Continuation of the War

The Swabian conference was still ongoing, and Laszlo, after handling some imperial circle affairs that required his attention, departed with his mobile court to return to Vienna, leaving the remaining less important matters for Eyczing and other bureaucrats to resolve.

After passing the resolution to establish a permanent Swabian Estates Assembly, the main objectives of this conference had largely been achieved.

Regarding the appointment of the governor, Laszlo finally granted Ulrich V, Count of Württemberg-Stuttgart, the title of acting governor, entrusting him to lead the establishment of the Imperial Administrative Region Governor's Office.

However, this so-called government was practically a facade; it would neither be truly established nor would it have any actual effect in the short term.

Nominally, it was the administrative body of the Swabian Administrative Region, but all its powers derived from acts passed by the Swabian Estates Assembly and the Emperor's authorization.

And the regional autonomy confirmed by the golden bull had long become a fundamental law of the Empire.

The functions of the Governor's Office clashed significantly with the provisions of the golden bull.

Therefore, to strengthen the effectiveness of this administrative body, it would be necessary to continue expanding the Emperor's influence in Swabia, which would be a long process.

Fortunately, the most difficult first step had been taken, and the remaining old problems left over from the Great Interregnum would have to be resolved by Laszlo bit by bit.

Now, he was eager to return to Vienna.

Laszlo had stayed in Tyrol for a full six months, during which he strengthened his control over the land of Tyrol through personal inspections and reviews in various places.

This was another important goal of his long stay there.

After all, Tyrol had important silver and other mineral resources, as well as the subjects most loyal to the Habsburg Family.

He had to show equal importance to all subjects of Austria to gain more support; for this, always staying in Vienna was not feasible.

After this return to Vienna, he should prepare for a true eastern tour.

He had not seen his territories in the Balkans with his own eyes for a long time, and he did not know if his maternal cousin Ulrich's poor health had improved.

As the Emperor embarked on his journey back to the capital, the war in Mainz also entered a new phase.

In the Bohemia direction, a Bohemia noble general led a legion of the Bohemia, three thousand soldiers, from Prague via Biersen to the border of the Upper Palatinate territory.

After receiving the Emperor's order, this force began to advance into the Upper Palatinate territory in the Bavaria region. The current Upper Palatinate was extremely sparsely populated, with only the regional capital and the Elector Palatine's residence, Amberg, heavily guarded.

This ferocious army invading from Bohemia swept through, plundering all valuables they encountered, and their vanguard pointed directly at Amberg.

In another direction, the Independent Army's Second Legion led by Gunter and Eberhard, the son of the Count of Württemberg, who had regrouped and set out again, intended to merge in Speyer.

They had a total of five thousand soldiers and planned to advance north along the left bank of the Rhine River after merging, hoping to rendezvous with the army led by Florian near Worms.

At this time, in the imperial allied army camp outside Worms, Florian and Adolf, who had retreated from Mainz, were discussing their next move.

"Archbishop, the Elector Palatine is leading his army here. Do we really need to retreat all our forces back to Speyer?"

Florian had completely shed his initial disdain for Archbishop Adolf II.

Leading only five hundred men in a night raid on Mainz and succeeding, capturing the chief instigator of the rebellion in one fell swoop—Adolf's victory could even be described as legendary, and Florian was also won over by his courage.

However, one thing that was difficult for him to understand was why the Archbishop, shortly after taking Mainz, seemed to flee from that city as if escaping, leaving the city's defense to his brother, the Count of Nassau.

Not only that, Adolf even wanted to pull Florian to continue retreating south back to Speyer.

Adolf's expression was solemn as he pointed at the markings on the map a few times, explaining without looking up, "I met an envoy from the Elector Palatine in Mainz. He hopes to conduct peace negotiations with me alone."

Florian was startled at first, but then, thinking that Adolf was currently discussing strategy with him here, he quickly calmed down and asked, "Peace talks? What are his peace terms?"

"All territories restored to pre-war status, release the Margrave of Baden, and then a little war indemnity for each belligerent nation."

"Is that all?"

Florian was a bit surprised, but on second thought, it made sense. The Elector Palatine had achieved an epic victory like the Battle of Seckenheim, so offering such terms was already a huge concession.

At least, that's how he saw it, because as someone on the front line of the war, he could truly feel the immense pressure brought by the Elector Palatine.

Just hearing that the Elector Palatine was leading his army towards Worms made his heart pound.

It wasn't entirely fear of defeat; mainly, Florian believed that with their numerical disadvantage, they should not rashly engage the enemy in a decisive battle, as that would only lead to more casualties.

Adolf sighed and said, "Honestly, I really wanted to sign the peace agreement with the Elector Palatine on the spot, because such a result has already exceeded my initial expectations.

After all, after the tragedy of Seckenheim, I originally didn't have too much hope for this war, but who knew it would turn out so differently...

However, I still politely declined this peace agreement, because this war is not just my war."

"You mean His Majesty?"

"Yes," Adolf's expression was somewhat fervent, "His Emperor has given me so much support. If I were to secretly make peace with the enemy, wouldn't that be a betrayal of His Majesty?

I cannot do such an ungrateful thing.

Besides, the Elector Palatine has caused me so much trouble. If I end the war with him like this, I will always feel a bit unwilling.

Let's wait for the Emperor to make a decision.

Anyway, the value of Mainz has already been extracted by me. I never intended to garrison that city long-term, so I directly withdrew from there to rendezvous with you.

Now the Elector Palatine is coming fiercely; we can retreat temporarily to avoid his sharp edge. When the time is right, we will have a decisive battle with him!"

"Alright, then we will first retreat to Speyer. We must move quickly. If the Elector Palatine's army catches up, we will probably be in for a bitter struggle.

It's just, are we really abandoning the large tracts of land in Mainz, and also Worms, just like that?"

Florian really wanted to rush into Worms and plunder it, after all, it was a famous free city in the Empire and a bishopric, which sounded like it was flowing with oil.

Adolf replied confidently, "Why worry? Once we defeat the Elector Palatine, all these lands will return to our hands."

Just then, a messenger entered the tent, bringing a letter from the Emperor.

Adolf opened the letter and immediately a joyful smile appeared on his face.

"What's wrong?" Florian asked curiously.

Adolf said excitedly, "His Emperor has sent another legion to aid us, commanded by your superior, General Gunter. He has also compelled the Count of Württemberg to send troops as reinforcements again. Now two relief armies are rushing to Speyer."

Florian breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Now the strengths of both sides had shifted; the Elector Palatine had lost all his allies, and his army was exhausted from long marches and battles, while their side had received reinforcements, making them even stronger.

Next, it would only be a matter of time before they steadily defeated the Elector Palatine.

With their minds at ease, the two immediately began to organize the army to set off, retreating south along the way they came, heading directly for Speyer, where they would await reinforcements from Austria and Württemberg.

The scales of victory had completely tipped towards the Emperor and the Archbishop of Mainz, and the war seemed likely to end very soon.