We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 92

Henry seemed to give me an approving look, though I might have imagined it.

The venue for the tea party was the Marquisate’s glass greenhouse.

“The weather has turned cold. We always have tea parties in the glass greenhouse during winter.”

The Marchioness explained warmly. Although smaller than the glass greenhouse at the Duchy, it was beautifully decorated and a sight to behold. At the center of the space, filled with an array of plants, stood an elegantly arranged table.

We all took our seats around the large circular table. The Marchioness sat at the head of the table, with me to her immediate right, followed by Monica. Nicola sat to the Marchioness’ left, and there was still one seat vacant.

I had a hunch about who would take the empty seat. Shortly after, a beautiful woman whose appearance was everything an Omega entered the greenhouse. The small woman with curly platinum hair and pink eyes approached, a fleeting fear visible in her gaze but quickly dissipated at the Marchioness’ words.

“Welcome. Did you have any trouble finding your way?”

“….No, Marchioness.”

“Hmm, dragging out the words like that looks bad-mannered, you know.”

“Yes, yes…”

She hesitated and attempted to take her seat. Usually, the butler would pull out the chair, but Benjamin, preoccupied with preparing the tea, paid her no attention. I glanced at Henry, hoping he might assist, but he too pretended not to notice.

With five of us at the table, three were Omegas. I grew curious about the intention behind organizing such a tea party.

With no strength, the woman struggled with the chair, but finally managed to sit down and sighed in relief.

“Is this everyone’s first time meeting each other?”

The Marchioness asked, to which the woman nodded.

“You might have noticed, but two of the women here are also Omegas like you. I thought it would be nice for you to get to know each other.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

“Hey, everyone doesn’t know you, so you should introduce yourself. Oh dear, do I have to teach you everything?”

The Marchioness playfully chastised her while lightly grabbing my arm, feigning friendliness. However, I recognized her. Initially, I was unsure, but her manner of speaking brought it all back.

The Marchioness, like Monica, was one of the people who had harassed me. It was mostly during casual visits to County Rosewood, so it was somewhat forgotten, but her unique way of speaking was unmistakable.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Lorena…”

“Our names are somewhat similar, you know? I’m Lilliana, and over there is Lorena. Hehe.”

I could somewhat discern her intent. While the exchange of formalities and familiarity might seem friendly, certain words were deliberately emphasized.

The way she kept repeating ‘Omega’ suggested that she wanted to gather Omegas and subtly mock them.

Among the nobles’ pranks, there are many kinds, but the one I personally find most distasteful involves the clever twisting of words. It’s a form of mockery where nobles maintain their dignity while slyly ridiculing someone who doesn’t understand the subtext.

Unlike the direct Monica, Lilliana belonged to this subtler category. Monica’s glaring was bothersome, but I was more concerned about Lorena in front of me.

“Hello, Lorena. As you can see, I’m also expecting in 3 months, so I’m feeling quite heavy.”

Lorena responded to me with a bright smile.

“It seems your baby is very healthy. I didn’t show much during my pregnancy, which worried me a bit. But fortunately, the baby grew very quickly after birth. Maybe it’s because I had a small stomach.”

Just as I was becoming curious about her story, the Marchioness interjected with a voice full of displeasure.

“Lorena, haven’t I told you? Once your baby was taken from you, you’re no longer the mother. It’s been 3 months already, don’t you remember?”

Lilliana didn’t openly show anger. Instead, she reprimanded in a manner that was strict yet gentle and subtly dismissive, making it impossible for the person to realize they were being insulted.

This tactic effectively silences the victim, unsure if they’ve been insulted or not. It was an effective method to belittle someone.

Having experienced this myself, I understood it well. Unlike Monica, who was direct, Lilliana would be kind but would scornfully mock or remind of the status difference when it mattered.

I glanced at the Marchioness and Nicola in turn. Their personalities seemed almost polar opposites, which made me wonder how they became acquainted.

“Hey, don’t pout just because I scolded you a little. I say these things because I care about you. You didn’t misunderstand, did you?”

It’s not that she was sullen because she was angry. It’s because she has nothing to say. It’s also hurtful.

A person who actually gave birth won’t be able to tell her child that she was the ‘Mother’.

I felt a chill. Could I end up the same?

Many Omegas, whose faces I didn’t even know, must have been denied the chance to have their own children call them ‘mother’. Not just that woman. Being an Omega myself, I might not be able to escape this fate.

But maybe I’m different. Ian has kept me as his wife, even if it’s a contract with a set term.

“Oh, look at me forgetting things! Benjamin, please serve the tea to our guests.”

“Understood, Madam.”

Benjamin, who had already prepared everything, started pouring the tea elegantly. The steam rose invitingly from the cups, starting from the one at the head of the table, the Marchioness’s, and everyone else’s except mine.

“Oh, for the expecting mother, we have prepared a special tea.”

Before I could even ask, the Marchioness spoke up and gestured to a maid beside Benjamin to bring over a teapot.

“This is a tea our Omega used to enjoy during her pregnancy. It’s safe for the baby, so please enjoy it without worry.”