“Cheers!” Arthur raised the champagne glass in his hand. It was an exquisite drinkware. The excellent craftsmanship put into making it was very apparent in its form and ease to grab. Glitters of diamond and shine of gold accentuated its price and luxury. The champagne contained inside was no less impressive. Made by the finest wine-maker, kept in the finest bottle, and aged for almost a hundred years. It was served by the finest bartender and brought to him by the most charming woman that ‘gentleman’ could find. All in a vain attempt to please him and gain the tiniest bit of his favor.

Arthur wasn’t a champagne connoisseur, he couldn’t tell the difference between expensive and ultra-expensive champagne. And the gentlemen attempt to impress him with the price tags ended up making Arthur think less of him. The woman the gentleman offered wasn’t that impressive either. Her looks and sexual appeal was doubtless astonishing for a human standard, but for someone who had seen beyond the realm of mortal, she was not all that special. And he wouldn’t do anything even if he found her to his liking. The pleasure of flesh wasn’t something he sought off, and he already set hit his heart for another. Arthur wouldn’t blame the ‘gentleman’ though. If it was anyone else, the effort would have paid off.

The gentleman was the boss of a powerful Mexican drug cartel. It wasn’t biggest in the region and his connection wasn’t the largest. But he was a rising star in recent years, drawing attention from both law enforcement and rival cartel alike. And he dealt not just with regular drugs, but also rare magical drugs. ‘Magic Tonic’ it was called. The newest and most popular magical drug in recent years. A partnership with him would be beneficial for Arcturus family.

Arthur stood up from his seat, drawing every eye in the room. No one dared miss a single action he took.

He smiled. Now he gazed at the entire conference room, the whole thing was laughable. Bosses and underbosses of criminal organizations, head of the police, generals and officers of the army, congressmen and congresswomen, politicians, and people of power.

Normally it would have been impossible. The criminals would be wary of other criminals and the police and vice versa. Yet despite the danger and risk, they all came. With their million dollars suit and dresses and jewelry and gifts. With their face muscle stretched to its limit. With personal grudges and hatred locked behind thinly veiled manners and conduct. All to gain his grace and goodwill. But they won’t, not in a chance.

Arthur’s only goal there was to reestablish the partnership between them and the Arcturus family. He came on Rose behalf and had no reason to give his blessing to people who ignored her these last few years. Most of these people wouldn’t have come if Rose was standing there instead of him.

“My apologies, ladies and gentlemen. The night has turned late, and I must excuse myself. I hope everything we have discussed here will be beneficial for all of us, and that our partnership will last a lifetime ... or more.” He raised the glass once more. Everyone in the room followed suit. “Long live, Arcturus.”

“Long live, Arcturus.” Everyone raised their voice in unison with no one lagging.

“Woah!” One of them shouted in surprise as golden aura enveloped her body. “Hahahahaha.” She laughed as youthful energy and vigor filled her to the brim. “This - this is amazing.” The wrinkles on her cheek and forehead, buried under layers of makeup, gone. Aching joints and failing eyesight, gone. Diabetes and liver problem, gone. One by one, Arthur’s golden aura enveloped everyone.

Arthur watched with a smile on his face as they basked in their foolish ignorance. They got their health and youth back, and they would live a few years longer. Yet blinded by this worldly euphoria, they became unaware of the mark on their neck. Like a snake coiling around their throat and disappearing before anyone noticed. Binding their fate with their loyalty to Arcturus and Pendragon.

Satisfied after accomplishing what he came for, he left the conference hall and walked towards his room in the hotel. As much as he wanted to stay in Rose’s house, he had no more reason or excuse to do so. Staying at her house would only trouble her and he didn’t want to test the limit of his self-restraint either.

“Lord Arthur.” When Arthur turned, an old man of Chinese ethnicity and a young woman stood behind him. His hunched back and white beard that reached the waist were enough indication of his age.

Arthur smiled a genuine smile. He was the previous leader of a triad clan, the Red Dragon, and still held a lot of influence even now. He was one of the few who kept supporting and conducting business with Arcturus family even after the death of Rose’s father. And he was the only one who didn’t try to manipulate her as she grew. However, that was not to say he did it because he cared for Rose or Arcturus family. He was simply a wise man who knew his place in this world.

“Koi.” Arthur shook the old man’s hand. He didn’t invite Koi to this meeting, he had no need to, but this hotel had ties to the Red Dragon. No wonder he knew when Arthur came. “And this is?” Arthur asked him about the young woman behind Koi.

“My granddaughter.” The woman bowed her head.

“Apologies if I may be frank, but you’re not planning to do what others are trying to do right? You know me better than that.”

“Lord Arthur, the last time we met face to face was ten years ago. You were only a boy of twelve. A young boy who hasn’t even reached puberty yet already sat on the seventh seat of the Long Table. So much power on the hand of one so young. Teenagers and young adult are usually adventurous and curious, especially about their sexuality. Though their ventures are often limited by their still limited power and authority. And in our line of work, people are rarely the celibate or loyal type in their relationship. So please forgive me if we assume that you do not differ from the rest of us in that matter.” He bowed his head.

“Raise your head, Koi. It’s not your fault that you do what you normally do.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Lord Arthur.” Koi raised his head. “I guess it’s a divine will that from the Long Table, you are the one closest to lady Rose. I can’t imagine dealing with anyone other than you.”

Arthur chuckled. “Divine will? Is that the way you’re going to flatter me, Koi? I reckon you will benefit more from dealing with the other. Cramming a few more years into your old bones isn’t what you’re after, right?”

“That is true, Lord Arthur. But you are very reasonable with your demand and very stable with your temper. If, let’s say, it’s Lord Fujii. I think he will just threaten us into submission and obliterate anyone who can’t keep up with his … uh … ridiculous demand. I can’t find a word to put it softly.”

“Don’t compare me with Fujii. He’s an odd one out even among the Long Table.”

“Speaking of which, Lord Arthur. I haven’t seen anyone from your household staff. Even Miss Victoria. “

“Oh, I left home and came here without telling anyone. By now they’re probably on their way here.”

“You ... you arrange this conference all by yourself?”

“All the thing I’m capable of doing, and you’re surprised by that. But No, I have help from Arcturus family staff. They can’t help, but It was more than enough.” Arthur‘s eyes moved to his wristwatch. “Ah, excuse me, Koi, I have to return to my room. If you have any business, you can call the Arcturus household.”

Arthur turned his body and head to his own room. He wasn’t really exhausted or tired, but he never liked conferences or meeting like this. Pretending and acting had been part of his life since he was born, but that didn’t make him like it any better.