(3rd Person POV)
Arthur was well aware that his arrival in Babylon City had generated significant media attention, particularly regarding the mysterious aircraft he'd brought with him.
This was completely intentional. Arthur had deliberately showcased his airplane to ensure media coverage, ultimately hoping to capture the attention of specific Persian officials—particularly government figures involved in air travel regulation and tourism development.
His goal was clear: introduce the airplane's capabilities to key decision-makers and discuss the possibility of establishing limited air travel routes between Horn Kingdom and the Persian Empire.
This strategic objective explained why Arthur wasn't rushing to begin filming beyond basic planning stages. He wanted to lay the groundwork for experimental air travel partnerships between the two nations.
He was waiting for the right people to make contact. Sure enough, someone had indeed requested a meeting.
"Boss, an important Persian official wants to meet with you," Lilith reported efficiently. "They've requested a private meeting at an upscale restaurant. Should I arrange it, or would you prefer I decline and say you're too busy with the project?"
"No, I'll meet with them," Arthur replied with a knowing smile. 'This must be exactly the kind of officials I was hoping to attract—probably someone from their transportation ministry or tourism board.'
Lilith handed him the meeting location details and departed.
Arthur studied the address with satisfaction. By arriving in such a dramatic fashion with revolutionary technology, he'd successfully positioned himself as someone worth courting by Persian authorities.
'I'm certain they've heard about the airplane's rapid travel capabilities and want to discuss it with me,' Arthur thought confidently. 'This country desperately needs economic revitalization, after all.'
He was well aware of Persia's recent struggles. Trade routes with neighboring kingdoms had become increasingly unstable due to border tensions, while their traditional silk and spice industries faced growing competition from cheaper alternatives. The Persian currency had also weakened significantly against the global dollar, making international commerce more challenging.
'With airplane technology, tourism could flourish and provide substantial economic relief,' Arthur reasoned. The partnership he was prepared to offer would be nearly impossible for Persian officials to refuse.
---
Arthur arrived at the upscale restaurant discreetly. Located in an affluent but quiet district, the establishment attracted little foot traffic, allowing him to enter without drawing public attention.
The staff greeted him professionally, though their eyes widened with recognition. *'Arthur Pendragon—here!'* was written clearly across their faces, yet they maintained their composed demeanor while escorting him inside.
"Right this way, Mr. Pendragon," the hostess said smoothly, though her voice carried a slight tremor of excitement. "Your party is waiting in the private dining room."
Arthur nodded approvingly. These Persian officials had chosen their venue wisely—discrete enough for sensitive business discussions, yet prestigious enough to demonstrate respect for his status.
As he was led through the restaurant's elegant corridors, Arthur felt confident about the upcoming negotiations.
Inside the private dining room, four people sat around an elegant table—an elderly man and woman with two younger women. One of the younger women immediately caught Arthur's attention.
She had dark brown hair framing large, almond-shaped hazel eyes with naturally thick, arched eyebrows. Her nose was elegantly defined with a slight arch, complementing full, well-shaped lips and luminous olive skin. High, well-defined cheekbones completed her striking features.
Her tailored suit and skirt emphasized her graceful figure. Arthur found her beauty comparable to Scarlet's angelic form, though not quite surpassing his beloved Firfel.
They rose to greet him.
"An honor to meet you, Mr. Pendragon," the elderly man said, extending his hand. "I am Omid Azadi, Deputy Minister of Transportation and Tourism."
Arthur shook his hand with a slight smile. "Are you the important official who requested this meeting?"
Omid nodded. "I am indeed the one who requested to meet you, but I'm not the most 'important' person in this room." He gestured toward the striking woman. "Allow me to present Princess Anahita Kayanian of the Persian Empire."
Princess Anahita smiled gracefully. "Mr. Pendragon, you're every bit as handsome as the rumors suggest."
Arthur chuckled. "Your Highness flatters me, though I never expected to meet such a beautiful princess today."
"Now you're being charming, Mr. Arthur," she replied, blushing slightly.
Arthur maintained polite interest without being overly affected by her reaction. After exchanging pleasantries, he addressed the core matter. "So, Minister Azadi and Your Highness—what brings us together today?"
Anahita and Omid exchanged meaningful glances before the minister cleared his throat. "Quite simply, Mr. Pendragon, we've received reports that your airship completed the journey from Horn Kingdom to our empire in merely one day."
Arthur smiled inwardly, recognizing the opportunity. 'Good. The Persian Empire will become the first country to partner with Hellfire Airlines besides Horn Kingdom.'
"Yes, my airship can indeed travel from Horn Kingdom to here in remarkably short time," he confirmed.
Both Omid and Anahita leaned forward with intense interest. "This is precisely why we requested this meeting, Mr. Arthur," Anahita said seriously. "Your airship is far more advanced than anything currently available. Would you consider selling it to us?"
Arthur had anticipated this exact request. Of course they would want to purchase the technology outright—they had no knowledge of his broader airline vision yet.
"With such a vehicle, we could revolutionize tourism and attract visitors from across the world!" Omid said enthusiastically.
Anahita's expression shifted, her voice taking on a more intimate tone as she leaned closer. "If you agree to sell it to us, perhaps... I could offer you something special in return. Anything you desire, I would be willing to provide."
The other officials exchanged surprised glances at her bold proposition, but their shock deepened when Arthur calmly declined.
"I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but my airship is not for sale," Arthur stated firmly, watching their hopes crumble.
Anahita blinked in genuine surprise—few men had ever resisted her considerable charms.
Before anyone could protest, Arthur continued smoothly. "However, I do have an alternative proposal for Your Highness. Would you be willing to hear it?"
The four Persians exchanged uncertain glances before Anahita nodded carefully. "I'm listening."
Arthur proceeded to outline his vision for Hellfire Airlines—a revolutionary partnership that would establish regular passenger routes between their kingdoms, bringing unprecedented economic benefits to Persia while maintaining his technological advantages.
As he detailed the proposal, their expressions transformed from disappointment to growing amazement. The plan offered everything they wanted—economic stimulation, increased tourism, international prestige—without requiring them to purchase expensive technology they couldn't maintain.
By the discussion's end, all four Persians appeared thoroughly convinced.
"A fascinating proposal," Anahita said, rising gracefully. "However, I must consult with my father the King and our council before making such a significant commitment." She smiled diplomatically. "Please be patient—you'll hear from us very soon."
Arthur nodded with satisfaction. "I look forward to your response, Your Highness."
After the princess and her delegation departed, Arthur snorted quietly to himself. "Did she really think she could seduce me? Amusing." He shook his head with dry amusement. "I've reserved myself for Firfel. Every other woman is just background noise compared to her."
Despite his dismissive words, he found the princess's bold attempt entertaining in its predictability.
Arthur glanced at the unfinished meals scattered across the table and casually waved his hand. The food vanished instantly, converted into pure mana that provided a minimal boost to his energy reserves. Barely a drop in the ocean of his power, but still a useful ability.
---
Over the next few days, the production team focused entirely on sequence planning and monitoring arrangements. The upcoming scenes would feature only the cast and invisible ghost cameramen—the regular crew would remain safely distant from the real criminal organization.
Soon, Clint, Rocky, and Shafel had infiltrated the Tower of Babylon, perfectly disguised as they prepared for the climactic scenes. Lady Fox welcomed them personally, completely unaware they were actors rather than genuine criminals.
She had agreed to this meeting after learning they possessed knowledge about the mysterious Continental Hotel.
Fearless Eagle studied them with calculating eyes. "Viggo, and your son Iosef," he said slowly. "What exactly do you know about this Continental Hotel? Our organization has never encountered them before."
'These extras are incredibly committed to their roles,' Shafel thought, observing the masked figures around her. 'They're wearing authentic costumes and acting genuinely mysterious. Arthur really went all out with the casting.'
"This is a member of the Continental Hotel—Ms. Perkins," Rocky delivered his lines perfectly, sensing the genuinely intimidating aura emanating from the masked figures. "She can provide all the details you need." He gestured toward Shafel.
Shafel, in character as Ms. Perkins, followed Arthur's earlier instructions to answer whatever questions these "extras" posed. She responded with practiced confidence, completely unaware she was addressing real criminals.
Suddenly, an operative burst into the chamber. "Sir! Someone is attacking our secured positions throughout the tower!"
"What?!" Fearless Eagle, Smart Monkey, True Devil, and the others leaped to their feet in genuine alarm.
They quickly activated their surveillance network. A crystal orb mounted on the wall flickered to life, displaying live footage from throughout the tower.
The image showed John Wick systematically dismantling their operatives with brutal efficiency—using precise martial arts techniques and minimal magic to devastating effect.
The final filming sequence had begun, though only Arthur knew they were capturing cinema rather than witnessing an actual assault on their organization.