We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 116

“That you’re kind. That’s why I’ve used you in the past, and yes, I’ve been jealous too.”

I could no longer ignore the jealousy she spoke of. The reason she still bore the title ‘Lady Nicola’ despite her stay at the Duchy.

“That’s why I want to use your kindness one last time. I’m sorry for that, child.”

“…”

Her apology left me tilting my head in confusion as she took two small objects wrapped in cloth from her dress pocket.

She said, holding one out for me.

“You might need this someday. I hope not, though.”

“…Thank you.”

I accepted it with a bewildered expression, automatically offering thanks. Nicola burst into loud laughter at my reaction.

“Don’t thank me. You’ll come to resent me.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

My heart raced oddly, filled with resignation and dryness. Could this be why I felt an unexplainable fear?

Nicola murmured.

“I’m glad Diers isn’t here. I wouldn’t want to be remembered that way by a grandchild I’m meeting for the first time.”

Her eyes that were once fixed on the table, slowly lifted to meet mine. The golden eyes, much like his, were cloudy as they looked right at me.

“I’m so lonely by myself at the end. That’s why I’m sorry, dear.”

“Mother.”

I sensed something was wrong, so I stood and reached out, but she was quicker. She took the small vial she had taken from the cloth and swallowed the contents. As she continued to gaze intently at me, she collapsed to the side.

“Mother!”

In shock, I rushed to her. I didn’t know what to do so I just called out to her .

“Mother! What have you taken!”

“…Dear.”

“Quickly, spit it out. I should call the doctor…”

“Dear.”

Her hand, bony and barely warm, clutched mine tightly. It felt like it belonged to someone on the brink of death, causing my body to freeze.

“Don’t be sad, kuh, for me…”

Blood poured excessively from between her beautiful lips.

“No… you, kuh, you at least…”

“Don’t talk. It’s okay, it’s going to be okay. Someone…”

I got up in panic but I was restrained by her grip. It was surprisingly strong despite her frail appearance. I could do nothing but tremble, trapped by her iron grip.

“Even if it’s just you, huk, please mourn for me… ugh.”

Blood flowed onto the floor like water, sticking thickly to my skirt and hands. The heat of the liquid sent shivers through me, and I couldn’t gather my thoughts.

“Aahh…”

She no longer looked at me. Her golden eyes, which had been staring into the void, softened.

“Ah, finally broke the imprint. Just as he wanted…”

As she finished speaking, the life quickly faded from her golden eyes. I stiffened like stone, I couldn’t look away as Nicola died before me.

“Mo, Mother…”

My whole body shook as if chilled and my voice trembled uncontrollably.

“Wa, wake up.”

I pleaded, desperately shaking the hand I held.

“Mother! Wake up!”

At my scream, a maid rushed in. I continued to shake the unresponsive Nicola frantically.

“Don’t lie, wake up!”

“Kyaak!”

The maid screamed, and I collapsed like a marionette with its strings cut. The last thing I saw was her hand still gripping mine tightly.

Somehow I felt afraid of being dragged along with her, but I didn’t want to think anymore.

Everything went dark.

* * *

Ian dined with his father, who had been wandering like a nomad and was now retiring from the frontline. Not knowing when they could do this again, he wanted to be with his father today.

“Abuu!”

Fortunately, Diers, who had grown quite a bit, wasn’t looking for his mother and enjoyed his fruit juice.

“Haha, the little guy. Does it taste that good?”

“Ahu!”

“It’s amazing how fast he’s growing.”

Ian spoke while watching his son, who was being looked after by the chief handmaid. His father glanced briefly into space like he was reminiscing, before responding.

“You also grew so quickly when you were little that it was astonishing. I thought my son was growing well because he’s a dominant alpha, but it turns out all children do. Well, to a parent, their own child always seems the best, doesn’t it?”

“…But maybe being an extreme dominant alpha makes him develop faster?”

“What? Haha. Ian, it seems you think just like your father.”

“Who would see Diers as just a six-month-old baby? He looks much bigger than that.”

“Well, if Father says so, it must be true.”

The dinner was delightful. Ian, realizing he had never had such a meal with his father, picked up his wine glass. After a sip, he brought up something he had wanted to discuss.

“Father.”

“Yes.”

“…What will you do about Lady Nicola?”

Having a child hadn’t erased his resentment towards his mother, but Ian felt more at ease. He knew his mother had always waited only for his father, and he didn’t believe his father truly hated her.

If his father really despised her, she wouldn’t have been allowed to stay in the Duchy.

Now feeling it was time to resolve what had been ignored, Ian spoke again seeing his father’s silent response.

“Would it be possible to take her with you?”

“…Did she ask you to say this?”

His father’s voice, which had been bright, suddenly deepened. Ian met his gaze as he responded.

“How could she, when she can’t even come to find me? I just think that I can no longer overlook this situation.”

“…Leave it be for now.”

“Is there a reason?”

“It’s her last chance. If she can’t break the imprint this time…”