A.E.I.O.U

Philip looked at Laszlo, his eyes filled with anticipation as he asked, "How are things in the Holy Roman Empire? Many princes, either personally or through their heirs, have come to this feast, seemingly very enthusiastic about the Crusade."

Laszlo recalled the performance of the Holy Roman Empire nobles at the Pheasant Feast and agreed, "Indeed, it seems my diplomat's work has been quite successful."

"Diplomat?"

"Yes, I sent Austria's most astute diplomatic master to persuade those princes to provide aid or directly participate in the Crusade. It seems to be effective so far. After the Imperial Conference concludes, I will receive a detailed list, tallying how many princely coalition forces can assist us."

Philip was overjoyed, the gloom on his face completely dispelled: "If we can get help from the Holy Roman Empire's princes, the chances of winning this war will greatly increase."

Laszlo was noncommittal. He reminded, "All the nobles at the banquet showed great enthusiasm, but what will they actually do in the end? More than half of them probably won't truly take this matter to heart. The nobles have gradually lost their holy faith and reverence for God."

"They're all cowards! Scaredy-cats!" Charles grumbled irritably, picking up his wine glass and downing it in one gulp.

Laszlo smiled helplessly and said nothing more. Any more would hurt Philip's pride.

He couldn't possibly say that Philip overestimated his own strength and rallying power, foolishly attempting to organize a large-scale Crusade, could he?

In fact, if it weren't for him, the Emperor, showing up, the number and importance of the guests attending the banquet would probably have shrunk considerably. A group of minor nobles' self-amusing, wild, verbal banquet... Saying that would indeed be too hurtful.

"Let's talk about ourselves. I'll start with my situation. As planned, Bohemia will send 18,000 troops, Hungary will send 30,000, and Austria will send 25,000. If we can get some financial aid, I think this scale can be expanded further."

Laszlo stared eagerly at Philip, then began to complain about being poor. It was rare to encounter a rich man like Burgundy; wouldn't it be a huge loss not to extort a good sum?

The old fox Philip naturally understood what Laszlo meant. Considering this was also a good opportunity to deepen his relationship with the Emperor, he thought for a moment and tentatively proposed, "I can offer you a loan of 150,000 florins. For the repayment period, let's set it at 10 years, and the interest... let's set it at 5%?"

Laszlo calculated. To his knowledge, the annual income of Austrian territory was roughly around 400,000 florins. Hungary was higher, with 600,000 florins. Bohemia, after being ravaged by the Hussite Wars, was a bit poorer but still had 300,000 florins, comparable to the income of the Duchy of Milan, though most of it wouldn't reach Laszlo's hands.

According to economic consultants, Venice's income was the highest among all of Austria's neighboring countries, surprisingly 800,000 florins, equivalent to the combined total of the Kingdom of Aragon and the Kingdom of Naples. The Kingdom of Castile's income was also at this level.

The Ottoman's annual income likely exceeded 1.5 million florins. France's annual income was around 900,000 and was still rapidly growing.

He wasn't too sure about distant England, but it certainly wouldn't be poor; the English are professional at collecting taxes.

After this calculation, Laszlo realized he was truly poor. All his territories combined couldn't match the Ottomans's income.

In contrast, Burgundy could effortlessly provide him with a low-interest loan of 150,000 florins in gold coins. A 10-year term with 5% annual interest was practically a gift in this era.

The Burgundy's annual income was at least 600,000 florins; the fertile Netherlands was not called that for nothing.

Thinking of this, Laszlo was almost crying with envy. Trade truly made money. He was still diligently farming, while these early maritime powers had already begun to dominate the seas and make huge profits.

Reining in his scattered thoughts, Laszlo nodded repeatedly and said, "It's settled then!"

Philip continued, "I have already ordered the collection of provisions and fodder, planning to transport them through Italy to Vienna. For this Crusade, Burgundy can send 24,000 men, mainly Flanders mercenary regiments, Swiss mercenaries, and some Italian mercenaries. Laszlo, please forgive me, but I have to dedicate half of my forces to guard against the threat from the King of France."

Laszlo frowned slightly. In his estimation, Burgundy should have been able to deploy at least 30,000 troops, but from the current situation, he was still too optimistic.

The Burgundy could not possibly empty its defenses for the Crusade. Not to mention the covetous King of France, the rebellious forces in the Low Countries were also stirring in the shadows.

Considering such complex circumstances, Laszlo expressed understanding, then requested, "Since Burgundy cannot provide more military strength, then bear more of the logistical supplies, how about that?"

"It should be so."

Philip had no objection. After all, the troops Laszlo could provide would likely exceed half of the Crusade's total strength, so the logistical issues should naturally be borne by the Burgundy.

"The next topic is, when should we dispatch troops?" Philip posed the question. Laszlo had the most say in this matter.

"How about dispatching troops in early October? If we drag it out too long, the situation might change!" Charles suggested. He now just wanted to rush to the Hungary front, defeat the Ottomans, liberate Constantinople, and become a great holy warrior praised by all.

Laszlo pondered for a moment and said with some concern, "October might be too late. By the time we've assembled, it will probably be November. The winter conditions in the Balkans are very harsh then, and the mountain roads are difficult, leading to extremely severe attrition, which is not suitable for large-scale military operations."

"But if we go any earlier, many supplies won't be ready, and the army won't be able to move out either."

"Then wait until next spring?" Laszlo hoped for a longer preparation time.

Philip reminded, "Don't forget, the Ottomans are also gathering a large army to prepare for a holy war. If we delay too long, they might strike first, and we could very likely be caught off guard."

"Alright, then there's only one option. We will assemble the Crusade in mid-November, gather the main army in Hungary, and after enduring the winter, advance into the Balkans to fight a decisive battle with the Ottomans."

Laszlo offered this suggestion. Neither Charles nor Philip had better proposals. After all, to attack before the Ottomans and avoid the Balkan winter, this was the only arrangement.

"So, from which direction should we attack?" Charles was most concerned about strategic issues. He had never been to the Hungary front and had only heard people discuss the Ottomans's situation. Of course, what impressed him most was the Battle of Belgrade earlier this year. He admired the great achievements of Albrecht II and lamented his sudden passing.

Laszlo then informed Philip and Charles of the plan Janos had previously discussed.

Philip exclaimed, "This is simply a perfect plan! Let the Wallachians scout the situation for us, which will avoid many unnecessary losses."

"The mountain roads in the Balkans are difficult to traverse, and getting a large army stuck there would be a terrible decision. Therefore, we will not take the route from Belgrade to Serbia. The Crusade should go directly east from Wallachia to the Black Sea coast, and then proceed south along the coast to attack Constantinople, where the terrain is flat and conducive to large-scale army deployment."

"We are not very familiar with the terrain there, and you have the most famous hero, Janos Hunyadi, under your command. Everything will be left to your command." Philip showed complete trust in Laszlo. After all, Laszlo himself was sending tens of thousands of troops as the main force; he couldn't possibly throw away his entire main force, could he? There was nothing to doubt.

"Father, let me lead Burgundy's expeditionary force to show those Ottomans our might! I will avenge Grandfather's blood feud from back then and wash away our family's disgrace!"

Charles was impatiently eager to become the army commander and establish his own achievements.

Philip was still hesitant. He felt he should go personally, but the Crusade was risky after all. If something happened to him, the Burgundy... the Duchy still had his son to inherit.

No matter how much trouble this son caused, youth was his greatest asset.

Philip was old. He wanted to add a new chapter to his legendary life in its final stages, regardless of the outcome, as long as it was true to his heart.

"Charles, you are no longer young; you should learn to be steady. I will personally lead the army to join Laszlo. You will remain in Burgundy and the Low Countries, and be careful to guard against rebellions in the Low Countries."

Charles was very dissatisfied with this arrangement. Laszlo then appeased him a few more times on Philip's behalf, and only then did he give up, no longer mentioning leading the army to join the Crusade.

A simple military council concluded, and the important matters of the Crusade were thus decided.

With this matter settled, Laszlo led his contingent back to the Holy Roman Empire, hastily completed his coronation in Aachen, and conveniently "borrowed" a few precious relics left by Charlemagne to collect in Vienna.

He had been traveling for almost three months, and now Laszlo was eager to return to Vienna to make the final preparations for the upcoming decisive battle.