Gunther of Eichstadt speaks to the Diet:

An interesting proposal Elector of Swabia. I am sure my master will pursue it in the next year. We shall see if the long standing enmity between the English and French can be exploited.

Yes, the alliance was expensive, but I can assure the Diet that the Chancellor drove as hard a bargain as he could. The English were loathe to ally with us and any protracted negotiations could have resulted in failure.

My lord hopes that this alliance will benefit us spiritually as well as temporally, and that is why he sought it.

As for Duke Hummel's withdrawal from the Diet, I hope he is aware of the steps that have been taken to reinforce the Swabian Household Army and to root out the French spy in Dijon. None of the Duchies stand alone.