The deal went exceptionally well. Arabella placed an additional order with Abyss.
Abyss remained unfazed by Walter's death. To the organization, a second-in-command was merely a symbol.
Whoever could bring the most profit to the organization would embody that symbol.
When Taras left, his expression was indifferent, with no hint of the passionate chaos he had shared on Arabella's bed.
They came from afar, driven by passion, but in the end, that woman simply watched them leave with cold indifference.
He boarded the ship, gazing at the port city shrinking to a dark speck, eventually vanishing into the horizon.
Taras emptied his mind and turned to enter the cabin.
He would see that woman, Arabella, soon enough.
After completing the deal, Arabella grew bored at her base and decided to head west to Spanka to find Ferdinand.
Ferdinand had written her several times, saying he'd found some treasures that would surprise her.
Arabella figured that since she had some free time, she might as well visit Spanka and check out the black market there.
For this trip, she only selected about twenty elite soldiers. This time, she also brought along Albatross.
The reason was simple: Albatross was great at gambling.
Last time Arabella visited Ferdinand, he took her to his new casino, where she lost terribly, even forfeiting her newly acquired firearms to him.
This time, she brought Albatross along to reclaim her losses.
Albatross was delighted to be going out with Arabella. He bustled about, packing his bags, treating this trip as a major event.
Arabella didn't stop him; she sat back, smiling as she watched him pack bottles and jars, until she saw him trying to fit a blanket into his suitcase.
At that, she shook her head, gently taking his hand and coaxing, "Don't; if you bring your blanket, Ferdinand might throw a fit."
Albatross caught her teasing tone, lowering his gaze in embarrassment as he asked, "Do you think I'm a burden?"
Arabella simply smiled, giving his hand a light pat before turning to Raven and instructing, "We leave in ten minutes."
"Yes," Raven responded, leaving the room to make preparations.
"What? So soon? I think I forgot something…" Albatross panicked, frowning as he tried to remember what he might have missed.
Arabella held Albatross's hand and smiled, "If I take you with me, won't you have everything you need?"
Arabella spoke casually, not even realizing it sounded like sweet talk. Albatross heard it, and sweetness filled his heart; his handsome face lit up with a shy, radiant smile.
Ferdinand, upon receiving news of Arabella's arrival, spent the night under his blanket, grinning foolishly while holding her letter.
The next morning, he led a group of subordinates to meet her.
They were in neighboring countries, and it took about six days of nonstop travel from Utschs to Spanka.
Ferdinand, upon receiving the news, set out from the capital with his team to wait for Arabella at the border.
Ferdinand was a wealthy young master, his family a prominent force in the country. With arched brows and a roguish smile, his gaze held a mischievous glint, his smile laced with a hint of wickedness.
Arriving early, Ferdinand sat bored in his car, feet propped up on the dashboard, flipping a butterfly knife idly in his hand.
"Boss, they're here." The call on his radio made Ferdinand sit up, kick open the door, and look into the distance.
"Arabella! It's been too long; I missed you to death." Seeing Arabella step out of her car, Ferdinand's face lit up as he walked over.
Arabella smiled, spreading her arms to return his embrace.
Albatross stood half a step behind Arabella, locking eyes with Ferdinand, who held Arabella tightly, unwilling to let go. Their gazes clashed, filled with an unspoken, fierce hostility—a silent, challenging stare between rivals.
"Alright, enough. Don't make your men think their boss isn't weaned yet." Arabella easily broke free from Ferdinand's embrace, gently patting his back, then subtly moving his arms down with a guiding touch.
Ferdinand smirked, thinking to himself, "If I could actually get a taste of your milk, I'd take the teasing a hundred times over."
But he only dared to think this privately. Outwardly, he slung an arm around her shoulders, looking the picture of camaraderie, and said energetically, "Come on—let me show you what I've prepared."
Spanka was a constitutional monarchy with a stable political climate. Stability allowed its citizens a peaceful life, making it a paradise compared to Utschs with bleak environment which Arabella came from, with capital at the heart of this country the paradise.
To welcome Arabella, Ferdinand arranged for her to stay at the luxurious Basha Estate, one of his properties and an exclusive, high-end club catering only to select elites.
The estate sprawled over an expansive area, with enchanting landscaped gardens. The front yard offered a broad view, adorned with exquisite reliefs, and the courtyard stood grand and imposing, radiating luxury and elegance.
Ferdinand and Arabella walked ahead, chatting and laughing, with Raven and Albatross close behind, followed by dozens of tall, formidable guards—a sight that drew much attention.
As luck would have it, that day, Spanka's crown prince and his youngest sister, were also staying at Basha for a rare holiday.
The princess's true intention was far from innocent. Ever since she saw Ferdinand at her debut ball at eighteen, she hadn't been able to forget him. His mixed heritage gave him softer features compared to other Spanka men, with a roguish, wind-swept charm that had ignited her first crush. The princess's true intention was far from innocent. Ever since she saw Ferdinand at her debut ball at eighteen, she hadn't been able to forget him. His mixed heritage gave him softer features compared to the men, with a roguish, wind-swept charm that had ignited her first crush.
Since then, the princess had tried every means to linger around Ferdinand, hoping to catch his attention. Unfortunately, Ferdinand had become independent from his family at a young age, rumored to be running a large business, and rarely stayed in the capital.
Upon hearing that Ferdinand would be hosting guests at Basha, the princess was thrilled, eager to use the opportunity to express her feelings.
With such intentions, it wasn't surprising that the royal siblings ran into Ferdinand and Arabella's group within the vast estate.
Ferdinand greeted the prince politely upon seeing him.
The prince was a moderately built, refined man in his early thirties with a steady temperament. After smiling and returning Ferdinand's greeting, he turned his attention to Arabella, feeling it was necessary to inquire about the situation for his sister's sake. The prince was a moderately built, refined man in his early thirties with a steady temperament. After smiling and returning Ferdinand's greeting, he turned his attention to Arabella, feeling it was necessary to inquire about the situation for his sister's sake.
"My name is Arabella." Without waiting for Ferdinand's introduction, Arabella spoke up with a smile, calmly meeting the prince's scrutinizing gaze.
As the crown prince, the prince was well-versed in dealing with people. A single glance told him this woman named Arabella held a high status and should not be taken lightly.
He immediately put on a more courteous smile, introducing his sister to everyone.
At twenty-two, the princess was in the bloom of youth, with long legs, a slender waist, and fresh, fair skin, she was in the prime of youthful bloom.
She had been captivated by Ferdinand at first sight, until the prince introduced her. Quickly regaining her composure, the princess gracefully bent her knees slightly, lifting her skirt gently to prevent it from creasing.
"Pleased to meet you all," The princess said in a soft, melodious tone.
After the introduction, the princess lowered her head slightly, shy yet hopeful, wondering how Ferdinand would look at her. She adjusted her angle, wanting to show him her best side.
Ferdinand had seen the princess a few times before, but she hadn't left a deep impression.
His gaze remained unmoved, not sparing a single glance for the princess.
Ever since he met Arabella on the battlefield over five years ago, no other woman had managed to capture his interest.
With a single glance, the perceptive the prince saw where Ferdinand's heart lay. He sighed inwardly, realizing his sister's hopes were dashed, and offered an excuse, "Since Ferdinand has guests, we won't intrude."
Hearing this, the princess grew anxious and subtly tugged at her brother's sleeve, thinking, "How could he waste such a rare opportunity?" But the prince remained unmoved, ignoring her hints entirely.
Watching the siblings' silent exchange, Arabella, for once intrigued, spoke up, "Since we've met here, why don't you both join us?"
Hearing the invitation, the princess's eyes sparkled, momentarily forgetting her ladylike restraint as she looked up at the woman who had spoken.
At a glance, she froze.
The woman wore a plain white top and black pants, with not a trace of embellishment. Her skin was fair and delicate, though her features were unremarkable. A smile played on her face, and her eyes curved gently.
A gentle and unassuming woman—was she really the esteemed guest invited by Ferdinand?
