How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

A heavy silence settled over the study. Everyone knew all too well what it meant to admit that the flagship would not return.

Yet it could not be left unspoken forever. Even if preparations started immediately, building ships would take a long time. Moreover, this time I had no intention of forming a small merchant fleet of only three ships like before.

“Wilhelm? Has the situation been assessed?”

I asked, urging him on. The butler straightened his expression and bowed slightly.

“I apologize, Your Highness. My response has been delayed. The profits from the previous voyage to the Sarr Empire are substantial. Additionally, during your absence, multiple successful trades have taken place with the Port of Kalhaven in the northern continent. Therefore, the current financial status is…”

Listening to Wilhelm’s lengthy explanation and doing the calculations, it seemed that we fortunately had enough funds to form a fairly substantial new fleet.

I paused to consider, then quickly made my decision.

“Sir Johannes. As acting Grand Duke of Hezekia, I will have you place orders at the Belforte shipyard.”

“Yes… pardon? You mean as an acting Grand Duke?”

Not as the Grand Consort, but as acting Grand Duke. It seemed the retainers understood something from my words, and their expressions shifted subtly. Wilhelm hesitated before speaking with difficulty.

“Your Highness, the Grand Duke…”

“Enough, Wilhelm. Focus on the discussion about the new fleet for now.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

During the meeting, not a single word was spoken regarding Tristan’s funeral. I still had no intention of acknowledging his death.

Perhaps it was foolish to cling to hope based only on passing remarks from the system. Moreover, the system had been stubborn, refusing to reveal any detailed background no matter how many times I pressed it.

“System. What exactly is ‘Tristan’s Happiness’? If you say something like ‘happy days spent in heaven,’ I will seriously shut you down.”

Revealing confidential information violates system policy. Please stop threatening the system♥

The system remained stubborn but still did not confirm Tristan’s death. I quietly clenched my fists on my lap.

“Grand Consort, how shall we organize the fleet?”

I decided to focus on what I could do for now.

“The new flagship should be like the previous one, around 1,400 tons… no, not that.”

The scale of the Dearsby Privateer Fleet that had attacked the Hezekia fleet flashed vividly in my mind. Ships of the same size would only repeat the same disaster. We needed stronger and more reliable firepower. I steadied my breathing and issued my orders decisively.

“Have them construct a minimum of 1,800-ton armed ships. If funds allow, order three additional 1,400-ton ships as well.”

“Your Highness…”

Everyone seemed taken aback by the unexpected scale. Sir Mildred hesitated before speaking carefully.

“Are you preparing for war, Your Highness?”

I nodded gravely. These were the most loyal retainers protecting Hezekia. They needed to understand the situation accurately.

“As you all know, the fleet that attacked Hezekia is presumed to be the Dearsby Privateer Fleet. These attacks will continue.”

“But since the Grand Duke is missing, they are unlikely to attack recklessly for the time being.”

“Indeed. They will assume the Crown Prince’s position is weak. Their morale must have been shaken after this naval battle as well. But how long will that last?”

“What do you mean, Your Highness?”

“Their sense of security comes only from believing the Crown Prince’s situation has worsened. However, as Hezekia continues to prosper while trading between the eastern and northern continents, they will not stand idly by forever.”

“Grand Consort, Your Highness, that means…”

I raised my head and looked calmly at the retainers.

“ Trade will continue. The third ship was relatively unharmed, and the second ship remained operational until our withdrawal. They should arrive in Hezekia within a few days. Two large ships are sufficient for trips to the Sarr Empire. Since I cannot leave this place, Sir Mildred will lead the fleet.”

I gave rapid instructions, then took a steadying breath. Slowly, I closed and opened my eyes again.

Finally, I added the last words I had hesitated to speak.

“Maintain this system… until the Grand Duke returns.”

A heavy and strange silence, woven with faint hope and apprehension, descended over the study.