Chapter 99
Now, instead of reflecting others, it was time for Ophrase to step forward and present her own opinion.
“…”
“Don’t worry about anything else. I’ll take responsibility.”
Maya smiled brightly.
It was a confident smile, enough to erase all of Ophrase’s worries.
A dress that reflects me…
It wasn’t that Ophrase didn’t want to present a dress that embodied her own self, just as Maya said.
But creating a dress without considering the thoughts and opinions of the nobility—just her own dress—was frightening.
She didn’t want to earn hatred or make enemies.
Killing off her true self had always been more useful for survival.
But now, she had a strong backing.
Maya Bearden—the knight commander and duchess—who believed wholeheartedly in Ophrase’s dresses.
How should I make it?
Thinking about designing something without interference made her heart pound with excitement.
To be able to present her dress exactly as she sketched it.
It was thrilling, but at the same time, a wave of fear washed over her.
“…What if it doesn’t appeal to anyone?”
“That won’t happen. You are a talented person.”
Maya shook her head firmly.
She showered Ophrase with praise, knowing how much comfort and courage kind words could give when one felt lost.
And besides, it was true.
Even to Maya, who knew nothing of such things, and to Seren, who once led high society, Ophrase’s dresses had been flawless.
Their tastes were completely different, yet both were moved by Ophrase’s work.
To appeal to such a wide range of people was an extraordinary gift.
After pondering, Maya added,
“Rather, you’ll be the one to set the trend.”
Because remarkable people always paved the way for others.
Ophrase was deeply moved by Maya’s sincerity.
“…Thank you.”
She bowed her head to Maya over and over.
From behind, Dossien watched them warmly.
He was impressed by how Maya found Ophrase’s strengths, weaknesses, and talents, and encouraged her so naturally.
These days, Maya reminded him of Tristan—and Tristan, in turn, reminded him of Maya.
They say married couples grow alike, and it couldn’t be more true.
The wedding day dawned.
Although it was a day off from training, Maya had been awake since the crack of dawn.
I’m nervous.
Only a few would attend—Dossien, Alec, Robert, and Kendrick—a small wedding. Yet every nerve in her body was on edge.
Why?
It wasn’t as though she had to prove something in front of people or exert her strength.
It was merely an extension of their contract marriage. So why was she so nervous?
…Because it’s a day precious to me.
Even though she had pretended to be indifferent in front of Tristan, and even to herself, in truth she had been looking forward to this day.
Maya tossed and turned, then rolled over to face Tristan.
He hadn’t come to bed until after she’d fallen asleep, and even now he still hadn’t opened his eyes.
He must be tired.
Through the slightly parted curtains, moonlight streamed in and touched him.
Thick brows, gracefully lowered lashes, a straight nose, and slightly parted lips. Everything about him was sculpted like flawless porcelain.
…She felt like a devil daring to taint an angel.
Maya raised her finger to touch his lips—the very place her own lips had once met, where their breaths had mingled.
The time for parting was drawing closer.
Tristan’s curse was gradually lifting.
He was spending more and more time in his true form.
Though it saddened her that the boyish appearance was fading, she was also grateful to share in his process of breaking free from the curse and reclaiming his wholeness as a duke.
…But she feared the moment he no longer needed her.
For Tristan, life would go on, with or without Maya. But for Maya, it was different.
Since the contract marriage, she had told herself they would eventually part—but her desire only grew.
Maya needed Tristan.
She loved that he acknowledged her as a person and saw her for who she was.
And above all, she loved him.
In her life, Tristan had come to hold such a vast place, while in his life, all she did was help lift the curse.
So she wished this time could last longer.
That they could remain together just a little longer.
Maya embraced him tightly.
His heartbeat pulsed at the same rhythm as hers.
A thought crossed her mind.
Why had Tristan been cursed with something tied to age?
Was there a reason someone didn’t want him to live in his true form?
Her own curse made sense, considering her bloodline—born of dragon’s blood.
But Tristan’s case was different.
Who had cursed him?
The Demon King?
She had always thought only of breaking the curse, never once of the one who had placed it.
Maya studied his face, then shrugged her shoulders.
On her wedding day, the only “answer” she could come up with was something absurd, like—maybe he was cursed because his looks were simply too overwhelming.
Clearly, her one-sided love had become quite the illness.
Maya had asked Dossien to prepare a special bath just for today.
I want my body to carry a nice scent.
If there was ever a day to indulge a little, this was it.
The bathwater was infused with lavender, her favorite fragrance.
With a few drops of essential oil added, the scent was rich and full.
Soaking in lavender, Maya absentmindedly twirled her hair.
Once, she had asked Tristan what he thought of wearing perfume or making extra effort to dress up for a special occasion.
His reply had been simple:
“If it’s what you want, then it’s good.”
He told her that no matter how she looked, his feelings would never change.
How could someone speak words so beautiful?
Tristan must have been a flower in a past life.
Too beautiful, too radiant, a flower others could only dare to admire from afar.
Bubbling. Underwater, she let out her breath and inhaled the cool air.
Just being allowed to stand by someone like him, even for a while, is a blessing.
Since such a chance was rare, she would give it her all. Maya rose from the bath.
It was time to put on the dress Ophrase had made for her.
After their talk, Ophrase had designed it especially for Maya.
It had puffed sleeves and a square neckline that highlighted her collarbones.
The bodice, like Seren’s previous dress, evoked the silhouette of armor.
I could never separate Lady Maya from her sword.
But overall, the dress was radiant and lovely.
Unlike Seren’s dress, which had simple decorations that drew all attention to her, Maya’s was entirely different—crafted to suit the moment perfectly.
At first glance, the pure-white dress looked modest, but a closer look revealed otherwise.
Layer upon layer of handmade lace depicted flowers and Pendragon’s crest.
Delicate details only noticeable to a careful eye.
The wide skirt layered with lace gave flair to what could have been plain.
Maya stared at herself in the mirror.
The reflection smiling back at her felt unfamiliar, but she liked it.
She had wished to look different today, and indeed she did.
Slipping on low-heeled shoes, she took her first step forward.
Now, I’m coming to meet you.
For today, she would set aside every worry and devote herself entirely to Tristan.
After living this new life with all her strength, she thought she deserved at least this much.
A wedding with the man she loved, a memory to last a lifetime.
Carrying her swelling anticipation, Maya took Dossien’s hand.
“The Duke is already waiting.”
But she had seen him asleep before she left.
“…Did I take that long?”
“No, the Duke simply prepared quickly.”
Dossien chose not to mention that Tristan had actually woken before Maya.
The reason he was ready so quickly was simple—
On their wedding day, he couldn’t bear to keep Maya waiting, so he had given it his all.
The hall chosen for the ceremony was the grandest one in the main manor.
Dossien opened the doors that had been kept tightly shut until now.
Long windows poured in dazzling sunlight, chandeliers gleamed overhead.
The hall, filled with white and gold, reminded Maya of Tristan himself.
Roses and fresh flowers adorned every corner, climbing chandeliers and windows alike.
It was as if they had stepped into an enchanted forest.
And in the very center of it all stood her husband, Tristan—waiting in his boyish form.
Like Maya, he was dressed in pure white uniform.
Maya’s heart pounded as she waited for him to notice her.
His eyes slowly widened.
Maya, with Dossien at her side, walked toward him.
Tristan stood in silence, waiting.
And at last, the two of them faced each other.
