I think it's a stat thing - doesn't look like the princess can get that much manipulation (as getting that during CC would lock you out of the princess background, and there are very few opportunities to get manipulation in game)
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Because it was in response to a question about the princess <3
But I did give the double boost to the countess too. So in 1.10 it with new game + bonuses both the countess and the princess can have 50 manipulation as early as the welcome feast, which should hopefully be enough
(If it still proves too challenging I'll adjust again~)