Chapter 28
Maya quickly realized Tristan’s gaze was fixed on the shoulder Kendrick leaned on.
‘Maybe he’s in pain.’
Kendrick always relied on Maya when he was in pain. A man can be frail too. Illness doesn’t necessarily correlate with physical stature or strength. Even the seemingly robust Grand Duke could be in pain, especially due to the curse.
‘It’s probably because he’s too proud to say it himself that he’s staring so hard at my shoulder.’
Then, it was right for Maya to make the first move.
“I’m quite strong, you know.”
“I’m fine—”
“You don’t have to decline. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Those afflicted by a curse should take extra care of their bodies. Maya, while supporting Kendrick, pulled Tristan closer.
Involuntarily, the two men found themselves sharing Maya’s shoulders, exchanging glances. Kendrick’s eyes widened, while Tristan calmly stared back, slightly taller than Kendrick.
“Feels better leaning on me, doesn’t it?” Maya managed to ask, turning her head slightly.
A refreshing scent emanated from Maya, surprisingly fresh for someone who had just finished training. Tristan, looking at her bright face, finally let a faint smile form on his lips.
“It does seem better.”
“See?”
Pleased to have been of help, Maya grinned broadly.
“Ah, and Grand Duke. There’s something I want to ask you after we eat.”
“We’ll arrange a place for it after the meal.”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
“…We also have much to discuss.”
Kendrick’s cold remark made Maya flinch. It was a confrontation she had to face eventually.
‘Maybe I need to explain the situation to Kendrick.’
It seemed she would also need to discuss this part with Tristan.
‘She didn’t want to lie to Kendrick more than necessary.’
Reluctantly, Maya nodded.
“Okay.”
With gifts, the thoughts piled up again, causing her head to ache.
‘Let’s eat and think.’
But in front of food, nothing could win.
***
After another satisfying meal, Maya headed to Tristan’s study.
“Ah, before we start our conversation, I think we should sort out how we address each other.”
“How we address each other?”
“The thought occurred to me that a couple as close as us might need affectionate nicknames.”
“Nicknames…”
Was that necessary? Maya was genuinely curious.
“Don’t we call friends by their names?”
Tristan, who had come closer to Maya, looked down.
“But then, it doesn’t make sense for a couple, who are closer than that, to call each other by formal titles.”
But we still use formal speech with each other.
No, that was about respect, so it’s different.
“Isn’t that right, Maya?”
Maya.
Her name coming from Tristan felt new.
The usual name didn’t seem like it was hers.
Not Pendragon, but just her.
Maya.
‘Would Grand Duke Bayarden feel the same?’
Would he prefer to be just Tristan, not ‘Grand Duke Bayarden’?
‘I’m not sure if it’s okay to become so informal with a future emperor.’
But calling each other by name should be fine, right?
Maya decided to follow her heart.
“Alright, Tristan.”
“…Good.”
“I’m glad too.”
Tristan smiled at Maya’s honest response.
Somehow, in front of Maya, no problem seemed insurmountable.
“So, what did you want to ask?”
“Ah, I was wondering if there’s anything specific you’d like for a gift. I’ve hardly ever given gifts, so choosing one is really hard for me.”
Watching her troubled expression, Tristan had to suppress a laugh.
Honestly, he was curious.
He couldn’t imagine what kind of gift Maya would bring.
“Anything is fine.”
Growing up in the Bayarden household, Tristan never lacked anything in the material sense. In fact, he received more than he could ever want.
This became almost pathological after he learned about the curse placed on him.
Was it guilt from the curse? The previous Grand Duke and Grand Duchess tried to give Tristan everything.
For Tristan, the meaning behind the gift was more important than the gift itself.
“There’s not much time, so even something simple would be fine.”
He didn’t want to impose any burden.
“Just give me anything.”
It seemed like anything would be fine.
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