Alexander's strategy here was pure and simple.
Be a nouveau rich and throw money at the problem.
And in keeping pace with his tune, as soon as Alexander finished his speech, Lord Prantik, one of his earliest converts quickly stood up to say, "That's right! Lord Alexander is very generous. I can personally attest to that."
"All the various new things you saw were made in his territory. And he has agreed to sell a lot of them to us very cheaply."
"If you join us it will surely benefit you!"
He was then quickly joined by a few other nobles who too chimed the same tune, offering to tell all the details about the deal to those interested.
And as this enthusiastic wave permeated across the room, it was a turn of events that certainly was not favorable for Manuk.
So he smirked and taunted,
"Heh! You think the esteemed nobles are like you, lowly mercenaries that can be bought and sold?"
"These men have something an outsider like you will never have! Dignity!"
