Chapter 62
Maya found it curious that Tristan could identify loyal subjects without her having to say a word.
Was this what people called fate?
She remembered Marquis Rebour vividly.
Because I was the one who killed him.
Rebour had continually submitted petitions opposing Lyserfield’s tyranny and tried to pressure him politically.
The western region lacked resources, but thanks to its abundant crops, it had no food shortages. Though colder than the south, its moderate climate and the presence of a nearby river made it the most populated area after the capital.
Rebour, the region’s dominant power, had displeased Lyserfield by rising in opposition. And Lyserfield had ordered Maya to kill him.
Rebour, well aware that Lyserfield intended to take his life, had made preparations.
His estate was heavily guarded by layers of soldiers, knights, and even the captain of the knight order. But none of it mattered to Maya.
Before her sword, Marquis Rebour had simply chuckled bitterly.
She vaguely remembered his final words:
“Someone with your skill, reduced to a mere pawn of Lyserfield? God has truly forsaken our empire.”
He was a good man.
After being surrounded by opportunists who idolized Lyserfield for a chance at personal gain, it had been surprising to meet someone like Marquis Rebour.
So men like this still exist in the world.
…
Everyone knew Maya had no personal connection to Marquis Rebour.
That was why Alec and Robert found her unwavering belief in him rather puzzling.
“Then let’s go talk to him,”
Only Tristan responded immediately, as if he’d been waiting for Maya to say those words.
Noticing Alec’s confused expression, Tristan smoothly shifted the topic.
“We’ll need to investigate the entire western region to find Kendrick’s whereabouts.”
“That’s probably the only way…”
They’d travel by wyvern, so it wouldn’t be too slow—but estimating an exact timeframe would be difficult.
Finding the butterfly monster wouldn’t be easy either. It could easily hinder their search with its illusions.
Unless the butterfly monster wants to find me first, this is going to be hard.
Maya had a feeling this game of hide-and-seek would take quite a while.
Which meant they needed to prepare accordingly.
“Is there anywhere we could stay in the west?”
They were definitely heading there.
But Maya, now widely known as the Grand Duchess of Bayarden, couldn’t move around freely.
“There’s no separate villa we can stay in. We’ll likely need to speak with Marquis Rebour first and figure it out from there.”
The Bayarden family’s resources were concentrated in the north.
They hadn’t even stepped foot in the west before, so of course they had nowhere to stay.
And if they suddenly tried to purchase a villa now, it would only draw unnecessary attention.
They already had enough problems.
“I get the feeling they’re not going to like us very much.”
“They probably won’t,” Maya nodded.
Although she hadn’t wanted it, Emperor Lyserfield had thrown a grand banquet celebrating the Bayarden family’s return to the capital.
Marquis Rebour, already a staunch opponent of Lyserfield, surely wouldn’t have taken it kindly.
“But once we meet, I should be able to convince him.”
There was no point in worrying in advance. Maya decided to confront it head-on.
Once she met him, she’d know what the real issue was—and once she knew that, she could figure out how to break through it.
“But… we’ll need a valid reason to stay in the west for an extended period.”
Maya was a new Grand Duchess who had only recently arrived in the capital.
What reason could she possibly have to travel all the way west?
“Exactly. You want to keep your powers hidden as much as possible.”
“If word gets out, Lyserfield’s surveillance will only tighten.”
It wasn’t just about Maya getting dragged back by Lyserfield—Bayarden had only recently begun plotting revolution.
Sudden attention at this point could expose a revolution that needed to be carried out in utmost secrecy.
They weren’t too worried about the Mage Tower.
Based on her past, Maya already suspected that the tower would try to cover up Kendrick’s case.
They wouldn’t want to admit that one of their best had disappeared so easily.
“We need a plausible reason…”
But what could it be?
No matter how hard Maya racked her brain, she couldn’t think of anything. As she groaned in frustration, Tristan murmured beside her.
“We might be able to ask Seren Baker for help with that.”
“…Seren Baker?”
“Yes. It’s not widely known, but…”
Was there something Maya didn’t know about Seren Baker?
Tristan hesitated when he saw Maya tilting her head in confusion.
“Ah…”
Robert nodded along beside him.
“You know too, Robert?”
“Yes. His Grace made a wise decision.”
If even Robert was impressed, it must be a solid plan—but Maya still didn’t get it.
Because I don’t know anything about it.
Tristan didn’t seem eager to explain further.
“This is something you should hear from Seren Baker directly. It’s not my place to say.”
“It’s a family matter, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll go ask him myself. I want to leave as soon as possible.”
If it was a sensitive issue, she understood. But she didn’t want to waste time.
“Yes.”
Time was of the essence if they were to rescue Kendrick.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Maya rushed out of the room. Her urgency left Tristan unable to stop her.
He watched her retreating figure in silence.
He knew, logically, that Maya was simply acting out of concern for a friend taken by a monster.
It was a natural reaction… or was it?
I don’t know anymore.
A few days ago, after talking with Maya, Tristan had believed their relationship was improving.
He’d planned to confess his feelings when Alec and Robert arrived—after showing the difference in how he treated them versus Maya.
Even if she’s just worried about a friend attacked by a monster…
He couldn’t shake the feeling that Maya’s reaction was a bit too intense.
Maybe she was closer to Kendrick than he thought.
Or maybe… they had spent so long as friends that Maya hadn’t even realized her feelings yet.
Maybe she had feelings for Kendrick Akeesia.
The very thought made Tristan’s expression harden.
He couldn’t imagine Maya by anyone else’s side.
It’s just a theory—for now.
He didn’t want to waste his heart on a possibility that wasn’t confirmed. Tristan shook his head to drive out the thought.
He wasn’t about to give up on his first love because of a guess.
But once the seed of doubt had been planted, it wouldn’t go away so easily.
He hoped it wasn’t true. But if it was…
…And if Maya truly wanted that future—
Then he would end their contract marriage cleanly.
For her sake.
“…Shall we prepare dinner then?”
Instead of dwelling on things that hadn’t happened, Tristan decided to focus on winning Maya’s heart.
And that included a special meal, knowing she probably had no appetite from worry.
“Oh, I’ll help too.”
Alec raised his hand as well.
Knowing how much Maya cared about food, he figured this was the perfect time to earn some points—especially if he wanted to ask for another sparring match later.
“I’ll pitch in as well.”
Robert lifted his hand too. The more he heard about Maya, the more he was convinced she was an irreplaceable asset to the Bayarden household.
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
Before they knew it, Doshien had appeared in the doorway with a grin.
In the end, everyone in the room headed to the dining hall to prepare a meal that would win Maya’s favor.
When it came to Maya, they were all of one heart and mind.
Later
Growl…
Having exhausted herself fighting the monster possessing Kendrick’s body, Maya’s stomach cried out for fuel.
I’m starving.
Maya silently whimpered as she thought of Tristan’s face.
…Why is his embrace so warm, too?
His arms, his touch, even his voice—everything about him was warm.
Tristan was like the gentle breeze of spring after a long, bitter winter.
He made her feel weak.
Made her want to stay wrapped in his warmth forever.
…I like him.
The more she got to know him, the more time they spent together—the more she liked him.
But now, with the new variable introduced by Kendrick’s situation, she was starting to worry.
Because of Maya, the present had changed—the wolf monster had appeared earlier than expected, and the butterfly monster had taken Kendrick sooner.
She feared that the changes so far might affect Tristan as well.
