"This is Ken, the art collector I mentioned earlier. He sells to nobles from Kleinn Island and Ellery Island," Max nudged Evan's arm before whispering, "He was supposed to leave for Ellery, but delayed his trip just for us."
"Hello, Ken! I'm Evan, Max's friend!" Evan greeted the man, who looked to be in his thirties. Judging from the man's demeanor, his warm smile toward anyone in front of him, and his attire, Evan assumed he must be a wise person.
"Hello, I'm Ken. Welcome to my shop. Please, have a seat," he said warmly. Evan pulled out one of the chairs around the table, followed by Max and Ken, who also took their seats.
The shop had already closed—Ken should've left for Ellery. But hearing that Max would come to visit, Ken deliberately delayed his departure just to meet Evan.
"Let me take a look at all the items you brought. These paintings look very valuable. Are they from a noble collection? Or perhaps royal?" Ken asked with excitement. He stood and pulled off the burlap covering the paintings. Evan watched as Ken's face turned to surprise when he saw the first painting they brought. "Max, I never underestimate the things you bring me."
"Good goods deserve good prices," Max said, smiling in satisfaction at Ken's reaction to what he'd brought. "Give us a fair price that reflects how hard it was to bring all this from the Emperor's palace."
"THE EMPEROR'S PALACE?!" Ken immediately covered his mouth after half-shouting in front of Max and Evan. "How did you get these out? Wouldn't you be executed if caught stealing from the Emperor's palace?"
"Honestly..." Max spoke, pausing before continuing, "Prince Harry made it happen."
Ken's mouth dropped open in a silent gasp. It was obvious everything had been arranged from inside the palace, by someone taking a great risk.
"If you brought this many paintings, I can't promise to pay for all of them right away. I only have five thousand gold coins. But for art of this caliber, I'd say they're worth at least fifteen thousand."
Ken sat back down, his face showing regret for not preparing more money for the two men who had just come to see him.
"Prince Harry might come to Ellery next week, Ken. I'll find you to collect the rest then," Max said briefly, while Evan turned to him, not so easily placing his trust in others.
"Agreed. I'll give you the rest in Ellery. I might even stop by Georgia two months from now after visiting Kleinn." Ken then pulled out one large pouch filled with coins and another smaller one, placing them both on the table. "Here. The big pouch holds four thousand coins. The smaller one has a thousand."
Evan didn't dare touch the pouch right away. Prince Darren's paintings were fewer than those from Prince Harry, so he let Max take his share first.
"What are you waiting for?" Max asked before grabbing the smaller pouch. "This is more than enough to travel around Ellery and Kleinn."
"Why'd you take the small one?" Evan asked, confused.
"I know Prince Darren has more expenses. Take it. You need to build that place, right? Prince Harry doesn't need much money just for traveling." Max pushed the big pouch closer to Evan.
"But Prince Harry had the most paintings. You should be getting more money," Evan said, opening the large pouch and noticing another small one inside—this one likely holding about five hundred coins. Evan handed it to Max. "Think of it as spare money before you return to our place."
"What place are you building?" Ken asked Evan, who was seated across from him.
"We're building a small camp. It's between Mierre-Park and Narima Beach. If you need a place to rest while heading to Mierre-Park, stop by our camp," Evan offered.
"I heard there are many bandits along that route, so not many people dare travel that way," said Ken. "I've been interested in visiting Mierre-Park, but the land route is too dangerous. I always end up canceling."
"Maybe I'll discuss that issue with Prince Darren. In two months, we might meet again in Narima Beach," Evan replied, now more comfortable speaking with Ken.
"Next time, I think we'll see each other more often in Mierre-Park, Evan." Ken's words made both Evan and Max frown. They were confused by what Ken had just said. "Oh, haven't you heard? I got word from a luxury goods collector in Mierre-Park. They said there's going to be a change in the Emperor soon. Starting next week, all trade ships will only dock at Mierre-Park. God, isn't that a hassle?"
"Wait, a change in Emperor?" Evan asked, bewildered. He turned to Max, who looked just as lost. "You mean Prince Harry?"
"Not sure. Rumor has it a King from Mierre-Park is going to take over. Word is they're planning a coup inside the palace." Evan immediately stood up. He grabbed Max quickly, urging him to get up too.
"Our boss!" Evan shouted, now visibly rattled. He didn't know how to carry that sack of gold without attracting suspicion. If a guard found it, they'd lose precious time being interrogated.
"Don't take it with us!" Max said quickly. "Ken, stash it in the usual spot, okay?"
****
"Hands up!" Evan and Max couldn't enter the meeting room once they reached its door. Their eyes scanned the palace guards, who failed to protect them as the two were forced to surrender.
Evan realized these were all imperial guards who had sided with the rebellion, now loyal to Finn. Without putting up a fight, Evan and Max raised their hands, allowing two guards to search them for suspicious items.
The door opened, but Evan couldn't hear clearly what was being said inside. All he could catch were muffled voices—one of them sounding like Prince Harry.
"I, Harry Richard Vadenburg, along with my brother Darren Alaric Vadenburg, hereby renounce my title as heir to the Brisstol Empire and cede the throne to King Finn of the Kingdom of Mierre-Park!" Evan froze at Harry's declaration. So did Max, who couldn't do anything to stop it. Joy spread across the guards' faces. Only Evan and Max were saddened by the success of this rebellion.
"Long live the King!" someone shouted from inside.
"Long live!" the guards echoed back.
"Long live the King!" the voice rang out again.
"Long live!"