We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 149

Not only me, but the surrounding wizards also couldn’t take their eyes off the block of ice I had created. They hovered around the ice, murmuring in admiration.

“This is incredibly pure!”

“It doesn’t just have a lot of magical power, does it?”

“Right? The quality of the magic seems excellent as well.”

“Oh, I want to see a proper magical examination!”

“No, the Tower Master said we need to wait until she fully recovers.”

“Oh, I’m so curious!”

“Ugh, you’re all too much!”

Hearing their conversation made my heart flutter. I had lived without realizing how wonderful it felt to be acknowledged by others.

I wondered if, once I regained my health, I could integrate into their world and contribute. Could I offer them my help?

As I sat there, staring blankly, Lucia appeared. She saw Pedro, struggling in the ice, and clicked her tongue disapprovingly. Ignoring his desperate gaze, she approached me and extended her hand.

“Truly, you’re a promising talent.”

I briefly studied her outstretched hand before taking it. Once I was on my feet, I asked directly.

“Tower Master.”

“What is it?”

In response to my call, she spoke informally, which was a shift from her previous formality. Since I had decided to stay here, I thought I would no longer receive guest treatment, so I had requested Lucia to speak casually with me a few days ago.

She seemed pleased by my request, saying that it felt like we had grown closer.

I was filled with a strong desire to repay the kindness of such wonderful people.

“Is there anything I can do with my abilities?”

“Is that even a question?”

“…So, you’re saying I can contribute here?”

Lucia smiled so brightly that it made my cheeks swell as well.

“That’s exactly what I was hoping for. There’s a lot to be done in the Magic Tower, more than you might think. And we’re always short on personnel.”

“Can I work while carrying a child?”

“Of course. I’ve heard that children who sense their mother’s magic even before birth are more likely to awaken as wizards. And…”

Pausing briefly, Lucia looked around as if in thought before whispering.

“I have high hopes for you. As my successor.”

“……”

I couldn’t find the words to respond. Partly because I felt unqualified, having only discovered my magical abilities but lacking any real knowledge of magic, and partly because I was so excited that it left me speechless.

“…Mel, Melissa, please remove the magic. I deeply regret rushing here without saying anything, because I was so happy. I won’t surprise you again. Please?”

Pedro’s plea made me want to remove the magic, but since I didn’t even know how I had created the ice in the first place, I couldn’t comply as he wished. Seeing my hesitation, Lucia moved closer.

She tapped my arm rhythmically with her fingers, then wrapped her hand around the back of mine.

“Melissa, magic isn’t difficult. Just imagine what you want in your mind and channel your magic. It’s very important to carefully control it so you don’t waste your energy.”

“…Yes.”

“Now, extend your hand towards the object and feel your magic.”

Following Lucia’s instructions, I spread my palm wide towards the ice that had become as solid as rock. After taking a deep breath to sense my magic, I closed my eyes.

It felt like I was examining my body for the first time. I had always thought of others before myself. As a child, I had to be mindful of my mother’s expectations, and after joining the County, I had to consider the views of Monica and the other family members.

After the contract marriage, I was attentive to Ian’s expectations, and I even took into account Nicola’s and the employees’ viewpoints. Since I had lived my life from the moment I was born in such a way, I never had the chance to truly look at myself.

That’s why I hadn’t realized the abundant power lying within me. Magic pulsed not far from where the pheromone sprang.

As if asking me to use it, I drew the magic from that vigorous source, channeling it into my fingertips. I felt something release, though less intense than before, and opened my eyes to Pedro’s groaning.

“Ugh. I must have slipped and fallen on my rear because the cold made my body stiff.”

With the sudden disappearance of the ice, it seemed Pedro had fallen straight to the ground. I hesitated, then muttered softly.

“I’m sorry… I was so startled that I made a mistake.”

Pedro looked up at me with wide eyes, then quickly jumped to his feet.

“No, it’s my mistake. Please don’t apologize. If anything, I should be honored to experience your abilities!”

“…Ah, yes.”

I averted my gaze slightly, feeling that he seemed a bit different from the last time I saw him.

“I never imagined your magic would be so high that it could resist mine. It’s impressive! Really impressive!”

At Pedro’s words, Lucia clicked her tongue and said.

“Your magic isn’t that high.”

“I know that, but could you not blatantly ignore me like that?”

“I just don’t understand. How can you be Tower Master and not have anyone question it? Alpha people really are a stupid breed.”

I stared at Lucia in surprise at her blatant disparagement of Alphas. Until coming here, I had always viewed Alphas as significant figures who were welcomed everywhere, unlike Omegas.

Noticing my gaze, Lucia also turned to look at me, her face showing a playful expression.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. If you want to stay at the Magic Tower, you need to insult Alphas once a day. To be precise, you need to speak the truth about them.”

It was an odd statement, but there was something about her words that I liked.

“…The truth?”

“Yes, the truth.”

She continued to watch me with an encouraging look. After several moments of hesitation, I finally managed to speak to Pedro.

“…Very selfish.”