WCMBI - Chapter 214: Finding The Truth (Patreon)

Ian's mysterious actions spread quickly, as one would expect in the noble circles of the capital. Therefore, it was only natural that such matters would find their way into the Emperor's ears.

"Pray tell, what is Earl Bryant investigating?"

Assuredly, from the Emperor's perspective, there must be a justifiable reason behind his actions. Chancellor Sijangjang responded to the Emperor's inquiry with only the truth.

"It is not for official duties, Your Majesty. Rumors abound that he is searching for an Omega who gave birth to the Earl's successor."

"Omega?"

"Yes, they say he is in search of the Omega who bore the heir to his title."

"Why on earth?"

"That well..."

Though he knew he had to respond promptly to the Emperor, Chancellor Sijangjang found himself unable to easily articulate his thoughts.

"Hmm, what could be the reason for such a pursuit?"

"I have heard rumors circulating among the nobility that the Earl has marked this Omega, but imprinting by an Alpha is no simple matter. Would it not be prudent to ascertain the truth behind this matter?"

"Imprinting?"

Adrian couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was not so much that an Alpha had imprinted but rather the notion that the aloof Earl had done the imprinting that seemed incredulous.

"Ha, in times of peace, such baseless rumors spread, it seems."

"Yes, indeed, rumors remain as mere rumors."

"Heh heh, a rather unpleasant and, dare I say, malicious rumor has surfaced."

As he sighed, he began to briskly continue the task he momentarily halted. Scanning through various documents, he suddenly thought of his son, the Crown Prince.

"Ah, when will he grow up and assist his father?"

Though he often found the Emperor's duties to be burdensome, he grumbled while affixing seals to the papers. Though he had everything as the Emperor, he lamented the fact that he couldn't roam as freely as the Earl.

"Hmm."

The words he had spoken kept echoing in his mind, and he recalled someone he hadn't thought of in a long time.

"Um..."

He tried his best not to think of her, for just the act of remembering her caused his heart to stir with restlessness, more so than guilt.

As an Emperor, harboring such conflicted emotions was not ideal, so he hid the memories that began to resurface.

Abruptly, his pace of stamping the documents slowed down, and Chancellor Sijangjang observed him with a curious gaze. The Emperor, who was always efficient and thorough when handling official duties, naturally drew his attention.

"Your Majesty, may I offer you a glass of tea?"

"That might be prudent."

"Yes. Very well, I shall prepare it promptly."

"Rest yourselves too."

After dismissing the secretaries who had been working with him, the Emperor rose from his seat and stepped out onto the balcony. The autumn sky was so vividly blue, it could pierce one's heart with its coolness, yet Adrian murmured softly.

"Lucia, I hope you are doing well."

Given that she had given birth to the Crown Prince, she deserved a reward far greater than any Omega in the empire. Hence, he had prepared not only gold and treasures but also mines, lands, and a grand mansion to bestow upon her.

"Ha, I must find out where she disappeared to inquire about her well-being."

Yet, she vanished before Adrian could present his offerings, even within the heavily guarded palace.