We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 156

Ian was determined to rectify the abuses committed by the servants who had, knowingly or unknowingly, disregarded Nicola and Melissa, the Omegas. Although it started within the estate, he was committed to rooting out the Empire’s corrupt practices to ensure that his Omega could live comfortably.

Under the command of the knight commander, the knights began searching all the servants’ quarters. Meanwhile, Henry, who had summoned all the servants as per Ian’s orders, approached him with a worried look.

“Master, if you leave it to me, I will handle it thoroughly. Please, go and rest.”

The faint bloodstains on the bandages covering Ian’s still-healing wounds were visible. Most of the mansion staff were unaware of Ian’s recent attempt at self-harm, and many did not even know he was injured. There was a risk that news of this might spread outside if he remained in such a state.

“What was the result of all the previous times you took charge?”

Ian was resolute to handle this matter personally, regardless of his own condition. He regretted not having properly trained the staff earlier. Anyone who had spoken ill of the Duke’s Omega, or who had leaked information about the Duke’s household, would be dealt with. He also planned to track down the informants who had secretly reported to Monica.

“…Then, at least put on some clothes.”

Henry’s earnest plea elicited a frustrated sigh from Ian, but he eventually moved to comply. Before heading to his room, he made sure to give the guard stationed at the assembly point firm instructions.

The former Duke watched silently as his son carried out his actions and then followed him. Back in the room, Ian quickly dressed with Henry’s assistance.

The former Duke, who had followed him inside, asked quietly.

“What exactly do you intend to do?”

Ian, now dressed in clean clothes, answered without looking at his father.

“I intend to deal with all the rats you’ve neglected.”

“Which rats are you talking about?”

“Those who mistreated my Omega, those who leaked internal matters of the Duke’s household. All of them.”

“I’ve heard that your Omega is no longer around.”

Ian gave a furious outburst at his father’s careless remark.

“She’s not dead!”

“Could it be that…?”

“I couldn’t find the body! Just that fact is proof that Mel is still alive. Hah.”

Shouting with force made the wounds throb, and Ian placed his hand on the bandages, gasping heavily. The mere thought of his Omega being dead brought on a severe headache and a piercing tinnitus, making him clutch his head in agony.

“…Damn you!”

The former Duke, who had been closely observing his son, muttered a curse. He had known Nicola’s eyes for over 20 years. The eyes of someone with the imprint carried a peculiar madness.

Perhaps because the eyes were the same color as Nicola’s, he even felt a fleeting illusion that he was looking at her from the past.

Ian, wavering from the headache and tinnitus, twisted his mouth and spoke to his father.

“Now I understand why Alphas can’t die alone.”

“…”

“Didn’t you say that an Alpha who imprinted never dies alone? I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I do after experiencing it myself.”

“Master, there’s blood at the corner of your mouth…”

Henry muttered as he wiped the faint blood at Ian’s mouth with a handkerchief, but Ian continued speaking without concern, staring directly at his father with burning eyes.

“Even if one wants to end their own life, a strong body will try to survive in any way it can. So if one wishes to die, they must disturb their surroundings to achieve that goal, right?”

Irritated by Henry’s cautious touch, Ian snatched the handkerchief away and roughly wiped his mouth himself, then continued.

“An Alpha can’t even commit suicide unless killed by someone else. Of course, I’m not going to take action immediately, but first, I need to clean up the estate that I’ve been postponing.”

Ian threw the handkerchief on the floor, put on his jacket, and moved forward. He briefly paused in front of his pale father and warned with a growl.

“If you’ve handed everything over, don’t interfere anymore. I won’t leave things in a vague state like you did, leading to death. I’ll reclaim her. And I will love her for life. I won’t lose her foolishly again.”

Having grown up watching parents who seemed far from affectionate, he didn’t even know if his feelings could be considered love.

His father who had left his mother neglected in the mansion. His mother who had abused her child while clinging to his father—these were the actions that shaped his upbringing. He had absorbed and repeated these patterns unconsciously.

He had inherited not just material possessions from his parents but also their emotional legacy. Now, he realized that he, too, had inflicted wounds on his Omega in the same way his father had done.

“…I won’t cover my feelings with hatred. I’ll love my Omega with all my strength for as long as I live, even if it’s late.”

Having spoken to his father as if he promised himself, Ian quickly left the room. After his departure, the former Duke remained rooted in place, unable to move.

He couldn’t deny that his son had had the imprint he so had feared. The eyes, glistening with madness, were no different from Nicola’s. If anything, they were even more unsettling and fearful.

“…It’s all our fault, Nicola.”

Caught up in his own concerns, he had failed to truly care for his child despite claiming to act in his best interests. Wasn’t it contradictory to tell his own child not to imprint?

Perhaps he should have sent Nicola away earlier and brought in a new mistress.

Whatever the case, regret was already too late. He sighed deeply, leaning against the cold wall, and slowly began to accept the situation.