Supreme Warlock System : From Zero to Ultimate With My Wives-Chapter 235: Residual Memory

Warlock Ch 235. Residual Memory

Before he could sink deeper into his thoughts, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him, followed by the soft creak of a door opening. Damian turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he braced himself for whoever it might be.

It was Victoria.

She looked as regal as ever, dressed in her usual crimson attire. But beneath that polished exterior, Damian noticed the signs of fatigue—the slight droop in her shoulders, the faint shadows under her eyes. Still, despite her obvious exhaustion, she moved with purpose, her gaze locked on him.

"Victoria," Damian said, his voice calm but curious. "Why are you here?"

Victoria stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She didn't answer immediately, instead walking toward him until they were only a few paces apart.

"That should be my question," she said, her tone steady but carrying a hint of concern. "Why are you here? You should be resting."

Damian shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not sleepy. How did you know I was here?"

Victoria sighed. "Henry told me. He said you were standing in the middle of the room like you were in some kind of trance, murmuring to yourself like… well, like a madman." She paused, her gaze softening. "Are you okay?"

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Damian scoffed, exhaling sharply as he shook his head. Yeah, of course, people would see it that way. But no, he wasn't losing it. "Residual memory," he explained, his voice quieter now. "I saw what happened in the past. What happened between us that day…"

At his words, Victoria's expression changed. The usual guarded look in her eyes softened, replaced by something more vulnerable, more genuine. She took another step closer, her voice gentle. "So… you understand now. You understand that what I did was for you."

Damian didn't answer right away. He held her gaze, his mind flashing back to the memory—the desperation in her voice, the fear in her eyes, and the blood that had sealed their bond. He understood, yes, but that didn't mean he was ready to forgive everything.

"I understand," he said finally, his tone even. "But the fact that you covered up Seraphis's betrayal doesn't change. You didn't trust me enough to warn me."

Victoria fell silent. She didn't try to defend herself this time, didn't offer any excuses. She simply stood there, accepting the truth.

Damian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But… I have to say, it was a good plan. You did fulfill your promise to me."

Victoria's lips curved into a faint smile—tired, but genuine. "Of course I did," she said quietly. "I owe you my life."

There was a long pause, the tension between them easing slightly. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.

"Take a rest, Damian," Victoria said after a moment. "We still have plans tonight. We need to celebrate our victory, and… I need to announce what you've done for me. What all of you have done."

Damian's brow furrowed slightly. "Announce?" He knew what she mean, but he just wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

Victoria nodded. "Yes. I need the world to know that you, Cassius, and Evelyn saved me. That you completed a dangerous mission on my behalf and emerged victorious." She hesitated briefly before adding, "It's important. It will give me an official reason to offer you protection, should you ever need it. And from what Henry told me, Cassius and Evelyn want to leave around noon, so you should tell them too."

Damian studied her for a moment. 'So everything is according to my guess…'

"I will," he said finally. "But you should rest too, Victoria."

She smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression this time. "Thank you, Damian. But… this is what I should have done."

Damian didn't respond right away. He just watched her for a moment. There was still so much left unsaid, so much they needed to work through. But for now, this was enough.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "It is."

Victoria gave him one last nod before turning and heading toward the door. Damian watched her go, the sound of her footsteps fading as she disappeared into the hallway.

Once she was gone, he let out another slow breath, his gaze lingering on the empty doorway where Victoria had just been. The conversation replayed in his mind. He wanted to feel relieved, satisfied even—after all, things had gone smoother than expected. Victoria had been honest, had admitted her debt to him, and even made sure he understood her intentions about tonight's announcement.

"I should have treated her better…" Damian muttered, running a hand through his hair once again. Yeah, he'd been harsh. Sure, she had messed up by keeping Seraphis's betrayal hidden, but she hadn't done it out of malice. She was trying to protect him in her own way, following that same cold, calculated logic that had kept her alive all these years.

And, honestly? He could respect that. He might not have liked it, but he understood it.

Still, something about the battle earlier didn't sit right with him. There had been too many close calls, too many moments where things could've gone horribly wrong. Victoria's plan had been brilliant, but there had been risks she couldn't have accounted for—like the damn undead dragon and Seraphis's use of forbidden magic. It all felt… off. Not enough to call it a conspiracy, but enough to make him think there was more at play here than Victoria had let on.

"Oh well, I'll figure it out later," Damian muttered, shaking off the thoughts for now. He was too tired to keep chasing theories that might not even matter. His body ached, and his mind felt like it had been running on overdrive all night. Right now, sleep was more important. Rest first, then think.

"For now… sleep," he reminded himself aloud, as if saying it would make it easier to convince his stubborn brain to shut off. He stretched. "Need to look perfect for the celebration," he added, trying to hype himself up. Yeah, it was just a formal event, but appearances mattered. If Victoria was going to make a big deal out of their success, he might as well play the part of the hero she was about to present to the world.

With that thought in mind, he turned on his heel and headed back toward his room.