Chapter 424: Securing My Wife’s Support
Damian spent the entire afternoon buried beneath an overwhelming sea of information. From the geography of Velmora and the responsibilities of its countless institutions to the economic importance of every province and the resources they produced, William methodically walked him through every aspect of the realm.
Fortunately, Damian’s enhanced mind allowed him to absorb knowledge at an almost inhuman pace, rapidly committing maps, names and administrative structures to memory. Even so, the sheer volume of information eventually began taking its toll. By the time the final ledger had been closed, a dull migraine throbbed behind his temples.
William quietly walked toward the stained glass window and looked out across the capital. Night had descended upon Velmora without either of them noticing. Thick clouds slowly gathered across the heavens, their edges reflecting faint emerald light cast by the twin crescent moons overhead. The green glow spread gently across the city below, bathing the rooftops, towers and distant mountains in an otherworldly radiance that made the entire realm appear almost dreamlike.
It was strangely beautiful.
Damian remained seated within his rocking leather chair, absentmindedly watching the emerald glow dance across the horizon. Despite everything that had happened since arriving in this world, he could not deny one simple truth.
Earth possessed many beautiful places. But nothing he had ever seen compared to this.
"Sire."
William’s calm voice broke the silence.
"Your wives have returned to your quarters. You may spend time with them until midnight. Afterward, we are scheduled to meet your loyal soldiers. Preparations must also begin for tomorrow’s lessons."
Damian slowly looked toward him.
"No court session tomorrow?"
William shook his head.
"Royal Court convenes only three times each week unless circumstances demand an emergency session. Your next appearance before the ministers shall be in two days."
He closed the thick ledger resting beneath his arm.
"Tomorrow’s lessons shall concern Demonic knowledge."
Damian blinked in surprise.
"So... I actually have some free time tomorrow?"
A hopeful smile slowly appeared on his face.
William nodded.
"Your afternoon shall remain unoccupied, Your Majesty."
Damian immediately rose from his chair.
"Prepare a secret meeting with the Kasok Clan."
William bowed slightly.
"It shall be arranged."
Without another word, Damian left the study.
Several attendants were already waiting beyond the doors. They immediately fell into step behind him, escorting him through the quiet palace corridors until they finally arrived outside his private residence. The attendants respectfully remained outside as Damian pushed open the towering doors and entered alone.
The room itself was empty. However soft laughter drifted inward from the balcony.
Curious, Damian followed the sound.
Beyond the open doors overlooking the capital, several luxurious chaise lounges had been arranged beneath the moonlit sky. Hazel, Rachel and Ruby lounged comfortably together while attendants stood nearby holding silver trays filled with fresh fruit, wine and delicacies.
Among them stood Loth.
The instant Damian saw her, he paused. Only then did he realize he had completely forgotten about her amidst the chaos of his awakening and the endless responsibilities that had followed.
Loth slowly lowered her head, she seemed almost ashamed to meet his eyes.
"Babe!"
Hazel immediately jumped to her feet, carelessly placing her wine aside before running straight toward him.
She threw herself into his arms without hesitation. Rachel and Ruby quickly followed from either side, embracing him just as tightly.
Damian smiled faintly before his eyes drifted back toward Loth. His expression gradually changed.
"Why is she dressed like that?"
His question immediately drew everyone’s attention toward Loth before their eyes returned to him.
Rachel answered without the slightest hesitation.
"She has always been my attendant."
She shrugged casually.
"She simply happened to be the one selected to accompany me to Earth. It could have been any one of the attendants standing here."
To her there truly was no difference. Loth was merely another palace attendant.
"She lost her brother."
Damian quietly replied. His eyes narrowed slightly. Even then Rachel’s expression barely changed.
"Sacrificing oneself for the Crown is a burden every citizen of Velmora must bear with gratitude."
She spoke so matter of factly that Damian found himself staring at her in disbelief.
His gaze slowly shifted toward Loth. He noticed the subtle tightening of her shoulders. The way her fingers unconsciously gripped the wine jug and the slight trembling she struggled to suppress.
Something inside Damian twisted.
This was the same woman whose brother had died for them. The same woman to whom he had personally promised justice. The same woman who had silently endured every hardship beside them on Earth.
To everyone else she was merely another servant. But to him she had become far more than that.
The faint frown upon Damian’s face gradually disappeared.
In its place appeared a cold smile. One that never reached his eyes.
"Since we are speaking about sacrifice then I suppose I must ask all three of you to sacrifice your parents for me."
His calm voice caused the three women before him to instinctively straighten.
"As my future Queens surely you are even more obligated to make such sacrifices."
Buzz!
Hazel, Rachel and Ruby immediately released him before taking several steps backward, shock filling each of their faces.
"What...?"
Hazel whispered.
"Your parents stand accused of numerous crimes. They have killed quite a numbe of your ex’s loyalists to steal more power for themselves."
Damian calmly walked past them toward Loth, who continued standing quietly beside the refreshments.
He picked up a golden goblet from the nearby table. Without being asked Loth gently filled it. She still avoided looking into his eyes.
Behind him, the three women remained completely stunned. None of them immediately denied the accusations. Deep down they already knew there was truth behind them.
Damian leaned against the balcony railing before calmly taking a long drink from the goblet. The cool night breeze brushed gently against his long black hair.
"Is there evidence supporting these accusations?"
Rachel finally asked, her brows tightly knitted together.
Damian laughed quietly.
"Oh, come on. Hazel’s mother controls the Ministry of Intelligence. Do you honestly believe anyone investigating those crimes would ever be allowed to discover the truth?" He rolled his eyes.
None of them answered.
"So... What are you planning to do?"
Ruby finally broke the silence.
Damian slowly placed the goblet upon the stone railing before walking toward her. He gently rested both hands upon her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes, he spoke calmly.
"If I am going to rule this realm... then I need officials loyal to me. Not ambitious people waiting for an opportunity to betray me."
He gently squeezed her shoulders and his voice softened
"I have no intention of destroying your families. I only intend to replace those currently leading them."
Ruby silently stared back at him. Her cheeks gradually reddened beneath his unwavering gaze.
She slowly nodded.
"So... What exactly do you want us to do?"
Hazel asked quietly and a mischievous smile quietly appeared inside Damian’s heart. He genuinely disliked using their emotions this way.
But it was necessary.
"When I finish weakening Amon and Duke Dabin within the Royal Court your parents shall stand trial."
The three women visibly stiffened as he raised two fingers.
"I need two things from you. First... Find suitable replacements capable of leading your clans and representing them in court."
He lowered one finger.
"Second... Ensure your clans accept those successors. They are your families. They trust you. Only you possess the influence necessary to make such a transition happen peacefully."
His voice became gentler.
"That is why I came to you. In return... I shall fulfill the promise I made each of you. On the day of my inauguration.. I shall marry all three of you."
The three women looked up simultaneously and the hesitation in their eyes died down considerably as he looked at them with surprising warmth.
[Desire Bandit]
"We will finally become a true family." He said and their eyes widened.
For several long moments, none of them could speak. Ruby was the first to move. She suddenly wrapped both arms around Damian and buried her face against his chest. Seconds later, Hazel and Rachel joined her
All three silently embraced him beneath the emerald moonlight. Not one of them voiced an answer, they simply held him tightly and quietly nodded.