Kaiser Heinrich,
I would have presented my respects in person if not for the chance of being flogged in response... One can change only so much, even in the face of adversity, n'est ce pas ?
It is however that same adversity that has driven me to reach out with a proposal. As you know better than anybody, the Reich is under assault from all the corners of the Earth : West, North, East and South, your Dukes are falling like flies under the onslaught. Pardon me for stating the obvious but you are, My Lord, fighting a losing fight...
I propose to alleviate your problems by dealing partly with some of the threats to the Reich. Don't be overjoyed too soon, I'm not a fighter to rival your prowess or that of your son, nor do I have a fearsome army at my disposal but I know the land and can use my brain to use it to best effect. Neither should you rejoice because I'm not doing this in your interest or that of the order you represent. I'm doing this out of compassion for the people of the Reich, the same people that Magnus von Saxony wished to preserve in his rebellion against your rule. I'm also doing this out of self-interest for, as one says, charity begins at home.
So here is the deal : I will attack the Milanese and try and divert as much of their forces my way, leaving you some breathing space to bolster you defenses or reinforce the other battlegrounds. Should I meet with any successes and particularly succeed in capturing some of their settlements, I require two things of you : first your forgiveness for my rebellion and my reinstatement as a Noble Elector of the Reich and second your promise that I will retain any land I conquer from the Milanese or any other enemy of the Reich. Should I fail, you lose nothing and even gain one problem less.
Should I succeed however and should you accept my offer by granting me pardon for my alleged crimes against your crown, I will not swear the oath of loyalty you require of your Electors. You and I both know that oath would be nothing but a lie. The proof of my loyalty to the Reich will be my deeds and nothing else.
I trust in your wisdom, Kaiser.
Lothar Zirn
Prince of Provence
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