But if the king believed it as well, wasn't he also deceived ? My point is: it doesn't follow the results we observe were the objectives those people were expe

But if the king believed it as well, wasn't he also deceived ? My point is: it doesn't follow the results we observe were the objectives those people were expecting. It doesn't make them liars. But I do agree with you: `follow the money` is a useful compass to navigate those waters.