Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 17
Upon reflection, she realized he was right.
“That’s good.”
Maya found his relaxed manner appealing.
It stemmed from the belief that people would recognize his true nature without any need for showing off.
‘Perhaps our ways of thinking are similar.’
She was relieved that they seemed unlikely to clash in this regard.
“And finally…”
Maya then pointed to a clause that concerned her.
“I would like this part to be amended.”
“This part?”
Tristan tilted his head as he read the section Maya indicated.
The most effective way to do so is to appoint Maya Pendragon as the Vice Commander of the Northern Knights, a position commensurate with her abilities.
“Are you troubled by the position of Vice Commander? I am aware of your exceptional swordsmanship, but…”
“No, the position is too much for me. I will simply find a suitable place in the North and stay there. Call me when you need me, and I will come immediately.”
Her answer was unexpected.
He had thought the position might be too low for her, yet she said it was too much.
Then he wondered if she disliked the North, but she intended to stay there for a while.
It was as if she didn’t want her talents or achievements to be highlighted.
“I have no desire to be in the forefront.”
“Why is that?”
His blunt question weighed on Maya like a stone.
Naturally, because she was a sinner.
Thinking of the crimes she had committed before her regression, the title of deputy commander seemed absurd.
“I wish to live quietly. Since I’ve been disowned by the Pendragon family, there’s no need to fulfill noble obligations.”
Becoming a vice commander would mean staying at this castle.
That was also a daunting prospect.
“It’s not a bad amendment for Your Grace. After our contractual marriage ends, it would be better for you to distance yourself from me.”
Frankly, she was more afraid.
‘He’s too likable, too attractive.’
Having only talked a few times, she’s already starting to feel increasingly attached to him.
She feared becoming too greedy, not wanting to leave Tristan’s side.
‘Is this the first time I’ve formed a relationship with a normal person, aside from Kendrick?’
Regardless, for the sake of their eventual separation, it was better to maintain a certain distance.
On the other side of the table, of course, Tristan sensed Maya’s defensive attitude.
‘She’s keeping her distance even before we’ve grown close.’
He furrowed his brow, reminded of Maya’s self-deprecating words.
“Do you think you’re not suited for me?”
“Well, that’s partly true, but it would also be strange to be close to a former wife.”
Maya muttered thoughtfully.
“You should meet someone better after divorcing me. It’s best to minimize the rumors.”
Tristan added, as if amused,
“I haven’t even married yet and I’m already divorced.”
“Ah.”
Maya fell silent, realizing she had gotten ahead of herself.
‘Did I cross a line?’
She hadn’t expected her preparation for the future to come off in such a way.
‘What should I do?’
Maya’s eyes widened as large as saucers.
Watching her openly show her discomfiture, Tristan couldn’t help but chuckle.
Although she was a bit ahead of herself, he didn’t mind her respectful attitude.
“Understood. We’ll make that change.”
Tristan fetched the ink jar and a pen from his desk and began rewriting the clause Maya had mentioned on a fresh sheet of paper.
“No matter what the future holds, I will respect your opinion. But drawing lines between us from the start might pose a problem.”
He showed Maya where to sign.
“The Emperor is a skeptical man. To avoid being discovered as not truly a couple, we need to be prepared.”
“Ah… right.”
Maya shuddered as she recalled the Emperor’s atrocities.
She checked the contract again and then wrote her name firmly.
They exchanged the signed contracts.
Tristan then suggested,
“Let’s start preparing now.”
“How?”
“We should change how we address each other, Maya.”
Just her name, spoken by him, made it sound like part of a sacred prayer.
“Now, try calling me by my name.”
Maya was flustered.
“How can I address Your Highness so casually?”
Unbeknownst to her, Tristan was effectively using his appearance.
“Hmm?”
Prompted by Tristan’s urging gaze, Maya spoke as if under a spell.
“Tr… Tristan.”
The moment she said his name, one corner of Tristan’s mouth curled up.
“Good.”
