Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 36
He regretted restraining himself from giving her clothes or jewelry, thinking she might not like such gifts.
But, Maya being Maya.
Everything suited her so well!
Kendrick’s lips quivered as he internally gushed over her.
He didn’t want to break the image he had maintained so far.
Of course, Maya didn’t notice at all. She was completely focused on the feast of food before her.
“The breakfast today looks exceptionally delicious. Itβs like a feast in its own right.”
“We’ve prepared diligently.”
The butler Robert, who had escorted Maya, boasted with a pleased face.
Indeed, for today, he and Chef Henry had put a lot of effort into selecting the menu.
‘She’s the only one who can break our Grand Duke’s curse.’
Knowing how important Maya was to Tristan, Robert paid close attention and his fondness for Maya grew the moment he realized she was a decent person.
Though aware they were in a contract marriage, he hoped it would work out.
Having seen many famous ladies in society while going in and out of the capital for Tristan, Robert knew that someone like Maya was rare.
To keep Maya even after the contract ended, her favorite foods were essential.
“We’ve prepared every dish possible with beef since Your Ladyship likes it.”
From well-done to steaks dripping with juices, to stews enriched with generous amounts of beef…
Henry, who was very proud of his cooking, tended to meticulously check the leftovers after meals and naturally came to understand Maya’s dietary preferences.
Maya was a meat-eater.
Especially beef.
The table was filled with the beef dishes Maya had enjoyed so far.
Maya clapped her hands together, moved by the gesture.
“Thank you. This breakfast is exactly to my liking.”
No one felt any pressure about eating meat from the morning.
‘It would have tasted even better after training.’
Anyway, since she’ll be rolling around like a dog from this evening, it’s good to take a break like this.
Maya put a well-grilled steak into her mouth. The bursting juices made Maya happy.
Kendrick, watching Maya’s fork move tirelessly, tentatively said,
“Despite this being a contract marriage, everyone is very considerate.”
Kendrick emphasized the word ‘contract,’ but Maya didn’t notice at all.
“I know. Who would take care of a contract wife like this?”
Seeing Maya’s sincere reaction without any ulterior motives, Kendrick breathed a sigh of relief.
“But why are you dressed up so early in the morning?”
“Um⦔
Maya recalled the hall prepared just for her.
The dazzling chandelier. The moment she stepped on the beautiful patterns and surrendered her body to the music.
Her face flushed as she remembered the pleasant memory.
‘A dreamlike time.’
A memory she thought she would never have.
“I received a birthday present.”
Maya simply answered with a bright smile.
It was a smile that Kendrick found himself staring at blankly every time.
A radiant smile that seemed like she had always lived happily, which no one else could replicate.
‘…What on earth did the Grand Duke give her?’
She was always happy to receive his gifts, but he had never seen such an expression on her face.
It was clear they were in a contract relationship, and it was true that the Grand Duke and Maya maintained a clear line between them.
Yet, seeing Maya happy on her birthday, having an amazing day fitting the occasion, made Kendrick feel uncomfortable because it showed him an aspect of Maya he had failed to bring out.
‘I need to become the Tower Master soon.’
Just standing out in the promotion exams isn’t enough to become the Master of the Magic Tower.
Even if the current Tower Master is an old man barely clinging to life.
‘I need to achieve a feat worthy of being appointed Tower Master.’
In that sense, coming to the North this time was a good opportunity.
‘If I resolve this matter, it would be a pretty good start.’
The giant monster that has appeared in the North.
It was an opportunity Kendrick stumbled upon while overhearing a conversation before visiting Maya, but he was confident.
He was a talent with the magic power and skills that would invite the Tower Master himself to come calling.
There was no magical beast Kendrick couldn’t handle up until now.
So, Maya just needs to wait safely in this castle.
‘No matter how strong Maya is, she’s still a knight who hasn’t even awakened yet.’
Maya didnβt know that in front of a powerful monster, ordinary strength would be of no help.
So, he needed to take care of her.