Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 116
The capital was always known for its warm weather.
Not as unbearably hot as the South, nor as bitterly cold as the North, the ideal climate was one of the main reasons people chose to settle there.
But no matter how perfect the capital’s weather was, it couldn’t escape the effects of abnormal climate changes.
“This is the first snow I never expected to see here.”
The branches that had always been lush with greenery were now withered.
Snow fell on the capital, which usually enjoyed mild weather.
The soft, fluffy snow blanketed the estate. The contrast between the still-living plants and the pristine white snow created a dazzling spectacle.
“Wow…”
Even if it was due to abnormal weather, seeing snow was exciting.
‘I can finally wear my cloak.’
When she went to greet Kendrick, she could show him how well the gift of her cloak was being used.
Maya waited for Kendrick with a beaming face.
“You seem excited.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”
There was much she wanted to confirm.
She was curious about why Kendrick had visited the Imperial Palace that day.
Whether the face of the intruder revealed in Reserfield’s magic orb had anything to do with Kendrick.
…And whether he might have business in the South.
As Maya mulled over her thoughts, she relished the time spent with Tristan and made a suggestion.
It was partly selfish but also aimed at lifting Tristan’s curse.
“Shall we hold hands for now?”
Tristan, who had been frowning in discomfort, suddenly chuckled.
Here he was, unable to restore himself fully, and Maya seemed especially cheerful.
“If you don’t mind.”
His softened gaze eased even further.
“Why would I mind?”
Maya grinned and clasped Tristan’s hand. Holding Tristan’s hand always felt nice.
The warmth, the calluses, and even the faintly visible veins on the back of his hand—all of it.
It was as if Tristan cast some sort of spell to make anyone beside him feel giddy.
[You two look good together.]
“What kind of compliment is that?”
Maya scratched her head with a pleased expression.
‘Looks like the dragon has finally let go of its grudge.’
Since Maya had deliberately lost her last match, White Dragon had been sulking.
It seemed her decision in that fight had hurt its pride.
“…Do you even know what sarcasm means?”
[I take words at face value.]
“I agree as well.”
Tristan, already accustomed to Maya suddenly talking with White Dragon, quietly sided with her.
[You ungrateful Bayarden…!]
White Dragon trembled briefly before retreating back into its mark.
“Maya, just so you know, Alec and Robert are arriving in the capital tomorrow.”
Although Tristan had mentioned they would be coming, the timing was quicker than expected.
Tristan was as busy as Maya these days.
“Oh, and if we need more leverage against the Emperor, it might be worth digging deeper into the Knight Captain, Graham.”
The more justification they had, the better.
Tristan nodded seriously at Maya’s suggestion.
“Understood.”
It was about time for Kendrick to arrive.
Maya put on her cloak and stepped outside. Tristan followed behind her.
Outside, the snow was still falling heavily.
Just like on the first day Maya and Tristan met.
“Maya!”
Kendrick waved from afar as he ran toward her.
Even with his coat on, his face was flushed bright red.
It was unclear whether it was from the cold weather or from seeing Maya.
“It’s been a while!”
Kendrick greeted her with a smile and hugged her lightly. Laughing, Maya patted Kendrick’s back.
“Today, we’re joined by the Grand Duke’s younger brother, ‘Arthur’.”
Kendrick smiled playfully as he greeted Tristan.
Ha-ha, Tristan laughed along as he replied,
“Do you know that teasing when you’re fully aware of the truth is no longer playful but rude?”
“I only said it because I respect everything the Grand Duke says. After all, didn’t you refer to yourself as Arthur in this form?”
Kendrick countered Tristan’s response with a grin.
Growl.
The staring contest, which seemed endless, abruptly ended with the growl of Maya’s stomach.
Maya’s internal clock was always accurate.
“Shall we go inside and eat while we talk?”
“Sounds good. Oh, here’s what you asked for.”
Kendrick handed Maya a basket full of desserts.
The basket, filled with cakes, various macarons, and tarts, brought a bright smile to Maya’s face.
It was the start of a pleasant day.
