DCHWT 15

Chapter 15

Maya was dissatisfied with Tristan’s response.

“I used to think a gift was something someone needed, but it seems that doesn’t apply to you, Tristan.”

Every time Maya heard Tristan’s opinion, it felt like a new experience.

He was different from her—twisted in her own way.

She was coming to truly realize that he had lived a perfect life, befitting his status as an emperor.

“Material wealth can’t fully express what I feel.”

As they talked, she began to feel it.

“If I could learn from you…”

If she could get to know the mindset of someone so decent through these conversations, perhaps she could become a better person in this life.

She had often thought about it in her past life.

If only she had been more educated.

If she had understood reality and the world better, maybe she wouldn’t have made such foolish choices.

But her parents and the life she was born into—those weren’t things Maya had chosen.

They had been outside her control.

“This time, I’ll focus on what I can change.”

She had let go of any lingering attachment to her family and had found a better partner for herself.

This time, she would become a better person.

“Then what can represent your feelings, Tristan?”

“The meaning behind the gift, I suppose.”

“The meaning?”

That was something Maya hadn’t considered.

“Meaning…”

For her, the things she needed and the things she liked had always overlapped—because she needed them.

“Giving someone what they need isn’t bad. The thought and care put into picking that need—that’s what’s important.”

Tristan explained slowly and clearly.

“The thought behind the gift—that is the meaning.”

“It’s hard to dislike a gift that holds deep thought and consideration.”

His calm and gentle voice reminded Maya of a teacher.

“Thinking about what I might need… that’s not a bad thing.”

There was a hint of caution in his voice.

‘Does he think I might misunderstand?’

Maya was always surprised by how considerate he was.

“But even if it’s not something necessary, it can still be a good gift.”

“Yes, I understand, Tristan.”

Maya made up her mind to choose a thoughtful gift for him.

She still didn’t know what exactly, but she had a feeling she’d figure it out once she went out to look around.

“Ah, would it be alright if I explained our contract marriage to Kendrick?”

“He must be a close friend.”

“Yes, he’s the only one I trust and can confide in.”

It was the first time she had introduced Kendrick to someone else.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about him keeping it secret.”

“Do as you wish.”

“Thank you. I’ll make sure to keep the curse part hidden.”

Maya clenched her fist with resolve.

“If you ever find someone you want to tell, Tristan, feel free to let me know too.”

It seemed like Alec or the butler already knew, but others might be added later—perhaps someone he truly loved.

“I don’t think he ever married in the past, but…”

One never knows.

Suddenly, a strange sound rang out and Tristan’s height shrank.

“It’s time.”

Tristan hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed as they talked. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

It wasn’t the first time she’d seen him in his younger form, so why did it feel so awkward?

Maya looked at him quietly.

The height, the face—it all gave off a different feeling from the man she had just been talking to.

It wasn’t her first time seeing his boyish form, yet it felt new.

The jawline that hadn’t fully sharpened yet, the eyes still not entirely matured, the lingering baby fat…

“Tristan.”

“Yes?”

Maya looked at him and said,

“You really did become more handsome as you grew up.”

He wondered what she was going to say—and then chuckled.

He thought she might be flustered by the transformation, but apparently not.

“Is that all you wanted to say?”

“Yes. But since we’re alone in this room…”

Maya moved a little closer to him. Her wavy brown hair swayed gently.

She lightly touched Tristan’s hand.

“Can I hold your hand?”

Maya’s breath was audible.

From up close, his eyes looked like the sunset—submerged in calm water and glowing warmly.

‘I thought he didn’t like physical contact…’

Maybe that wasn’t true.

When Tristan gave a small nod, Maya laced her fingers tightly between his.

“I don’t know what effect this might have since you haven’t fully awakened yet, but we need to get used to it.”

The warmth from his hand was like a fireplace freshly lit in winter.

“Shall we stay like this for a while?”

“A good idea.”

Maya and Tristan sat quietly on the sofa, hand in hand.

They didn’t talk much more, but the silence was comfortable.

Later, when Maya left the room, she ran into someone she hadn’t wanted to see (or rather, someone she did want to see, just not right now): Kendrick.

As soon as she sat down, Kendrick sat beside her and grabbed her shoulder tightly.

“Are you really the Maya I know?”

“I am. Kendrick. Don’t say weird stuff.”

Maya let out a deep sigh at his words, replying nonchalantly. Kendrick stared at her expression and finally relaxed.

There was still so much to say.

“So, what’s the deal with your marriage?”

“…Well.”

Maya gave him a rough explanation.

She made it sound like the Grand Duke had poor health, and that she had entered into a contract to act as his public representative.

“…He looked perfectly fine to me.”

Of course, Kendrick wouldn’t just accept that at face value.

‘He’s not weak, at least not mentally.’

Kendrick was clearly too strong-looking for anyone to call him fragile.

But Maya, who was used to Kendrick’s subtleties, was an exception.

“Oh, but you saw how he leaned on me earlier. He may look fine on the outside, but he’s really frail.”

“I see.”

“So, this marriage gives you something in return, right?”

“Something in return?”

“In a contract, there should be an exchange. Land, documents, territory—anything like that.”

“Ohh, right.”

“Maya? That’s all in the contract, right?”

Kendrick’s intensity was intimidating. At this rate, he might even ask to inspect the contract itself.

“It’s in there.”

Still, Kendrick wasn’t convinced.

In the end, Maya had to play her trump card.

“Come on, Kendrick. You know I wouldn’t jump into something like this lightly. Trust me.”

She offered herself as the guarantee.

“Alright. But tell me why you cried.”

As expected, Kendrick quickly backed off.

If Maya didn’t want to say something, he wouldn’t force her.

“I really was just happy to see you.”

Kendrick looked into Maya’s eyes. But her gaze didn’t waver.

Realizing she had cried out of genuine happiness made him feel better. A soft smile spread across his face.

Maya might be slow at times, but at least there was hope.

‘I was shocked when I heard you were getting married…’

If it’s a contract marriage, maybe that’s a good opportunity for her—now that she’s left her family and has nowhere else to go.

‘I can’t bring someone into the magic tower, after all.’

If it’s just a contract, they’d maintain boundaries… And judging by how they talked earlier, they didn’t seem like lovers.

And even if it’s a contract now, Maya might reconsider marriage after it’s over.

There’s hope.

“Maya, your birthday’s coming up, so I brought a gift.”

“…You remembered my birthday too?”

“How could I forget? But what do you mean by ‘too’?”

“Tristan remembered as well.”

“Tri… Tristan?”

Wait—when did she start calling the Grand Duke by his first name so casually?

‘They’re only tied by contract, and yet he remembers her birthday?’

While Kendrick was still caught off guard, Maya was drowning in emotion.

‘That’s right. Kendrick has always celebrated my birthday.’

Even when no one else remembered, he always did.

“Happy birthday, Maya.”

Kendrick handed her a gift box. It popped out from the pouch he was carrying, surprisingly large in size.

“Oh, this is a product from the Magic Tower. Do you like it?”

“It’s fascinating.”

“I’ll have one made just for you later.”

“No, Tower-made products are astronomically expensive.”

“…Huh?”

Maya gave a sheepish laugh at Kendrick’s reaction. Honestly, if she hadn’t experienced it in her past life, she wouldn’t have known.

She remembered being shocked at how not even the salary of the Imperial Knight Commander could cover the cost.

She untied the ribbon and opened the box to reveal a beautiful cloak.

“The North is cold, right?”

It was made of luxurious satin—pure white with beautiful gold embroidery.

The collar was wrapped in thick fur, and it looked truly warm.

“Wow…”

“There’s even a pocket inside. Not quite like this one, but it can hold almost anything.”

Sure enough, there was a pocket sewn inside the cloak. When she slipped her hand in, it was deeper than it looked.

“Is it magic?”

“Yep. I made it myself.”

“It’s so pretty.”

Maya’s eyes sparkled. Standing up, she immediately draped the cloak over her shoulders.

“I’ll wear this when I go out next time.”

“Where are you going?”

“Um… to the Shirak Mountains.”

Kendrick’s expression turned serious.