WCMBI - Chapter 241: Desire And Fear (Patreon)

After bidding Ian farewell, I found myself immersed in an indescribable and enigmatic mélange of emotions. Astonished, angered, and yet somewhat relieved. It was an actual awakening that I experienced, coming to realize the true essence of my being.

However, on the other hand, I couldn't help but wonder why he had been seeking me out. No, I couldn't fathom his confession of love. Wasn't it too late for a relationship to rekindle with a mere declaration?

"Ah, what a tenacious fellow," Pedro murmured, cradling Adella tenderly. His words stirred a ripple among the other sorcerers.

"What's so special about being a Sword Master?"

"You see, one must learn about the Sword Master."

"If we ever face the Sword Master in battle, we must activate our spells more swiftly."

"Indeed, he was lightning quick, wasn't he?"

Amidst the discussions among the sorcerers, I, too, was reminded of Ian's identity as the Sword Master. True, I hadn't witnessed his abilities at the mansion, so it had slipped my mind.

"Our dear Dela, were you greatly astonished?" asked Melissa.

"Oh dear..."

"Dela, come here."

I extended my arms towards Adella, nestled in Pedro's embrace. However, she resisted, burrowing herself further into his embrace, rejecting my attempt to reach her. Pedro spoke with a troubled expression.

"Our princess seems quite startled. Melissa, I shall hold her a little longer."

"My apologies. What can I possibly say?"

"Oh, Melissa, there's nothing for you to apologize for. It's entirely my fault for putting you in such a predicament."

[Sigh]

Even after a restful sleep, Adella yawned widely as she woke. I recalled the situation where she had rejected Ian's pheromones, even though she seemed serene. Although I couldn't perceive his pheromones, Ian had undoubtedly sent his own to Adella.

In truth, it was half the fear of her potentially responding to her biological father's pheromones and half the desire to confirm it. Could she instinctively detect her father's pheromones?

Adella was precious to me, but sometimes I worried and had doubts. She had grown up receiving pheromones from Pedro and Lucia instead of her biological parents. Although I was physically closest to her since her birth, I always worried if I could provide her with the emotional stability she needed without being able to provide her with pheromones.

Lost in such complex thoughts and emotions, I gazed at Adella for a while until Lucia approached and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"You fought well."

"My lady, I apologize."

"For what?"

"I couldn't hold back my anger despite knowing that magic should not be used within the Martial Tower."

"There must have been a reason. Today, I don't think I'm in a position to reprimand you."

Lucia seemed lost in thought for a moment. Then, she walked closer, vanishing from view as she embraced me.

"I used to believe that magic was not only about magical power and talent but also about effort. Perhaps, this experience has made me reconsider."

"I concur with you."

Pedro joined in, adding his agreement, "Indeed. Although I haven't learned for long, how did I manage to draw the magic circles so neatly and quickly? I feel like I should pass on the title of Martial Tower Master, Mel."

"Thank you, Sir Pedro."

"Ha, blushing like that makes you even more endearing."

"That's right. Every Omega here is an adorable being."

Pedro's bashful words were met with disapproving looks from those nearby. With a deep sigh that seemed tinged with hurt at their reaction, he continued speaking.

"You all are just too much."

"Gyaah!"

"Uncle, there's no one else who can comfort you like our princess. Ah, she's the most endearing presence!"

Pedro exclaimed with exaggerated gestures, gently tapping Adella's cheek with his own. Everyone around looked on with tender smiles, for they, too, had been wounded by alphas and carried their own stories.

However, those who had been at Matap before me regarded Pedro as if he were their beloved nephew, son, or younger brother, cherishing him dearly.

While I had thought my wounds were the deepest and most difficult to bear, for the first time, I found myself curious about Pedro's tale. I chuckled at the irony of only now developing a curiosity about someone who had silently supported me all along, without my knowledge.

Just then, Lucía, who had been lost in thought, spoke up.

"It might take some time to reactivate Matap's transportation mechanism."

"There's no rush. No one will suspect that we are up here in the sky."

"You have a point. That being said, everyone."

As Lucía spoke, all those who had been chatting fell silent, turning their attention to her. It was as if they knew what she was going to say, or perhaps they were eagerly awaiting her words.

"I think it's time to start what we've been putting off. I plan to bring omegas here in earnest. We'll start with omegas possessing magical talents, and then extend the invitation to all omegas in need of assistance, providing them a place to stay."

"In that case, we'll need to expand the spatial capacity of Matap."

"Oh, wise Matap Lord. So you mentioned it would take time to reactivate Matap?"

"At last, we can create a place where omegas can rest assured."

"We've been waiting for this."

"Thank you all for not forgetting our ultimate goal, the reason we've come together."

As the conversation continued, I finally gained a proper understanding of Lucía and the other sorcerers' thoughts. Meeting them felt like an incredible stroke of luck, and I found myself once again deeply admiring their collective resolve.

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