First, Conrad, I would like to say that I did not mean to infer that your title of King of Outremer was unjustly rewarded or that you are abusing it. It is well-known that you did not create the position and did not seek to possess it. Indeed, it is to the glory and honor of Bavaria that the title of King of Outremer has so far only been held by Bavarians. All of us are proud of your accomplishments there and you have earned great respect in this house. I suspect you may feel a bit uncomfortable being surrounded by a House full of Steffens, (Hells, I know I would be if I were not one.) but I assure you that you are as much a part of our family as I am. I do not and have never sought to insult or demean you in any way. My comments about Outremer were merely about the strange governmental system that has been created, which has nothing to do with you or your actions. So, if you have taken anything I said as a personal offense, I apologize and humbly request your forgiveness.

As for me going East... Of course my father and brothers are more than capable of handling the Milanese affair. I have never once said that my presence was even remotely necessary to resolve the issue. I also agree that another Bavarian in Outremer would be a good thing and we have enough capable leaders to spare. However, it does not seem wise to me to send a man who does not desire to be there in the first place. I am as much a God-fearing man as the next person (apologies, father) and perhaps I will tour Outremer at some point in my life, but I simply do not feel that it is where I should be at the moment. This is especially true when my younger brother Matthias has openly expressed his desire to go. He is a very capable man and will serve Bavaria as well, if not better, than I could.

My physical proximity to Outremer seems a silly point on which to base this decision. Surely whichever man goes will take a sea route rather than a land route. As such, being located in Italy or Austria will make little difference the speed of departure. Let us get Matthias knighted posthaste and then send him on his way. All will be well, Bavarian interests will be protected, and Outremer will receive one of the finest men in the Reich.