WCMBI - Chapter 251: A Promise To Mommy (Patreon)

Ian was diligently carrying out the investigation ordered by the Emperor while desperately seeking a way to reach Matop. Thus, the only method that came to mind was to invite a teleporting sorcerer. Nevertheless, the imperfection of this plan lay in the uncertainty of whether a regular magician, not a Matop sorcerer, could perform instantaneous teleportation.

"Perhaps it would be better to seek someone skilled in levitation magic."

Could one soar to those heights, barely visible to the naked eye? Ian found himself impatient, unsure of his convictions.

"Your Grace, allow me to send out official correspondence to the upper echelons within the capital. Would you be so kind as to confirm?"

The aide carefully examined the document handed to him. To accurately, even more precisely, ascertain the identities of the Omegas, he devised a certain method.

"I'm not sure if I may speak freely, but you have thought wisely. Your Grace should meet someone new as well."

Ian had anticipated that if he attempted to uncover the Emperor's orders, there would undoubtedly be hindrances and suspicions. Hence, the method he conceived was to reveal his own name, reasoning that those who sought to obstruct him might emerge, and there might be individuals who harbored doubts.

Of course, he kept the official correspondence concise, merely mentioning that Duke Bryant was seeking information about new Omegas. However, he planned to add more to the rumors. He would request introductions to those who had heard the news. In return, he would offer generous rewards.

A sardonic smile tugged at Ian's lips. It astonished him that there were Betas who could speak so casually, not just within the estate but throughout the entire capital, about his particular preferences. But then again, perhaps it was their ignorance about pheromones that allowed them to utter such words.

Once again, he was reminded of their shallow perception, thinking they could easily change someone's designation as they pleased, and it filled him with a renewed sense of distaste.

"For now, we'll direct our inquiries to the upper echelons within the capital, but also convey the message to them. Spread the news throughout the entire nation."

"The entire nation?"

"Yes, the contents of this official correspondence must reach every corner of the Aerys Empire. There are no restrictions. Bring every Omega along, along with their personal details."

"Yes, understood."

The aide's face appeared somewhat disheartened for a moment, but Ian remained unfazed. Lately, the side effects of the designation were less severe. Perhaps it was due to knowing Melissa's whereabouts? It had improved since the time he couldn't receive any news about her, unsure if she was still alive or not.

Although he sometimes grew weary of the Betas' attitude, making decisions based solely on their own conventional wisdom, their overwhelming numbers made him wary even as the 10th Emperor.

"Are there only the head housekeeper and the newly appointed head maid managing this estate?"

"The head housekeeper and the newly appointed head maid are overseeing the estate together."

"Hmm, summon both of them."

"Yes, understood."

Without a moment's rest, Ian handled his tasks and made his way to Dia' quarters before returning to his own room. It had become a habit since hearing the nanny's comment that the child had been going to bed late recently.

Sure enough, as he entered the room, he found the nanny and the child engaged in a struggle.

"Young master, didn't I tell you that you should go to bed early to grow well?"

"I don't want to."

"Why is someone who used to be so obedient behaving like this?"

Observing the child who would typically yield to the nanny's wishes now adamantly resisting, Ian intervened after a moment.

"Today, I'll put him to bed. You may leave."

"Oh my? When did you come in?"

Embarrassment flashed across her face. But as Ian approached swiftly, she regained her composure and spoke in a gentle voice.

"I'll tuck the young master in bed for you. Oh, should I prepare some herbal tea to help him sleep better?"

Ever since an incident some time ago, the nanny's unusual fawning behavior had not been to his liking. However, as Dia's nanny, he courteously declined her offer.

"I am not tired, so it's all right."

"But you seem terribly busy lately..."

DS lay on the bed, raising only his head to gaze fervently. He coolly retorted to the persistent pleading attitude of the nanny, whom he wanted to approach the child hurriedly.

"Enough, just leave."

"Well then, pardon me for intruding."

Even as she left, with a manner suggesting she had something to say, Ian was slightly bothered by her slow departure. Though he found her recent intrusive behavior annoying, he knew he couldn't easily replace DS's nanny. Now that DS seemed to have finally found some stability, he felt more concerned.

"Dia, if you don't sleep at the proper time, you won't grow tall, I told you that."

"But, I don't want.."

"If you have a reason you don't like, can you tell Daddy?"

"It's none of your business."

When the child hesitated to answer his question, Ian left the possibilities open. DS gestured to him, inviting him to come closer.

Drawing his face near, the child made a small round hand and whispered into Ian's ear.

"I made a promise with mommy!"