Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-three

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The next day~

After finishing her sword practice, Victoria returned to the building and spotted Damien waiting on the veranda.

"This is... different," he remarked, leaning casually against a column with his arms folded.

"It's been a while since I saw you," Victoria said. "Where have you been?"

"It was my parents' death anniversary. Didn't feel like going anywhere," he replied.

"I see..." She nodded thoughtfully. "Are you doing okay?"

"I'm fine, at least for now. And at least I look better than you," he added with a teasing smirk. "Since when do you swordfight?"

"My uncle is in town, so he decided to teach me. My father supported it too," she explained.

"Alright..." Damien narrowed his eyes, studying her closely.

"I'll join you soon. Let me just clean up first," Victoria said, leaving him on the veranda.

A short while later, she entered the drawing room, where Damien was already seated, sipping tea.

"I'm back," she greeted with a smile. Damien simply nodded, and Victoria immediately noticed the dark circles under his eyes. Concern creased her brow.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he replied tersely.

"You're... not as talkative as usual," Victoria noted, worry edging her tone.

"That's offensive. Are you implying I'm usually noisy?" he joked.

"Yes," she shot back, smirking.

"You silly lady," he chuckled. Just then, a servant entered, carrying a brown case.

"My lady, your delivery has arrived," the servant announced.

"Thank you!" Victoria said, taking the case eagerly. Damien raised a questioning brow.

"What's that?" he asked.

Victoria opened the case to reveal her sword, forged from her own essence. The intricate design shimmered in the light.

"My new weapon!" she exclaimed, lifting the blade to admire it.

"Victoria..." Damien's voice tensed, his gaze fixed on the glimmering blade in her hands.

"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not supposed to handle weapons inside the house," he said firmly.

"It's not like I'm going to fight in here," Victoria replied with a small smirk, holding the sword a little closer to him. "Don't be so dramatic, Mother Hen."

"Don't touch me with that!" Damien barked, stepping back abruptly.

Victoria froze, realising she'd overstepped. "Oh... sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much."

"It's just... weapons aren't something to play around with," he said, exhaling heavily.

Victoria frowned, puzzled by his reaction. Why did he react like that? Does he have something against swords... some kind of trauma?

She lowered the blade slightly, letting the light glint off its intricate design. "I didn't mean to startle you," she said softly, her tone careful.

Damien ran a hand through his hair, glancing away. "It's nothing. Sorry for overreacting."

Victoria tilted her head. "Okay... but that didn't seem like nothing." She carefully stored her sword away.

Damien exhaled. "I'm just being cautious."