display: contents removes the box, not the HTML element

Useful to know

display: contents allows children to shape themselves as if the enveloping element does not have its own box. The node itself remains in DOM; the inheritance rules and the selectors do not disappear. [1]

In a grid layout, this can bring out grandchildren as participants in the network. However, the frame and the background of the shell no longer have the usual drawing box. MDN also notes accessibility tree issues in some implementations. Try semantics with relevant browsers and assistive technologies, especially in tables, lists, and interactive groups.