Catching Bees with Honey (смешанная)

“So let me get this straight,” Arthur said, folding his fingers together as the man in front him awkwardly shifted. “You are under the impression if you win the favor of my servant that you will then win my favor?” He asked and the nobleman shifted again.
“Well, sire.” He said “That is the common consensus among… The chatter.”
“The chatter.” Arthur repeated and his mind flashed to all the kindness Merlin had received from other nobles. Dear God.
Or
Merlin has all of Camelot (and neighboring kingdoms) wrapped around his finger and Arthur is beginning to resign himself to the fact his servant somehow has more power than he does.