As "king," Geoffrey, who fashioned himself a military genius, was very fond of meddling in the affairs of his army. He openly supported his favorite generals against their critics, often punishing critics to protect the generals' reputations. Two of Geoffrey's favorites were Count Thraxton the Braggart and Duke Edward of Arlington. He had also supported General Bell until Bell lost Marthasville and then the last Geoffreyite field army on an ill-advised invasion of Franklin Province. Geoffrey expected Bell to take the fall for his ill-advised actions, which had been undertaken with Geoffrey's full support. Bell in turn criticized Geoffrey, and the two became mutually contemptuous of each other.