Guinness stroked his mustache, a sly grin forming on his lips. "If his beasts are so drawn to gold, it's safe to assume Count Michael himself isn't entirely incorruptible. He's from a lowly baronial family, born to a commoner mother. He only became his family's heir after the sudden death of his predecessor, and his talents were recognized later."
Guinevere raised an intrigued brow, urging him to continue. "And?"
Lowering his voice further, Guinness suggested, "What if we dipped into the royal treasury and used it to buy his favor? Think about it. The Lania-Elonia alliance's sudden truce with the Pamir Empire was largely because Michael captured their crown prince and the five tribal leaders. If we offer him a substantial reward, perhaps we can convince him to ensure our kingdom is spared."
The suggestion made Guinevere's face light up. For siblings so ignorant of international politics, the plan seemed entirely plausible to them.
