Supreme Warlock System : From Zero to Ultimate With My Wives

Warlock Ch 356. Easier Said Than Done

Selena quickly looked away, her gaze dropping to the table. Damian almost smiled at that. It wasn't something he'd ever really expected to feel from a fae princess. Shyness. She looked different than Selena he met in the exam.

"So," Damian finally broke the lingering silence, clearing his throat slightly. "Any ideas for what we should do next? Because honestly, I've got nothing except..." He swung his thumb in front of his neck, meaning "killing them."

Cassius chuckled softly, leaning back into his chair. "We've been at a loss too. We had the same idea you guys did at first—pulling them into the open, forcing their hand. But it turns out it's easier said than done."

Damian gave a grim nod, jaw tightening slightly. "They're careful. Really careful."

Cassius sighed, nodding solemnly. "Exactly. Their game is incredibly organized. We tried tracking them, baiting them—nothing. Every trail we found eventually went cold. That's why last night we decided to make the judgment ourselves."

Evelyn crossed her arms, fingers tapping thoughtfully against her elbow. "And I'm sure you noticed how good they are at covering their tracks. Not just good—they're frighteningly skilled at it. I mean, look around. The city's security was tightened dramatically. It's supposedly for the citizens' protection, but honestly, I think it's just their way of controlling the crowd. And now…"

Damian nodded, following her thought. "Now, they're locking everything down."

Cedric leaned forward, running a hand tiredly through his hair. "True. It's not easy getting information either. They're using bureaucratic channels to keep us at bay. Even if we have proof of conspiracy, the second we present it openly, they'll dismiss it as fabricated or claim it's biased."

Victoria scoffed softly from the corner, spinning her empty glass idly. "Typical. Politics at its finest. They'd rather bury the truth than face the consequences."

Damian's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Which means we're essentially prisoners right now. They might not have us in chains, but the effect is the same. They're making sure we can't move openly, can't openly fight back."

Cassius exhaled slowly, frustration flashing in his eyes. "They have control of the narrative, at least publicly. The Council knows exactly how to twist public perception, how to turn people against us. Right now, we're the villains in their story."

"Not just you," Cedric interjected softly. "Selena and I are targets now too. We know too much. They've already shown they're willing to eliminate royalty to get what they want." His voice lowered, grave and wary. "But if I were to call my soldiers here, it'd spark a war. A real one."

Damian let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his temple slowly. "Then we need something subtle. Something they won't expect."

Cassius leaned in, eyes brightening slightly at the challenge. "You're thinking sabotage?"

Damian smirked faintly, shrugging. "Not exactly. More like... manipulation."

Victoria chuckled, glancing at him with a raised eyebrow. "Careful, Damian. You're starting to sound like me."

Damian rolled his eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "God forbid."

Evelyn let out a quiet laugh. "But he's right. They expect violence from us—they're prepared for brute force. Maybe it's time we tried something more indirect."

Cedric nodded slowly, intrigued. "Such as?"

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, eyes glancing thoughtfully toward Damian. "Like spreading the news further? Rumors, stories, whispers about what the Council's really up to."

Damian shook his head slowly, regret creeping into his voice. "You know, I wish it could work, Evelyn. But we've already tried that. Rumors have been flying around for weeks. The kingdoms, the other races—they all know something's happening. But they're just watching. Nobody wants to be the first to step forward and interfere."

Cassius crossed his arms, expression contemplative. "What about your dad, Cedric? The fae king surely must have something to say about all this."

Cedric sighed deeply, running a hand over his jaw, frustration clear in his posture. "My father's ready for war. He's been preparing ever since the assassination attempt. But... he's holding back. With Selena safe, he sees no immediate reason to intervene. He's cautious, careful—he won't move without absolute proof. And..." Cedric hesitated, voice dropping slightly. "He's given us a deadline."

Damian's gaze sharpened immediately. He caught the subtle shift in Selena's expression, the quiet dread hidden behind her eyes. "Deadline?" Damian asked softly.

Cedric glanced at Selena briefly, before turning back to Damian, reluctantly continuing. "If our investigation here doesn't yield results within three days, Selena and I have orders to return home."

The room fell silent. Damian felt a strange heaviness pressing down on him, especially when his eyes met Selena's again. The way she looked at him spoke volumes—the quiet sadness, the gentle plea behind her gaze. She'd probably never see him again if she returned to her kingdom now.

And yet, despite himself, he knew it was for the best. Selena deserved better than to be caught in the brutal shadow-war he was fighting.

Selena, however, clearly wasn't thinking the same. She cleared her throat softly, stepping forward. "You know, I was thinking," she began quietly, her voice soft yet surprisingly steady. "Maybe I could stay here a bit longer?"

Cedric's head snapped toward her immediately, eyes widening. "Selena—"

She held up a hand quickly, cutting him off, determination flickering in her gaze. "Think about it, Cedric. This place is incredibly secure. Damian and the others are strong enough to keep me safe, safer than anywhere else in the city right now. It might actually be for the best if I stayed."

Damian frowned slightly, hesitant, though he understood where she was coming from. "Selena," he said gently, trying to find the right words. "This place might be secure, but we're not exactly living a peaceful life here. We're actively hunting corrupt council members, assassins, and anyone who stands against us. We're dealing with a government determined to paint us as villains. Things could get messy. Staying here means you'll be in danger too."

Selena looked up at him, her gaze steady, unwavering. "I understand the risks. But right now, being anywhere else is more dangerous. And if my presence here can help in any way, even slightly—then I want to stay."