Grenn scoffed as the Khargat advised to think ‘carefully’. A scoff loud enough for anyone to hear, soft enough to not be a direct affront. He waited for the Khargat to salvage but didn’t think much of it. A personal peeve he couldn’t let slide.

'We all bid you to think wisely, strongly, courageously, piously and carefully. Just to get the empty advise over with. "A cold throne invites usurpers".'

He inclined his head to Chugo give credit to his quote.

'Nice words but Pelinque , Brevash, Irva, and Comtè are already trying to usurp the power that that throne embodies. Putting men in danger is what ruling is your majesty and in this case I would advise to bring a force large enough to make them fear open battle, not the entire army.'

Grenn gestured at Laxion with a sorrow face.

'That doesn’t mean rallying all armies as Lord Husarusson advised, though his idea of getting loyalty affirmed isn’t without mirth. Calling the nobles of every province to come and swear loyalty is a tedious business, but it might be worth having that tradition honoured.'

Grenn nodded to Laxion and looked at the King.

'As for the army size: I would say it just requires the force that Dieuporteille will be using and preferably a company of the King’s own or two to have more of a personal touch. This way you lead things into a series of sieges and their complementary negotiations. A place to show your worth to the Emperiat without being in risk of much. I have confidence you can lead such talks to a proper end.'

A bit brash to let himself be taunted like this after the King intervened in his last attempt to set up the advisers against the Khargat. Let alone that he just suggested to place the King in close proximity to that self-righteous prick of a Dieuporteille. But Grenn hadn’t forgot the opportunity the King had given him and the plan to exploit it he had thought about during Laxion’s small address.

'About the "cold throne" that Councillor Bey put so eloquently, is Rurik not one we could advise with the same diligence?'

Grenn rubbed his hands in anticipation.