We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 93
I quietly observed her as she spoke with a bright smile, then inhaled the aroma of the tea. It carried the same scent as the tea Henry had prepared for me at the Duchy.
A quick glance at Henry confirmed it with a subtle nod.
“Benjamin, please bring out the prepared items.”
As she instructed, the waiting maids moved in unison, and an assortment of desserts was presented on the table.
“Ah, this chocolate mousse was made using a recipe directly from the former imperial palace patissier! It’s so rich and sweet, it’s heavenly.”
Nicola took a light bite at her words. After tasting it, her eyes widened in agreement with the Marchioness’ words.
“Isn’t this the same dessert from before? The taste is indeed good.”
“Hoho, you recognized it right away, Lady Nicola. But of course, you must have tried most of the desserts already.”
“The patissier at the Duchy is good, but recipes from the palace are indeed something different.”
“Naturally, they have to be exceptional since they are offered to the most noble people in the empire. It’s quite different from what we, the nobility, consume.”
“Um.”
The tea party, though modest, was dominated by the conversation between the two women. I quietly observed them while stealing glances at Monica.
She sat calmly sipping her tea. It was unusual. It made me suspicious since Monica usually wouldn’t hide her displeasure towards me.
“Is the tea not to your taste?”
The Marchioness asked me, noticing I hadn’t yet touched my cup.
“No, I’ll drink it now.”
“Hoho, our Omega used to love this tea. Isn’t that right, Lorena?”
Lorena, who like me hadn’t yet sipped her tea, was startled and quickly nodded in agreement.
“Um, you’re really like a child. What will we do with you just nodding like that?”
“So, sorry, Madam.”
“It’s alright when it’s just us, but you need to be mindful when we have guests.”
“Yes…”
“My, you don’t seem like a mother who has had a child.”
“…”
To others, it might seem like a kind sister offering advice, but seeing Lorena’s shoulders quiver slightly made me feel a tightness in my throat.
I wanted to shout ‘stop’. Those not familiar with the nobility might naturally lack knowledge of etiquette and culture. Yet here we were, brought in by the nobles’ desires, only to be scorned for not blending into noble culture.
Since I had never witnessed the humiliation of another Omega, it made me increasingly uncomfortable. Feeling parched, I quickly emptied my cup.
“Oh, you seem to enjoy it. Let’s refill your cup.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The maid who had served me earlier approached to refill my cup.
“Don’t just drink the tea, try some dessert too. I hear from Lady Nicola that you’re past the morning sickness.”
“….Yes, I will.”
“Hoho, what a delightful day it is today, getting to meet three beautiful Omegas at once.”
“Omegas are exceptionally beautiful, aren’t they?”
The Marchioness chuckled to Nicola’s words.
“Really. Alphas are handsome, and Omegas are this lovely. Oh, I should have been born an Omega. I’m envious.”
Despite knowing the treatment Omegas receive in the empire, such remarks can only be seen as sarcastic.
Omegas should feel offended by this, yet Nicola merely laughed, and Lorena shyly smiled. It made me feel even more out of place. I blankly stared at Nicola and Lorena while holding my teacup.
“Why are you staring so stupidly?”
Monica, who hadn’t said anything, suddenly interjected. Everyone could see that she was talking to me. I turned to see her cold, blue eyes. I had seen those that looked like the winter sky for a long time but I wondered if the colder chill I felt was just my imagination.
“…That’s quite a harsh way to put it.”
“Pfft…”
“Why are you laughing?”
At my words, Monica covered her mouth, stifling her laughter. After a moment, she composed herself but couldn’t hide her amusement.
“As if you’re a Duchess yourself. I guess you have learned some etiquette?”
“I’ve always been well-versed in etiquette. I had no choice but to learn, thanks to a certain someone.”
I recalled the times I was punished with a cane during Monica’s etiquette lessons because she ran away. I had to answer while I didn’t even know. Monica raised her eyes as fiercely as before.
“So? I don’t know who that person is, but I suppose you should be thankful.”
“I don’t really feel like being grateful.”
Having endured Monica’s bullying since childhood, I would have avoided her in the past. But I couldn’t do that anymore.
As a soon-to-be mother and to stand by my Alpha, I was prepared to do whatever it takes.
Clearly annoyed by my response, Monica changed the subject while lifting her teacup.
“My father is unwell.”
“…I see.”
I wasn’t unaware of why Brother was ill, but wanting no further ties with County Rosewood, I turned away.
“If you had any conscience, you’d visit him.”
“If the Young Lord permits.”
“…”
Monica didn’t respond, but her gradually flushing face revealed her feelings. Her blue eyes with a glare colder than before, shifted away.
“Lorena is much better than the Omega we had at home. She’s kind, well-mannered, and enjoys snacks.”
Monica remarked as if she was talking about a pet. I couldn’t bear it any longer and abruptly stood up.
Creak- The sound of the chair scraping filled the greenhouse. The Marchioness and Monica gave surprised looks.
“I’m feeling unwell, so I’ll be leaving first.”
“Oh… so suddenly? That’s a pity.”
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