"Hm... whatever, but if you help me I can help you." the lion says, nodding almost sagely "So, like I said, he's in the Empress' palace, so you'll need to get in there.  You won't be allowed in as a mere bounty hunter, and certainly not with the weapons on your person, but if you'll let me I know how to smuggle them in, and all i have to do is send you as as my representative, vetted by me, and you'll have no problem getting inside.  That is, unless you do something<em>stupid</em>... or do you have a better plan to get in there?"