuing to allow those rebellious traitors to run rampant will only embolden their arrogance!

If you can support me to become the new Archbishop of Mainz, I will fully support all your decisions, Your Emperor!

Not only imperial reforms, but I can also secure more influence for you in church affairs, ensuring that the actions of the church remain consistent with the interests of the Empire."

"Oh?" Laszlo gazed at the rapidly kneeling Archbishop Adolf with interest, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Adolf, you must understand that interfering with the election in Mainz is by no means easy.

There is no such thing as groundless help or harm in this world; I hope you remember what you have said here today.

I had intended to have you sign a written agreement, but if you are truly determined to betray the promise you made to me, I fear no method will be able to constrain you.

I only hope you will bear in mind the consequences of betraying the Emperor, constantly remind yourself, and not disappoint me."

"Please rest assured, Your Emperor." Archbishop Adolf's back was completely bent, appearing more loyal than anyone else.

Laszlo nodded slightly and asked again, "What methods do you intend to use to reclaim the Archbishopric? Tell me your plan."

"Your Emperor, I originally wanted to secretly contact some bishops and nobles, but they feared Dieter's power and influence and were unwilling to provide support, so I could only come here to seek your help.

We can start with public opinion, accusing the election ceremony of the Archbishop of Mainz as illegal, and accusing Dieter of manipulating the election.

At the same time, we will prepare militarily, and when the time is ripe, we will act swiftly to reclaim the Archbishopric of Mainz."

A shrewd glint sparkled in Adolf's eyes.

"Good, but I still need to refine this plan. Eyczing, tell me your ideas."

Eyczing, whose name was called, immediately stepped forward. Such a plan was exactly his area of expertise, so he immediately offered advice: "Your Emperor, accusing Dieter of manipulating the election is still too vague. We can create some 'witnesses.' This is not difficult to achieve, as long as there is enough money.

In addition, we can also seek the support of the Pope. As long as the Pope also recognizes Archbishop Adolf as the successor to the Archbishop of Mainz, everyone will have nothing to say.

As for military preparations, once the Pope's reply arrives, you can issue an edict declaring the election results in Mainz illegal and appointing Archbishop Adolf as the new Archbishop of Mainz.

Afterward, His Grace Adolf merely needs to, in the name of the Archbishop of Mainz, hire one of the mercenary legions under His Imperial Majesty, and have them escort you back to Mainz.

The cost of the mercenary legion will, of course, also need to be borne by the Mainz Diocese. If His Emperor is in a good mood, he might grant some concessions."

Laszlo nodded with satisfaction, turning his gaze to the astonished Adolf beside him, and chuckled, "Well? My Chief Minister's suggestion is not bad, is it?"

Adolf recovered, nodding excitedly and saying, "Absolutely perfect! I will forever remember your help, Your esteemed Emperor."

"Hmm, then you can stay in Vienna for now and await the opportune moment."

"Yes, Your Emperor."

Adolf bowed solemnly to the Emperor, then turned and left, guided by a attendant.

Laszlo watched Adolf's retreating figure, his mood extremely pleasant.

He was determined to win the struggle for the Archbishopric of Mainz, which would likely advance the process of imperial reform significantly.

Adolf walked out of the Imperial Palace, the cold wind of early winter blowing against his face. He tightened his cloak, a fire of desire burning within him.

Next, he would embark on a cruel revenge, reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to him, and then earn more money and gain greater power!

In late 1460, the Pope's special envoy arrived in Vienna, recognizing Adolf von Nassau as the new Archbishop of Mainz in the name of Pope Pius II.

On the same day, Emperor Laszlo issued an edict declaring Dieter, who had been elected through a bishop's election, an illegal Archbishop, and formally recognized Adolf as the Archbishop of Mainz, calling him Elector Adolf II.

A joint encyclical issued by the Pope and the Emperor quickly spread wildly throughout the Empire, and the princes were divided into several factions according to their attitudes.

A very small number of princes, including Elector Palatine Frederick I and Duke of Landshut, chose to secretly provide aid to Dieter.

The vast majority of princes remained neutral, as the dispute between the Archbishop of Mainz and the Emperor was simply not something ordinary princes could meddle in.

Late at night, in the study of the Archbishop's residence in Mainz, the dim candlelight flickered in the darkness, and the shadows on the walls swayed with it.

Dieter sat slumped in a chair, his brows tightly furrowed, clutching an edict from the Emperor.

Unlike the previous encyclical he had received, which deposed him as Archbishop and appointed Adolf to the position, this edict was specifically addressed to him.

The Emperor ordered him to appear in Vienna before January of next year to face trial by the Court of the Empire.

He was accused of manipulating the Archbishop's election and undermining the stability of the Empire.

If you want to condemn someone, you can always find an excuse.

Every word on the edict was like a sharp blade, piercing his heart.

Sitting opposite Dieter was his brother, Louis.

Louis had originally inherited and managed the family assets, but after Dieter was elected Archbishop, he immediately summoned Louis and appointed him as an advisor and general, responsible for commanding the Mainz Elector Guard.

Seeing his brother Dieter dejected and full of frustration, Louis opened his mouth to say some words of comfort but found himself at a loss for how to speak.

Not long ago, the two brothers were still overjoyed by their electoral victory and their control of power, never expecting such a rapid change.

Dieter slowly raised his head, his eyes full of fatigue and confusion: "The Emperor and the Pope have made up their minds to depose me as Archbishop, and the Emperor doesn't seem to intend to let me off so easily.

It seems the rumors that the Emperor secretly hated Archbishop Dietrich were not unfounded; even I have been hated by the Emperor... What should I do?"

Saying this, he sighed heavily and threw the edict onto the table.

Louis frowned, picked up the edict, quickly scanned it, and said in a deep voice: "Our young Emperor is as despicable and rogue as his grandfather.

Dieter, are you going to give up now?

Everyone has witnessed your contributions to the Church and Mainz. They elected you as Archbishop out of respect and admiration. It's not your fault!"

Dieter smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying: "That may be true, but the power of the Emperor and the Pope is too great. Resisting them is like striking a stone with an egg.

Once war breaks out, the people within the Electorate of Mainz will surely suffer. How can I bear to see that?"

His heart was filled with contradiction and struggle; on one hand, his persistence in his political ideals, and on the other, his helplessness in the face of reality.

Shortly after the Emperor's ruling reached Mainz, he first sought aid from the most important Electors.

Elector Palatine Frederick I almost immediately expressed his support for him, while the Archbishop of Cologne's attitude was ambiguous, still unwilling to make a clear statement, as always.

The Archbishop of Trier, moreover, firmly declared his support for the Emperor's position and stated that if Dieter insisted on resisting the Emperor, he would stand with the Emperor against the rebels.

The subordinate bishop of the Archbishop of Mainz in Thuringia conveyed the opinion of the Elector of Saxony, who stated that he could provide very limited support.

The Elector of Brandenburg even expressed willingness to provide all support except help.

Besides these Electors, there was another powerful prince willing to support him, and that was Duke of Landshut Louis IX the Rich.

Out of personal grievances with the Emperor, he chose to secretly aid Dieter, not only providing large loans but also agreeing to let a portion of the Duke of Landshut's guard soldiers join the Mainz army as mercenaries.

This was the only support that brought Dieter some comfort.

However, closer to Mainz than the Duke of Landshut was the Emperor's loyal ally, Margrave of Ansbach Albrecht, who was likely to attack Mainz if war broke out.

The two fell into a long silence, with only the crackling of the fire in the fireplace remaining in the study.

After a while, Louis stood up, walked over to Dieter, and patted his shoulder: "Dieter, do you still remember your former ideals?

You said you wanted to spread the Lord's glory, to work for the welfare of the people, and to make this land a better place.

You also said you wanted to establish a strong imperial government, to bring order to the vast Empire, and to protect the Emperor's subjects from being bullied by enemy nations.

Now you have taken the first step; are you going to give up because of the difficulties before you?"

A hint of hesitation flashed in Dieter's eyes. He recalled the effort he had put into Mainz over the years, and the support and trust he had received from the people and the clergy.

"But how many lives will be lost once the war begins? I don't want to become a sinner of Mainz."

His voice trembled slightly.

"No, Dieter. If we retreat now, the people of Mainz will fall into deeper suffering.

You know better than I what kind of person Adolf is.

Behind him are the forces of the Pope and the Emperor; they will only exploit the people living on this land even more ruthlessly.

And you are their only hope.

Besides, even if you choose to back down, will they let you off easily?

Rather than entrust your life and death to the Emperor's mercy, it's better to fight to the death for survival!

We still have the support of the Mainz City Council, and the support of the Archbishop of Worms, Elector Palatine, and Duke of Landshut. We are not alone!"

Dieter fell into deep thought, his mind replaying the faces of those who supported him, and Archbishop Dietrich, who had placed great hopes on him.

Gradually, his eyes became resolute, and the confusion in his heart was swept away.

"You're right, Louis." Dieter stood up, his gaze like a torch, "For Mainz, and for the Empire and the Church, I cannot back down. Even if what lies ahead is a mountain of swords and a sea of fire, I will fight to the very end."

Soon after, Dieter issued a proclamation throughout the various territories of the Archbishopric of Mainz, rejecting the unjust rulings of the Emperor and the Pope, and refusing to relinquish the Archbishopric.

In addition, he also wrote a special letter to the Emperor, expressing his loyalty in earnest terms and requesting the Emperor to withdraw his appointment of Adolf.

The conflict finally escalated completely, reaching an irreversible point.

On the first day of 1461, Adolf II in Vienna declared Dieter and his supporters to be the rebellious forces of Mainz and formally declared war on them.