We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 184

Somehow, Diers walked into his room alone, clutching a small doll.

“Dad!”

“Dia…”

Diers rushed into Ian’s arms. The child said, pressing his chubby cheeks against his solid chest.

“Dad, phemon please.”

The child asked for his pheromones, just like Melissa had. It was a desperate request, filled with anxiety. Ian felt guilty for having neglected him while he was so consumed with finding the Tower.

He recalled the small Omega he had seen in the Tower. The child, with the same hair as Melissa, had been taken away before he could even see her face properly.

He remembered the child writhing while inhaling his pheromones and then found himself reflecting on the pathetic sight of the child finding comfort in Pedro’s arms.

“Dad!”

“Yes, yes.”

With a gruff voice, he comforted Diers while slowly releasing his pheromones. He wanted his child to feel secure, so he released them gently, wrapping him in a warm embrace while tears streamed down his face.

He knew everything was over, yet he couldn’t bring himself to give up. His mind painted a picture of himself with Melissa, Diers, and the little girl named Adella all together.

It was a desperate hope he longed for.

* * *

The feelings after sending Ian away were indescribably complex. I felt astonished, angry, and yet relieved. I had finally felt the truth of the imprint being broken.

But I also wondered why he had been searching for me. I couldn’t comprehend how he could profess love after everything that had happened. Wasn’t it too late for just a confession to mend our relationship?

“Oh, what a stubborn guy.”

Pedro, cradling Adella protectively, approached and muttered to himself. This sparked a commotion among the other wizards.

“What’s so different about being a Sword Master?”

“Seriously, what do we need to know about Sword Masters?”

“If we have to fight a Sword Master later, we should activate the magic circles faster.”

“Right? He was so quick!”

Hearing the other wizards, I finally remembered that Ian was a Sword Master. It made sense, considering I hadn’t had the chance to see his abilities at the mansion.

“Did our Della get scared?”

“Abu…”

“Della, come here.”

I opened my arms towards my daughter, who was nestled in Pedro’s arms. However, Adella burrowed deeper into him, refusing to come to me. Pedro spoke with a troubled expression.

“Our princess seems to have been quite startled. Melissa, I’ll hold her a bit longer.”

“…I’m so sorry.”

“Oh, Melissa, you have nothing to be sorry for. I’m just embarrassed that my carelessness has caused you trouble.”

“Ah…”

Having just woken up, Adella let out a big yawn, still looking sleepy. Seeing her calm demeanor reminded me of the situation where she had rejected Ian’s pheromones. While I couldn’t feel them, Ian had undoubtedly sent his pheromones to Adella.

Part of me was afraid of how she would react to her biological father’s pheromones, and another part wanted to confirm it.

Could she instinctively recognize her biological father’s pheromones?

Adella was precious, but there were moments when I felt worried and questioned some doubts. The child had grown up receiving the pheromones of Pedro and Lucia rather than her parents’ during the critical period of needing them. Although she had been closest to me since birth, I always worried whether I could provide emotional stability without being able to give her pheromones.

As I gazed at Adella, lost in his complicated thoughts, Lucia approached and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“You fought well.”

“I’m sorry, Tower Master.”

“For what?”

“I know we shouldn’t use magic inside the Tower, yet I couldn’t contain my anger.”

“There must have been a reason. I don’t think it’s my place to criticize you today.”

Lucia seemed to fall into thought for a moment. While she was quietly reflecting, Sara approached her.

“I’ve always believed that magic requires effort in addition to mana and talent, but I might have to rethink that after this.”

“…I agree.”

With Pedro’s agreement, Sara grew more animated.

“Right? How can someone who hasn’t even been properly trained draw magic circles so cleanly and quickly? I feel like I should hand over the position of deputy tower master to you, Mel.”

“…Thank you, Sara.”

“Hehe, it’s adorable to see you blush.”

“Exactly. Every Omega here is a lovely being.”

Pedro’s embarrassing statement drew disgusted expressions from those nearby. He sighed dramatically as if hurt by their reactions.

“Really, you’re all so harsh.”

“Kyaa!”

“No one comforts me like our princess does. Ah, you’re the most lovable being!”

Pedro exclaimed while exaggeratedly rubbing his cheeks against Adella’s. Everyone around them smiled gently. They too had been hurt by Alphas and were known to have their own stories.

However, those who had been in the Tower before me cherished Pedro as if he was their nephew, son, or brother.

I had thought my own wounds were the deepest, but now I found myself curious about Pedro’s story. It was amusing and reflective that I only just began to wonder about someone who had steadily helped me all along.

At that moment, Lucia, who had been quietly lost in thought, spoke up.

“It seems it will take some time to reactivate the Tower’s movement device.”

“There’s no rush. No one knows we’re up in the air.”

“That’s true. So, everyone…”

At Lucia’s words, all the chattering ceased, and everyone turned to look at her. It was as if they knew what she was about to say or had been waiting for her to speak.

“I plan to start the work I’ve been putting off. I’m going to bring Omegas here. We’ll start with those with magical talent and bring in all the Omegas who need help to stay here.”