Dieter is in awe to be finally speaking to his Duke. Not wanting to stammer on and bore such a busy man, Dieter attempts to keep his answers short and to the point.

Mein Duke,

I assure you I will take good care of my family. I am well aware that any children we bare would be considered to have "the blood of Heinrich" and that is a great responsibility.

Unfortunately, you are correct about my father-in-law. The Good Lord will take him in the near future. When that happens, I will be looking to you for guidance and support since you will be the elder patriarch of the Zirn family.

And yes, it is my wish and hope that I be allowed to take up the Cross. But I know I am an Austrian noble first and a crusader second. If you believe the situation in Austria requires my presence, then I will stay for as long as you need me.

But since we now have six Austrian nobles, and no one else seems to wish to take up the Cross at this time, I hope that something can be arranged. My long term goal is to see Damascus under Austrian control in honor of my father-in-law. But with that great city under the control of our allies, I fear that may just be a pipe dream for the moment.

Also, I need to get officially "knighted". I have been in combat as a soldier and an officer and have the scars to prove it. But, being knighted is a different matter since it involves nobility and fealty to a lord. Something that was not available to me until I got married. Whether it happens in Austria or Outremer does not matter. I just want it to happen sometime in the near future so I can serve.

And finally, any edicts you wish to present? I don't have any ideas for mine. And you know the local situation better than I do. Also you know what we can realistically accomplished in one term.

Your opinions on proposed legislation seem to mirror my own. But even if they didn't, I always welcome your thoughts on legislation and will weigh your opinion heavily.

Dieter finally stops talking in order to give his Duke a chance to respond.