WCMBI - Chapter 249: Happy Baby, Happy Mommy (Patreon)

"Before making the proclamation, I intend to be thoroughly prepared. Thus, there is a task that you must undertake."

"Speak, Your Majesty."

"I wish for you to investigate the origins of the remaining Omegas in the Empire, including those who conceal their true identities."

"After investigating the origins of the Omegas, what shall be your plan?"

In response to Ian's query, Adrian forthrightly revealed what he had been pondering for several days.

"I plan to restore their status."

"Restore their status, Your Majesty?"

"Yes. Having meticulously gathered records, manuscripts, and historical accounts, it appears that a significant portion of Omegas were of noble lineage. After all, even among Alphas, there are those of common birth."

"While that is true..."

"Would there be any issue with that?"

Although Ian was actually in agreement with the Emperor's perspective, he knew that most of the nobility would vehemently oppose the idea, and he was concerned about the complexities of bestowing titles and the method of execution. Understanding his thoughts in advance, Adrian spoke with assurance.

"That aspect does present a challenge, but I am prepared to handle any resistance firmly. Yes, for instance, if it necessitates the provocation of a war."

"Pardon me?"

"Why are you so astonished? Throughout history, our country has engaged in politics that shift focus elsewhere whenever domestic issues arise."

"Your wisdom shines through in this decision, Your Majesty."

Ian also concurred with the Emperor's words. The Aerys Empire had long enjoyed peace. Given that there were not many neighboring countries in close proximity, and most of them were small fiefdoms, it was a feasible proposition. That being said, the disparity between the levels of strength did not render war an impossible scenario; they could fabricate a pretext at will.

"Of course, we do not truly intend to go that far. Duke, I hope you will lead the instigation on our behalf. Can you accomplish this?"

"Just issue the command, Your Majesty."

"Reliable as ever. That's why James admires you."

Ian found great satisfaction in the Emperor's decision. He believed that merely safeguarding Melissa would not affect substantial change. Especially when he thought of the little girl he had briefly encountered at the mausoleum, the treatment of Omegas became an issue that concerned more than just others.

Finally, his heart swelled with delight. Ian was pleased that he could do something for Melissa, or perhaps the little girl who might be his daughter.

* * *

After returning from the DS, I visited the child at regular intervals. However, the limited timeframe during midnight became an impediment, preventing me from seeing the child every day.

There was a concern that Adella, who might seek me out during the late hours, could be affected, and also, I hesitated, fearing that frequent visits might disrupt DS's life.

Nevertheless, I couldn't relinquish these encounters with DS. The longing I harbored, once suppressed, now burst forth, growing exponentially beyond restraint.

"Will you be visiting again tonight?"

"Yes, tonight, I shall seek Dela's presence once more."

"Very well."

Lucia acquiesced to my wishes. However, it sparked a sudden curiosity within me. She, too, must undoubtedly have children of her own, wouldn't she be inquisitive about them?

"Aren't you curious, Madam Marta?"

The object of my question omitted, leaving ambiguity about whom I referred to. Lucia gazed at me with an insensate countenance for a brief moment before responding resolutely.

"Yes."

"Pardon my intrusive inquiry."

"It matters not; it's a story known to everyone."

Yet, her expression, asserting indifference, seemed to conceal a latent anguish. Thus, involuntarily, I added further words.

"I felt the same way."

"Indeed?"

"I thought I didn't care. That I didn't want to see her and convinced myself so. I believed that if I didn't see her, I would miss her less and not suffer."

"But it wasn't true. Once I caught a glimpse of her face, I realized I yearned for her to be near."

Yes, that was it. Adella was all that mattered. DS, as the successor to the noble lineage, would thrive even in my absence, I thought.

Yet, the child waited for a mother she barely knew. I fell for DS's words about gazing in the mirror, and in my remorse, I couldn't lift my head.

Children are blameless.

Yes, perhaps that's why I am now late in harboring anger towards my mother. Born children are innocent. If we were to search for blame, it should lie with the parents.

"I'm not sure if these words will be of any solace, Madam Marta, but I wonder if you could consider meeting her, just once, even if it's only a single time?"

"Mel, how can everyone be the same?"

"I apologize for digressing from the topic."

"Oh no, that doesn't matter. I actually want to tell you that there truly are individuals like that."

"Indeed..."

"Actually, I had already seen her a very long time ago. As she grew older, she became more like that person. I bore her in my womb, yet I bore no resemblance. So perhaps it was easier for me to detach affection. I don't know how these words may sound, but oddly enough, my child, much like a child of my own, is Adella."

I decided to accept her words as they were, for, as she had stated, not everyone in this world was alike.

"Then, I shall go and see her now."

"Indeed," she said.

With a sudden flash, she teleported straight to Dia’s room. As she appeared, the child, who had been lying in bed, sprang up and ran over to her.

"Mama!"

"Dia, I did say you could go to sleep first."

"But pleeaase..."

"Yes, I will tuck you in, my dear."

"Hehe."

With just a blink of an eye, the child had grown so much, now hugging Dia, who had become quite substantial in size. The weight of the sturdy child brought a sense of comfort rather than strain.

"Mommy, please read this book."

"Does our Dia enjoy books so much that he can express himself this well?"

"Yes! This book is the best!"

Seeing Dia's eyes sparkling as he held the fairy tale book he had asked for before, he looked adorable. She gently kissed his cheek and then settled him onto the bed before starting to read the fairy tale. The memory of how he had once told her that this was his favorite book, his eyes mirroring hers, came back vividly to her mind.