Chapter 177: The Calderón Virelles Family
Racheal jolted back in surprise. She had not expected such a strong reaction from Damian over something she considered trivial.
Yes, concubines were technically of higher standing than her subordinates, but in her mind they still served a similar role. She never imagined her words would be met with such firm resistance, the kind that came from a man defending someone he truly cared about.
"I am sorry. I did not mean it that way," she said quickly, though beneath that apology, there was a sting she could not ignore.
Damian’s frown eased slightly after hearing her apology, and he let out a quiet sigh. Silence followed, heavy and uncomfortable, as both of them avoided each other’s gaze.
"Continue," Damian finally said, breaking the tension.
Racheal nodded, though the enthusiasm she had earlier was gone, and she resumed her explanation.
The Calderón Virelles Family were known as one of Mexico’s most respected business families. Their wealth stemmed from infrastructure, energy contracts, private security firms, and government consulting. They were the kind of family that never appeared in scandals, yet somehow always benefited from them.
They funded campaigns without being seen. They advised politicians without holding office. They shaped policies without ever stepping into the spotlight.
To the public, they were patriotic, disciplined, and deeply connected to national development. But to those who understood their true influence, they were untouchable, quietly feared, and always one step ahead of the law.
They were, in essence, one of the most powerful families in the country.
They reminded Damian of the wealthiest families in the United States and the chaebols of Korea, only with a supernatural edge layered beneath their influence.
"I am curious," Damian said, rubbing his chin as he studied the images of their security team. "How strong are they?"
"Everyone in those pictures is human," Racheal replied. "However, Lith managed to infiltrate the mansion once. She reported sensing three unusual presences. They were strong, but only at the level of lesser demons. That is not a problem for people at our level."
Damian’s attention remained fixed on one particular photograph.
The man in it was round in shape, chubby and unattractive, yet his skin was smooth and well-kept. His gray hair was slicked back despite a receding hairline that began almost at the center of his head. Even so, the wealth he carried was impossible to miss. The smile he wore in every image reflected a kind of satisfaction only the truly powerful could possess.
As a wealthy man himself, Damian understood that expression.
"But they do not know they are weak," he said, finally lifting his gaze to meet hers. "So there is still a chance of a fight?"
Racheal shook her head.
"I think they will test us first to gauge our strength. If we appear weak, then they might attempt something," she said thoughtfully.
Damian nodded slightly. "So what is the plan?"
"To appear strong and let fear do the rest. That fear will push them to investigate us deeply, and in doing so, they will pick up the trail leading to the Blood Dunes..."
"Which will lead to an all-out conflict between both sides," Damian finished for her.
She nodded firmly.
Silence settled once more as Damian thought it through. After a few moments, he spoke again.
"If these two factions clash, will it remain subtle like the conflict between me and my brothers?"
Racheal shook her head without hesitation.
"They are not fighting demons. They are fighting for the supremacy of their Gods. Human blood will be shed."
"A war?" Damian’s eyes narrowed.
Racheal hesitated briefly before nodding.
"It will begin quietly, but it will grow into an international issue between nations. Their influence across nations will surface piece by piece, and eventually, it will escalate into open conflict. A real war."
Damian did not react with shock or anger. Human history has always been filled with wars fought in the name of belief. Another one would not be surprising. The only difference now was that the true reason would be hidden, because a religious war in the modern age would be seen as backward.
"As for the funds, we will be taking everything in cash to avoid being traced," Racheal added.
Her words snapped Damian out of his thoughts, and he looked at her with clear confusion. Five hundred and fifty million was no small amount. Moving that kind of money in cash was no simple task.
Still, he did not question her immediately. Instead, he gave her room to explain.
"Can you explain that better?" he asked.
A familiar mischievous smile returned to her face.
Pa!
With a clap of her hands, a third black box appeared in a burst of pink smoke and flew directly into Damian’s hands.
He caught it with ease, though he hesitated before opening it. His eyes shifted to Racheal, silently asking.
"The name is Treasure..." she began.
Damian opened the box, revealing an ancient-looking ring set with a small red ruby.
Unlike the other cursed tools he had encountered, this one carried no presence at all. It could easily pass as an expensive relic from the fifteenth century.
"This ring belonged to a greedy minister in an ancient Chinese court during Prince Lin’s time. The man was the prime minister and was infamous for his greed. He embezzled so much wealth that even the emperor launched an investigation into his assets."
"Upon hearing that troops were marching to his residence, he retreated into his warehouse, where all his stolen wealth was stored, and begged the heavens to save him. A demon answered instead."
Damian frowned, though he was not surprised. A man who lived such a life was bound to attract something dark.
"He asked for a way to hide his treasure from the empire, and in return, he was willing to give anything. The demon agreed. It granted this ordinary-looking ring the ability to swallow and store objects in a hidden realm accessible only to its owner. In exchange, the demon demanded his life. The wealth was vast, so the trade was deemed equal, and the universe allowed it."
"The minister was arrested and tortured, yet nothing was found. The empire was so certain of his crimes that they continued until he died. In the end, his wealth vanished with him. Even at the brink of death, he chose his treasure over his life. That is why it is called..."
"Treasure..." Damian murmured, a trace of surprise in his voice.
The story was absurd, yet completely believable. Even now, he knew people who would choose death if it meant protecting what they had stolen.