Earlier the Duke gave a speech following an ultimatum to Milan.

"I believe it is time for us to

reclaim our birthright as not many people know during the dark ages all the counts and dukes of
Italy were united as one to protect are people. Then the legendary Charlemagne the first
Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire brought an end to the Kingdom that could have threatened
his ambitions. It is time for us to stand up not as second class citizens of the Germans who have
ruled over italy for many generations, but as proud Italians who once stood against the tide of
conquerors. I call all men to join in the reconquest of Lombardy the old capital of the united
Italia, the Kingdom that stood up to the conquerors of old until its last days. Our ancestors
fought the conquerors and died for us. It is time for us to honor them, it is time we reclaim what
is rightfully ours. Milan is what remains as the last piece of the Kingdom of old yet they do not
honor their ancestors who fought for the safety and future of their people and culture. They only
forgot who they were, they only know that Milan is a shell of its former self. No longer the strong
and prideful people but as weak and quiet. I believe for the future and the betterment of the
empire that italy needs to be strong not separated and weak like it has been for many
generations. They are no longer the true heirs of the Kingdom that stood against all the world
could throw. I demand that the duchy of Milan ceases Como and Pavia to the duchy of Savoy
for the betterment of the Italian people and the prosperity of the Holy Roman Empire.