The Elector of Wittenberg was listening to Baron Platz relay his impressions of Fabio's attitude.

"I believe Viscount Rothschild is someone we can trust."

"And what makes you say that?"

"I confronted him about the fact that weapons and supplies were making their way to the Emperor's side, and his explanation was highly reasonable."

"Surely, you’re not telling me to trust him simply because he reasoned his way out of it?"

"There are several other reasons. But more importantly, he made a point of stating that while he is the owner of the largest trading company in the Toscani Empire, he cannot possibly control every merchant within it."

Fabio knew that when lying, the best way to make people believe you was to do so boldly—like wearing a mask of iron, no, of diamond.