Plans can never catch up with change.

Sophia's specially arranged messenger had just rushed to Constantinople with plans related to Orhan, and the next moment, Gerti Skanderbe, who had been missing for many days, sent a letter of unknown significance.

John had never trusted Jerj, and the wisdom in his eyes was a threat to the Empire as long as it was not used by it.

"How did your master know we were in Epirus?" Jerj's attendants came in the dust, and John asked casually.

Since the Ottomans, who were too busy to take care of themselves, were able to call for wind and rain in Epirus, it was possible for Jerdidangrang to infiltrate as well.

"Ah, Your Majesty the Co-Emperor, I have come all the way to Constantinople, and I have only been back to Epirus for only a few hours...... Brings you the news of my lord Jerj. ”

This is easy to verify, and there is no need for the Messenger to lie. It's just that John was surprised by the letter sent by Jerj.

"What did Skanderbeg say?"

The messenger took out a letter from his pocket, which was not even framed, and handed it to the maid beside him to hand it to John, explaining: "My lord believes that the Ottoman Turkish offensive against the mountains of Albania is weakening. In order to recover the intact territory of Albania, our lord wanted the assistance of the imperial army in Epirus. ”

Jeffrey, who was reading the census form sent by the local tax collector, straightened his back a little after hearing this.

The Empire has only one army stationed in Epirus - the Phoenix Legion.

"The situation in Epirus is not optimistic, there are a large number of free and independent warlords entrenched in this land, and our army in Epirus needs to be on guard at all times, and will not take the initiative to attack for the time being."

This is on the surface, and in addition, according to the current situation, it is absolutely impossible for the empire to take the initiative to tear up the armistice with the Ottomans, and one Albania is not enough to share the anger of the Ottomans for the empire.

However, of course, John could not pretend to be a good guy and lend a strong main army for nothing to draw space for the offensive of his allies, and if this deal is to be completed, the empire must obtain corresponding benefits.

The messenger also seemed prepared for John's attitude, and explained unhurriedly: "After our lord has pacified all of Albania, Albania will border Epirus. At that time, our lord will send troops from Albania to help the empire pacify the Ottomans and local warlords entrenched in Epirus. ”

John frowned, pretending to read Gyerj's letters, turned his head to Sophia and asked, "Can you guarantee that the argument we had in this room before was not overheard by outsiders...... Gerti Skanderbeg seems to know everything about Albania, huh? ”

"Even if Jerj had arranged for manpower, he wouldn't have gone deep into here. In that conversation, all who were left were confidants, and it was impossible to betray the empire. You should have the most basic trust in your own people. Sophia took the letter from John's hand, glanced at it cursoryly, then spread her hands and said helplessly, "If I have to explain, I can only say that Jerj's insight into the things around her is far beyond our imagination. From the Ottomans leading a small army of a few hundred men to rebel at an opportune time, to now controlling most of the mountainous region of Albania and countless new blood, his ability is undeniable. ”

"At the beginning, I felt that Jerjy was not a good person. He sees a lot of things very thoroughly...... Including what is on our minds. "But it's also good news, at least so far, that Jerjerj has never hidden his superhuman abilities and insight in front of us." That's enough for me to trust this ally. ”

Sophia nodded slightly: "The heart of vigilance still has to go, but at present, Albania is indeed a relatively good partner, I think I can agree, meet with Jerj, discuss the details of this offensive." ”

"Giovanni, Vasica, Jeffrey, what do you think?"

"Your Highness...... Oh no, it's long overdue to change your tune. Your Majesty, you are in charge of the general affairs, political and military direction of the whole of Epirus. In general, we will support your opinion. ”

"Then let's prepare. In the afternoon, we will discuss the exact time, and Yustina, take the messenger to rest first. ”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With this amount of time, John needed to confirm the actual number of people that the Phoenix Legion could really mobilize.

The security of the village of Biyes, as well as the surrounding villages, will require some troops.

At some point, John became more aware of the importance of a real reconnaissance force and a general service.

The general service force is relatively easy to solve, as long as some civilians are drawn from the civilian population to serve as militia to maintain daily law and order. However, reconnaissance troops are the core means of obtaining battlefield intelligence as soon as possible and matching the strength of the enemy with us.

If the Crusaders had done a good job of reconnaissance on the night of Varna, Władysław would probably not have rushed into the Ottoman encirclement in such a hot spot.

"It's time to put this on the agenda."

"Your Majesty, if you have enough funds, we can start training immediately, just a group of scouts, and Vasika's Wallachian light cavalry can also be competent."

“……”

"As for the Phoenix Legion, I suggest that only two thousand five hundred to three thousand men be dispatched, and at most three thousand five hundred men. We also need to keep some cards on our cards, so that even if the Ottomans attack us, we can draw our forces to resist and hold out until reinforcements from the Morea arrive. Giovanni analyzed.

"I don't even want to send a thousand people...... But if we want to deal with Albania, we must at least go to the border between Epirus and Albania. Inevitably, along the way, we will step on the territory of a few warlords. By the way, Jeffrey's plan can be realized. Although the risk is very high......"

John and Giovanni walked through the paths of the manor, silent for a moment.

"Your Majesty, if we must wage a full-scale war against Epirus, we must guarantee that Derj will intervene in Epirus as soon as Albania is pacified, and help us to complete the two-front attack without claiming any territory. Otherwise, just relying on the strength of the Phoenix Legion, it is really a bit stretched. Even, if the Ottomans retaliated for our assistance to Albania, we would most likely find ourselves at a disadvantage of fighting on two fronts. ”

"At the moment, I can only believe in Jerjy once...... Hopefully, he truly sees the Empire as an ally. ”