We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 212

At least, as a mother, she couldn’t. That’s why she wanted to have an honest conversation with him.

Lost in thought, Melissa slowly raised her hand and placed it on his shoulder. She could feel his hunched back flinch under her touch.

“I… I thought I had cut everything off and stood up on my own.”

“…”

“But I hadn’t really made any decisions. The situation just changed in my favor, and I simply followed the flow. I thought I had sorted things out and moved on, but that was just an illusion.”

“Mel…”

“The truth is, I was just avoiding everything…”

Her voice fell slowly, yet firmly. To Ian, it was like hearing an angelic voice. It didn’t matter what she said, or what she asked. He wanted to give her everything, even if it meant tearing out his own heart.

So, he lowered his head and listened in silence. He was straining to catch every word, trying to understand her emotions, her intentions, not missing a single one.

“I don’t want to avoid it anymore. I don’t want to be swayed by anyone’s influence. So, I’m not going to blame anyone. Whether it’s my parents, or people who are nothing but a family in name… or even you.”

Through Diers. and Adella, she realized that true independence didn’t come from circumstances or environments, but from the heart. She also realized that love begins with forgiveness.

By letting go of hatred, she could finally see things she hadn’t before, and peace settled in her heart. It felt like the heavy stone in her chest disappeared all at once. A deep sigh escaped her lips.

The sigh turned into a tremor, and the tremor quickly turned into sobs. Having released everything, Melissa looked at Ian who was kneeling in front of her, huddled.

He looked pitiful. It was like seeing herself from years ago, and the sight made her heart ache with sorrow. She weakly tapped his shoulder.

“Can we… just be happy together, just the four of us… with Dia and Della? Can’t we just forget everything and start over, as if it was the beginning?”

“Yes, Mel. I’ll do everything you want.”

Ian, who had been bowing his head like a sinner, slowly lifted it. His eyes, full of tears, desperately continued.

“It’s what I wanted too. If you forgive me… no, I’ll make the effort. I’ll make sure all the wounds and pain we’ve gone through won’t resurface. Please, don’t cry. Don’t hurt anymore, Mel. Please.”

“….What is this? Why did you have to hurt yourself like this?”

Seeing his face that was full of foolishness up close, all the remaining emotions poured out of her. She let everything out, without holding anything back. With Melissa firmly holding him, Ian cried with her.

The two of them, drawing closer, soon held each other tightly that their hearts beating together as they cried, whispered they’re sorry, and continued to weep.

They left behind Diers, Adella, the magic tower, and their families, it was just the two of them. It was the first time they were truly open, sharing their thoughts without hiding anything from each other.

* * *

While Melissa and Ian were absorbed in each other, Lucia heard something strange from Pedro.

“Is it true that Duchy Bryant is recruiting Omegas?”

“…That’s a bit odd.”

Pedro had been out and about when he noticed the recruitment flyers posted around the marketplace. The blatant content of actively seeking Omegas angered him, but he was suspicious.

His curiosity led him to dig deeper. He discovered that the flyers had been distributed by Duchy Bryant and eventually uncovered the reason.

“That bastard has no reason to bring in other Omegas.”

“What do you mean?”

“…There’s something I haven’t told you.”

“What is it? What have you done?”

“I haven’t made a habit of messing things up, you know. You’re being too harsh.”

“Stop dodging. Just tell me straight. What is it?”

With a slightly embarrassed expression, Pedro spoke.

“That bastard, Ian imprinted.”

“…What?”

“I’m not sure exactly how it happened, but that fool imprinted on Melissa. He was almost out of his mind afterward…”

“Ha.”

Lucia couldn’t hide her disbelief. It was already a surprising thing that Melissa’s imprint had faded, but hearing that an Alpha had imprinted her afterward was even more bizarre.

“Why would he be recruiting Omegas like this? I heard they’re even asking for detailed personal information. It feels like they’re making a list. It’s just like what we’re doing, isn’t it?”

“…”

She agreed with Pedro’s suspicion. The talk of recruiting Omegas was likely just an excuse.

“So, what’s he up to, then?”

“…If it’s the bastard I know, there’s another reason. Another thing to consider is that he probably didn’t plan this alone.”

“There’s only one person who could command a Duke. Is that what you’re getting at?”

Pedro nodded slowly, avoiding her burning gaze. When it came to discussing the Emperor, he had to be careful.

“What’s that bastard planning now?”

“…He is still the Emperor.”

“I’m the Master of the Magic Tower!”

“Yes, yes, Tower Master.”

Pedro, avoiding Lucia’s sharp gaze, finally spoke up.

“Why don’t you meet with him directly?”

“What?”

“Let’s stop hiding things. You, as the Tower Master, should step up openly.”

“…”

“You don’t need me anymore. The Magic Tower has grown so much, and you’ve helped so many Omegas. You’ve worked hard, after all. And you will continue to do so.”

“…Don’t just talk.”

“So, with just a little magic, I’ve managed to make myself heard as Tower Master, haven’t I? Come on, give me some credit.”

Lucia couldn’t help but let out a short laugh as she looked at Pedro, who was whining.