A.E.I.O.U

Under the guidance of his attendant, Laszlo slowly made his way to the top floor of the Ducal Palace.

On the terrace, Filippo Maria Visconti stood alone, quietly admiring the moonlight, adorned in luxurious robes. Though his figure was corpulent and his years advanced, he could not conceal an air of exquisite nobility.

Laszlo's gaze swept towards Matthias, who accompanied him, and he subtly raised a hand, signaling. Matthias understood and stopped where he was.

The Emperor then unhurriedly walked to Filippo's side.

The next moment, his panel appeared in Laszlo's mind.

[Character: Filippo Maria Visconti]

[Identity: Duke of Milan, Holy Roman Empire Vassal]

[Attitude: Neutral]

[Abilities: Administration 1, Diplomacy 2, Military 2]

[Trait: Withering Bloodline (Heir Generation Chance -100%)]

"How pitiful," Laszlo thought, full of malice, "to struggle a lifetime only to benefit others in the end."

Filippo noticed the Emperor's arrival and hastily bowed, his posture full of deference.

"Your esteemed Majesty, thank you for being willing to meet me here."

Laszlo nodded slightly, indicating that his host need not be so formal. He was eager to return to his Empress, so he directly asked, "What do you wish to discuss with me?"

Filippo sighed lightly, his face filled with sorrow, and slowly began, "Your Majesty must be aware of the war situation in Brescia. To be frank, we are at the end of our tether, and the situation is critical."

Laszlo raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Haven't you already recovered a large amount of lost territory? If so, why not just negotiate directly with Venice? Why are you so troubled?"

Filippo gave a bitter smile, shaking his head and sighing, "That is the problem, Your Majesty. The Papal States' envoy has been interfering with our negotiations with the Venetians. According to the Papal States' demands, we must cede Brescia and Bergamo to Venice and promise never to expand."

"Isn't that taking sides?" Laszlo frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

Although he knew the Papal States had reasons for doing so, Milan was still an Imperial vassal, while Venice was an enemy.

The Papal States' blatant favoritism towards Venice greatly angered him. He didn't even need to think to know that Venice and the Papal States must have made some unspeakable deal.

Gold is gold. Whether you are a cleric or a commoner, that glittering stuff has the power to corrupt hearts.

Filippo's gaze dropped slightly, and he said with some guilt, "My father's and my expansion in Lombardy have already caused dissatisfaction and criticism from many neighboring countries. I fear the Papal States is trying to weaken Milan's strength in this way."

Laszlo's lips curled into a mocking arc, and he raised an eyebrow, scoffing, "Oh? So the Duke is quite clear in his heart, then."

This Filippo is quite honest; he seems to have a clear understanding of his own transgressions.

"That may be true, Your Majesty, but Brescia and Bergamo are originally Milanese territory, and also Imperial territory. If Imperial territory were easily occupied by your enemies, the Venetians, I think this would greatly damage your prestige among the Imperial vassals."

Laszlo sneered, "Heh heh, now you know Milan is part of the Empire? When you were wantonly expanding in Northern Italy, I didn't see anyone remembering that, did I? Annexing Parma? Annexing Genoa? Invading Mantua? Interfering with Florence? In all these instances, where could one see that you held the Emperor in regard? Now that you are sanctioned, you remember me, the Emperor, and come to seek protection?"

Laszlo's barrage of questions stiffened Filippo's expression. Although he was annoyed, he was, after all, asking the Emperor for a favor. Annoyed? He had to suppress it!

He replied in a humble tone, "Your Majesty's teachings are most correct. I have deeply realized my mistakes over the years. I am absolutely loyal to you, which is why I have tried my best to stop the Venetians from encroaching on Imperial territory. Your Majesty, the Venetians are our common enemy! Milan begs for your help."

After speaking, he bowed again, his posture almost servile.

Just as Laszlo was about to reply, the long-unseen event panel suddenly appeared, making him fall into contemplation once more.

[Event: The Price of Peace]

[The war between Venice and Milan is nearing its end, but the Papal States' interference has once again made the peace process uncertain. To counter the Papal States' authority, the Duke of Milan has abandoned his former arrogance, kneeling to beg for the Emperor's support. He claims loyalty to the Emperor, and now, an opportunity to prove his loyalty is at hand—the succession of Milan.

As the Duke of Milan has left no legitimate heir, the Milanese throne will be vacant upon his death. According to ancient Imperial common law, when a vassal's bloodline dies out, their land automatically reverts to the Emperor, becoming one of the many Imperial domains. However, by today, this law has long been forgotten, but we can use a secret pact to make the ancient law effective, and incidentally, test the Duke's so-called "loyalty."]

[Option One: Milanese Pact]

[The Emperor and the Duke of Milan sign a gambling agreement. If the Duke dies without leaving a legitimate heir, the title of Duchy of Milan will be inherited by the Emperor, and the Emperor will help the Duke counterbalance the Papal States in the subsequent peace negotiations.]

[Gain Modifier (Greedy Emperor): Holy Roman Empire Vassal Opinion -5, All Italian Region Nations Opinion -20, Papal States Opinion -10, Diplomatic Reputation -1.]

[Option Two: What Has It To Do With Me]

[The Emperor decisively rejects the Duke of Milan's request.]

[Gain Modifier (Incompetent Emperor): Prestige -5%, Duchy of Milan Opinion -30, All Italian Region Nations Opinion +10, Papal States Opinion +5, Holy Roman Empire Vassal Opinion -5]

[Option Three: The Emperor Should Work Hand in Hand with the Papal States]

[The Emperor not only rejects the Duke of Milan's request but also decides to support the Papal States' arbitration of the war's outcome.]

[Gain Modifier (Second Only to One): Duchy of Milan Opinion -30, All Italian Region Nations Opinion +20, Papal States Opinion +10, Clergy Loyalty +10%.]

"What kind of event is this?"

Laszlo muttered to himself. This matter seemed to have little to do with him; just because he came to Milan, he was being taken advantage of...

It was the same situation again: the option with the most positive buffs was the one that absolutely couldn't be chosen.

Option three was a huge trap! He was the Emperor! The Supreme One! Augustus!

With the Eastern Roman Empire now fallen, he was the sole Emperor in all of Europe.

If he were to yield to the Papal States, he might as well abdicate on the spot.

Between one and two, he decided to choose one. Not taking land when it's offered, wouldn't that be foolish?

And this was a "legitimate inheritance" that was "justified." There was no need to pay attention to those who gossiped behind his back.

Milan's wealth was world-renowned, and the craftsmanship of its artisans was highly praised. Whether it was exquisite Italian custom suits or the famous Milanese plate armor, they all came from the skilled artisans of Milan... In this era, plate armor was still more famous.

A munitions factory would be very suitable here, if he could truly obtain Milan.

After making his choice, the panel disappeared.

Laszlo looked up and saw Filippo waiting anxiously for a response. He felt even more certain and slowly said, "Filippo, I remember you don't have a legitimate heir yet, do you?"

Filippo's heart tightened. He looked up at the Emperor and stammered, "Uh... yes, Your Majesty. But what does that have to do with our conversation?"

Laszlo stood with his hands behind his back and slowly said, "The Emperor's grace is only bestowed upon the loyal, and that is a quality you seem to lack. However, if you are willing to sign a secret agreement with me, I would be very happy to strive to preserve Brescia and Bergamo for Milan."

"Wh-what agreement?"

Filippo had actually guessed, but he still couldn't believe there would be such a shameless Emperor.

Laszlo's lips curled into an almost arrogant smile, and he said bluntly, "It's simple. You just have to promise that if you die without leaving a legitimate heir, the title of Duke of Milan will be passed to the Emperor—that is, me—and then announce this Milanese Pact before your death. Then I will agree to help you. Oh, don't be so pessimistic; perhaps you'll perk up and actually get an heir later on~"

Laszlo's eyes were clearly full of mockery, and he wore a malicious smile. This feeling of coercion and humiliation made him incredibly high.

The strong should thoroughly humiliate the weak, right!

Power seemed to be gradually amplifying the malice in Laszlo's heart.

Upon hearing this, Filippo trembled with rage, his face flushed. After a long silence, he squeezed out two words: "You... you!"

"What's wrong, Filippo? Or is your so-called loyalty just empty words to deceive me? Do you think I'm a child and easy to bully?"

Although Laszlo's tone was light when he questioned him, Filippo felt a chill down his spine.

"Your Majesty, aren't you afraid of incurring the jealousy of other vassals?"

"Hmph hmph, if their jealousy could affect me, then I wouldn't be the one to be Emperor. Would you be afraid of your brothers? Especially when they were still infants in swaddling clothes~ Oh, I forgot, you seem to have murdered your own brother for the Ducal throne... It seems brothers aren't entirely harmless after all."

Filippo slumped his head, as if he had lost all his strength, and numbly nodded, saying, "I agree to your proposal, and I hope you will also keep your promise."

Laszlo said as a matter of course, "I will naturally keep it, after all, not everyone can tear up so many treaties like you."

Filippo had repeatedly broken agreements during Milan's expansion, causing the three neighboring republics of Genoa, Florence, and Venice to gang up on him, almost leading to Milan's destruction. If the Duchy of Savoy hadn't come to their rescue in time, Filippo would have paid the price for his ambition and arrogance long ago.

Filippo seemed to have used up all his strength, and he replied indifferently, "Don't mock me, Your Majesty. I don't know where you heard these slanders against me. In any case, your objective has been achieved. I hope you have a pleasant journey."

"I will send someone to conclude the agreement with you, in duplicate. Don't worry, even if you don't announce this Milanese Pact before your death as agreed, I will still bring the Imperial army to save Milan."

After bullying the poor, lonely old man, Laszlo, in a cheerful mood, beckoned Matthias to return to the banquet hall together.

The rest could be left to Ulrich; he wouldn't bother with such trivial matters.