Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 279: Scheduled Date with a Beautiful Alchemist

As Arthur stepped out of the meeting room, he immediately communicated with Cora through their mental link.

The connection opened instantly. ’Have you ever heard of the Three Mysteries Pavilion?’

Cora’s voice came back quickly. Her mental tone carried surprise. ’No, never. And that’s interesting to me. I’ve existed for thousands of years and traveled across multiple realms. I’ve encountered countless organizations and factions. If they’re truly unknown to me, they’re either incredibly new or incredibly good at hiding.’

’We need to investigate them,’ Arthur thought back. His mental voice was firm. ’If they really have information from other continents, they might know something about your sister.’

Cora went silent for a moment. Arthur felt her emotions through his ability. Surprise, hope, and longing.

When she spoke again, her mental voice carried emotion she rarely showed. ’You’re right. When my sister and I crashed into the Mortal Emperor Realm, we were separated immediately. The impact scattered us across vast distances. If this Pavilion has cross-continental intelligence networks, they might have records of her whereabouts. Or at least rumors or sightings.’

’I’ll visit them soon,’ Arthur promised. ’After we finish here.’

A maid approached Arthur as he stood in the corridor. She bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, Miss Ava asked me to lead you to where the Princess and Miss Helia are waiting."

Arthur nodded in acknowledgment. "Lead the way."

He followed her through the Association’s corridors. They walked past rooms where alchemists worked.

The smell of herbs and medicinal ingredients filled the air.

Other association members bowed when they saw Arthur pass. Finally they arrived at a beautiful tea garden located at the back of the building.

The garden was stunning. Rare spirit herbs grew in carefully maintained beds. Some glowed with faint light.

Others released pleasant fragrances. Anastasia and Helia sat at a stone table admiring the plants around them. When they saw Arthur approaching, both stood immediately.

"Are we leaving now?" Anastasia asked. She brushed off her dress.

"Yes," Arthur confirmed. "It’s time to go."

Before they could move toward the exit, Ava appeared from another entrance to the garden. She walked gracefully along a stone path.

"Prince Arthur, may I speak with you privately for just a moment?" she asked with a sweet smile. Her eyes met his directly.

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed slightly at the request. But she maintained her composure perfectly. Her royal training showed. "We’ll wait for you in the carriage," she said to Arthur.

Her tone was neutral but her eyes said something else entirely. She walked past Arthur. Helia followed behind her with a knowing look on her face.

Once they were alone in the garden, Ava’s expression became more serious. Her smile faded into something more genuine.

"Your Highness, there’s something important I’d like to discuss with you. But it should wait until after the Martial Emperor Secret Realm exploration ends."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. His interest was caught. "What kind of matter?"

"A personal one," Ava said. Her cheeks colored slightly. Pink spread across her face. "It involves my future and possibly yours as well."

Arthur wasn’t entirely sure of her implications but he had some ideas. He nodded slowly. "Alright. We can discuss it after the secret realm."

Ava’s smile brightened considerably. Her whole face lit up. "Then it’s a date," she said playfully. Her tone became lighter and more teasing.

Arthur smiled back naturally. "I suppose it is. I’ll look forward to hearing what such a talented and beautiful alchemist has to say to me."

Ava’s face flushed deeper at the compliment. The pink turned to red. "Let me see you off to your carriage," she offered quickly. She turned to hide her expression.

They walked together through the Association building toward the entrance. Their footsteps echoed in the hallways. Other members they passed gave them curious looks but said nothing.

As they walked, Ava spoke with nostalgia in her voice. "You know, we haven’t interacted like this since we were children. Grandfather used to bring me to the palace frequently back then."

"I remember," Arthur said with a laugh. Real amusement colored his voice. "You were always so serious. Too mature for your age. Like you were trying to be an adult already. I made it my mission to make you act like an actual child."

Ava looked at him with mock accusation. But her eyes sparkled with amusement. "You were such a troublemaker! You’d tease me constantly until I couldn’t keep my composure anymore. You’d hide my books. Put frogs in my tea. Tell ridiculous jokes until I had to laugh."

Arthur laughed more genuinely now. The sound was warm and real. "Someone had to break through that cold exterior you wore like armor."

"You didn’t have to trick me so many times though," Ava said. But she was smiling now. A genuine smile that reached her eyes. "I fell for your pranks every single time."

Arthur laughed awkwardly and scratched his head. His hand rubbed the back of his neck. "I was just a kid back then. Kids do thoughtless things."

Inwardly though, he thought with slight exasperation, ’Women really do hold grudges for a long time. She still remembers every prank from over a decade ago.’

They reached the entrance where Arthur’s carriage waited. The large vehicle stood ready. Guards stood at attention on both sides. Horses waited patiently in their harnesses.

Ava stopped at the top of the steps and faced Arthur with a warm smile.

"I’ll be seeing you in a month’s time then, Prince Charming," she said. Her voice carried a hint of anticipation.

Arthur smiled and replied smoothly without hesitation. "The month will pass slowly knowing such beauty and charm awaits at its end."

Ava’s face went completely red. The color spread from her cheeks to her ears and down her neck. She covered her mouth with her sleeve and looked away with obvious pleasure. Her eyes showed delight at his words.

Arthur climbed into the carriage. He pulled open the door and stepped inside.

As soon as he entered, he saw Anastasia staring at him. Her expression clearly said he was a shameless flirt. Her arms were crossed. Her eyebrow was raised.

Helia sat beside her trying very hard not to laugh. But she was failing to hide her smile completely. Her shoulders shook slightly with suppressed amusement.

Arthur sat down on the opposite bench and closed the curtain behind him. The fabric fell into place blocking the view outside.

The moment he settled into his seat and got comfortable, a sharp pinch landed on his side. Fingers found the soft spot between his ribs with perfect accuracy.

"Ouch!"