Facing Count Ansbach's questioning, Otto also felt a little regretful. He did not expect that the East Frankish Kingdom would send troops so quickly.
Perhaps King Louis wanted to achieve more results before King Charles II of West Francia.
But this way, there is not much time left for Otto.
Otto did not say that he wanted to become a duke, but told Count Ansbach that he wanted to expand his influence in northern Switzerland.
After Otto briefly talked about his desire to become the most powerful lord in the northwest of the Alps, Count Ansbach's expression suddenly became serious.
"This matter is not easy to handle. The war has just started, and no one will distribute the benefits at this time."
"If you start operations before others have thought of it, wouldn't the probability of success be greater?" Otto showed a confident smile on his face.
"Do you think that the Kingdom of Lotharingia can still survive after the war? Even if it is still the Kingdom of Lotharingia, the king may have changed.
This matter is inseparable from the strong support of you and your family. I think as an ally, the stronger the Habsburg family, the more beneficial it will be to the Sighard family. "
Count Ansbach pondered for a moment, and finally nodded.
Otto was right. The expansion direction of the Habsburg family was not within the Principality of Swabia. There was no conflict of interest between the two parties. Now that the two parties were allies, helping Otto was equivalent to helping themselves.
"Okay, what do you need me to do? Although the Sighard family has a certain influence in the Principality of Swabia, it is only within the Principality of Swabia. Our influence is also very limited in other parts of the kingdom.
Wait a minute, is the purpose of bringing Sophie here to target those noble ladies? "
"As expected of Your Excellency, I can't hide my little thoughts from you. Sometimes, the effect of pillow sex is often better than direct communication." Otto admitted generously.
"As for help, I just need His Excellency the Earl to introduce me to the major nobles in the kingdom and His Majesty the King."
"Oh, many of those aristocratic ladies and ladies are romantic by nature. Aren't you afraid that Sophie will become like them?" Count Ansbach joked.
"The reputation of the Sighard family has always been very good, and this kind of thing almost never happens. Besides, I also believe in my wife Sophie, and I believe she will not let me down." Otto seemed very confident, joking, There is a system in place, and you can see whether you are being cheated or not at a glance.
"If most nobles trusted their wives as much as you do, Otto, perhaps there would be far fewer conflicts among noble families." At this time, Otto couldn't tell whether the other party was acting out of emotion or out of spite.
The Duke of Swabia was the nominal lord of Count Allgäu, so it was not difficult for Otto to meet the Duke of Swabia.
After sending a generous gift to the Duke of Swabia in advance, Otto's interview process went very smoothly.
The Duke of Swabia cared about Count Allgäu's health and expressed concern for Count Allgäu's unconsciousness. He also asked Otto if he had encountered any difficulties in Allgäu and if he needed help.
Otto knew that this was not the time to make demands, so he naturally said that everything was fine, and expressed his willingness to always be loyal to the Duke of Swabia. The Habsburg family would always be the most loyal vassal of the Duke of Swabia.
When they first met, the Duke of Swabia was very happy with Otto's sense of humor and etiquette. Hearing that Otto was newly married, he gave Otto a small manor not far from Otto's Swabian territory as a wedding gift. .
At the same time, the Duke of Swabia stated that under his protection, the Allgäu Territory would never be invaded during this war and would protect Otto's interests.
Otto naturally thanked him profusely and sent five more war horses to show his respect for the Principality of Swabia.
It seems that the Duke of Swabia is a good lord.
But in fact, this was not the case at all. It was entirely because of the heavy gifts given by Otto. They were so many that the Duke of Swabia felt a little guilty and wanted to take care of him.
Before they met, Otto had already sent thirty crossbows, ten war horses and ten suits of armor plus a large gift of gold and silver jewelry. The value of this gift was almost equivalent to half a standard barony. .
With such great courtesy, why worry about the Duke of Swabia not having a good impression of him.
Of course, Otto was able to give out such a gift in one go, thanks to the gift from the Grodunning family in Bern. If he hadn't easily defeated the opponent on the battlefield and obtained a large number of trophies such as war horses, armor, weapons, etc., Otto would not have been so generous.
Sometimes, giving military supplies like this to nobles is far more effective than giving money.
After receiving the assurance and favor of Duke Karl of Swabia, Otto also breathed a sigh of relief. This Duke of Swabia is none other than the prince of the Kingdom of East Frankia, the third son of King Louis.
Karl, who is currently not high in the Carolingian family succession order, will reunite the divided Carolingian dynasty in the future. It can be said that he has great potential.
Maybe the breakthrough point for taking control of Austria in the future lies in the head of Duke Karl. If you have a good relationship with him now, you will not lose anything.
Unlike the pleasant conversation with the Duke of Swabia, the meeting with King Louis of East Frankia was not so smooth.
As soon as they met, King Louis gave Otto a warning.
"Baron Otto of Habsburg, your father, Count Berthold of Allgäu, is a vassal of the Kingdom of Lotharingia. Now the Kingdom of Lotharingia is facing a war. As the heir of the Allgäu Territory, you cannot Why come to Baden to lead an army to fight for King Hugues?
Could it be that you came to surrender to me in person? "
King Louis, who is over sixty years old, although his hair and beard have turned white, is still in good spirits, and his eyes reveal a wise look. He stares straight at Otto, as if he can see through it at a glance. Otto's thoughts were average.
Otto frowned slightly, feeling a little nervous.
As the grandson of Charlemagne, King Louis of East Francia had spent his whole life in wars and intrigues. He had seen too many storms and waves. He was not as easy to fool as ordinary nobles.
"Your Majesty the King." Otto bowed slightly to show respect.
"The Aracholf family has always been the vassal of the East Frankish Kingdom. Although we were lucky enough to obtain the territory of Allgäu later, we have never forgotten our original identity.
However, since the Aracholf family has obtained the Argoland, they are naturally also vassals of the Kingdom of Lotharingia. When I heard that the two sides were going to war, I was so anxious that I didn't know which side to help.
After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to follow the choice of my ancestors and be loyal to Your Majesty and your kingdom. I hope that the gods and ancestors will bless me. My choice is not wrong. "
