The following day, the official gathering in Markovia began at 6 p.m. sharp. Although many of the guests had arrived a day prior and were already settled within the country, others could only come on the day of the event.
Arias was one such person, as his private jet didn't touch down in Markovia until 30 minutes after the event began. But he wasn't alone in his timing. Terra and Mercy had also not yet attended the event, because despite arriving an hour before it started, they chose to wait at the airport for Arias.
Slade couldn't come or involve himself openly with Arias as it would bring unnecessary tension to his presidential campaign. Due to the lack of journalists allowed for the duration of the event, Arias's touchdown in the country was without drama—visible at least...
Because immediately after Arias's plane touched down, a pair of eyes were already on him. From a tower not far from the landing strip, Robin was cloaked and observing the scene with a pair of enhanced visors.
"Arias Markovic has landed," he communicated telepathically via Miss Martian, having agreed that radio silence was needed during this operation. Following his words, the voice of Black Canary resounded in his mind.
"Any recognizable faces? Harley Quinn or Wonder Woman?" she asked, trying to gauge the enemy's strength. She and Miss Martian were also cloaked, but in a woodland area immediately outside the airport.
Robin waited for a moment to see if anyone else would exit the plane but found it was only Arias, who didn't even bother looking around and just entered one of the cars waiting for him at the bottom of the plane's steps.
"Negative, looks like it's only him. That's two fewer problems to worry about," he communicated back and ceased surveillance just as the vehicles drove away, leaving only a small security detail around the plane.
Canary, though, wasn't as convinced as Robin yet. "It's too early to tell. For now, just bug the plane and let's join up with the others."
Meanwhile, Arias had reunited with Mercy and Terra in the vehicle he entered. The first to comment on his arrival was Mercy, whose mood seemed less feisty than usual.
"Didn't bring muscle girl and the clown? Good, saves me the headache," she said while handing over some documents to Arias, who quickly opened them and skimmed through. They mostly contained information related to his wealth and the Ark academies.
He went over them in silence before closing the folders and handing them back to Mercy, his expression content. "Nothing that should cause concern yet. How about this current project, any bumps I should know about?"
Mercy didn't answer this time and looked toward Terra, who had been quiet the entire time. She shook her head at the question and answered straightforwardly, "No, despite my memory loss, they still seem very attached to me, even though I'm not the same person they knew. Even those aiming for the throne don't see me as a threat, I think. Rather, everyone is extremely friendly…"
Arias chuckled slightly but wasn't surprised by what he heard and nodded. "Of course they are. Don't forget, as things stand, you're a teen billionaire. I'm sure everyone has their own reasons for being kind to you. Then again, some may be doing so genuinely. It's up to you how you proceed."
Terra listened intently to Arias's words. Despite not knowing him long, she still held him in very high regard due to his relationship with Slade, where it was clear he was the superior person—not just in terms of wealth and power.
With such a mindset toward him, she naturally developed a sort of reverence, especially in times when he seemed relaxed but his eyes distant. She nodded in understanding and replied, "I don't trust any of them. So far, the only one who seems to genuinely have missed me is my father. My mother has already tried feeding me thoughts about quickly changing my name back and coming home after the proof that I'm their daughter is released. She also suggested I tie my wealth with the family's… in other words, give away control."
Hearing this, Arias still showed no surprise on his face and just listened, his true thoughts a mystery. After going silent for a while, he just shook his head before looking at his watch.
Both Mercy and Terra paid close attention to his movements and demeanor, but no one asked what was wrong or what they should do.
Soon enough, the vehicle arrived at the royal palace, where the celebrations were already underway. It resembled a red carpet event with many citizens of the country gathered outside, cheering and taking photos. This event was a big step for their country and brought with it numerous benefits, so it was only natural that they, too, celebrated.
Arias's arrival wasn't only the most controversial but also the most important. Many high-class individuals had already guessed that Arias was still in control of his funds and was making decisions through Terra, and now, he planned on forging a relationship with the country where she was a princess.
It all seemed like a carefully thought-out plan, but for what purpose? And for what end goal? This is what boggled the minds of many.
However, few could question his brilliance because, thus far, it was scheduled to be a success. As if this wasn't enough, Slade was also looking like a top-three candidate for the elections. One couldn't call such planning a coincidence. It was known that if Slade won the election, many benefits would open up for Arias, and the same would happen if Terra was actually the Markovian princess.
So rather than make an enemy out of someone like this, most of the donors here came solely to meet Arias in person and forge a strong alliance.
The first to greet him, though, was King Viktor, who actually waited by the entrance to meet him without heavy security around him—a great show of respect and trust on the King's part.
Arias exited the vehicle, and immediately numerous cameras started taking photos of him, and many in the crowd cheered his name. Behind him were Terra, who wore an elegant gown, and Mercy, who was dressed in formal business attire.
Arias paid no mind to the cameras and approached the King, immediately stretching out his hand. King Viktor followed suit and also stretched out his hand to greet Arias. The two locked hands and shared a firm handshake while wearing smiles on their faces.
During this handshake, King Viktor spoke in a heavy Markovian accent. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have long admired your—"
Bang!
Without warning, the cheering crowd, flashing cameras, and King Viktor's words were brought to a halt as a loud gunshot resounded, and the King's body fell.
Without even a second passing, the sound of more gunshots began to ring out, causing panic to grow. Arias showed a look of confusion and surprise, like anyone else, before quickly shielding Terra and moving toward cover.
A frightened Terra quickly asked, "What's going on?"
Bang!
Her question was followed by a loud shot hitting the marble cover they were hiding behind. Arias looked at her calmly and replied, "An assassination attempt, with multiple targets—me and you included."
Terra seemed a bit confused by it all and asked again, "Who do you think is behind this?"
Arias shook his head at this question. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."