We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 169

Having returned to the Aerys Empire after a long time, Pedro heard some strange rumors.

“What do you mean?”

“Magic Tower Master, didn’t you know? Oh, don’t get me started. It’s common knowledge among both the nobles and the merchants.”

“Who made the imprint?”

“Well, it’s said that Duke Bryant did the imprint.”

“Huh…?”

Having visited a merchant association that formally supplied magical tools from the Magic Tower, he couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

What a ridiculous thing to hear. Why would someone who imprinted leave their Omega alone? If he imprinted, that would be one of the last things he’d ever do.

Whether his Omega liked it or not, he would have likely been possessive and kept her locked away. After all, that’s how Alphas often behaved. Having observed such Alphas closely, Pedro finished signing a few documents with a nonchalant expression that belied his shock.

“What other rumors are going around?”

“Oh, they say the Duke is looking for his Omega.”

“Why search for an Omega if he had imprinted? Shouldn’t the Omega be there in the first place to form the imprint?”

“I don’t know. I’m just a Beta; how would I know?”

“Rumors are not something to take lightly.”

“Of course not.”

Pedro, unable to easily accept this, fell deep into thought. This had been a question since the moment he discovered Melissa in the canyon, alongside Lucia.

Why had the carriage burned, and why was she left all alone? If something had gone wrong, the coachman or maid should have suffered the same fate. That is, if she had indeed been traveling with them.

There were clear signs of intentional arson on the carriage, and the fact that Melissa had survived alone left her unable to grasp the cause of the incident. She could only remember that there was a sound and then a fire, and he didn’t want to press her for more details.

Was it right to dredge up the past with her now that she was finally showing a more human smile?

It wasn’t just Melissa. Everyone might be cheerful now, but the beginnings of the Omegas who came to the Magic Tower were always tragic. They had entered as mere rags, overcoming their pain alone to arrive at their current position.

Could his mother have been saved if given the chance?

Pedro looked out at the bustling marketplace with heavy-lidded eyes. Having left the office located right in the center of the market, he suddenly teleported to his final destination.

He materialized right in front of the palace and ordered the surprised guards.

“I am the master of the Magic Tower. Open the door.”

“Yes? Yes!”

Although teleporting directly to the heart of the palace was indeed possible, he didn’t want to cause a commotion. Still, he occasionally felt a mischievous urge to expose just how flimsy the palace’s magical barriers were.

He couldn’t quite discern whether this feeling stemmed from a disdain for the imperial family or from the fact that the Alpha who had hurt Lucia was the master of this place.

Pedro felt compassion for the Omegas. It had started that way, but now he held them in high regard.

As a result, he felt intense disdain for those who treated such Omegas carelessly. The reason he had gone to the Duke’s residence—where he usually wouldn’t have set foot—was that there was another unfortunate Omega he wanted to see.

He was neither bored enough to visit an old academy classmate nor did he have any emotional attachment. Ultimately, that Omega had awakened as a wizard only after being placed in an extreme situation. What could be the true reason an Omega awakens as a wizard? He sincerely hoped it wasn’t out of hatred.

If someone could only awaken as a wizard after reaching the depths of despair and resentment, that would be incredibly tragic. Why must Omegas always suffer?

Pedro entered the palace, unable to conceal his displeasure. From a distance, he saw the Emperor’s chief attendant hurrying toward him. They were likely coming to greet him after just hearing the news.

“Tower Master, you’ve arrived.”

“It’s been a while.”

“You must have been quite busy. His Majesty has been eager to hear from you.”

“His Majesty must also be very occupied.”

“Still, he always inquired about you, Tower Master. You are the pride of our Empire.”

The Magic Tower was a mysterious place, maintaining an independent status not belonging to any nation. Therefore, not just the Emperor but most nobles felt proud that someone from the Aerys Empire had become its master.

“…It is indeed something to be proud of.”

But if they knew who the real master of the Magic Tower was, they might faint.

Following the chief attendant’s guidance, Pedro found himself in a different place than the usual audience chamber. As he entered the garden, he felt a sense of confusion. Just then, he came face to face with a familiar figure.

It was none other than Ian, who greeted him alongside the Emperor with a pale, gaunt face. The stark difference in Ian’s appearance gave Pedro a sinking feeling that the rumors might be true.

“Tower Master, it’s difficult to meet you like this.”

“Your Majesty, it’s been a while.”

Adrian greeted him warmly, and Ian gave a slight nod in return. While they were academy classmates in private, in official settings, Pedro’s status as Duke placed him above Ian’s.

“It’s been a long time, Tower Master.”

“Duke, you don’t look well.”

Adrian added to Pedro’s observation.

“He looks like he’s on the verge of death. That’s why I called the Magic Tower Master.”

The Emperor could no longer stand by and watch his cherished subject deteriorate. He also had questions for Pedro. Thus, without mincing words, Adrian directly continued.

“I hope the Magic Tower Master can help find someone.”

“Is this person related to the Duke’s condition?”

“That’s correct.”

Hearing Ian’s answer, Pedro couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. It was ridiculous enough as it was, but he could also sense the earnestness in Ian’s voice, which only fueled his anger and laughter.

He should have just treated her well from the start.