Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 97
Maya thought back to the troublesome trio from the Pendragon family who had sought her out at the banquet. She sighed, wondering how long they would continue to hold her back.
Only in this life had she finally let go of her attachments and distanced herself from her family. Maya hoped others wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes she had.
“It felt like she was in a similar situation.”
Maya continued cautiously, watching Tristan’s reaction.
Now that her position as the Grand Duchess was official and everyone knew about it, Maya’s actions were directly tied to the reputation and honor of House Bayarden.
She couldn’t hide this from Tristan.
“If it’s difficult to do this under the name of House Bayarden, I’ll handle it on my own.”
Of course, if it would bring disgrace to House Bayarden, she had no intention of forcing the matter.
“I can help her in secret, by myself.”
“No, don’t do that. You’re part of House Bayarden now. It’s only natural that we share the same intentions.”
Maya had never sought to put down roots anywhere. It was likely due to her past wounds and upbringing.
If Maya wouldn’t plant her own roots, Tristan intended to provide her with the sunlight and water she needed, so that she would eventually grow roots herself.
“Your intentions are now the intentions of House Bayarden.”
Of course, he worried because Maya tended to trust people too easily. After some thought, Tristan found a compromise.
“How about we invite Serene Baker to the Bayarden residence, under the pretense of comforting her after the recent incident?”
This would give him the opportunity to objectively assess what kind of person Serene Baker really was for Maya.
‘And if she’s not connected to her father…’
Serene Baker could become a crucial ally and companion to Maya.
‘It would be a perfect chance to build a relationship.’
If they played their cards right, after dealing with Count Baker, Serene Baker could even inherit the title.
Although it was rare for a woman to succeed to a noble household, Serene Baker’s case was different.
She had the capability, and Count Baker had publicly boasted about handing over the family to Serene in the future.
If they could leverage the wealth and connections of the Baker family, it would greatly aid in bringing down Emperor Reserfield.
‘Yes, and I will bring down Emperor Reserfield.’
Reading through the ledger earlier had stirred up all the emotions Tristan had been suppressing. Now, it was time to create the opportunity himself.
“I’ll meet her with you as well.”
He wasn’t planning to just relay his thoughts through Maya. He intended to form a direct, formal relationship with Serene Baker.
Maya’s gaze became oddly curious, as if she had misunderstood his words.
That’s strange.
What could she possibly be misinterpreting?
“Alright,” Maya nodded readily. “When Doshen returns, I’ll talk to her and arrange the meeting.”
“Yes. But Maya, are you misunderstanding something? I feel like your gaze is… not in line with the situation.”
“No, no! How could I? I’m just going to go wash up now.”
Maya waved her hands and hurried off to the bathroom. Fortunately, Tristan didn’t follow her.
‘He wants to meet Serene together.’
Had today’s introduction of Serene to Tristan sparked something?
‘Does he like Serene…?’
It was hard to deny that Serene was beautiful.
Not only that, but she was sharp enough to immediately deduce Tristan’s identity as the Grand Duke of Bayarden in a high-pressure situation. And she was competent enough to take the initiative to support both Maya and Tristan’s predicament.
‘Should I step aside when they talk alone next time?’
Maya felt unsettled at the thought of someone else seeing Tristan’s gentle side.
Bubble bubble. She half-submerged her face in the bath.
‘He was so cute as a boy.’
The idea that someone else might see the side of Tristan that only she knew made her feel a little sad.
‘No, focus on the positives.’
At least the wolf monster had been dealt with, which was a huge relief.
Most importantly, there had been no casualties. That was something to feel proud of.
Still, there were things that weighed on her mind.
With a deep breath, Maya leaned back against the tub and looked up at the ceiling with a gloomy expression.
“It was my first official event as Grand Duchess Bayarden…”
