Alain stands, glances momentarily at the King and then addresses the Council.

"My Lords, ze King and I 'ave reached an 'in principle' agreement with ze English. It will be ratified officially zis season and very soon.

Wizout saying too much, it does involve an exchange of provinces zat will be to our liking and will create a mostly sound border with our neighbours and ze English.

I do not want to say more at zis time but soon you will receive official word of ze arrangement.

At least zat may help wiz zese discussions."