While the mass riot is raging, someone is counting their profits...

While two people are walking along the dangerous streets of New Rotterdam, in a rich merchant's mansion on the embankment of the port quarter, a group of respectable and wealthy people are discussing the current situation.

Around this mansion there is a cordon of several squads of well-armed mercenaries.

Inside the mansion, the roar of the crowds coming from the streets is almost inaudible.

In a secluded luxurious office, a dozen richly dressed people are sitting in comfortable chairs, which are located around an elegant, patterned table made of rare black wood.

These people are talking with a calmness that is strange for the current situation.

Some of them are smoking expensive cigars and shaking ashes into crystal ashtrays.

In one of the chairs sits a thin elderly woman, dressed in a stylish black business dress.

"Well, our deal was indeed mutually beneficial, Lady Lucia... The shipment of weapons from the Gionderi family helped speed up our plans... Just escaping from prison a group of stinking pirates would clearly not be enough..." - a fat man with a double chin shakes the ashes of his cigar into an ashtray.

"I am happy to help such respected business partners as you, Mr. Hugo Jansen!" - the woman smiles politely and takes a crystal glass, sipping some wine from it.

"We paid you a lot, but if our plan is realized, the costs will be justified... We are all tired of tolerating the privileges of the nobility! We are tired of the laws of the kingdom equating us - respectable businessmen - with crowds of pathetic beggars! For the king, both we and some stinking ghoul and an insignificant dock worker are the same! We are all serfs! "We are the ones who are **** to bear the heavy and ever-increasing tax burden while the nobles rule and enjoy their privileges! It is time to change this situation, even if it means sacrificing a few hundred paupers-plebs!" - these words are spoken by a short and stocky man with a small black beard and moustache. His dark blue jacket has gilded buttons.

Lucia Gionderi nods politely: "I understand you completely, Mr. Grone! You are absolutely right! As respected businessmen and members of the League of Merchants, you have every right to demand reforms and changes in the system of governance of the kingdom from King James II. These reforms are also in our interests - the recent annexation of Axeman-City to the kingdom has created the potential for problems. The king "bought off" my family and the other influential families with titles and some privileges... But we are far-sighted - we think about the future... Patrick Sullivan is too power-hungry, too religious and too loyal to the king. It seems that he wants to eventually become the sole lord of Axeman-City and completely undermine the influence of the other families in the Circle of Five. This is simply unacceptable to us. Since Sullivan relies on the support of the king - we are interested in weakening the royal power... Power in the Kingdom of Utrecht should be exercised by those who are truly worthy of it! Those who possess wealth and control over trade! That is you, gentlemen!"

All the persons present solemnly raise their glasses and drink wine.

A few minutes later, one of those present (a thin, bald man, dressed in a black silk shirt and wearing a strange malachite amulet in the form of a miniature sword) asks in a quiet voice: "But we must take into account the possibility that the king will reject our ultimatum... We must prepare plans for various scenarios. What if the forces loyal to the king suppress the rebellion and shoot these crowds of plebs? What if this only strengthens the king's resolve and makes him even more stubborn?"

Lucia Gionderi smiles: "Mr. Grone mentioned plans to this effect earlier in a confidential setting... I am sure that in any case, you will be able to profit from the events that have taken place. After all, you have connections at the royal court! I have heard rumors that Princess Sapphire is even helping you! Second Princess of the Kingdom of Utrecht… She is probably tired of being just a “Second” and wants to change the system of power in order to realize her ambitions… Of course, all this can be covered up with words about freedom and other high principles… But we are realists, gentlemen… Therefore, I can only congratulate you – even in the royal family you were able to find someone who will help you… And when you firmly establish the new system of government – ​​no one will be able to stop you… You already control most of the kingdom’s economy – and soon you will control politics and laws!”

This secret confidential meeting of the most influential members of the League of Merchants soon ends.

A group of mercenaries armed with M16 **** rifles and Thompson submachine guns escort Lucia Gionderi to a small, maneuverable yacht, which is moored near one of the piers.

This yacht raises its sails and rushes north along the river.

In Axeman-City.