After the dining table was cleared by the servants, Serzad asked Godan, Marta, and Jomie to remain seated while his wife excused herself to visit the worker districts in Amexan.
His usually warm face now carried a more serious expression as he stared at them intently. Karven stayed in his seat, leaning back casually, while his secretary silently jotted down notes with a pen on paper.
"We need to speak frankly," Serzad began, folding his hands on the table. "About the Star Key and the Water Goddess Stone."
Godan immediately felt his heart race. He glanced at Marta and Jomie, hoping for some sign of what they should do. But both of them looked just as anxious. Marta bit her lower lip, while Jomie kept his head down, avoiding everyone's gaze.
Karven, seated across from them, gave a small smile. "Don't worry, kids. We're not here to pressure you. But you must understand, the items you possess are much larger than you, larger than Somara."
"Sir, we understand the importance of the Water Goddess Stone," Godan said, trying to sound firm even as his voice wavered slightly. "But we also know the risks if it falls into the wrong hands."
"Oh, so you think I'm the wrong hands?" Karven replied, his tone still calm but carrying an edge.
"That's not what we mean," Marta interjected quickly, trying to diffuse the tension. "We just… want to make sure the Water Goddess Stone is truly found and used to save Somara."
Serzad nodded slowly. "That's a noble sentiment. But you must realize, children, you're not the right people for this mission. You've done your part by finding the Star Key. But now, let the more experienced handle the rest."
"And that includes me," Karven added with a confident smile. "I'm the Mayor of Somara. This responsibility is mine. You've done enough. There's no reason for you to continue risking your lives."
"..."
"Your names will still be recorded as 'citizens of merit.' And, of course, any expenses you incurred will be reimbursed. So, don't worry," Karven continued, his tone still coaxing.
Godan's mind raced for a way to keep them involved in the quest. But Karven remained firm, insisting they return to Somara.
Karven clarified further, his tone now sharper. "The three of you are just children—without power, without preparation, without support. If you keep being stubborn, you'll only end up in even greater trouble."
Finally, Jomie spoke up, though his voice was barely audible. "But we have support from Boss Rocko and Grandma Miru. They believe in us."
"And that was a foolish decision," Karven said bluntly. "Rocko and Miru only see you as temporary tools. They don't understand the magnitude of the threats waiting for you."
Serzad added his own pointed gaze. "You need to understand, children. This isn't about ego or personal desires. It's about the future of Somara, the future of the Amhail Continent. If you truly care for your city, you'll hand those items over now."
The pressure in the room grew heavier. Marta tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. Jomie kept staring at the floor, while Godan felt as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.
"Fine," Godan finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We'll hand them over."
Marta and Jomie turned to him in shock, but they knew they had no other choice. With trembling hands, Godan opened his bag and pulled out the Star Key, while Jomie handed over the map he had hidden in his jacket.
Karven's smile widened, his eyes glinting with triumph. He carefully took the two items, like a collector finally obtaining a priceless treasure.
"Thank you. You won't regret this decision."
Godan remained silent, holding back the anger and disappointment he felt toward himself.
Karven stood, then gave a slight bow as a gesture of gratitude. "Serzad, I'd like to request your permission to show these kids around Amexan before they return to Somara. Perhaps with—city train? I think they deserve a little recognition for their efforts."
"Of course," Serzad replied, his warm demeanor returning. "That's an excellent idea, Karven. They'll surely enjoy the sights of the city."
Karven smiled in satisfaction. He patted Godan lightly on the shoulder before leaving the room with his secretary, followed shortly by Serzad. The three friends were left behind, feeling smaller than ever.
When the door closed, Marta lowered her face, whispering softly, "What have we done?"
Godan didn't answer immediately. He stared at the empty table in front of him, feeling as though he had lost everything. But deep in his heart, he knew this wasn't over.
Karven might have taken the Star Key and the map, but they still had the two important journals.
* * * * *
Before the sun reached its peak, Karven's secretary met Godan and his friends, explaining that Mr. Karven Chroc was waiting for them at the ticket station.
With sluggish steps, they made their way to the city train stop, just five houses away from Mayor Serzad's residence.
"One ticket for the whole train ride!" Karven called out, waving the ticket as he saw the children from Somara arrive at the station.
The four of them boarded the windowless train. The atmosphere was fairly crowded, with almost every seat occupied. Some passengers carried work bags, while others appeared to be out for a leisure trip with their children.
The city rail train of Amexan moved slowly, its wheels clattering softly over the tracks. From their seats, Godan, Marta, and Jomie gazed out, increasingly awestruck by the beauty of the city unfolding before them.
Beside them, Karven sat casually, dressed in a dark gray suit that exuded the authority of a leader. Karven's friendly guidance lightened the mood, although the three friends still carried the tension from the events earlier that morning.
"Amexan is a city with a long history," Karven began, his voice full of pride. "They built this with hard work, innovation, and—of course—community. Look at that!" He pointed outside the window.
The train passed by an upscale residential complex, neatly maintained. Large houses lined up with beautiful gardens, adorned with exotic trees and small fountains. The residents of the neighborhood were strolling along the walkways, some walking their clean, shiny-coated dogs.
"Here live the best entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists of Amexan," Karven explained. "They are the foundation of this city's economy and culture."
"Mr. Karven, how long will you be staying here?" Godan asked, not responding to the mayor's earlier explanation.
"I'll be back the day after tomorrow," he said cheerfully. "Don't be too tense, son. Today, I'm taking you all on a little holiday."
Godan turned his face away from Karven, staring out the window.
The train continued its journey, passing the residential area and slowly entering the grand shopping district. Buildings with large glass windows displayed luxurious items, from elegantly designed clothes to sparkling jewelry.
Marta couldn't help but gaze at the showcases. Every item displayed there was so beautiful and alluring.
"This all looks... amazing," she murmured.
Karven smiled. "Of course. They believe that prosperity should be visible."