The dwarf chimed in with his complaint, but the seasoned paladin was well mulling this consideration over in proposal. The man might not have been the most erudite of students, though he was cunning enough in wit and more so in word that he had thought this through, especially when it came to the matter of politicking with state and estates.

"Yes, but that assumes we would be so blunt about our business." Lord Beaduric's cheeks tugged into a smile as his brow narrowed, shooting Bronzebeard a smirk, "A bit of tact and refinement, they might yet divulge their loyalties, should they have any." 

His words hinted strongly at avoiding speaking to the guard or their captain directly about the issue, to which he elaborated on next, "Say that we have decided we wish to be a band of goodly souls on a quest to attain station in the kingdom or uphold our station. Propose then that I, as baron and of noble blood, name you my company and I knight-errant. Then, we note to them we would like a lay of the land and I, as is my station, ask of those that hold lordship over the land itself so not to offend..."

The man carried on, letting the small audience of his new cohorts listen in and then come to linger on his words.

"... what their customs and business are. We gauge just how they react, inquire a bit about the conflict we witnessed, then go on our merry way. Surely one way or another they will tip their hand so as to avoid us spoiling their doings with one family, if any at all. Though I do need note, the lack of their arrival here suggests to me they are averse to stepping on either set of toes, so to speak."

For the moment this plan seemed safe, not flawless, but something they could navigate without rousing too much suspicion if the guard seemed wary. After all, who was but a captain of the guard to challenge a baron? The man would mind his station, but absolutely try to avoid making a scene with more of the privileged elite. No less, if they could earn his trust, or the trust of his men, by being "good folk" who seek to uphold the interests of the land, why draw too much ire? After all, wandering knights seeking honor and prestige were rare of course, but not unheard of, and who would dare prevent a man and his troop from serving the interests of custom?