Duke Ulrich returns to the Diet after changing into more suitable attire. He walks over to the front of the Swabian quarter and takes his seat as Duke.

After thanking the Kaiser for his appointment as Duke of Swabia, Ulrich stands up and addresses the Chancellor.

Duke Leopold, may I commend you on the fine handling of the Reich that you have displayed. Though, I confess, I am concerned about the western frontier. The French currently have a citadel in Toulouse, and Fortresses in Angers and Bordeaux. I fear that with only Staufen to provide soliders for Swabia we shall be stretched by the French. And let us not forget that they do not fight honourably, man to man, but they bribe, they murder, they hate.

Duke Ulrich resumes his seat.