Now the Holy Roman Empire has joined the war! They have chosen to come to my nation's side, joining the ranks of Milan, while abandoning France and Hungary.
There are a mass of troops stationed in each faction's Italian province now, where all 4 factions border each other. Although Venice is surrounded by 3 enemies, the city of Venice herself is not in as serious danger as one may think. Being an island, only one faction can attack, allowing Venice to fight one on one.
I am with bad terms with the Moors after our short lived war. Milan is in war with France. Hungary is already in war with me, and may turn against the Germans. The Moors as well, although we have declared a cease fire, may attack me, although they are preoccupied with Spain, my ally.
Politics is complex.
While I cannot take the city of Venice herself yet, especially with reinforcements going there, I can use that movement itself to my advantage. With Venice being the top priority of the nation, she will not let her city go undefended without a HUGE garison. Therefore, I can attack her border provinces and colonies while Venice can only hold her ground against the combined threat of Siciliy, Milan, and the Holy Roman Empire.
Meanwhile Alberto is slowly making progress to Jerusalem. At this point I want him to take the city at all costs. With my main fleet near the coasts of Italy, I cannot get Alberto and his large force back safely if he becomes stranded in the lands of the Byzantines, or worse, the Turks.
Meanwhile
The large reinforcements towards Venice has been pulled back. Furthermore, the Hungarians has trespassed into my territory, and I do not believe they are simply taking a stroll.
Seeing the danger I order my boats to readjusts their courses, not towards Castle Ragusa, but to assisst the city of Zanberg under the assumption of an suprise attack from Hungary.
This is great news indeed! I have gained an valuable ally, and have the full support of the whole of Spain (well... save the Moors of course).
And I have gained an new enemy in the process.
My reinforcements barely arrived, but it would take them a few more months before they fully assemble and prepare for a counter attack.
Germany is now at war with France. Even if Venice is to fall, I do not have to worry about our hastily made grand alliance to fall. As long as we have an common enemy will we all be united.
