We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 74

The red nails dug into his arm. With the disgusting scent of perfume wafted in front of his nose, Ian pulled away, not hiding his disgust.

Just by his slightest movement, Monica easily stumbled.

“Dare to feed me the heir of the family, a heat inducer and still manage to survive. Remember, it’s all thanks to the previous Count. Your family is alive because of his memory. Do you understand?”

At first glance the tone sounded polite, but it didn’t match the content or expression. Monica could finally examine his expression properly.

An unfamiliar and cold face she had never seen before. His intimidating demeanor made her unable to speak casually like before.

In the fearing pressure, Monica’s tears burst again.

These were not deliberately squeezed tears, but tears born from the instinctual fear of an alpha’s force.

“If the fact that a mere beta woman coveted the seed of an extreme dominant alpha were to reach the Emperor’s ears, even the memories of the previous Count won’t be able to stop the consequences. Do you understand my words?”

Finally understanding the magnitude that her actions would bring, Monica nodded in fear.

As Ian had said, even among alphas, the Aerys Empire’s Emperor held exceptional alphas in high regard. His interference was extensive, even involving the succession of noble families.

If Ian had fallen in love not with an omega but with a beta woman, the Emperor who had been paying attention to Ian’s successor could potentially banish that woman.

There were plenty of reasons why the Emperor was embracing and protecting such an exceptional alpha.

An exceptional alpha was a presence equivalent to a thousand betas. If a war were to break out, Ian would be at the forefront. While it might be expected for a swordmaster like him to lead the charge, Ian was also an excellent strategist.

Not only that, but he was also adept in business, diplomacy, and language. He was someone capable of handling almost anything. Not just moderately well, but flawlessly. He was a talent the Emperor couldn’t help but love.

Ian truly saw Monica as foolish. If she had simply waited patiently, he would have married her to honor the promise with the previous Count.

“I’ll give you a week. Send a formal apology with Count Rosewood and come to me, kneel and beg. Then, I will give you another chance.”

Wanting to distance himself from the repulsive scent of the perfume that was numbing his nose, he ignored Monica who was on the ground and boarded the carriage.

Wanting to rid himself of the unpleasant smell, he thought of Melissa as he buried himself deeply in the chair.

Just the thought of her faint yet alluring pheromones improved his mood somewhat. However, the words from Marquis Ovando stirred a part of his mind.

‘Give objects, instead of love….’

He understood the meaning behind those words, but Ian had another thought.

He had never given the omega carrying his child any meaningful gifts.

#09_They are not the only ones with instinct

Even after Ian left, Monica could hardly get up. Perhaps it was due to the corset being excessively tight, but the shock had left her unable to. Her upper body swayed like a marionette with its string loose, until someone grabbed her arms and helped her up.

“…Brother?”

Monica called out to Alex blankly. He gave her an angry look, then went to their carriage.

“Huuh…”

“Get yourself together, don’t cry.”

He had secretly followed along and overheard the entire conversation between Ian and Monica. Having figured out what Monica had been hiding all along, he was left speechless for a while and couldn’t move even after Ian had left.

Unable to question his sister’s true intention in a place where servants from various houses were bustling about, he went to County Rosewood’s coachman.

“Oh my… Young Master, Miss!”

Usually the coachman, who had been notified in advance, would bring the carriage to the entrance of the venue. While Ian had to come out separately from the main house, his carriage was waiting there. However, the other family’s carriages were waiting in the shabby space.

County Rosewood’s coachman, who had come to find the two of them, swiftly pulled up the carriage. Without saying anything, Alex helped Monica into the carriage before boarding it himself.

Confirming that the carriage had completely left, Alex turned to Monica, who was sitting across from him.

“Are you serious?”

“Huuh, uhhk.”

“Monica.”

“Bro, Brother… Ian got weird. He has gotten really weird!”

Watching Monica trembling and shedding tears, Alex took a handkerchief out of his jacket and handed it to her.

“Monica, if you don’t tell me properly right now, I won’t help you.”

“Brother…”

Monica finally lifted her face at his resolute words.

“Tell me honestly. Did you really give Ian an inducer?”

“…..Huuh, why is Brother acting like this too!”

“Speak straight!”

Watching his sister keep evading the answer, Alex had a hunch that what Ian had said was true.

Anger surged inside him. No matter how she was raised without understanding the world, there were things that should and shouldn’t be done.

“….Bro, Brother.”

Monica finally realized that Alex was angry. Despite being annoying, the fact that her brother, who had rarely been angry with her, was angry made her tears stop momentarily.

“Are you really out of your mind? Even if you are infatuated with Ian, you shouldn’t do anything that harms the family.”

“I, was just, anxious.”

“Just because you were anxious doesn’t mean that your crime is excusable.”

Frustrated and saddened by Alex’s persistent attitude, Monica shouted in exasperation.

“Besides, alphas go through their rut cycle anyway, so what’s the big deal about the inducer!”

“Hey!”

“Rather, Ian should be grateful to me! That’s how that wretched illegitimate child got pregnant!”