Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 24
“Before we officially announce our marriage, Grand Duke, I must go to the Sirac Mountain Range. I’ll return as soon as I’m done with my business there.”
The massive Sirac Mountain Range could be considered the heart of the northern border.
It was where monsters were most prevalent and also where the legendary Demon King was said to reside.
It was the main activity area for both the Imperial Knights and the Northern Knights.
Above all, it was the dwelling place of the snake monster.
If she could fight it immediately after awakening, wouldn’t it be killing two birds with one stone?
“Are you going to the Sirac Mountain Range to hasten your awakening?”
As expected, the Grand Duke was quick to understand.
It was convenient not to have to explain too much when he could grasp the situation so quickly.
“Yes, I need to awaken as soon as possible.”
“It would be good to enter the contract right away as well.”
Her shoulders rose with pride at the compliment.
Good, I must finish quickly and return!
“Please help me pack. It will take about a week to go and come back.”
“Of course. When do you plan to leave?”
The sooner, the better.
“Tomorrow.”
Tristan’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. It was the first sign of unease she had seen from him.
‘Did I say something wrong?’
Maya looked into Tristan’s eyes with a nervous heart.
“It might be better to postpone it for a few days.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Shouldn’t we celebrate a birthday?”
“Ah, if it’s Your Highness’s birthday, then I understand.”
Then, a celebration it is.
“…”
But Tristan just stared at her without responding.
Maya was caught in a peculiar feeling.
Was it like looking into the depths of a deep lake?
Why do you look at me with such straightforward eyes as if you see through everything?
“It’s your birthday.”
“Pardon?”
Confusion tinged Maya’s voice as she asked again.
‘Was he planning to celebrate my birthday?’
Having someone care for her birthday brought a pleasantly warm feeling.
No, more than that.
“You know when my birthday is? Even I had forgotten about it.”
At Maya’s response, Tristan chuckled. He wondered what she would say.
‘I just can’t get mad at her.’
It was a curious conversation.
No, it might be more accurate to say it was a completely novel experience, having to explain these things step by step.
He couldn’t quite grasp what kind of life his contract wife had lived until now.
It seemed like there’s a lot they needed to learn about each other.
That’s something to look forward to from now on.
“Yes, I know. What kind of heartless husband would I be if I didn’t know my wife’s birthday?”
Is that so?
‘My family doesn’t even know it.’
And…
“But I don’t know your birthday, Grand Duke.”
Maya felt sorry again.
‘I don’t know anything about you.’
A sense of guilt washed over her for some reason.
“Ask me then.”
Tristan said nonchalantly, resting his chin on his hand.
Maya locked eyes with him silently before swallowing dryly.
The depth in his eyes, visible through his neatly combed black hair, added to the tension.
‘As expected of the Grand Duke.’
She thought it was just for show.
But with the amount of flirting already going around, it seemed like this contract marriage was much more serious than she thought.
“W-When is your birthday, Grand Duke?”
That was why.
Stuttering out of character due to embarrassment.
She never imagined she’d be unsettled by such a thing.
“May fifth.”
The Grand Duke of the North’s birthday being in spring was unexpected.
But it was rather fitting.
‘It suits him.’
Tristan, who warmly welcomed Maya for the first time and respected her in every matter, was like the spring driving away the winter that had always been part of her life.
“I’ll also celebrate your birthday…”
She trailed off realizing that May would be after the end of their contract period.
Well, so what?
They could just celebrate it in advance.
She wanted to reciprocate.
“Then I’ll leave in two days instead. Tomorrow, I’ll also choose a gift for you, Grand Duke.”
One day to pick a gift for Tristan.
And one day to celebrate his birthday.
Excitement sparkled in Maya’s eyes like rubies.
Tristan gazed at her intently.
Her face, changing with each glance, held a wealth of emotion.
Her face changed every time he saw her, various emotions crossing by.
Her unmarred, canvas-like face being tinged by gentle red hues.
Her bright smile, like sunlight piercing through storm clouds, was clear.
So.
Tristan couldn’t stop Maya from celebrating a birthday that’s more than half a year away, even though she still hadn’t properly called him by his name.
That was all.
