We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 76
Duchy Bryant seemed more agitated than usual. It was because several craftsmen had come all at once, right on time for their appointment.
Melissa was comfortably seated on the sofa in the spacious reception room on the ground floor of the annex, looking lost. She glanced at Ian, who was flipping through documents beside her with a nonchalant face.
“Why are you doing that?”
Without needing to say anything, he asked first, as if he already knew what she was thinking.
“I wonder what this is all about.”
It seemed like all the craftsmen in the capital, from the gemstone artisan to the wardrobe designer and the shoemaker, had been summoned. The way they were all looking at her felt very uncomfortable, but Ian didn’t bat an eye as he continued flipping through the documents.
“You couldn’t tell?”
“According to the doctor, my stomach isn’t completely full yet. If we make clothes now, we might need alterations again later.”
“That’s not something you need to worry about. It’s their job.”
Melissa felt an oddly tingling sensation in her heart the way he spoke to her. It felt like feathers were gently fluttering around her heart.
“But…”
Despite not really going out, there were too many craftsmen present for her, so Melissa was at a loss. Ian let out a small sigh and then put the documents away.
He spoke for her instead of her who was just watching.
“Display everything you have brought.”
“Yes!”
The craftsmen, who had been waiting for permission, approached one by one. First, the gemstone artisan laid out a black velvet on the table and began displaying the jewels.
“First of all, we brought all kinds of jewels from our store, not knowing which ones you might like. If you choose the desired gem and a design from this catalog, we will complete it within a week and bring it to you.”
“Ah…”
“If you find the variety overwhelming, may we offer some recommendations?”
“Will you?”
“Of course. This emerald imported from a distant country and this high-purity amethyst seem to be a good fit for Madam. Also, this diamond is over 30 carats, not something you see commonly.”
Melissa felt a sense of discomfort just by looking at the 30-carat diamond, which seemed burdensome just by the size. She was about to refuse, but Ian, who had been watching from the side, spoke up.
“Make it into a ring.”
“Oh, yes!”
“Make all of the items you just took out into rings, but prepare them as a set.”
“Understood.”
“Hmm, it would be nice to have some hairpins as well…”
“In that case, how about choosing colors that would complement the Madam’s beautiful hair?”
“Hmm…”
“Yellow topaz might go well, and sapphire would be nice too.”
“Then, let’s choose both.”
“Yes, understood.”
Melissa watched Ian quickly place the order and couldn’t help but open her mouth slightly. How many jewels was this man planning to buy?
“Since she’s pregnant, it would be good to prioritize comfort for her.”
“Yes, we will pay attention to the material and design.”
“She often goes outside, so she will need outerwear as well.”
“We have various options, from shawls to capes. Should we prepare them all?”
Noticing Ian’s character in a short time, the thoughtful wardrobe designer asked discreetly, to which Ian nodded without saying a word. As Ian himself stepped in, the craftsmen who had filled the annex reception room quickly left.
Feeling as if a typhoon had just swept through, Melissa let out a sigh and leaned on his shoulder. The attendants waiting nearby prepared footrests, cushions, and even her favorite raspberries for her to relax, then quietly withdrew.
Only the two of them remained in the reception room. Melissa scooped up the raspberries while observing Ian reviewing the documents. Whether he was a fast reader or the matters weren’t particularly important, she couldn’t tell, but Ian swiftly skimmed through the papers before setting them aside.
Soon after, his aide arrived at the annex. He handed Ian two boxes, then took the documents and left.
“Mel.”
She loved his deep voice calling her nickname.
“Yes.”
He picked up and opened one of the boxes the aide had brought. Inside the luxurious wooden case lay something familiar.
“This is…”
It was the choker that had gone missing on the day the baby was conceived and his rut cycle erupted. It was a gift from her mother, and she had been upset after searching for it for a long time but not finding it.
She had asked the maids in case they knew anything, but she couldn’t hear any news as they were soon busy moving to the annex.
It was disappointing, but for some reason, it seemed as if her mother didn’t want her to remember her, so she didn’t bother asking Ian about it.
“It was a bit challenging to fix since it’s not a regular choker.”
Having searched all the magic shops in the capital, they were stumped seeing an enchanted cloth for the first time. He had no choice but to contact the Magic Tower Master. Although he wasn’t sure why Melissa had been exposed to his pheromones, there was no one other than Pedro who could repair the choker.
The fact that the Magic Tower Master was Pedro was not widely known.
“….Thank you. Really.”
Melissa, who had thought it would be okay as long as she could find it, smiled. She fiddled with the choker, which had returned in its original form even though it had been torn.
Infinite affection surged for him, who had taken such care for her. The attention and affection of her imprinted alpha were indescribably blissful.
“What’s that?”
Melissa, who hadn’t shown much interest when the artisans came, showed some curiosity, causing a soft smile to bloom on Ian’s lips.
“Open it yourself.”
While the wooden box she had just opened was a deep mahogany color, this box was white. Unable to hide her excitement, Melissa opened the box.
“Oh?”
Inside was a choker more magnificent than the one her mother had made for her, displaying its beautiful form.
The choker, made with a slightly thick lace on white silk, had a large amethyst adorning it. It was clearly a gem that represented her eyes.
Melissa raised the new choker as if entranced.