Chapter 9
Thinking about it, he was right.
‘This is good.’
Maya liked his relaxed tone.
It came from the belief that people would recognize one’s essence without needing to show off.
‘Maybe our way of thinking is similar.’
It was a relief that they probably wouldn’t clash in this regard.
“And lastly….”
Maya pointed at another clause.
“I’d like this part revised.”
“This?”
Tristan read the section she indicated and tilted his head.
[After six months of marriage, the two must maintain periodic contact in order to defeat the Demon King.
As the most effective measure, Maya Pendragon will be appointed as deputy commander of the Northern Knights, a position fitting her abilities.]
“Is the deputy commander position the problem? I know your sword skills are excellent, but….”
“No. It’s too much for me. I’d rather just settle somewhere suitable in the North and stay there. Call me when you need me, and I’ll come immediately.”
It was a strange answer.
He thought the rank was too low—but she said it was too much.
And yet she also said she would stay in the North.
It sounded like she didn’t want her abilities or achievements to be properly recognized.
“I have no desire to stand in the front lines.”
“Why?”
The sudden question landed like a stone on Maya’s chest.
Because—she was a criminal.
Compared to the sins of her past life, even deputy commander was too much of a title.
“I want to live quietly. I’ve already been removed from House Pendragon, so I don’t need to fulfill noble duties.”
Becoming deputy commander would also mean staying in this castle.
That part was frightening too.
“This isn’t a bad revision for you, either, Your Grace. It’s better for you to keep distance from me after the contract marriage ends.”
Honestly, fear was a bigger reason.
‘He’s too easy to like.’
Just from talking a little, she was already growing attached.
She was afraid she might not want to leave Tristan’s side in the end.
‘Maybe I just don’t know how to deal with normal people anymore, after Kendrick.’
In any case, drawing boundaries early was best for the future separation.
Tristan could not fail to notice her defensive attitude.
‘She’s already putting distance between us.’
He frowned.
Her earlier self-deprecating words echoed in his mind.
“You think you don’t belong beside me?”
“Well… that’s also true, but it’s just that staying close to my ex-husband would be strange.”
Maya muttered thoughtfully.
“And after the divorce, you should meet a good lady. It’s better to minimize rumors.”
Tristan replied dryly.
“I haven’t even married yet, and I’m already being divorced in your mind.”
“Ah.”
Maya froze, realizing she had jumped ahead too much.
‘Did I cross the line?’
She hadn’t expected her knowledge of the future to come off that way.
‘What do I do?’
Her eyes widened.
Seeing her panic, Tristan let out a small laugh.
She was a bit ahead of the situation, but her respect wasn’t unpleasant.
“Alright. I’ll revise it.”
He took ink and a fresh sheet of paper and rewrote the clause.
“I will respect your opinion, no matter what the future brings. But drawing distance this early is difficult.”
He slid the document toward her.
“His Majesty is a suspicious man. If we want to avoid revealing that we are not truly a couple, we need preparation.”
“Ah… right.”
Remembering the Emperor’s behavior, Maya shivered.
She carefully reviewed the contract again and signed her name neatly.
[MAYA PENDRAGON]
They exchanged the documents.
Tristan then suggested:
“Let’s begin preparations now.”
“How?”
“I think we should change how we address each other.”
“Maya.”
That short name—just two syllables—sounded strangely sacred.
“Now say my name.”
Maya was flustered.
“How could I possibly call Your Grace by name?”
Tristan, unaware of it, was clearly using his face as a weapon.
“Hmm?”
As Maya blinked, almost dazed, she finally spoke.
“Tr… Tristan.”
The moment she said it, Tristan’s lips curved slightly upward.
“Well done.”
It was the first time she had heard him speak to her informally.
That single phrase felt warmer than hearing her own name called.
Even praise in swordsmanship had never been this easy to receive.
Nice.
She wanted more praise.
“Please say it one more time.”
The words came out before she could stop them.
Tristan looked at her quietly.
“Then you should call my name again.”
“Tristan.”
This time it came more easily.
“Well done.”
“…Yes.”
Her chest felt ticklish from the praise. Maya smiled faintly.
It felt like a long-awaited wish had finally been granted.
Tristan watched her smile like a child receiving a gift.
Just like when she had stared at him earlier.
Of course, after that, they returned to formal titles again.
And Tristan found that slightly disappointing.
After Maya left, Tristan soon reverted to his boyish form.
At least he had remained himself during the conversation.
His fitted clothes now hung loosely.
Even though he wasn’t small as a boy, the difference in age was clear.
He recalled the time he had held Maya’s hand.
He seemed to have stayed in his adult form longer than usual.
Whether it was coincidence or due to Maya—he couldn’t tell yet.
But it was not a bad start.
“….”
He thought of Maya smiling after receiving praise and picked up the contract.
Her neat handwriting resembled her personality.
Tristan let out a faint laugh and placed the contract into a safe.
At that moment, Robert entered the room with clothes for him to change into.
“Did the conversation go well?”
“Yes.”
“Sir Alec has returned.”
“Faster than expected.”
“He had trouble locating the monster. He’s reorganizing and heading out again.”
Alec was the commander of the Northern Knights—and Tristan’s childhood friend.
It was rare for him to fail a mission.
Was he tired? Or unwell?
Or perhaps he had rushed back because he disliked the contract marriage plan.
He had never approved of it in the first place.
He’ll probably be wary of Maya.
Given his attitude toward House Pendragon, he might even be hostile.
But strangely, Tristan wasn’t worried.
Somehow, he felt Maya Pendragon would handle it easily.
He didn’t even notice the faint smile on his own lips.
Robert only noticed and smiled gently.
“Is everything prepared for dinner?”
“Yes. We’ve prepared a banquet based on the dishes she enjoyed today.”
Robert spoke with determination.
Even if it was a contract, Maya Pendragon would be the future lady of the Bayaden household.
She deserved proper hospitality.
It would also be her first meal without Tristan present.
Robert had studied her tastes carefully.
“She especially liked meat. We’ll have the chef prepare the finest steak with beef arriving next week.”
It was also preparation for her upcoming birthday.
“Good.”
Tristan recalled her comments about the meal and smiled faintly.
Robert’s eyes widened.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you smile.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I suppose you’re happy about breaking the curse.”
Robert wiped a tear.
Is that really all?
Tristan pushed away the thought that briefly surfaced.
Maya Pendragon had no feelings for him.
She would leave after the contract ended.
She had even spoken about finding a good partner for him.
Perhaps she already had someone she liked.
But that was not something he should concern himself with.
From her position, respecting her wishes was correct.
Once the curse was lifted, they would divorce cleanly.
That would be enough.
