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She wasn’t a history scholar, and her memory of the history of many European countries wasn't particularly clear.
Her knowledge of Florence was limited, and she only knew a bit about it because she had visited here before for a trip and film shoot in her past life.
Leonardo succinctly and clearly explained the situation with Isabella and expressed his concerns.
"We need to confirm a policy first, then talk to the British."
He didn’t immediately state his opinion but asked for hers: "Hedy, what do you think?"
"We can’t continue fighting," she shook her head slightly. "We have more important things to do."
Leonardo tightened his grip on her hand and let out a long sigh of relief.
"I think the same."
War never ends.
When they first began to conquer and annex various city-states from Florence, the primary reason was that they had originally been part of the Holy Roman Empire, and secondly, Italy needed those resources and wanted to eliminate the nearby threats.
Ports, minerals, coal, specialties, trade routes...
However, applying the same strategy to Spain was entirely unreasonable.
"The people there have already been brainwashed and controlled by the Inquisition, and power politics are becoming increasingly extreme," Leonardo frowned. "If we clash head-on with those two neighboring countries, not only will we have to consider defending and striking from multiple ports, but it will also be difficult to support our forces."
Even though basic roads have now been constructed, it still takes nearly twenty days to travel by carriage from Florence to Genoa, and maritime routes also carry various risks and hidden dangers.
In contrast, Spain has the natural barrier of France for support, and is easily defensible—definitely not an opponent to engage in battle with recklessly.
"If we keep fighting, in twenty years, we'll have a whole mess of problems to clean up," Hedy relaxed against him, resting her head on his lap as she spoke slowly. "So, what’s the British stance?"
"They’re using very cautious language and testing our intentions," Leonardo gently tucked her loose strands of hair behind her ear and bent down to kiss her forehead. "So, we’re still going with the original plan, right?"
"Yes," Hedy blinked. "But we should also see if the British are truly sincere."
The man smiled. "You want to see if Henry VII dares to come meet you?"
"With the examples of Naples and the Duke of Milan," she lazily stretched. "That great king who fulfilled Merlin’s prophecy may not dare to come."
During these days, both the upper and lower houses were holding meetings, continuously formulating and refining plans for the coming years.
From developing agriculture to encouraging industry and commerce, expanding maritime trade, and optimizing taxes, they had a lot to do.
The empire had unified the fragmented Holy Roman Empire. While they didn’t intervene in the countries north of the Alps again, they had managed to consolidate many of the broken pieces.
"The military defense in Genoa is already being strengthened, and several other ports are constructing watchtowers and fortifications," his voice was deep and calm, almost poetic in its smoothness. "I still want to do something more for you."
"Make some cookies," she said with a smile.
"What?" He thought he had misheard. "Which word?"
"Let me think..." Hedy rubbed her temple, uncertain. "‘Bisket’? No, that's French... ‘Bistto’?"
"Twice baked?" Leonardo repeated. "Bread?"
In this era, there were no sandwiches, no pizzas, and no cookies.
Recently, Hedy had been spending time playing with the children and resting, and her mind had gradually piecedtogether many thoughts and ideas.
