64 Chapter 64: Stepping Stones Part 1

After leaving Diana's penthouse, Arias and Diana immediately left for the gala. They arrived neither late or early and in fine style.

Coming as duo attracted extra attention from the media as the two walked down the red carpet and into the building. Some of the questions greatly annoyed Diana and she wanted to answer but she prevented herself from doing so and just followed Arias's lead.

The walk barely lasted a minute and the duo made it into the building while Slade, Rose and the rest of the security detail had to stay outside because the various delegates weren't allowed to bring their personal security into the building.

This worried some leaders but in the grand scheme of things, it was safer to not have numerous armed individuals in attendance. Besides, most just chose to use their plus one on a bodyguard, though they still needed to be unarmed.

To ensure nothing went wrong, the U.S government had a special team mixed into the various guests, always on the lookout for the slightest sign of danger.

Even more reassuring, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman and Diana herself were also in attendance on behalf of not only their respective people but also the justice league. This made simpler individuals less worried.

But the majority of people in attendance were very much sure of the risks in coming so they were either capable themselves, like Arias and Bruce Wayne or had capable plus one.

The gala took place in a grand hall at the very top of the chosen hotel and covered two floors. Many of the walls were had a flag from country on earth for show and publicity's sake.

Arias and Diana were shown to the venue by one of the many helpers, who were also trained military personnel. They couldn't risk hiring civilians due to the importance of the event.

While being taken to the venue, Arias noticed all the little things the government had implemented to ensure the whole gala went off without a glitch.

Top tier surveillance, military cameramen who would take photos or videos of the event and then later send them to various broadcasting companies to public.

Diana noticed his silence for much of the trip and had followed suit but she finally decided to speak after calming down. "Your people are far too careful. I feel like my every move is being observed."

Arias got strung out of his thoughts by her question and he turned and looked at her while wearing a friendly charming smile before entertaining her desire to converse. "It's probably more than a feeling. What the leaders of the world cannot control, they consider a threat."

Diana puffed out her chest confidently and furrowed her brows. "I princess Diana cannot be controlled, just ask my mother." She revealed while grinning mischievously.

He didn't doubt her words, he was only glad she agreed to leave her sword and lasso in the car or she would have been swinging it around every time she made a grand declaration or felt offended.

The pair continued to talk bad about the government, with Arias knowing full well that the entire building was likely wired and all conversations recorded.

He also wasn't the only one. Only the few naïve delegates present spoke freely at such an event, Diana being one of them.

Even the helper leading them toward the venue had a vein popping on her head at some point due to Diana's comments.

"Yes, I agree. I he women of this world are rather weak. I could break the all like sticks if they were ever to challenge me."

"Your people's warrior attire is quite ugly."

"Are all world leaders fat? Is it a requirement?"

"Hmph! My people are naturally beautiful, we do not need the help of products to look better."

"Why would you put another person's hair on your head? Is it a way to display superiority?"

By the time Arias and Diana arrived, their helper's smile looked frozen and her eye twitchy. It took all her willpower to not talk back. Arias could see the clear anger and found it amusing while Diana was just ignorant of it and just proceeded into the hall.

Arias followed behind and immediately the two entered, gazes were cast they way, or rather Diana's. Him still being unknown made it unlikely for anyone to approach him unless they were just seeking an investor.

'Sorry, but this asset is already taken.' Even if he wasn't a target, he had no intentions of allowing Diana to get lured away or fooled.

The gala was full of starving vultures, and Diana was a fine piece of meat ready to be devoured. Unfortunately for them, Arias had already sunk his teeth in.

"Princess Diana, a moment please, big fan…"

"Wonderwoman, your beauty truly is transcendent, have you considered modeling? Our parent company…"

"Hello, I'm the…"

Everyone wanted a piece. Be it affiliation to a country or organization, many wanted to try. Luring her with honeyed words, empty promises, wealth, appealing to her good side and anything else it took. But it was all pointless, because Arias had already taken a precaution.

Which she soon revealed with her next words. "All matters to do with the circular world are handled by my friend, Arias Markovic. Now leave me be."

A smile appeared in the corner of Arias's mouth. During the car ride to the building, Arias warned her of the intentions of humans and told her to leave things to him or someone she trusted.

The fact that he was so casual and didn't even insist on himself made Diana all the more certain that he would indeed be the best to help her navigate life in a new and unknown world. After suffering betrayal from someone she held trust for, she wasn't willing to put her trust in others casually, not unless she questioned them with the lasso of truth like Arias.

Diana had spoken at the top of her voice so a brief silence followed before the gazes turned to Arias.

The most immediate conclusion people reached was that she had fallen for him and thus placed trust in him. He was handsome and rich, making it the most obvious reason one could reach.

This caused concern though. Those that new him were aware of his status as a billionaire, this would make bribing him to convince Diana to do something unlikely.

Some would of course still try but others were quick to start thinking of other means should that fail.

But of course, this was all within Arias's calculations. 'That's it, think long and hard on how to best handle me. I look forward to the offers, but not today." He thought to himself before speaking aloud.

"We're just here to enjoy the Gala and mingle casually. If you want to talk business, do it with someone who cares. Follow me Diana, you should try the delicacies here." Frowns appeared as Arias purposefully spoke arrogantly.

Why? He wanted people to think he was confident only because of Diana, and they did.

More importantly, he couldn't do business in front of Diana. He also needed her to think that he only wanted her to enjoy herself, like any friend would.

He knew they would reach out to him, be it organization or government. What was more absurd thought, was this was a plan that just occurred to him that same day as the events lined up and Diana fell onto his lap.

His initial purpose for attending the gala was still very much pending.