Persuasion
The Governor of Venice, feeling threatened, warned the soldiers to hold their tongues, which led them to fall silent.
Howard then summoned the Governor of Milan, who had also been on the high ground, to verify this account.
The Governor of Milan, a commercial governor, was generally not expected to speak ill of another commercial governor in front of the nobility.
This was an industry norm or, more accurately, an unspoken understanding.
However, the Governor of Milan had previously waged war against the Governor of Venice, emerging victorious, which had reduced their relationship to a freezing point.
Thus, considering the already strained relationship with the Governor of Venice, the Governor of Milan saw little reason to hold back.
The mutual disdain was evident as both parties voiced the truth.
"We, the governors of the commercial republics, prioritize business over military affairs," said the Governor of Milan.