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Chapter 35
History books had either greatly minimized or completely omitted the battles against the Demon King’s subordinates.
That was only possible because Maya’s ancestors, Beiaiden and Pendragon, were dragons who had no interest in the honor or glory of the human world.
“Yeah, his subordinates.”
“Then are there other subordinates still alive?”
“Of course. The ones who believed in the Demon King’s resurrection escaped and have been lying low, waiting for another opportunity.”
“Among them… is there anyone who uses illusion magic?”
The White Serpent’s power was unlike that of ordinary monsters.
Even the monster that had killed Kendrick had been so powerful that he couldn’t stand against it.
“There… probably is. But I don’t remember very well. This fragment of my consciousness mainly retained memories related to swordsmanship rather than history or complete memories.”
Unfortunately, it seemed that the fragment of consciousness Pendragon had left behind remembered only a small portion of the past.
“If the Demon King’s subordinates are returning… then that means the Demon King’s resurrection isn’t far away, does it?”
Was the Demon King’s resurrection truly approaching?
Maya genuinely wanted to know.
“Yes.”
The White Dragon answered without the slightest hesitation.
“I’m certain.”
“I thought so.”
“But don’t worry too much. You’re strong enough to defeat the Demon King.”
Maya smiled awkwardly at the White Dragon’s words.
“Thanks for thinking so highly of me.”
Still, she couldn’t let her guard down.
After all, the opponent is the Demon King.
Suddenly, she wondered what had happened to the Demon King after her death in her previous life.
Had the Demon King eventually destroyed that world?
In any case, one thing was certain.
Besides Tristan’s curse and the Emperor, there was now one more major concern she had to face.
“And Maya, don’t be so cautious.”
From the White Dragon’s perspective, Maya hadn’t done anything wrong.
“You two are just different from each other. You talk, learn from one another, and gradually come to understand each other. That’s all.”
Humans thought far too deeply.
Even the smallest disagreements made them overly cautious.
“If you’re going to clash eventually, isn’t it better to get it over with first?”
Maya laughed at the White Dragon’s simple yet convincing answer.
“You’re right.”
Perhaps because it was Tristan, she had been overthinking things in a way that wasn’t like her.
But that wasn’t who Maya really was.
“When we arrive in the capital tomorrow, I’ll suggest that we increase our physical contact.”
Facing problems one at a time, solving them, and learning along the way—that was the version of herself Maya believed in.
“That’s the spirit!”
The White Dragon cheered enthusiastically beside her.
“Kiiing!”
The wyvern, who had quietly listened to their conversation, also cried out energetically.
“Do you even understand what we’re talking about?”
Maya looked at it suspiciously.
“Kiiing!”
Of course not!
After spending so much time with the wyvern, Maya had learned to understand most of its cries.
Even though every sound was “Kiiing,” there were subtle differences in tone and meaning.
Seeing how confidently it acted, Maya smacked the wyvern lightly on the head.
“Kiiiing!”
Even so, its cry remained just as loud as ever.
Maya and Tristan finally entered the capital, Arts.
However, Arts felt quite different from what they had expected.
Despite it being winter, the weather resembled spring.
The sunlight was warm enough that Maya didn’t even need to wear the cloak Kendrick had given her.
Flowers and trees that should have long since withered were still blooming brilliantly.
“It must be your first time seeing Arts, Tristan.”
“That’s correct.”
The rivers flowing throughout the city and the tall, beautifully crafted buildings were magnificent.
Unlike the North, where practicality came first—with thick walls and structures designed to survive harsh winters—the capital emphasized elegance and beauty.
Maya eagerly looked around with Tristan.
Perhaps because it had been so long since she’d last visited the capital, everything felt strangely nostalgic.
Unfortunately, the moment didn’t last long.
People walking along the streets gradually began focusing their attention on the black dragon crest decorating the carriage.
The carriage itself became the center of everyone’s curiosity.
“We should stop looking outside.”
Meeting Tristan’s eyes, Maya smiled faintly and sat back beside him.
The carriage continued forward with the rhythmic sound of its wheels, gradually leaving the stares behind.
“We’re almost at the mansion now.”
After glancing outside, Tristan recalled the familiar roads and spoke calmly.
Looking at the smile directed toward her, Maya nodded.
She thought back on the scenery of Arts she had just admired.
She hadn’t been away for very long, yet somehow the capital looked different.
Maybe it’s because my mindset has changed.
Or perhaps…
It was because she was here with Tristan.
Experiencing this place with someone good by her side made everything feel different.
Maya recalled Tristan’s words.
“Maya, during our marriage, I will never turn my eyes toward another woman.”
For some reason, those words had stayed deeply engraved in her mind.
Even though Tristan hadn’t said anything more.
What an incredibly considerate contract husband.
One who honored every part of their agreement.
Then I should fulfill my part as well.
It was finally time to suggest increasing the level of physical contact between them.
Remembering what she intended to tell Tristan, Maya clenched her fist with determination.
Watching her burning with resolve, Tristan felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
What on earth is she thinking this time?
He couldn’t help worrying that she might once again bring up something about his “future wife.”
The carriage entered the inner streets of the capital, passed through the bustling shopping district, and eventually left behind the long rows of stores.
Soon, enormous mansions came into view.
Out of the many branching roads, the carriage turned onto a narrow path leading toward the northern forest.
The bright lights of the other estates gradually faded into the distance.
After passing through the forest path, another mansion illuminated by soft lights slowly appeared before them.
“Wow…”
“With me here, this mansion is just the right size.”
The White Dragon popped out at Maya’s exclamation and looked over the elegant mansion with satisfaction.
It was smaller than the castle in the North, but compared to the Pendragon household, this estate was far larger.
The carriage came to a stop.
As they stepped inside, servants were already lined up in neat rows.
One elderly woman hurried toward them.
“Lord Tristan!”
The elderly woman bowed respectfully to Tristan and then greeted Maya.
“Welcome, Lady Maya. I am Doshen, the caretaker of the Beiaiden family residence here in the capital.”
She has such a kind face.
Maya had the feeling Doshen would patiently listen to whatever anyone said.
She gave off the same gentle atmosphere as Tristan.
“Your bridal chamber has already been prepared. Please go and rest.”
“I told you to prepare separate rooms.”
Despite Tristan’s protest, Doshen continued smiling serenely.
“That simply wouldn’t do. A married couple should naturally stay together.”
“Doshen, I’ve told you many times. We need to take things slowly…”
Tristan spoke awkwardly, but Doshen remained completely unmoved.
“The room has already been prepared. If necessary, I’ll have separate rooms arranged tomorrow. But it’s impossible to prepare another room at this hour.”
She clearly had no intention of giving in.
“I’m fine with it.”
Seeing that the argument might continue indefinitely, Maya stepped in.
She truly didn’t mind sharing a room with Tristan.
In fact… this might be the perfect opportunity.
If they were supposed to increase their physical contact, there was no better way than staying in the same room.
Now that even Maya agreed, Tristan couldn’t very well continue objecting.
In the end, he reluctantly nodded.
Doshen smiled with satisfaction.
“You’ve married a wonderful wife, Lord Tristan.”
Tristan couldn’t deny that statement.
He simply let out a quiet sigh.
“By the way, what is your relationship with Tristan, Doshen?”
“She was the nurse who raised me when I was young.”
Maya let out a small gasp at Tristan’s explanation.
It was difficult to imagine someone who knew what Tristan had been like as a child.
Doshen quickly cut into the conversation.
“If you ever need anything, Lady Maya, don’t hesitate to come to me. I remember every single embarrassing story from Lord Tristan’s childhood.”
“Calling them embarrassing stories is a bit harsh, Doshen.”
“Our Grand Duke was once an adorable little boy.”
Doshen laughed warmly as she responded.
It was completely different from how Tristan acted around the butler Robert.
At the same time, Maya became curious.
What kind of child was Tristan?
She couldn’t quite imagine it.
Even as a child, he seemed like the type who would have been perfect in every way.
She wanted to know.
“I’ll come visit you later.”
“An excellent decision.”
Doshen gave Maya a playful wink.
“Let’s leave that topic for now and head to dinner.”
Seeing the silent exchange of glances between the two women, Tristan shook his head.
Then he chose the most effective solution possible.
He redirected Maya’s attention—with food.
The food at the mansion suited Maya’s tastes perfectly.
Back at the Pendragon estate, there wasn’t a single dish I truly liked.
Apparently, the problem hadn’t been Maya’s picky palate.
It had been the Pendragon household’s cooking all along.
After dinner, Maya enjoyed a luxurious bath in warm water.
Once she finished, she headed toward the bedroom she would be sharing with Tristan.
