We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 165
“Come on, don’t you need a puppet Magic Tower Master?”
“Tsk, that’s why it’s hard to get attached to you.”
“Hehe.”
After chuckling at Pedro’s laughter, I slowly moved forward. It was my very first workshop, and my heart raced. I felt excited about the new life that was about to begin here.
When I opened the window of the workshop, the Empire looked tiny below. They said the slowly moving Magic Tower could only be found by the wizard here. It made sense; just a few days ago, I discovered this place was a floating island. From this drifting tower, I gazed down at an Empire that seemed as small as my palms.
To think I had lived so fiercely in such a tiny place. Lost in thought, Lucia approached me.
“Alright, shall we really learn teleportation magic now?”
“Oooh, is this Melissa’s first teleportation spell? I want to join too!”
“Tsk, it’s a hassle.”
“I’ll follow along, so you just teach the class, Tower Master.”
“Then, how about we go to the place most related to our Mel?”
“Where is it?”
At my question, Lucia’s eyes narrowed playfully. She slowly drew a teleportation circle on the floor for me to see clearly.
“As you get used to it, the speed at which the circle is engraved will increase. Then, it’ll look like you’re disappearing in an instant.”
Taking her outstretched hand, I stepped into the magic circle, feeling as if my body was being pulled somewhere. When I opened my eyes, a familiar square lay before me.
“This is a place filled with memories, isn’t it?”
At Pedro’s comment, I turned my head. It was the spot where I had shared ice cream with him long ago.
“You can’t come here without tasting the ice cream.”
“Well then, let’s eat some.”
As Lucia handed over coins, the vendor asked what we wanted. I answered almost instinctively.
“Strawberry flavor.”
Strawberry ice cream was the first taste that made me dream of freedom. Holding the ice cream the vendor handed me, I finally felt that freedom was within my grasp.
It was incredibly sweet and soothing.
* * *
Teleportation magic was incredibly convenient. The three of us started our adventure at the ice cream shop and explored various famous eateries. We could travel quickly not just within the Empire, but even to foreign lands across the sea.
For someone like me, who had never ventured beyond the County and Duchy within the Empire, simply being in the square felt like a major escapade. The fact that I was now whisking across the country was incredibly surreal.
“Ugh… these monsters.”
Pedro, who had been trailing behind Lucia and me, muttered in front of the seventh shop with a pale face.
“I can’t even gauge your magical power levels. Is teleportation this easy?”
“I think it’s time to head back. I’m worried about Adella too…”
“Is that so?”
I ignored Pedro’s theatrical tone, feeling oddly that he might be right. Was it possible for an Alpha to feel this insignificant? Even if he was a recessive Alpha, he was still an Alpha, and I found myself overwhelmed by feelings I couldn’t quite articulate.
The sensation of having my understanding of the world shattered was beyond words.
“Oh, by the way, there’s a place nearby that sells baby clothes. Let’s stop there before heading back.”
Pedro reacted faster than I did. He straightened up as if his exhaustion had been a lie.
“Where is it?”
“Just turn right over there, and you’ll see it.”
“Let’s hurry!”
He shouted enthusiastically.
“Adella, wait! Daddy’s going to buy you a new outfit!”
“Are you kidding? How are you Adella’s dad? Do you really think someone as ridiculous as you could have such a lovely child? You must be out of your mind!”
“Why not? The child has grown strong, nourished by my pheromones, so of course I’m the Dad!”
“Not a chance. Adella doesn’t have a dad. Just moms around her.”
“Oh my goodness, then how many wives do I have? Is the Tower Master one of them? I’d rather decline that offer.”
“What?”
As I watched the two of them bicker while keeping pace with each other, I realized that despite the teasing, Pedro might be a reliable presence for Lucia.
“What are you doing, Mel? Hurry up!”
“Yes, I’m coming.”
I followed them with light steps.
The baby store was like a new world to me. Since I had never bought clothes for Diers myself, I had no idea there were so many options available. Without realizing it, I ended up buying so much that I couldn’t carry it all with just my hands.
As I watched Lucia and Pedro, both of them full with bags just like me, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Haha!”
A strange sense of liberation washed over me. It felt like the weight of constraints I hadn’t even realized I was carrying had completely lifted, and I was so happy.
“…I’ve never seen you laugh like that before.”
“It suits you very well.”
“Who says it doesn’t?”
“I just wish the Tower Master would smile like that too.”
“…You’re being cheeky.”
“Hehe, Melissa! Let’s hurry back and surprise Adel;a with gifts! Oh, let’s go quickly!”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
With a light expression, I answered and then drew the teleportation circle we had learned during our travels on the ground where the three of us stood. Lucia and Pedro watched me, captivated, as I quickly sketched out a large circle that would allow us to move together.
With a playful smile, I activated the magic circle, and we soon found ourselves back at the Tower.