Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 15
The solution to the curse.
The time they must spend together.
His current state.
Considering all factors, a contract marriage seemed the most feasible solution for Maya and him.
With the Demon King’s return uncertain and societal obligations that couldn’t be ignored indefinitely…
Plus the Emperor’s constant pressure on the Grand Duchy as well…
A hint of personal desire in his proposal was impossible.
“…What?”
Maya’s baffled expression made him feel as if he’d committed a grave error.
“What do you mean by…”
Tristan subtly corrected himself, seeing her disbelief.
“To be precise, it’s about physical contact.”
Physical contact?
“Yes, the stronger the contact, the quicker the curse will be lifted.”
He was too serious to be joking.
“That’s the main reason I proposed a contract marriage.”
Maya finally understood.
“To be in constant physical contact, to hug, to kiss… it’s impractical to be that close at all times unless you’re married.”
Marriage was the most logical way to justify two strangers being together constantly.
But there was more to it.
Tristan needed a representative in society, someone to stand in for him at public events he couldn’t attend because of his curse.
The regular emergence of monsters in the vast northern mountain range meant managing them alone was impossible. Hence, the region had been divided between the Imperial Guard and himself.
For a time, they coexisted peacefully, but the Emperor, when he was newly enthroned, began oppressing the Knights in order to suppress the increasingly prominent Bayarden family.
Knowing that Tristan did not reveal himself in public, the Emperor took action.
Tristan sent a letter eloquently expressing his dissatisfaction with the current situation and the role of the Northern Knights.
However, the Emperor’s response was brief.
“If you’re unhappy with the treatment you’re receiving, come and see me in person.”
Knowing Tristan couldn’t appear in public, the message was a deliberate provocation.
Ignoring the growing monster threat and potential internal conflict was no longer an option.
“The degree of contact will be as respectful of your wishes as possible.”
Tristan’s blue eyes intensely focused on Maya.
As though they would devour her.
An uncomfortable tension filled the air, making it difficult for her to speak.
Contact.
While in the Knights, she had trained and crossed swords with men, but direct physical contact was almost non-existent.
They didn’t see Maya as a fellow knight, and she disregarded those who didn’t acknowledge her.
Her response was always through her sword.
There was no contact in her limited human relationships.
‘Except in a fight.’
But now, touch?
“Uh…”
Seeing Maya frozen stiff like a stone, Tristan’s expression hardened as well. He could understand what she was feeling right now.
‘Although she said I was handsome, preference is a different matter.’
He had seriously pondered this part.
Since he couldn’t explain everything in a letter that could be leaked, he thought it best to discuss it when they met in person.
But he hadn’t expected her to be so utterly averse to the idea of physical contact.
‘I’ll have to keep the contact at a minimum.’
Certainly, touching someone you don’t know at all would be repulsive.
For now, he would start with understanding.
“I understand if you don’t want to be touched. However…”
Right now, this opportunity was truly crucial for Tristan.
He couldn’t continue living under the curse.
To protect the people living on his land, he had to be ready to step out into the world.
‘Isn’t Your Highness’s biggest weapon your face?’
Recalling the words of his butler, Tristan took a deep breath and opened his eyes.
“Maya Pendragon.”
He closed the distance between them.
If his face could be a weapon, he would use it to his advantage as closely as possible.
The sudden approach of the Grand Duke carried a refreshing scent.
It was like encountering the first snowfall, crisp and invigorating.
His face, seen up close, accelerated Maya’s already racing heart.
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
Her heart was pounding so fiercely she feared he might hear it.
“Would it be alright to hold hands?”
His lowered eyelashes were longer than Maya’s, adding to his mysteriously beautiful appearance where robust masculinity and delicate beauty coexisted.
Maya, feeling almost hypnotized, closed and then opened her eyes.
‘How can I not comply with what that face is saying?’
