We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 215

Focusing intently on his leg, Sarah poured magic into it, being cautious and meticulous. Sweat began to bead on her forehead as she focused, and after a moment, she pulled her hands away and stepped back.

“Whoo…”

“…”

Slowly, Ian opened his eyes and felt his face. The burn marks that had marred his skin, including his hands, had completely disappeared. Surprised by this, Ian couldn’t hide his astonishment, as it was his first time being healed by a wizard.

“If the bones had solidified completely, it could have been a disaster.”

“…Is that so?”

“Magic isn’t all-powerful, you know. If it could fix everything, I would be much more popular.”

“That’s a fair point.”

Ian got up from his seat and spoke to Sarah.

“I will compensate you properly for the treatment. Please wait just a moment.”

At his words, Sarah chuckled.

“Do you know how demanding healing magic is, and how much energy it consumes?”

“If I’ve upset you, I…”

“No, I didn’t come here to make money.”

“…”

The atmosphere grew tense as Sarah crossed her arms in front of her chest and continued.

“I came here for Mel.”

“Yes, of course. I understand.”

“No, you can’t truly understand. Even if you try to replicate the pain by inflicting a similar injury, you will never know the true suffering Melissa went through.”

“…I will try.”

Ian’s heart tightened at Sarah’s words. He knew she was right. She had reached out to him first, and Melissa had buried the painful past in order to forgive him.

“I didn’t come here to lecture you, so there’s no need to make that face.”

Seeing the expression on his face, Sarah inwardly clicked her tongue. While this had been Melissa’s request, there was also a warning for Ian. If he was thinking of trying to take Melissa back with some misguided notion, he was being given one last piece of advice.

Of course, Sarah didn’t think that this Alpha, who had done such foolish things, would have such an idea. But considering how things had gone, it was likely that Melissa would be the one who would have to make sacrifices.

Sarah wanted nothing more than for Melissa to find happiness from now on. Plus, there was something she needed to convey discreetly.

“There is a way to fix Melissa’s pheromone gland.”

Ian’s expression immediately shifted at Sarah’s words. He stepped closer to her with his eyes sparkling as he asked in a low voice.

“What is it?”

Sarah smiled slightly, seeing the sudden change in the gentle person.

“Now that’s more like it. It’s very important.”

Sarah remembered the story she had heard from Lucia.

“Do you know about the elixir?”

“…Is it really a real potion?”

Ian, being a Duke, knew enough to be familiar with the term, but he hadn’t known elixirs actually existed. He thought of it as just one of those legendary items.

“It exists. Although it’s not exactly common.”

“I’ll buy it, no matter the price.”

“Hmm, well, it might be better to pay for it. For now, go to this place.”

Sarah handed over a map she had drawn beforehand.

“If you go to this place and mention Melissa’s name, they’ll know. The only reason I’m passing this message to you is for one thing.”

“Yes, please tell me.”

Ian’s heart raced with hope at the possibility of healing Melissa’s pheromone gland. He had felt so much regret and pain after hearing that it couldn’t be healed by magic.

“Melissa herself is refusing to fix her pheromone gland.”

“…What?”

“So, you need to persuade Melissa first, then go to the place. Otherwise, even if the elixir is offered for free, she will refuse.”

“….”

Ian was deeply shocked by her words. It wasn’t just that it couldn’t be healed, but the fact that Melissa was refusing treatment. He kept his mouth shut and then bowed deeply.

“Thank you for healing my wounds and for your kind words.”

“Hmm, I’ve received a more valuable thank you than money. Please convey my regards to Melissa. I’ll be leaving now.”

Sarah disappeared after finishing her words. Ian briefly marveled at the teleportation magic used by the Magic Tower wizards, then his expression stiffened.

After thinking to himself for a moment, he quickly stepped forward. Thinking of Melissa and the children waiting for him, his heart pounded pleasantly.

As he opened the door, the scent of two different pheromones wafted in the air. Diers and Adella were tangled up, laughing joyfully. Ian turned his attention to Melissa, who was smiling softly while sitting on the couch. Every time her beautiful smile appeared, his grip tightened.

He approached with the hope that her smile would continue. As his twisted leg returned to normal, he found his body more balanced. Though it hadn’t been long, it felt as if he had gained a completely new body.

“Mel.”

She turned her head slowly at his call. Ian noticed her purple eyes widened. He watched as her gaze slowly traveled from the top of his body to the bottom.

“…Is it completely healed?”

When her eyes, full of concern, met his, he couldn’t hold back. He wasn’t sure exactly what emotion it was, but a flood of feelings overwhelmed him.

With deliberate, confident steps, Ian approached and took Melissa’s hand. Like someone who didn’t expect more than that, he simply kept holding her hand and, in a soft voice, expressed his gratitude.

“Thanks to you, I’m completely healed.”

“Well done.”

“And… I’ll never do something like that again. I was thoughtless. Please forgive my foolishness.”

As she watched him gently fold his hands together as if holding something precious, she nodded quietly.

Ian smiled then. His face lit up with a childlike joy, and for some reason, she couldn’t look away from it.