WCMBI - Chapter 222: Place of Pride (Patreon)

It wasn't just Melissa who was peculiar. Currently, everyone might speak and laugh cheerfully, but the beginnings of the Omegas who came to Matap were always sorrowful. Rising to their present positions, they had overcome pain as lone nomads.

Would his mother have had a chance to recover if she had been given an opportunity?

Pedro gazed out with low-set eyes at the bustling surroundings. Having left the office in the market square behind, he abruptly moved elsewhere. There was one more place he needed to visit.

Teleporting right in front of the palace, he gave orders to the astonished palace guards who recognized him.

"I am the owner of Matap. Open the gate."

"Yes? Yes!"

Frankly, he could have teleported right into the palace courtyard, but he didn't want to cause unnecessary turmoil. However, there were times when he felt an urge to mock the magic barrier of the palace. Whether it was to scorn the royal family or the alpha who had hurt Lucia, he himself couldn't quite fathom.

Did that stem from a disdain for the royal family, or was it because the alpha who harmed Lucia was now the ruler here? He couldn't quite figure it out.

Pedro empathized with the Omegas. Though their beginnings might have been different, he now held them in great respect. That's why he felt a profound aversion to those who treated such Omegas callously.

Ordinarily, he wouldn't have gone to the Duke's residence for any reason, but he went to see the unfortunate Omega that someone had mentioned. It was merely a one-time visit to see a former acquaintance from the academy out of curiosity, and he didn't have any affection for her.

In the end, Omega also awakened as a mage only when faced with extreme circumstances. What could possibly be the true cause of an Omega awakening as a mage? He could only hope that it wasn't born from animosity.

Wasn't it pitiful that they could only awaken as mages when they harbored resentment and reached the very end? Why should Omegas have to endure only pain?

With a face that couldn't hide his displeasure, Pedro entered the palace. From afar, the Emperor's chief steward was swiftly approaching. He must have come to greet him upon hearing the news.

"Your Grace, have you arrived?"

"It's been a while," he said.

"You must have been quite busy. Your Majesty has been curious, as you haven't shared any news."

"Your Majesty must have been worried too."

"Nevertheless, Your Majesty has always inquired about Matap. Isn't he the pride of our empire?"

Matap was a mysterious place, belonging to no country and maintaining an independent position. Hence, not only the emperor but also most nobles took pride in the fact that Matap's ruler hailed from the Aeris Empire.

"It is indeed a matter of pride."

But he might be indifferent if he knew who the real Matap ruler was.

The place they were guided to by the chamberlain was not the usual audience hall. As they entered the garden, Pedro felt a moment of puzzlement, for he encountered someone familiar, besides the emperor.

It was none other than Ian, his countenance dark and worn. Seeing him so changed, Pedro had a premonition that the rumors might be true.

"Meeting the Matap ruler is no easy feat."

"Your Majesty, you honor me."

Adrian welcomed him warmly, and Ian offered a courteous bow. Though they were fellow academy alumni, in official settings, Pedro's rank as a marquis surpassed Adrian's authority.

"It's been a while, Marquis."

"The Marquis carries an aura of distinction."

Adrian replied to Pedro's remark.

"It's not surprising that you have a mole like Ian, who might not be missed even if he were to die. That's why Jim called for Matap."

The emperor could no longer bear to watch his cherished servant die one by one. Moreover, he had questions to ask Pedro. Seizing the opportunity, he bypassed Ian and addressed Pedro directly.

"I wish Matap could personally find the person I'm looking for."

"Is the person I need to find related to the Marquis' demeanor?"