We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 157

Ian’s gaze, fixed on the drawn sword, made it impossible for the head maid to avoid revealing the letters exchanged with Monica.

Furthermore, expensive jewelry was discovered among the belongings of several maids. Given that these items were far too costly for their wages, Ian had them all imprisoned in the mansion’s underground cells.

Only after apprehending those with suspiciously large amounts of valuables among the servants could Ian return to his room. He changed into lighter clothing and replaced his bandages.

Henry could hardly lift his head. He had never imagined the mansion’s state could be so chaotic. The revelation that it was the head maid who secretly contacted Monica was a shocking blow.

‘Please stop. The master will hear everything.’

‘No way. Isn’t it your specialty to block the master’s ears?’

‘What are you talking about?’

Had the former Duchess spoken these words before she left? It was shocking that someone who had only been there for just over three years was aware of the internal situation.

“…I’m sorry, Duke.”

“Ah, I suppose you have grown older?”

“….”

Henry, unable to find words despite having many, bowed even deeper. Fortunately, the doctor, who had proven his innocence, continued to wrap the bandages, casting wary glances at Ian.

After some quiet contemplation, Ian asked Henry casually.

“Who managed Melissa’s annex?”

“No one has touched it since the former Duchess left.”

“Didn’t you lock the annex door?”

“…No.”

Among the confiscated jewelry, items that Ian had gifted were found. Having been too distracted to visit the annex where she stayed, Ian felt something was amiss.

As he pondered what was strange, he suddenly groaned in pain, bending over as his chest twisted with discomfort.

“Duke, you’ll open your wound if you continue like this!”

The shocked doctor tried to intervene, but Ian could not help the discomfort, as it was not intentional.

Since becoming aware of the imprint, his heart occasionally beats erratically. Sometimes it felt as if someone was squeezing his heart tightly, and at other times, it raced as if it were running a sprint.

It was impossible not to know. This was a side effect of the imprint.

Moreover, with the absence of his Omega, this side effect seemed to try to bring his body under control. It was causing him physical distress, tearing him apart and making him cry out,

Bring my Omega back.

“Damn it…”

No one wanted Melissa back more than he did. His heart was a part of his body, but only a part. For no other reason than having finally realized the mark, no, having realized love, he would retrieve Melissa himself. He was determined.

“Hoo…”

Sweating coldly as he endured the pain, Ian lay down on the bed and ordered Henry.

“Search the head maid’s room again. There might be more letters sent to Monica. Also, find out what that woman revealed and use any means necessary.”

“Yes, understood.”

After a moment’s thought, Ian casually asked the doctor.

“Is it common for Omegas to be more likely to conceive during their heat cycle?”

“For a typical Omega, yes. But if you’re asking about the former Duchess, I can’t provide a definite answer.”

“Why, because she was a recessive Omega?”

“That is a major factor, but also because you, the master, is an extremely dominant Alpha.”

“Why is that?”

“The pheromones you both possess are polar opposites that it would have been difficult for them to interact. Unlike Betas, the pheromone exchange is crucial in the process of creating a child between Alphas and Omegas. That’s why even after several attempts, it took time for Young Master Diers to be conceived. Why do you ask?”

“Never mind.”

“You’ve pushed yourself too hard today. Regardless of the reason, you need to recover soon so you can achieve what you desire.”

“…I see.”

As he took the prescribed medication, sleepiness overwhelmed him. He lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, thinking of Melissa.

Reaching out as if to touch her vividly recalled face, he felt an intense longing.

My Omega, Melissa. He missed her. He desperately wished to see her, even if it was just in a dream. He wanted to see her, even if it meant being resented.

* * *

Despite the doctor’s and Henry’s objections, Ian continued to move his weakened body. Unable to go directly in search of Melissa, he was anxious and could not lie still.

The more he investigated the whereabouts of the servants, the more his fever rose, making it hard for him to breathe properly.

The servants all shouted the same excuses. “I’m not the only one who disregards Omegas. Everyone in the Empire thinks the same way,” or “I thought it was okay because it was all a matter of contract.” Hearing such pathetic excuses repeatedly was driving him insane.

Ian finally descended into the dungeon to interrogate the head maid, who, after seeing Ian’s face, rushed to the bars and begged him earnestly.

“Please, just give me one more chance, Duke! It’s all Lady Monica’s doing! I had no malicious intent…”

“…”

Ian looked down at the head maid silently. A child neglected by indifferent parents often overreacts to even the smallest attention. To him, the head maid had been like a surrogate parent during his childhood.

So even when she had previously committed a disgraceful act, he had only reduced her salary as punishment. Her continued role as head maid was entirely due to Ian’s leniency.

Seeing that Ian remained unmoved, the head maid, overwhelmed by fear, began to spill out whatever she could.

“Young, Young Master, it’s me. I’m your nanny. Please, you must believe me. I am innocent!”

“…Can you claim innocence for everything you said when Melissa left?”

At Ian’s heavy words, the head maid trembled with fear. She harbored a deep resentment towards Melissa, who had shattered her power.