We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 88
Of course, knowing that he had a history of divorce didn’t make him any less valuable, but Lilliana couldn’t understand why the alphas of the Duchy would choose the harder path instead of taking an easier one.
“I’ll personally send an invitation to the Duchy. However, if that happens, Lady Nicola and our omega might have to sit separately. Can you understand that?”
With her hair tucked behind her ear, Lilliana seemed innocent. and Nicola hadn’t considered for a moment that she might be lying.
“….Well then, let me say it again. Just wait for a moment.”
“That would be greatly appreciated. I really want to sit at the same table as Lady Nicola and chat.”
With her friendly demeanor, Nicola brightened up with a smile. This place was undoubtedly more comfortable than the Duchy, where she was treated as nothing.
“Still, I am her mother-in-law. Naturally, she’ll listen to me.”
Nicola believed that Melissa loved and relied on her. Even though she couldn’t talk to Melissa because of Ian. She had also felt similar emotions towards Melissa as an omega, even though she was jealous.
As an omega, Melissa would have no choice but to rely on Nicola as a fellow omega.
* * *
“Whoo…”
The secretary glanced briefly at Ian, who sighed uncommonly. Then, he noticed that the letter he held was golden, which meant it was a high-quality paper that could only be used in the Imperial Palace.
“Hmm, it’ll take at least three days.”
“What’s the matter?”
“We’ve received a support request from the Eastern Border.”
“What? Aren’t there forts in that area? It’s just the sea in the front, so as long as there aren’t any pirates…”
Ian interrupted the secretary’s words.
“It seems that the bandits and pirates who had long been stationed there have joined forces.”
“Oh my.”
“It seems that His Majesty has sent a letter before giving the departure order. It’s probably a sign to get ready.”
He wasn’t afraid of going on a mission. What worried him the most was Melissa.
Without his pheromones, she couldn’t sleep properly. Even though they spent everyday together, he still had to attend to his duties at the main house often until late at night. On those occasions, he could often find Melissa waiting for him on the balcony.
‘Thank you for your hard work today,’ she would say softly, with a gentle smile. He would stop and look up at her.
He realized that at some point, not saying ‘I’m back’ to Melissa felt like an incomplete end to his day. That’s how accustomed he had become to her.
And then, a thought crossed his mind.
Did they really need to let the contract expire? While it had started as a contract, it seemed perfectly fine to continue like this. As long as they didn’t imprint on each other, the issues his father feared wouldn’t arise.
Ian thought about Melissa as he sat with the Emperor’s letter in front of him. He didn’t want their connection to end with childbirth but to last a bit longer. Perhaps so their child won’t grow up without knowing a mother’s love like himself.
After all, his mother and Melissa were different people. It should be fine.
Ian’s thoughts started to lean in a certain direction. The promise made with the former Count Rosewood seemed to have been forgotten long ago. The current Count Rosewood’s financial situation had somewhat recovered, as Ian had removed all the restrictions he had imposed.
Even though Alex had trembled at the thought of marking the magic contract, Ian had tossed him a gift, saying that he should come to his senses and not blabber nonsense somewhere else.
Since then, Alex had left the Imperial Palace Knights and spent his time only at home. Of course, he seemed busy with the takeover of the family’s business. But as he had said before, Alex was more skilled in business matters.
“Take a break for a moment.”
After pondering all this, Ian decided to visit his Omega. Even when his mind felt overwhelmed, being with Melissa always made everything feel clean and healed.
His efficiency at work had actually increased after meeting her, and now he was working while also taking a break.
The person who welcomed his change the most was none other than his secretary, and even the secretary’s assistants couldn’t help but cheer.
Even Henry was pleased. The person who used to be grumpy and only worked every day had learned to take breaks and had become milder in his expression.
Henry knew very well who was behind this change. He couldn’t speak out of turn, but he could only hope that she would stay here just like Lady Nicola did.
Ian quickly headed to his Omega. Not far from the main house, he arrived in no time at the green rose garden with white frost forming on the leaves.
He took three more steps and raised his head.
“Thank you for your hard work today.”
“But the work isn’t over yet, is it?”
“Then. I’ll tell you again later.”
“You really don’t listen, do you?”
Ian mumbled while letting his lips relax. Although he scolded her with his words, in reality, he was looking forward to this moment more than anyone else.
He gazed at Melissa for quite some time unlike the usual. He wanted to ask her the same question she had asked him last time.
‘How did you know I would come today?’
Ian’s visits to Melissa were irregular. And yet, she always greeted him on the balcony.