Marriage Alliance

The relaxed life continued, as Laszlo temporarily put aside his heavy government duties, dedicating more time to his family.

Inside Hofburg Palace, Laszlo and Leonor were hand in hand, admiring the grand frescoes that Mantegna had spent several years creating.

The inspiration for these frescoes came entirely from the chronicles of the Habsburg Family, depicting the Habsburgs' centuries-long rise on the palace walls.

Laszlo personally narrated the Habsburg Family's centuries of rise and fall to Leonor, and the Empress listened with great interest to the undulating story.

From Rudolf I, the dynasty's founder, who slew King of Bohemia Ottokar II, to John the Patricide, who murdered Albrecht I, the second Emperor of the family, causing a disruption in the dynasty's fortunes.

And from Albrecht the Lame, who expanded territory and established the Austrian Succession Law, to Leopold III, who died in Switzerland aiming to reclaim lost lands.

At the end of the story, Albrecht II, who, with bravery and good fortune, re-established the dynasty, stood on the city walls of Belgrade, watching the retreating Ottomans.

There was also Laszlo, who inherited his father's vast territory and continued his great endeavor, leading his army to resist the infidels with a heroic bearing.

At this moment, the Habsburg Dynasty had reached its most prosperous period in history.

Although the world did not believe that such a vast territory could be maintained after Emperor Laszlo's death, the young Emperor was only twenty-three years old at the time.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the entire Europe would tremble under the Emperor's mighty military power for the next few decades.

Only one country was an exception—the Kingdom of France.

Just thinking of that name, a shadow crossed Laszlo's eyes.

Once that Spider King completed the initial integration of his kingdom's territory, France's population and economy would likely surpass Laszlo's Habsburg Dynasty.

Although Laszlo currently controlled a territory almost twice the size of France, the population situation was not as optimistic.

France's population was already approaching the ten-million mark.

Under Laszlo's rule, Bohemia had 2.4 million, Great Hungary 3.5 million, the entire Austria 1.8 million, and the remaining various personal union states amounted to over 5 million.

Six countries, with a vast territory extending from the Alps to the Black Sea, totaled nearly 13 million people.

However, compared to France, which had seen the budding of national consciousness during the Hundred Years' War, the Habsburg Dynasty's territories were akin to a heap of loose sand.

To prevent the fully integrated France from destroying the Habsburg Dynasty's hegemony as it did in history, Laszlo had to prevent France's integration and unification.

The key to this matter still lay with Laszlo's dear brother-in-law, "Bold" Charles.

At this moment, Leonor's curious question interrupted Laszlo's contemplation.

"What does 'A.E.I.O.U' mean?

I saw that you also had these characters carved on the palace doorframes and other conspicuous places, and I didn't expect them to be on this fresco as well."

Laszlo smiled slightly, looking up at the fresco, where the banner of the Duke of Styria bore these letters.

However, after the title of Duke of Styria was transferred to him, no one used the banner with "A.E.I.O.U" anymore.

"This is Uncle Frederick's motto, which he began using twenty-six years ago, representing his belief.

At first, I was also very curious about the meaning of these letters, so I asked my uncle many times.

He finally told me that the phrase means 'The world belongs to Austria.'

Some also interpret it as 'Austria will laugh last' or 'Austria is the most excellent united empire.'

However, the interpretation I chose is 'God's chosen love it, the unjust fear it.'

My uncle likes to study astrology and always prefers using abbreviations and mysterious language.

In the eyes of different people, this motto has different meanings, and I quite like it, so I learned from my uncle and had these letters carved everywhere.

This way, people will know that my Habsburg Family is destined by heaven."

However, if anyone misinterpreted this phrase as "Austria is the Ottoman's urinal," Laszlo would not mind letting them discuss it with God.

"Hmm, you do seem to be the most powerful monarch since Charlemagne. It seems I made the right choice by giving up the French Crown Prince for you."

Leonor looked at Laszlo's confident demeanor and couldn't help but chuckle.

It was clear from her expression that she was deeply proud of her husband.

"How can that old spider compare to me?" Laszlo burst into laughter. "He's a guy who can abandon his wife and run away. If you ask me, he's not a real man."

"Why do you always call him a spider?"

"People say he's always weaving a big web, covering the entire Kingdom of France within it, so they call him 'The Universal Spider.'"

Laszlo still had some apprehension about Louis XI, after all, it was this monarch who laid the basic territorial foundation for France's future.

"But I don't think his web will last much longer before it breaks. I just hope Charles doesn't disappoint me.

Hmm, speaking of Charles, shouldn't we consider arranging engagements for the children?"

Hearing this, Leonor showed a surprised expression, amazed that her husband was already considering the children's marriages so early.

However, it was not surprising, as Christopher and Maximilian were indeed of an age to be engaged.

She just wondered which noble lady would be fortunate enough to marry into the illustrious Habsburg Imperial Family.

"Are you planning to continue the marriage alliance with the Burgundy Family?"

"Of course!"

This matter was almost destined, as Charles and his sister had not yet had a son.

Although he was no longer very interested in "Skullcracker" and inheriting Burgundy's extinguished line, if given the opportunity to gain fertile Burgundy for free, he would still try.

Furthermore, maintaining a good and stable alliance with the Duke of Burgundy was key to countering France.

Now, the political situation in France was becoming increasingly unstable; who knew when the War of the Public Weal might break out?

This was a good opportunity for him.

If the Public Weal Alliance and the French King truly went to war, although he did not intend to personally participate in battle, he could still try to change the outcome of the war.

"The alliance between Austria and Burgundy must be maintained."

"Who do you plan to have marry your sister's daughter?

2

Leonor agreed with Laszlo's reasoning; a marriage alliance with wealthy Burgundy could also bring Laszlo a generous dowry—just as she had brought when she married him.

Those dowries... in a blink of an eye, Laszlo had invested them into military expenses, and she feared that the dowries her sons would receive in the future would also be squandered by him in the same way.

Thinking of this, Leonor suddenly felt some sympathy for the poor children.

Laszlo, of course, would not tell Leonor that the only dowry he could look forward to was the entire Grand Duchy of Burgundy.

His wife's question stumped him.

Mary was good, but who should marry her?

"Christopher, if he can marry Mary, then no one can break the alliance between the two families.

"Hmm," Leonor nodded gently, "Although the Duke of Burgundy's status is slightly lower, his power and wealth are very strong, and Mary is worthy of Christopher."

"As for Maximilian, let's see if there's a suitable match," Laszlo pondered for a moment, "My second sister Elizabeth's eldest daughter, Princess Hedwig of Lithuania, is the same age as Maximilian and is a suitable candidate."

"You really are fond of your sisters' daughters.

I almost forgot, a while ago Joana wrote me a letter saying that her husband, Enrique, was looking for a suitable husband for their recently born daughter."

"Joana? Is that your sister who became the Queen of Castile?"

"Yes, a year ago she gave birth to her only daughter, named Joanna, for King Enrique of Castile."

Laszlo's expression turned strange, and he couldn't help but ask curiously, "I heard people say that Enrique IV was infertile.

His ex-wife, Princess Blanche, was still a virgin when they divorced.

Do you think this child is Enrique's?"

"I know what you want to hear," Leonor's face showed a helpless expression, "Joana indeed couldn't control herself, she fell in love with the King's attendant..."

Well, the Queen of Castile really did it.

"So, their situation as mother and daughter is very bad.

The nobles of Castile had long been dissatisfied with the incompetent Enrique.

They refused to recognize Joanna's right of succession and called her 'daughter of Beltrán,' Beltrán being my sister's lover.

Joana also said that Enrique seemed to have already considered divorce—that incompetent man, unable to deal with the nobles, could only vent his anger on women."

Laszlo felt that Enrique was quite wronged; most people couldn't tolerate being cuckolded, let alone a monarch?

Moreover, it sounded like the Castilian nobles were even more troublesome than the Hungarian and Imperial nobles?

Perhaps it was truly because Enrique IV was too incompetent, not only infertile but also incapable of governing the country.

He truly deserved to be the three-egg divine monarch, a rare sight even in certain coloring games, with his [Administration 0, Diplomacy 0, Military 0] stats on full display.

"It sounds like Castile is about to erupt into a civil war?"

"Perhaps. Joana also mentioned Enrique's sister, Isabella.

She said she was a smart and pious girl, just a bit reclusive, always running off to the monastery."

Leonor's words reminded Laszlo that one of the famous Spanish monarchs of later generations, Queen Isabella, was currently under house arrest by her brother Enrique in the palace.

Intervening in Iberian affairs through marriage alliances?

Laszlo hadn't thought that far ahead. Before intervening in the affairs of the Iberian states, he needed to build a decent navy.

Although Austria's navy was beginning to take shape, it could only play in the Adriatic bathtub.

If it truly sailed into the Mediterranean Sea, it would probably be easily crushed by various forces in no time.

"If there's truly an opportunity to win over Castile through marriage, it would be very beneficial to us.

The more forces that can help counter France, the better, but for now, let's wait and see."

"Hmm, so about the marriage alliance with Burgundy..."

"That's simple. I'll write a letter to Anthony and have him make the trip; it will surely be settled."

Laszlo's expression was quite relaxed, then he suddenly remembered something, and his smile froze.

"Damn it, I almost forgot until I just mentioned him.

Anthony has already written me six or seven letters, hoping I would appoint a new Governor of Outer Austria.

That's a problem; I need to relieve him from his acting governor position first."

Leonor quietly held Laszlo's arm, not interrupting his thoughts.

The Governor of Outer Austria was not a lucrative position; in fact, it could be said to be the worst job.

After Thurgau fell a few years ago, the connection between Outer Austria and the Austrian homeland was completely severed by the Swiss.

Once hostilities resumed, Outer Austria would undoubtedly bear the brunt, as the Swiss had long coveted the remaining old territories of the Habsburg Family.

Too far from Vienna, too close to France and Switzerland.

For this reason, no one wanted to take on this dangerous job.

Previously, the Emperor's uncle guarded this place, and the ministers did not have to worry about this position being vacant.

But now, the Emperor's uncles had all gone to the eastern territories, and the position of Governor of Outer Austria had remained vacant.

Anthony, who happened to be there, temporarily took on this heavy responsibility, but he quickly no longer wanted to do this job.

His most suitable job was still as a diplomat, navigating between various powers.

For officials from the Austrian homeland, if they could stay in Austria, they would never want to suffer in Outer Austria.

Where could he find someone who was both loyal to him and capable enough to manage Outer Austria?

Laszlo suddenly thought of a suitable candidate—Hunyadi Matthias.

In recent years, Matthias had often followed him, receiving education together, and later going to Italy for further studies.

After returning to the country, he served in the Austrian Imperial Chancellery, and later returned to Laszlo's side as a court attendant.

Thereafter, he accompanied Laszlo on tours and campaigns to suppress the Hunyadi rebellion.

During the tours, some of his talents had already been demonstrated.

Even without considering his astonishing attributes, Matthias undoubtedly had the ability to stand on his own now.

After all, he was a ruthless person who, at 20, could eliminate his uncle, who commanded heavy troops, in a court struggle, and then cause heads to roll in turbulent Hungary.

The territory of Outer Austria was not large, and the local area had a very complete feudal noble system, almost unaffected by Laszlo's reforms.

The local nobles loyal to the Habsburg Family were the backbone for managing and defending that territory, and the governor's job was to coordinate all affairs within the territory.

The biggest trouble was having to face the threat of the Swiss head-on. Laszlo believed Matthias had the ability to withstand the pressure.

It didn't matter if he couldn't; behind Outer Austria were the Swabian Imperial Circle and the Duchy of Burgundy.

Both had the ability to quickly rescue Outer Austria, depending only on how much Laszlo was willing to pay.

As for rescuing Outer Austria from the Austrian homeland... Laszlo would rather send troops to invade Switzerland from the east,

Using the tactic of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao to relieve Outer Austria.

"I need to arrange some things, then I'll come back to you."

"Okay, go quickly and come back soon."

Laszlo bid farewell to his wife and quickly went to his study to write two letters.

One was for Anthony, asking him to go to Burgundy to discuss the marriage alliance.

The other was for Philip the Good and his brother-in-law Charles, concerning the marriage alliance.

Mary was still young, and Charles was in his prime, so there would not be too much resistance to this marriage alliance.

In a few years, Mary might become the object of pursuit for all single noble bachelors in Europe, and it would be too late to discuss marriage alliances then.

Subsequently, Laszlo summoned Matthias, announced his new appointment, assigned him several assistants, and gave him a small contingent of the Imperial Guard as bodyguards.

Matthias took the letters from the Emperor with a look of surprise. He would take these two letters to Anthony,

And then hand over the work to him.

This appointment quickly spread throughout the Emperor's court, and some rumors even appeared in Vienna's marketplaces.

People now truly confirmed a fact—Hunyadi Matthias was indeed the Emperor's most favored confidant.

Earlier this year, the Emperor had just conquered Matthias's brother, Hunyadi Laszlo.

No one expected the Emperor to make such a bold personnel arrangement.

Because the matter was so unexpected, some very indecent rumors even appeared in Vienna's marketplaces.

For example, that the Emperor, like the Ottoman Sultan, preferred men, and Matthias was the Emperor's...

Only after the Imperial Guard arrested some malicious rumor-mongers in the city did such rumors gradually subside.

Since Matthias had already converted to an Austrian noble, the accusations that the Emperor was employing a foreigner as governor collapsed on their own.

Soon, Matthias bid farewell to the Emperor and embarked on his long journey to Outer Austria.