Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 84
Maya, who had never experienced high society before, couldn’t even begin to imagine how exhausting this must be.
“No, I’m fine.”
She hadn’t yet accomplished the purpose of coming here today, so she couldn’t leave just yet.
“But I think I should take a break.”
The best way to rest was probably to eat something. Maya skillfully navigated through the crowd and inspected the food laid out on the table.
‘I need something sweet.’
Maya piled macarons onto her plate like a mountain, unbothered by the attention she was drawing, and headed straight for a terrace.
She thought she heard gasps from those around her.
‘What’s the big deal about eating macarons?’
Maya shrugged her shoulders, drew the curtains around the terrace, and firmly shut the door.
When she was eating, no one could bother her.
“There’s already someone here, so it would be polite to leave.”
But as soon as she closed the door, a cold voice pierced her ears.
‘That voice sounds familiar.’
To think she would meet her here. Maya quickly turned her head, feeling a sense of familiarity.
Sure enough, Serene Baker, whom Maya had hoped to see, was standing there with her arms crossed, staring at her coldly.
She was a beauty with long golden hair and red eyes that matched well.
Although Serene was a head shorter than Maya, it didn’t detract from her presence, especially since Maya was tall.
However, it was surprising to see Serene out here.
“There must be many people inside looking for you, Lady Serene Baker. What about them?”
Even though this was supposedly a banquet for Maya, she thought it was only in name. When the real event started, the true center of attention would be someone else.
‘Someone like Serene Baker, for example.’
Was it because of her position as the Grand Duchess? If it were her, she would have approached Serene Baker first.
Though Maya’s question was asked out of genuine curiosity, it didn’t sit well with Serene.
Serene smiled coolly.
“Thanks to someone taking over the banquet, I’ve had the chance to come out here and rest. I’m grateful for that.”
“I see.”
Whoever it was, they did a good job. She should be thankful they made it possible for her to meet Serene here.
“Yes, indeed.”
But there was something unsettling about the way Serene was looking at her.
‘The person who took over the banquet…’
After thinking for a moment, Maya realized that Serene was referring to her.
It was a compliment, and she hadn’t even realized it.
This was a perfect opportunity to build rapport. Maya responded to Serene with a bright smile.
“I’m honored to have given you a chance to rest. I’ve been wanting to talk with you.”
Serene gave Maya a curious look.
‘Did I say something wrong?’
Maya hadn’t said anything bad, so she anxiously waited for Serene’s reaction.
“It’s an honor that Your Highness would want to speak with me. What could it be about?”
Serene was indeed different from other nobles.
Unlike those who had approached Maya earlier, Serene’s expressionless face created a tense atmosphere.
‘I guess I should start by making acquaintances.’
But Maya was concerned that Serene didn’t seem to have a good impression of her.
For once, Maya carefully chose her words.
‘Blurting out that I know she’ll die would make me sound crazy.’
No matter how straightforward and bold she was, she knew better than to say that.
It seemed best to start with something they had in common. Since they were both wearing Offrage’s dresses, the opportunity was perfect.
‘She didn’t seem to like my bloodline…’
If I show her a noble side that House Pendragon couldn’t, maybe she’ll be more interested?
Having reached this conclusion, Maya decided to try using noble speech.
“Well, the dress is so beautiful. Offrage’s designs are truly flawless.”
“Are you implying that because we’re wearing dresses by the same designer?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Isn’t that what you just said, Your Highness?”
When Maya asked in disbelief, Serene responded as if it were obvious.
She retracted her plan. It seemed that noble speech didn’t suit Maya at all.
Maya decided to abandon any pretense that didn’t suit her.
‘When have I ever acted like a noble?’
Wasn’t being straightforward her strength?
“Serene Baker, I sincerely wanted to compliment you on how well the dress suits you.”
First, she clarified the misunderstanding.
“As the queen of high society, I assume you’re well aware of me. You must know that I’m a novice who didn’t even have a debutante ball.”
“…Did Your Highness just say that?”
For the first time, Serene showed a hint of surprise.
