Claudia needed funds for the revolution, and Owen, who had escaped from the northern coal mines, needed a foothold for a fresh start.

In a shabby tavern, Owen clenched his fist as he met with Claudia.

“I want to paint again. I’m tired of drawing in hiding.”

“I heard your paintings still fetch a high price.”

“The value of my art soared after I became a rebel. I’m struggling for daily rations, yet my paintings sell for millions of gold.”

“I know nothing but the sword.”

“But you could become an Emperor.”

Claudia, who had been glaring at Owen, abruptly stood up.

“Speak nonsense, and you’ll be dragged to hell, not the northern coal mines.”

“I’d do anything to remove the rebel label. I could even make you a fortune.”

“You’re worried about your next meal and yet you claim to make me rich? How can I trust you?”

Claudia’s blue eyes glinted sharply.

Though barely thirty, Owen’s laughter carried the emptiness of a dying old man.

“Even if you don’t trust me, don’t you trust the man who introduced me?”

“…”

“Count Roseroys. If he takes me in, he promises a fortune. With that money, you could open up a new sky.”

“I thought you were an artist, turns out you’re a gambler.”

“I’m hanging on like a rat, but I don’t gamble my life on just anyone.”

Claudia had decided to work with Owen long before meeting him.

Owen Black was a notable figure who had fallen from grace due to the Yebrei royal family.

If he lent his strength, the talents living in hiding and disgrace could join the revolution.

Of course, the risk of exposure increased as more people joined.

But Claudia also needed to take a risk at this point.

“Earl Black, what’s your plan for making money?”

“You’re more impatient than I heard.”

“You heard I hate bluffers?”

“Douglas advised me to tell you nothing but the truth when meeting you.”

“If you’re going to work with me, remember the advice of my close friend.”

The one who introduced Owen to Claudia was none other than Douglas.

I planned to meet Owen the same way Claudia did, using Douglas as a stepping stone.

Douglas wanted to repay a favor, and Owen wanted to reclaim his honor.

Both were problems I could solve.

Not for free, of course.

(Time separator here.)

Douglas looked puzzled when I asked him to introduce me to an illustrator.

When I suggested meeting at Burger King, a highend restaurant, his expression turned to confusion.

Burger King was famous for hiring only the empire’s top chefs.

The nobles would pay extra to make a reservation at this restaurant.

I had reserved a quiet private room for today.

A table with a crisp white tablecloth and shining silverware was neatly prepared.

“I had no idea that the famous Owen Black was the illustrator… I apologize for not recognizing you.”

Douglas bowed his head.

A man in his thirties with dark hair and black eyes tinged with red looked apologetic.

“I apologize for not confessing earlier.”

“I understand.”

“I didn’t think the Earl would easily forgive me. I didn’t expect to be exposed so easily.”

I comforted Owen, who looked bitter.

“Don’t worry, Earl, this is known only to the three of us.”

Was it because the title ‘Earl’ felt unfamiliar?

Or perhaps because I am the Crown Prince’s educational officer?

Owen, who had been glaring at me, suddenly turned his head.

“How did you know? I didn’t reveal my style in the ‘Red Star of the Empire’ illustrations.”

“It’s not difficult if you have gold.”

Of course, it was a lie.

Had I not read the original, I would never have known that Owen was the illustrator.

I would not have known about his friendship with Douglas either.

Or how Claudia won his favor at their first meeting.

“Elizabeth, why did you want to see me?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“I refuse. How can I trust a servant of the Yebrei royal family?”

“I may be untrustworthy, but you trust the person who introduced me, don’t you?”
A slight ripple formed in Owen’s steadfast gaze.

People who have a similar way of speaking and phrasing usually strike a chord with each other.

So what if I did some research?

“Shall we start with food?”

He clapped his hands.

The specially ordered dishes were brought in one by one.

Spotting the plates carried in by the staff, Owen’s eyes darted quickly.

He swallowed upon seeing the succulent veal roast, and his nose flared as he caught the aroma of the steaming clam stew.

He was also swayed by the meat pie generously topped with pink turkey, and the turkey cooked down with blueberries.

All were exquisite dishes that could be found at a grand noble feast.

It had been a long time since Owen, a foodie and a big eater, had tasted such cuisine.

‘Claudia seduced Owen with food. Though he seems picky, he’s a simple man.’

Resting my chin on the table, I grinned.

“Feel free to eat. If you need more, just say so.”

“Free food? That sounds suspicious.”

“If you don’t eat, we’ll have to throw this food away.”

“How wasteful! There are so many people who can’t even afford potatoes.”

While grumbling, Owen took up a fork and knife.

Douglas pushed a plate with a deer leg in front of Owen.