Afterward, Hesse-Rheinfels and Hesse-Marburg successively died out without heirs.
The two branches that had continued on then fought a brutal war over their territories, forging a blood feud in the process.
Ludwig X naturally dreamed of wiping out his kinsman, but when he looked at Viscount Flavian, his eyes were full of hesitation. "Well, you know, our ancestor died more than two hundred years ago..."
The latter's tone was exceptionally firm. "But you still have the right to unite all the lands of Hesse under one rule."
"But..."
"William IX's troops were almost entirely taken away by the English. According to the intelligence we have obtained, there are currently fewer than six hundred soldiers within Kassel." Following the Crown Prince's instructions, Flavian said, "As long as you make up your mind, within half a month you can restore Hesse to the borders it had under His Majesty Philip I.
"You have always been our country's closest partner, and Darmstadt is also the only nation in North Germany to join the Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement. The Crown Prince will give you his fullest support."
Ludwig X's breathing began to quicken.
Flavian glanced at him and continued, "In fact, a batch of weapons is already waiting at the port of Mainz and can be delivered to Giessen within two days.
"It includes five thousand percussion cap guns, twenty cannon, and ample ammunition."
Giessen was the core city in northern Hesse-Darmstadt. If they launched an attack on Kassel, the army would certainly set out from there.
"If you still feel uncertain after this, the Crown Prince said he could provide you with a team of staff officers to assist your commanders. Oh, that includes Colonel Marmont."
Ludwig X said in a low voice, "But if other countries raise objections..."
Flavian smiled. "General Lefebvre is