We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 217

“It’s fine to be selfish… but I hope you’ll think only of yourself and get the treatment for you, please.”

“…”

Ian’s words left Melissa with a strange feeling. Yes, she had never thought of herself first. Actually, there was one time when she did, and that was when she clung to him. At that moment, she thought only of her love for him, not caring about anything else.

Could she be honest with him like she was back then?

She decided to look into her heart again, trying to make a decision for herself, without being influenced by anyone else.

Though her face remained calm like a still lake, Melissa couldn’t hide the spark in her eyes. Ian couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

* * *

When Melissa returned with Adella, Lucia and Pedro were waiting for her.

“Can we talk for a moment?”

“Yes, just a moment.”

After handing the child to someone else, Melissa made her way to the Tower Master’s workshop. Lucia looked deep in thought, while Pedro sat with a calm expression.

“Is there something you need to say?”

“…Mel.”

Lucia was usually the type to speak directly and boldly. This was the first time she hesitated, which piqued Melissa’s curiosity. After a brief silence, Lucia sighed and began to speak.

“I’m not sure how to say this…”

“Go ahead, I’m listening.”

“There’s no omega without a story. Even if it’s just a finger injury, it’s still an injury. We shouldn’t rate wounds.”

“Why are you beating around the bush? This isn’t like you, Tower Master.”

Pedro interrupted, and Lucia shot him a sharp look, answering in kind.

“What do you think you’re doing, speaking when omega is talking?”

“…Right.”

Pedro fell silent at the harsh rebuke, and Melissa couldn’t help but smile as she watched them.

At first, it felt awkward to see Lucia, an omega, reprimanding Pedro, an alpha, but now it felt natural and fair. They were both equal.

“Mel, I still hate alphas.”

“Yes, I know.”

“But honestly, the one who suffered more than me was you. For me… well, it wasn’t just ‘nothing,’ but the Empress’s torment was shameful and disgraceful. Still, my life wasn’t at risk. But for you, that wasn’t the case.”

“…Yes.”

“Then how did you forgive him?”

This unexpected question made Melissa pause, and she silently observed Lucia. Lucia, looking for an answer, continued speaking.

“I don’t want to forgive … but that’s just my opinion, right? What about other omegas? If that’s the case, wouldn’t what I’m doing now feel like forcing them?”

* * *

I understood what Lucia was worried about. After visiting Marquisate Ovando, I had wondered about the same thing myself.

“First of all, I forgave Ian because I didn’t want to keep suffering anymore.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“As the Tower Master said, everyone has their own share of wounds, but the way we accept them differs.”

“That’s right. Sarah never really cared from the beginning.”

“I used to think it was because the wounds were different. But now I understand where the difference comes from.”

“Then, what makes it different?”

I looked directly into Lucia’s eyes, who was eager for an answer, and replied.

“It’s the love for oneself.”

“…”

“When I heard about the damaged pheromone gland, I thought that I could be the one in control instead of the pheromones. The moment I saw Ian, I was so immersed in the joy of having my imprinting removed, feeling like I was truly free at last. I didn’t know back then that holding onto that feeling itself could become another chain.”

It was a truth I hadn’t realized for a long time. Forgiveness isn’t for the other person, it’s not about being considerate of them.

“I forgave him for myself. I didn’t want to be bound by those wounds anymore.”

“…I see.”

“Yes, after forgiving him, I felt lighter than when I thought I had forgotten him. Of course, maybe Adella helped me change my heart, but now, that doesn’t matter.”

“So, what do you want to do now?”

Lucia asked seriously. I recalled what Ian had said. His voice echoed in my mind as he told me to get treatment for myself.

“…I want to get treatment for all the past that my mother destroyed. I want to find my true self.”

Just as I was born. I wanted to know and meet my true self. My lips naturally curled upward. I liked the smile I had on my face.

Lucia gazed at me for a moment, then muttered, “I see,” and nodded. Her expression seemed lighter than before, and I was relieved.

“Uung, if that’s what Mel says, I’ll have to go. Can’t be helped.”

“You ignored my words before… this is discrimination.”

“Tch, I said it’s not something for an alpha to butt into.”

“Tch.”

Watching the two of them still getting along so well, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

* * *

I came alone to find Olivia. As I walked through the shop, which looked the same as before, I made my way to the back.

“Is someone here?”

As I looked around, not seeing her, the back door opened, and Olivia came in, holding a basket.

“Oh, it’s you again.”

“Hello.”

I greeted her a little awkwardly, not hiding my discomfort. I knew it was shameless to ask for the elixir after having already refused her kindness, but without her help, I couldn’t get treatment.

“Um, you look better.”

Before I could say anything, she nodded at me.