Chapter 336 - SECRET MEETING

"Is that so? Then don't talk about it. We are not eager to know how you feel," Arthur told her.

"…What?" 

"It's good as long as you are alive," Arthur stated.

'Is he trying to lead me on, and scared of finding out by his wife?' Aria's eyes went from Arthur to Veronica. She felt a lot better when she thought that way. 

"As you can see, I have something to tell you. Unfortunately, I can't say that in front of unrelated people." While talking she stole a glance at Veronica.

'Aha, you want to make me jealous and make a rift between my husband and I. Am I stupid enough to fall for it?' Veronica chuckled in her mind.

Arthur signaled others to empty the room. 

Catherine seemed confused. 'What? Did he just support that shameless woman? Why support her though? I'm not leaving this room!' She stubbornly stayed in the room despite others leaving.

Veronica could understand her feelings. Her expression was like an open book. "Come with me," she whispered. Then, she grabbed her friend's hand and dragged her out of the room. 

The door was closed from the inside by Arthur's magic. Catherine glared at the door. "What was he thinking? Why did he have to be alone with another woman?" She was furious.

Veronica wasn't in a good mood either. But, she felt much better when her friend was there to support her.

She shrugged. "Nothing can't be done. Aria isn't just another woman. She is a Senior Fire Magician. She works under Arthur. Furthermore, I believe in my husband. I know he knows when to draw a line. 

"As for Aria, I'll have to make sure she fails to spread false rumors about Arthur. I don't want other people thinking that he cheats on his wife with his subordinate."

Catherine frowned. "Oh yes, that would be terrible. And the one who will suffer the most is you. Everyone will ridicule you and disrespect you. We need to get rid of Aria as soon as possible."

Veronica shook her head, disapproving of the idea. "We can't get rid of her. She is an important member of the tower. Losing her will be a great loss for the Magic Tower."

Catherine stomped on the floor. "Your reputation is at stake. How can you think about the tower at a time like this?"

"This is what being the Mistress of the Magic Tower means. I need to use my head more than letting my emotions lead me on."

Meanwhile, inside the room, Arthur was alone with Aria. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Aria was pleased that Veronica was kicked out of the room. She secretly smiled. "Arthur, it was about the Imperial Family. I think they are doing something suspicious."

"Oh?" Arthur became interested. "What are they doing?"

Aria told him, "They are meeting with some Senior Magicians. They called for me too. They ask for a secret meeting with each of them."

"What did they talk about??"

"I'm not sure about other magicians, but I was interrogated by an imperial vassal. He was asking me about the tower's work and if there was any mismanagement."

"They are trying to find out if I'm worthy of being the Master of the Magic Tower or not." Arthur's lips spread to a devilish grin. "Even if they find something, they don't have enough power to hold me back."

Aria reached out toward him. "I'm worried they might go against you and that will lead to war. You just have to know, no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you. I will never leave your side."

Arthur pretended not to see her hand. He looked away and stated, "That's what I expect from my cherished disciples. Do you know the names of the other magicians?"

Aria's hand froze in the midair. Realizing that Arthur wouldn't let her touch him, she slowly retracted her hand. 

She answered in a low voice, "I don't know them. The meeting was held secretly. No one speaks about it. If you want, I can spy on them."

"No need to go that far. Just attend the meeting when they call for you and answer carefully. Let me know what happens after the meeting," Arthur instructed.

"I'll do as you wish."

"Now, take care of yourself. Don't push yourself too hard."

"Okay… Cough! Cough! Cough!" She tried to speak but something struck her throat, and she began to cough.

Arthur quickly grabbed a glass of water and gave her to drink it. When she wanted to hold the glass, some water spilled and soaked her chest area. 

"It's cold…" She shivered. 

Arthur looked around and found a tower. He gently placed it on her chest. The moment he retracted his hand, Aria extended her hand and grasped his hand. At that moment, the door was opened, and Veronica and Catherine entered. 

"We heard Aria coughing. What's wrong–" Veronica's words got stuck on her throat when she saw their intimate position.

Arthur followed her eyes and realized where she was looking. He harshly brushed away his hand. As if he wanted to give some excuses, he said, "She spilled some water."

Veronica pretended she wasn't bothered. "Is she all right? Should I call for the water magician?"

Arthur was feeling ill at ease. 'Damn! I was careless. Nica just warned me two days ago. Now that this happened, I wonder which man she will use to hold hands with. Sigh! Why does this always happen?' He wished to tear his hair off in agitation. 

'Tsk! I just wanted to have a romantic time with Arthur, but this bitch has to ruin it.' Aria cursed in her mind. However, she had to act pure in front of Arthur. 

She coughed twice before stating, "I'm fine, Mistress. You don't have to worry about this unworthy me. I'll try to get better."

"You can only get better once you eat something sweet. Here," Catherine brought the tray of food on the bed. 

"Eat first and rest a lot, okay? We won't bother you anymore. Bye-bye!" Then, she pushed Arthur and Veronica's back and shoved them out of the room.

Aria saw how single-handedly she took Arthur away. Her expression contorted. 'Who is this bitch? It looks like Veronica isn't the only person who can control Arthur. This bitch can too. Did she use her blonde hair to seduce him? Arthur did like blonde hair.'

The more she thought about it, the angrier she had become. 'Looks like I have to deal with her first.'

-----------

After coming out of the room, Catherine reprimanded Arthur, "Look, Arthur, I know you are my superior, but it's also true that I'm your wife's only friend. I don't care how you deal with your subordinates, but you should be wary of the women who want to snatch you away from Ver and hurt her. I'm sure you don't want to be treated as the prize of a competition."

Saying her mind, she left those two alone.

Arthur was in a daze at first and then glanced at his wife. "Was what Catherine said true? Did Aria start a competition with you?"

"Don't meddle in women's war, Arthur. It's not something a man should interfere with," Veronica warned her husband.

Arthur replied, "I understand. I won't interfere unless you are in danger. However, I must tell you that I didn't touch her chest. I just landed the towel on her chest without touching her. She was the one who tried to touch me. I'm innocent. Next time, I'll warn her not to try anything stupid. You have my word."

Veronica carefully observed him before nodding, "Sure, as long as she doesn't bother me anymore."

"There is something else I want to talk about. Let's go to Ovior's room," Arthur urged her.

"Okay then."

At her approval, Arthur teleported her to Ovior's office. There, he told them about Aria's suspicion.

"The Queen finally made a move. I was thinking that she would forget about her son," Ovior commented with a solemn expression.

"Then, do you think they are the ones who made fake Arthur? There is no way Arthur will let any harm happen to the tower. So, they took a different approach," Veronica shared her point of view.

Ovior frowned at her suggestion. "That can be possible, but we don't have any proof. I hope Zinnia comes back soon." 

Arthur spoke his mind, "That may not be the case. If the Queen knew that Nica is the blessed child, she would use any means necessary to take me down. She wants me to grovel on her feet. She will choose the harshest way to do that."

"What you said makes sense," Ovior nodded. "However, we have to be more careful around the Senior Magicians from now on. We don't know who might stab our back. Shall I make a list of all of them?"

"That would be for the best. Tell Felix to send his men to keep an eye on them," Arthur ordered.

"On it!" Catherine used her communication device to call Felix.

"What about Merlin? Did he reach Louses?" Veronica asked Ovior.

Ovior fixed his glasses before replying, "He should be. He can't contact us unless he is absolutely sure no one is keeping an eye on him."

"I see. I think I should refrain from going outside from now on. I'll stay inside the tower and practice sword fighting more," Veronica decided.

"Oh! I was thinking I would go out with you tomorrow.." Catherine's shoulders slumped.