Say the count suspects something is wrong, what can he do about it? Once they announce his failure to uphold his agreement as part of a choir of who knows how many other merchants, making a move against them means every other big merchant and banker who has loaned "the count" money will think this is the count¨s way of repaying his debts. As will the merchant's guild and various associations dedicated to trade or banking. His name will be ruined utterly for not only failing to uphold his word but even turning on the one who loaned him money. Even the king might very well give him the boot in order to curry favor with the merchant class and gain financing for future wars. Besides, how would the count know that this particular company is any different from other major Yvesian companies that have loaned "him" money? It seems a small risk for the white pearl company in return for an easy 5000 gold. Even for them, that is a lot of cash so they might just jump at the offer. Otherwise, keep them out of the loop.
Will need to ponder this some more... But main Ideas I had were: Make alliances with the good nobles Hiring mercs to do stuff. Hiring assasins to do stuff Hiring Thief guilds to do stuff Setting up one thief guild to fail, after a few tryout mission, on their way back form an ambush ambush them again.. Pretty much undermine the local authority, start from the surrounding towns and move in close to the capital, rumors, unrest etc.. -> revolution Prison break Loot the nobles/ bad ones Spread rumors about new Duke form somewhere rich&powerfull