Expanded General Staff Headquarters Conference

As for Corsica, though it was relatively barren, it held immense strategic significance for Sardinia.

Sardinia's territory consisted of two major parts: the regions of Savoy and Piedmont on the Apennine Peninsula, and Sardinia Island in the Mediterranean Sea. Corsica lay directly between them.

This made Turin's rule over Sardinia Island, as well as trade with it, rather awkward.

If it could acquire Corsica, Sardinia would form one complete region in northwestern Italy, making the nation more cohesive in everything from political administration to military defense.

For Amedeo III, those terms were undoubtedly extremely tempting.

The next day.

The Austrian diplomats' carriage drove out of Turin Royal Palace.

Inside the carriage, Austria's envoy to Sardinia sorted through the diplomatic documents in his hands and looked at Earl of Rhinefels. "My lord, perhaps we could be more forceful. I believe Sardinia should be willing to send troops to assist us, rather than merely granting military passage and logistical support."

After repeatedly weighing the matter with his ministers, Amedeo III had ultimately agreed only to allow the Austrian Army passage through Sardinian territory and provide logistical supplies for thirty thousand Austrian troops. Once the war ended, Sardinia would receive both Genoa and Corsica.

Earl of Rhinefels smiled. "That will be enough. Once the war begins, Sardinia will send troops of its own accord without us needing to urge them."

Seeing the envoy's puzzled expression, and being in a good mood, he explained, "First, we will not send troops to protect Sardinia's supply convoys. They will have no choice but to dispatch soldiers for protection.

"Second, Marshal Beaulieu can 'inadvertently' leave open a passage between the French Army and Chambéry. Sardinia's forces will immediately rush to the front lines, lest the French take the opportunity to attack Turin.

"And once the Sardinian Army