It's a bad decision, to invoke trial by combat in a matter as sensitive as the scenario presented is.

Choosing to invoke trial by combat would inevitably embarrass a distinguished knight and potentially a high house. The political blow-back of such a thing would not be A small matter for House Forteps. A guile politician as the count is; would never have allowed such a thing; and there was a wasted opportunity for some narrative drama as well. A quest could have been had that simply had the player waiting and maybe reading a book or two, while the count fought the political battle; which you the player are not equipped for :O

"trades will be made" was a line from a previous quest and it could have,had one of its pay offs here. But as it is, we smash and grab.