Dietrich questioned you about your motive

"Your Majesty, why did you propose such a lopsided deal to the emissary?" " Dietrich asked after Eyoab left the room.

"What do you mean?"

"You offer not to tax the Axum fleet when they would tax us in return. All for the 10,000 sets of armor, shield and saber, which our smiths can produce without problems."

You look over the other courtiers in the room and saw that they had a similar expression on their faces. "Yes, our craftsmen can produce all of them, without any problem. But what do you think will happen if I tell them to do that?"

"They will think that we'll be waging war soon," someone said.

"Yes, and our neighbors will think the same. It is hard to hide the fact since all blacksmiths in the country would be involved. But, ensuring the secrecy of a shipment of 10,000 sets is easier, since it will land on just one port. Even if someone finds out about it, it would be too late since we already have the armors and weapons."

"But 12 months of tax waiver is a bit too generous," Dietrich remarked.

"Not really. Remember, I said that it starts from today. How fast do you think the bird can travel from here to the Empire? Half a month?"

"That's about correct,"

"So, what happens when the king finds out the so-called generous offer? He will immediately organize the collection of the sets from all over Axum empire. But, as powerful as Eyoab claimed it to be, Axum Empire can't simply give everything in its weapon's warehouses. Therefore, it will tell its blacksmiths to produce them, collect them and organize the fleet," You held out four fingers. "The shipment will only arrive at the earliest, four months from now, meaning that the tax-free period is only eight months. On that topic, Dietrich, tell me, what would you do if an Earl tells you that your trade caravan to his region wouldn't be taxed?"

"I will send larger caravans to that region often,"

"Larger caravans sent more often means more profits. But what happens after you sold your wares? Would you return home empty-handed?"

"No, I would buy local products so that I can... oh," Dietrich trailed as he realized what you're insinuating.

"We get to sell more to Axum Empire, right? Also, I promised their goods wouldn't be taxed. I didn't promise to waive warehouse rents, security services, as well as other fees. Since most of you are involved in business as well, isn't this an excellent opportunity to make more money?"