Count Sigismund der Furchtlose gets to his feet.

I second what Prinz Henry says. It is madness for us not to upgrade Staufen to a fortress. How can we hope to fight the French on level terms if we do not even have one fortress, while they have two! The Reich boasts the best spearmen in Europe, yet even a spear is useless against a sword. Our blacksmiths are so stretched that they can only provide swords for our Ritters. I urge the Chancellor to cease this madness!

Count Sigismund resumes his seat.