We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 164
Of course, other Alphas would never mistreat the Omega who birthed their own Alpha successor. On the surface, at least. However, it’s also undeniable that there might be underlying disregard or subtle contempt.
Yet, Pedro displayed a genuine fondness for Omegas.
He seemed to have hated not only other Alphas but occasionally betas as well. There were times when he had a look of utter distaste, which made one wonder.
What could be so bothersome to him?
And why did he show such respect for Omegas?
Everyone in the Empire considered Omegas to be inferior, believing they were only good for tempting Alphas with established mates. Even though it was the Alphas who brought Omegas into their lives out of necessity, people, especially betas, held such views.
“I suppose I should call the Duke. He’s given me quite the trouble.”
“Yes, I’ll send the letter immediately.”
As he glanced at the chamberlain hurrying off, he leisurely savored his tea. He believed that discussing things with the Duke, one of the few Alphas he respected, would clear up this unsettling feeling.
* * *
“Adella, peekaboo!”
“Kyaah.”
“Oh, you’re so adorable I could go crazy.”
Every day without fail, the wizards from the Magic Tower visited. It seemed they had a schedule, with two of them coming to my room each day to take care of Adella.
“Well then, I’ll be off to work for a bit.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t worry about our cute little princess—Mommy will be back soon with money!”
“Kyaa!”
“Oh, look at those cheeks jiggle. Shall I do peekaboo? Peekaboo!”
“Haaa.”
Contrary to my worries, Adella was healthy and growing quickly. Her soft, light green hair, resembling mine, swayed gently, while her bright golden eyes shone like the sun rather than the moon. She was a beautiful, smiling baby.
Though I was undeniably happy, my heart ached a little as Adella grew. Thoughts of my other child surfaced.
How was Diers doing? As the heir to the Duchy, I thought he must be growing up surrounded by attention and care. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt.
Shouldn’t I have done everything I could to stay by my child’s side? Even though it’s faint, my pheromones were part of the child’s needs, and surely, he would need his mother’s pheromones…
My steps halted abruptly as I was lost in thought.
“Oh…”
I can’t give more pheromones, can I?
I had become so accustomed to my current life that I often forgot the absence of the pheromones I had shared throughout my life. I placed my wrist to my nose and tried to sniff the scent. After confirming that I still couldn’t detect any smell, I wondered blankly.
Was it because my sense of smell was malfunctioning, or had my pheromones completely disappeared? I couldn’t tell which was broken.
“What are you doing standing in the hallway?”
I looked up at Lucia’s voice. She gestured for me to come over, so I resumed my steps.
“I was just thinking for a moment.”
“You’re such a true student. Always thinking about magic.”
Her statement wasn’t entirely accurate, but I just nodded. She seemed to know it was a lie.
“Shall we learn teleportation magic today? I remember you were curious about it.”
“….I’m excited.”
“Hehe, such a wizard-like statement.”
“I am a wizard now.”
“Indeed, and you’re the successor of the Magic Tower, too.”
As I was about to enter Lucia’s familiar workshop, she stopped me.
“Shall we use a different place from today?”
“Where to?”
“Since you’re now contributing, shouldn’t you get a workspace?”
“My own workspace?”
“Yes, this way.”
Lucia led me to a room next to her workshop.
“This was a storage room I used, but I could never get around to finishing it. Pedro helped a bit.”
“Wow…”
It was quite spacious for a storage room. The space was neatly arranged with a desk, workbench, and bookshelf.
“Hmph, I organized it as per the Magic Tower Master’s instructions. Why do you need to make a fuss about it?”
“Oh.”
I belatedly noticed Pedro’s presence in the workshop. Turning around in surprise, I saw him frowning at Lucia.
“Yes you organized it, but what’s the complaint?”
“You should give more praise. It shouldn’t end with just ‘Pedro helped a bit.’”
I was now somewhat used to his grumbling. The stern persona he displayed outside was clearly just a facade.
“Don’t you think you’re attaching too much significance to something that’s just part of the job?”
“I was taught that the more ordinary the task, the more gratitude should be expressed.”
“Thank you.”
I quickly and calmly conveyed my thanks.
“Oh, that wasn’t meant for Melissa!”
“Why not? This room is Melissa’s workshop, so it’s not incorrect gratitude.”
“I just wanted to tease the Magic Tower Master.”
“You little…”
“Oh, that expression. Do you know it’s my source of energy?”
I looked at Pedro with a slightly annoyed expression. I tried not to show it, but living at the Magic Tower made me acutely aware of how peculiar he was.
“Pfft, look at Mel’s expression.”
Lucia pointed at my face and burst into laughter.
“It’s quite creepy…”
Pedro’s comment, mumbled in a tone of rapture, made it even harder for me to control my expression.
“….So this is why other wizards call Pedro a pervert.”
“Oh no, that’s not fair! I’ve been so kind to you!”
“Kindness and perversion seem to be different things.”
“Melissa, you’re being too harsh. If you’re going to point out facts like that…”
Seeing Pedro twist his large frame, even though he was thinner than Ian, I couldn’t help but turn my head and eventually burst out laughing.
“Oh, it’s so delightful. I must be a lucky person to be able to work among such beautiful Omegas.”
“So don’t act so perverted. If complaints come in, I’ll expel you immediately.”
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