WCMBI - Chapter 211: Splendid (Patreon)

The monotonous life in the mansion was scarcely different from that in the castle, yet days in Matap seemed to slip by with remarkable swiftness.

Upon rising in the morning and partaking in a nutritious meal, I would venture to Lucia's quarters, where I assisted her in her daily tasks and received private instruction.

We diligently studied various magical formations, delving into the meticulous control of mana, and never skipped a day of honing our Mana Breathing techniques to enhance our magical potency.

"This is an enchanted artifact that keeps ice from melting. It was ordered from the ice cream parlor I mentioned before."

"Then, should I inscribe an ice magic array on it?"

"Indeed, that would be prudent. However, there's one thing I forgot to mention, a rather rudimentary detail I inadvertently omitted."

With a playful expression, she continued her words.

"While possessing magical prowess alone can enable one to become a sorcerer, elemental mages are gifted with inherent attributes."

I immediately grasped her intention.

"If I were to inscribe the ice magic array with ice-based mana, a more potent enchantment would come into being?"

"Hoho, the more I see, the more I perceive a true student in you."

She seemed content with my response, her smile glowing with satisfaction. I then focused my mind and drew upon my mana, practicing the ice magic array by sketching it into the air. Memories of the order from the ice cream parlor, which had granted me fond memories, intensified my concentration.

The purple-hued mana coalesced like threads, then delicately unraveled. With great care, I inscribed the familiar magical formations one by one onto the enchanted artifact.

As I became engrossed, the presence of Lucia faded away, leaving me in serene silence. Such moments of immersion brought tranquility to my heart, allowing me to forget the lingering scars of the past that the world of magic and solitude could still conjure. Though I was gradually shedding them, it was no easy feat, for these wounds were not of my making.

At times, I yearned to eradicate them, and occasionally, I wished to inquire why they harbored such aversion towards me.

To quell the bubbling turmoil within my heart, I sought solace in magic. Each time, I thanked the awakening of my sorcerous self, though I knew not whom to attribute this gratitude to, peering once more into the abyss of profound uncertainty.

For someone who had not walked alone for an extended period, traversing life like ordinary individuals was no easy task, often leaving me weary. My once frail and slender legs, devoid of the muscles of time, remained pale and unimpressive, but gradually, the faint stirrings of muscular strength began to emerge.

I promised myself to move forward, one step at a time, leaning on the crutch of magic. I firmly believed that once I purged the painful vestiges of the past, a new life awaited me. Thus, I urged myself not to give up, to walk steadfastly towards the future, and while reciting these words to myself, I completed the magical array.

As the magical formation was etched into the seemingly ordinary wooden box, its outward appearance underwent a transformation. The box now exuded a subtle violet hue, unmistakably revealing its true identity as an enchanted artifact.

"Ah, an ice magic array infused with ice-based mana. It's truly splendid."

Lucia, who had been watching closely by my side, exclaimed with awe in her voice, gently resting her hand on my shoulder. Then, she handed me a handkerchief.

"You were so engrossed that you perspired quite a bit. Your concentration is truly remarkable."

Accepting the offered handkerchief absentmindedly, I belatedly became aware of my state. My entire body was sticky with sweat.

[Huff]

I dabbed my forehead and neck with the handkerchief in a nonchalant manner. The slight bloating of my belly had not yet exhibited any significant movement. There were no discomforts, and my health seemed perfectly fine.

"It seems the child is behaving quite docility. Or perhaps it's an exceptionally considerate baby who's already thinking of their mother."

Lucia glanced at my lower abdomen while adding an extra remark. Seizing the opportunity, I confided in her about the recent dilemma that had been plaguing me.

"The child is undoubtedly an omega or alpha. If I'm unable to provide pheromones, will it have any effect on the child?"

"Hmm..."

Lucia couldn't respond to my question immediately. It was not a common situation, so she might have been unsure herself.

"I know an omega clinic. I'll inquire there if pheromones are needed."

Having struggled to find the right words, Lucia tightly grasped my hand and conveyed with a solemn gaze, "I will offer my pheromones. Even if I am not the one, there are plenty of omegas here. I can be a surrogate for your child."

"Mataju-nim," I murmured.

"Of course, I understand that Alpha pheromones belong to Pedro, that scoundrel, and it may not be pleasant for you. However, I will muster the courage for the sake of your child's health. It's a passionate endeavor, you see."

"Pfft."

I burst into laughter at Lucia's words. Though I was still amazed whenever she treated alphas with disdain, it was so amusing that I couldn't contain myself.

A fragment of stone, which had been weighing heavily in my mind and heart, fell away with a soft thud. As I gazed at Lucia, her expression lightened, and she returned my smile, seemingly pleased with the outcome.

As days went by, my appetite grew, and Lucia and Pedro were always by my side. Although I could no longer sense or experience pheromones, there were moments when I could tell that they were opening up to each other through pheromonal cues.

The contrast between warmth and passion was like the difference between extreme hot and cold, and observing the distinct reactions of these two individuals was a truly novel and peculiar experience.

Suddenly, my thoughts turned to my mother. What would she think of her daughter becoming a beta, even if belatedly, just as she had desired? Admittedly, I couldn't claim to be a perfect beta, but I was no longer eligible to be called an omega.

In the end, regardless of everything else, I remained an outsider except for Mataju.

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