Supreme Warlock System : From Zero to Ultimate With My Wives-Chapter 241: Paraded Around Like Trophies

Warlock Ch 241. Paraded Around Like Trophies

Victoria's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if searching for something. "This celebration isn't just about marking our victory. It's about solidifying alliances and ensuring that our enemies know we're united."

Cassius leaned back in his chair, balancing precariously on two legs. "So, basically, a bunch of fancy talk, a little wine, and a lot of fake smiles."

Victoria's lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile. "Something like that."

Damian leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table, his expression more serious. "You're using this as a chance to protect us, aren't you? By publicly acknowledging what we did, you're giving yourself a reason to keep us close without raising suspicion."

Victoria didn't deny it. "Yes. The senators will be watching closely, and this is the best way to ensure they don't interfere. By presenting you as valuable allies, I can justify offering you protection."

Evelyn, sitting beside Damian, frowned slightly. "But won't that put a target on his back? If they see him as a threat…" She gestured toward Damian, concern etched across her face.

"They already see him as a threat," Victoria said simply, her tone calm but firm. "This way, they'll think twice before acting. As long as you're under my protection, they won't move openly against him."

Cassius let out a low whistle, leaning forward again as the chair's front legs thudded against the ground. "Well, damn. That's… actually smart. Devious, but smart."

Victoria inclined her head slightly, accepting the backhanded compliment. "Thank you."

Damian wasn't entirely satisfied, though. His brow furrowed as he asked, "What about after tonight? What happens when this celebration is over, and we're back out there?"

Victoria's expression grew more serious, her gaze unwavering. "I'll do what I can to keep you safe, but you need to be careful. The senators won't act openly, but they'll still be watching. You'll need to stay alert and avoid drawing too much attention."

Cassius snorted, smirking. "Avoid attention? You've met us, right?"

Evelyn shot him a sharp look. "We'll be careful."

Victoria's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Damian. "I meant what I said before—I owe you my life. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."

For a moment, Damian held her gaze. There was something in her eyes that seemed genuine, unguarded in a way he wasn't used to. Finally, he nodded. "Thanks. We'll do our part too."

The tension eased slightly, but Victoria's expression remained thoughtful. She tapped her fingers lightly against the polished wood, her eyes drifting toward the window where the sun had started to dip lower in the sky.

"There's something else you need to be aware of," she said, her voice measured. "The vampire factions… They won't all be pleased with this."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Victoria's gaze flicked back to them, her tone growing sharper. "This award—publicly recognizing you, especially Damian—is significant. Even among vampires, this kind of acknowledgment is rare. Some will view it as favoritism, as if I'm elevating you above them."

Cassius shrugged. "So what? Let them be jealous."

"It's more than jealousy," Victoria said, her voice firm. "It's about pride. Vampires see themselves as special, above other races. By honoring someone who isn't a vampire—especially someone with your… reputation—it could be seen as a slight against them. They may not say it openly, but envy will fester. And envy, when left unchecked, breeds resentment."

Damian exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. "So what you're saying is, even though this is meant to protect us, it could also paint a bigger target on our backs."

Victoria nodded. "Exactly. You'll need to be careful. Some factions might see this as an opportunity to challenge my authority—or worse, to target you as a way of undermining me."

Cassius let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You vampires really know how to complicate things, don't you?"

Evelyn ignored him, focusing on Victoria. "So, what do we do? Just smile, accept the award, and hope for the best?"

Victoria's lips curved into a faint smile. "Something like that. But I'll handle the politics. Your job is to play your part—be gracious, be confident, and don't give them any reason to question your worth."

Damian let out a bitter laugh. "Gracious and confident, huh? Sounds easy enough."

Victoria's gaze softened again. "You're stronger than you think, Damian. They'll see that. And as long as we stand united, they won't dare act against us."

"Well, if we're gonna be paraded around like trophies, we might as well look the part," Damian added with a grin. "What's the dress code for this shindig? Fancy robes? Armor? Or should I just show up shirtless and let my abs do the talking?"

Evelyn groaned, rubbing her temples. "You're impossible."

Cassius smirked, shaking his head. "Let's aim for something in between. We'll figure it out."

Victoria rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing the folds of her gown. "I'll have appropriate attire sent to your rooms. The celebration begins at sundown. I trust you'll be ready."

"Of course," Damian said, standing as well. "Thanks, Victoria."

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, something unspoken flickering. But she didn't say anything else, only giving a small nod before turning and leaving the room.

Cassius, leaning lazily against the back of his chair, let out a huff. "That woman is a damn enigma."

Damian smirked, stretching his arms overhead. "What, did her gracefulness make your stoic heart skip a beat?"

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Cassius shot him a flat look. "No. I just think she's either the best liar I've ever met or the most complicated person in the room."

"Both, probably," Damian said with a shrug. "But she's sharp."

Evelyn, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "You know, she's not as unreadable as you two make her out to be. There's something… different about her when she's around Damian. She is indeed in love with him."

"Oh, here we go," Cassius muttered, pushing himself to his feet. "Let's psychoanalyze the vampire queen now. That'll be productive."