"I need to regain Alsace, but I must first return these territories to them while they are at their most relaxed. That will be the moment for me to make my move."
The Chief Justice's mouth fell open.
Archbishop Lance hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty must also understand the painful efforts involved. If the Alsasians remain our enemies, it would be like having a sharp sword hanging over the heads of our troops, necessitating the continuous expenditure of several times our resources to maintain the original supply lines."
"Winning the temporary friendship of the Alsasians would greatly benefit our Empire."
"Although these three earldoms are nice, our Empire has its own defenses. The only purpose of holding onto them is to better invade Alsace. Now that the target has changed because of Ivita, to continue holding onto them would be a liability."
