Chapter 319: Dietgers Intentions (2/2)
”What if we used the money we are supposed to pay Berengar to hire mercenaries to fight the Luxembourgs and their allies? At the moment, we are not even pulling our weight in the war effort; if we don't find a solution to our troop problems soon, then our allies will begin to feel pressured and withdraw their support.”
After saying this, the councilors present began to debate over the credibility of such an idea. First, the initial minister to speak up voiced his concerns over the issue.
”If Berengar were to find out about the wealth, we have been hiding away, and that we spent it on mercenaries, he could see this as a provocation and march his troops into our lands. We would not be able to last the winter if he managed to do such a thing!”
While he made a valid point, neither Duke Dietger nor the Marshal was alarmed about such a possibility. Before they could explain why that was the case; another minister dismissed the man's concerns for them.
”Berengar is in the middle of a war with His Majesty Balsamo Corsini and his Swiss allies. It will take some time before he is able to march troops into our lands; even then, his armies will surely be battle-worn from their efforts in those two theaters. We don't have to worry about such a possibility; what we do have to worry about is the fact that if we don't find a way to field more troops, our allies will abandon us.”
Though the minister who had his concerns about angering the Austrians was not entirely convinced, he also could not argue against this point. As such, he kept silent about any further objections he might have. After a bit more discussion, the plan of action was accepted by Duke Dietger, and thus he made a bold declaration.
”Send forth the word to all of the free companies that I will pay a handsome amount of gold to whoever fights for Bavaria! I want this stalemate to be broken by Spring so that we may advance upon Northern Germany!”
After that was said, Duke Dietger dismissed his councilors with only his Marshal remaining behind; the two men had one severe issue to talk about that Dietger did not want the other councilors to hear. After everyone else was out of each shot, the Duke of Bavaria closed the door behind them, sighing heavily before speaking.
”If we do not do something about Berengar's rise to power, in less than three years, we will be facing an army that we can not contend with. These Mercenaries of yours better win this conflict for the Crown of Germany before then, or else we will have neither the troops nor the wealth to contend against Austria!”
In response to this the Marshal grinned confidently as he assured the Duke of their future success.
”Not to worry, your Grace, with the addition of these mercenaries to our armies, I have complete confidence in being able to break this stalemate by Spring and marching upon the enemy's capital within two years. By then, you can take all of Germany for yourself, and in doing so, raise an army that can contend with Austria! Berengar von Kufstein will pay for humiliating Bavaria!”
After hearing this, a wicked grin formed on Duke Dietger's face; he could not forgive the young upstart from the south for crushing his armies so thoroughly. There was only one response for such audacity, and that was war.
While Berengar fought with the Emperor and his forces for Independence, the other German Duchies began to conspire against him, after all by declaring Austria to be an Independent Kingdom; Berengar had essentially slapped the rest of the German nobility in the face. For such a thing, war was the only outcome; little did they know that is exactly what Berengar desired.
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