Jade Maiden Palace...
The Jade Maiden Palace was a mysterious power in the Hartfield Empire.
Its backer was unknown, and they were one of the powers that had hidden its strength. Leaving all people knew to guess.
But everyone was sure of one thing, and that was that the one behind the Jade Maiden Palace was a powerful individual.
The Jade Maiden Palace was a restaurant and a resort. It had many relaxing places and at the same time good entertainment.
Entertainment was done by very fair and beautiful women who were talented in different arts such as dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments.
The affairs of the Jade Maiden Palace are overseen by the manager, The Jade Maiden.
That was her title, as well as what others call her because her real name was unknown to everyone.
Arthur arrived at the Jade Maiden Palace and walked in through the entrance.
Entering inside, he was greeted by two beautiful young girls, who were one of its waitresses.
One of the girls smiled at him and asked, "Welcome, young master. Which of our services would you like?"
"The usual," Arthur said with a returned smile.
The girl nodded and handed Arthur a key.
"Should I also..."
"No need, she already knows that I am here," said Arthur as he walked towards a direction in the resort.
A few minutes later, Arthur entered a room with the key he had. The room wasn't big but was nicely decorated and a bit too colorful to Arthur's liking.
Arthur walked to a wall in the room and held out the key he took from the girl earlier.
As soon as he did that, glowing symbols appeared on the wall and it opened up to reveal a hidden passage, which Arthur walked into, and the passage closed after.
A few moments later, Arthur appeared before another room that was very beautiful, and filled with nice paintings.
This time, the design of the room was to Arthur's liking. After arriving, Arthur sat on a chair in the middle and waited.
He didn't have to wait for long though, as just a few seconds later, he heard footsteps coming from another direction different from the path he came from.
A figure soon came into Arthur's view.
It was that of a woman, dressed in a white gown that hug her figure, showing her curves, which she had all, with none lacking.
Her skin was very fair, and she wore a veil on her face, that only revealed her eyes.
Arthur smiled at her and said, "Ah, Jade Maiden. You indeed deserve that name."
"My dear Prince Arthur, please forgive me for not arriving here before you," said the Jade Maiden.
Her voice was soft and would make some men weak in the knees if they heard it.
"Hahaha, it's fine. Come sit," said Arthur.
"Yes my Prince..." She said as she sat beside him.
"...or should I say, Master."
"Come on now. We have gone past the point of you calling me that."
"Oh really, when did that happen? How come I can't recall it...Master?" She said the master part with a seductive tone, making Arthur pause for a bit.
Arthur regained his composure immediately and said, "Alright, stop the word games. I need you to do something."
"Fine," the Jade Maiden said with a pout.
"You always keep resisting my charms, I..."
"I said stop," said Arthur with a serious tone.
The Jade Maiden went quiet and turned her face to the other side.
'What is it with this lady acting like a spoilt brat? Anyway, starting my cultivation journey is more important than her antics,' Arthur said in his heart.
"I need you to get me every information you have on the current affairs of the Eastern Territory."
The Jade Maiden, turned and asked, "What do you want that for?"
"Just do what I say, Eve," Arthur said, calling her name in the end.
"Fine, I will get it to you as soon as I can. Anything else, Master. This servant is here for more menial tasks as that is only what I am good for."
"Nothing else," Arthur said.
After speaking, he stood up and left.
Eve said nothing as she watched him leave.
"Hmph!"
"He is so annoying!" She said.
'Is he ignorant, or is he just ignoring me?' Eve wondered.
This Master of hers makes her happy sometimes, and at other times just makes her annoyed.
**********
Meanwhile...
In a secret place within the Emperor's palace.
Markus Hartfield was trying to convince the man before him to help protect Arthur from the shadows.
This was the same man, who sits behind the counter at the Royal Library, that Arthur bowed to.
"So you want me to protect that kid?"
"Yes, he requested for it himself."
"Oh, did he now? I knew he was very perceptive of things. Did you tell him anything?"
"No, of course not."
"Hmmm, let's see. I also have a few things I want to check in the Eastern Territory too."
"So you agree?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Thanks a lot. I am glad you would be the one protecting him."
"Yeah, and you know what would make this all perfect?"
"What?"
"If you tell me of that kid's origin."
"...." The Emperor went silent at that request.
"You really can't?"
"I am really sorry. But I am unable to talk about that boy's matter."
"It's all right. You don't need to apologize. Everyone has their secrets, and I get that. I was just curious, nothing more."
"Thank you," said the Emperor.
The old man waved his hand and said," Alright, you can leave now. My sword needs my attention."
The Emperor nodded and left.
Only the old man remained in the place after the Emperor had gone.
"Eastern Territory...I wonder how it is with that..."
*********
A few days later, Arthur left Hartfield City with his maid, Helia.
"So, Arthur. What are we going to be doing this time," said Helia?
Helia was a pretty girl with short brown hair and green-colored eyes. She wore a pale green dress which was her favorite color by the way.
Helia had grown up with Arthur and had been with him since they were five. So although she was his maid, they could be considered close friends.
"We are going on an adventure, through the seven seas, to find the rings of the lords!" Arthur said with a grin as he reminisced on his days on Earth.
"We are doing what now?"
Due to their closeness, she was one of the very few people that can talk to Arthur so casually. But she only does that when it's just the two of them.
"Nah, I'm just messing with you."
"You...Hmph!"
"Come on, are you angry already?"
"You are always doing this. What is it you call it again?"
"Trolling?"
"Yes, that! You are a big troll, Arthur!"
"Am I?"
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----------End of Chapter--------------
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A/N: Finally joined the ranking battles!
Please support with power stone votes and let Arthur rise through the ranks and facilitate him starting his cultivation journey.