This apparent reconciliation between Venice and the…

This apparent reconciliation between Venice and the Pope does not stop the French from again invading the Veneto in March.

Pitigliano's death in January has left Andrea Gritti in command of the Venetian forces; although Maximilian fails to reinforce Louis, the French army is nonetheless sufficient to drive the Venetians from Vicenza by May.

Gritti garrisons Padua for an expected attack by a combined Franco-Imperial army, but Louis, more concerned by the death of his advisor, the Cardinal d'Amboise, abandons his plans for a siege.

Julius, meanwhile, has become increasingly concerned by the growing French presence in Italy; more significantly, alienated from Alfonso d'Este by friction over a license for a salt monopoly in the Papal states and Alfonso's continued forays against Venetian forces to secure his recently reacquired Polesine, he had formulated plans to seize the Duchy of Ferrara, a French ally, and to add its territory to the Papal States.

His own forces being inadequate for the venture, the Pope hires an army of Swiss mercenaries, ordering them to attack the French in Milan; he also invites Venice to ally with him against Louis.

The Republic, facing a renewed French onslaught, readily accepts the offer.