WCMBI - Chapter 229: Utmost Priority (Patreon)

It did not feel like living. His survival owed itself to the DS. Only those purple eyes resembling Melissa's could keep him breathing and instill hope.

Except for brief outings for investigation, he immersed himself in deciphering the location of the Marrows, within the Duke's realm. Whenever he encountered Ian, the nobles around him were either taken aback or astonished. Unlike his meek appearance, his gaze exuded a ferocious intensity.

A touch would release a cutting sharpness that seemed to veil his entire being. Those who knew the rumors about him merely whispered behind his back, and no one dared to approach and strike up a conversation.

The once famous and beloved Duke Bryant no longer existed. He was now treated as a lesser Alpha, bonded to an Omega.

Alex didn't miss this opportunity. Gathering people, he worked tirelessly to undermine the Duke's influence. Yet, Alex was not alone in this endeavor. Not just betas but fellow alphas too exhibited newfound courage from behind, where they couldn't openly display it.

However, Ian paid no attention to any of it. Melissa was the most important to him, and he couldn't care less about influence or status.

Recently, he found someone connected to the Marrows. Hearing the news that someone from the top tier, who directly contracted with the Marrows, would be appearing, the Marrow Lord awaited their presence. Numerous knights concealed their identities and kept a watchful eye on the upper echelons.

He presented himself as someone prepared to negotiate directly with the top tier, concealing his status. But his unique aura remained, leaving the Marrow Lord in an inexplicable state of tension.

"Our top tier may not be grand, but if you've come to see a significant number of items..."

"I heard this is where you deal in magical goods."

"Yes, that is correct. I had to go through quite a struggle to secure direct routes."

"You seem eager to deal, my Lord."

"Hmm, in that case, may I show you the recently acquired magical goods? I cannot be certain if they are precisely what you desire, but they are currently in high demand."

"What are they?"

"They are magical storage containers that can better preserve provisions, with significantly enhanced performance compared to the existing ones. The refrigeration enchantments on these containers are remarkable. The previous ones were prone to malfunctions and didn't provide sufficient cooling, but these items emit a consistent coldness and are faultless. Such is the feedback we received from recent users."

"If it's such an excellent product, I'd like to see it."

"Of course, allow me to prepare a sample for you."

The Marrow Lord left the room, appearing more relaxed now, forgetting his previous nervousness. Left alone in the reception room, Ian lowered the corners of his lips, concealing his true feelings. He carefully inspected the slightly worn-out space.

With so many other significant top tiers, why would the Marrow Lord choose to do business here?

Convinced that there must be a reason, he planned to investigate this top tier later. While wandering around the room with this thought, he sensed something unusual. The forced flow of air signaled what he had been waiting for.

At that moment, when laughter he couldn't hold back bubbled out, the voice he had eagerly anticipated resonated throughout the space.

"In a hurry, so I'll just tell you the buh-..."

Before Pedro could finish his sentence, Ian moved swiftly, grasping his neck with agility and simultaneously restraining him with a prepared magical restraint device.

"Damn it!"

Pedro, who belatedly realized he was firmly caught, cursed. He hadn't expected to be found here, and his expression betrayed his bewilderment.

"Mr. Ha, is this a magical restraint device?"

"Yes."

"Ugh, it feels like my insides are turning. You bastard."

"As long as you don't die, there's no need to worry."

"Mr. Ha, I'm not afraid of death, but I don't want to suffer."

In a state where magic was rendered futile and his body constrained, Pedro retorted with composure, for there were other things more fearsome than the current predicament. "Ah, I'll surely be scolded by the Matapju again this time," he thought.

"If you had done so with determination, you should have appeared before me," Ian replied sternly.

"The determination should have come from you, not from me. If you act this way towards me, war with Matap is inevitable."

Without bowing to Pedro's pressure and after toppling him to the ground, Ian, with his knee pressing against Pedro's back, finally posed the question that had been gnawing at him. "Where is Mel?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"Clearly, the Omega you mentioned is Melissa, isn't it?"

"Hmm, think whatever you like."

"You'll end up telling me."

"Why? Do you plan to torture me?"

Pedro elongated his lips as though amused by Ian's words and then answered, "Well, then my master won't just sit idly by. Can you handle that?"

"Your fate will be determined by the Emperor, not me. Now, tell me where Melissa is!"

"I don't feel like it."

At the moment when Pedro's provocations had grown annoying and Ian's patience had reached its breaking point, the door swung open, and Sangdanju walked in.

"What's this commotion about, even though it's small on the outside... Oh dear, what's happening here!"

As Sangdanju approached, ready to explain the magical device, the knights intervened first. Having secretly infiltrated, they clasped shackles around Pedro's wrists.

"Pedro Bain Bailey, by order of the Emperor, you are under arrest."

"Ugh, what a nuisance. Ian, this has nothing to do with Sangdanju, you know?"

"He won't face any repercussions. His Majesty is merely curious about the meaning behind the words you left behind."

"He'll figure it out on his own. Must you always resort to apprehending people?"

The knights, forcing the grumbling Pedro to stand, exited with him. Just before leaving, Ian handed a pouch of gold coins to the stunned Sangdanju, saying, "Don't worry about Matapju. If His Majesty hears the answers he seeks, he'll send him back."

"Yes, yes."