How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

Because the permission was granted so carelessly, Valerian looked somewhat bewildered. I had intended to step in and insist we take him if Tristan tried to dissuade him by saying it was dangerous.

Even I, who had been waiting, was flustered because Tristan had answered so casually.

“Ruellin. Are your thoughts still the same? I repeat, there is no need for you to step forward.”

Then, Tristan immediately turned toward me, narrowing his brow deeply.

“The physicians and medicines are excellent, and there is sufficient manpower. Were you not tired all day until just recently? Since your body is weak……”

“No, that is not it. Stop talking. I am fine.”

That is not why I was tired all day…… I hastily covered Tristan’s mouth, as he was trying to fluster me again, and walked off in a rush. It felt better to just depart as soon as possible.

In any case, it was a good thing that Valerian was accompanying us. I didn’t feel at ease leaving him alone at the Grand Ducal Castle, and I felt the need to watch what kind of unexpected behavior he might engage in within the village.

Like that, the three of us boarded the carriage and headed toward the eastern fringe.

To be precise, Tristan and I rode in the Grand Duke’s carriage, and Valerian used a small wagon that followed from behind. Whatever the original work was, the Grand Consort of Hezekia right now is me, so that’s only natural……

❖ ❖ ❖

The carriage wheels and horse hooves kicked up dust as we traveled along the winding road for several days. Heavy silence was laid over the village entrance that finally revealed itself.

“It is quieter than I thought, Tristan.”

“It may be that the plague has begun in earnest during this time.”

When we stepped down from the carriage, a faint mist rose hazily over the damp and humid ground. There were few human footprints on the roadside, and all the entrance doors of the houses were shut tight without a single open window.

I inhaled unconsciously.

“Tristan, the air here is already unusual.”

The scent of fishy water and the musty smell of half-rotten grain mixed in the air, brushing against the tip of my nose.

Tristan stood composedly by my side. And with a glance, he called for Sir Johannes.

“Check the well first. Confirm if it is contaminated, and if there is even the slightest suspicion, fill it in immediately. Investigate all nearby spring water as well.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“Gerhardt, lead the cavalry and examine the civilian houses. Especially focusing on the stables, barns, and storehouses, look for traces of the black rat swarms, and if the situation is serious, intervene immediately and eradicate them. Also, investigate how many livestock have died recently and report it.”

“I shall follow your orders!”

Tristan’s voice seemed no different from usual, but a heavy tension was laced at the end of every sentence. Having issued the priority instructions, Tristan paused for a moment to survey the village.

At that moment, a door opened nearby with a creaking sound.

A pale child was hiding behind an adult’s legs, peeking at us. Soon after, doors opened cautiously in several houses, and the villagers revealed themselves one by one.

Most of their complexions were poor, and the areas around their eyes were sunken. Among them, a middle-aged man who looked relatively well-built stepped forward at a pace and offered respects to Tristan and me.

“I am merely moved to tears that you have walked to this desolate village yourself. Your Excellency the Grand Duke, His Highness the Grand Consort.”

“Who are you?”

“I am the village chief here. I was tipped off in advance by a messenger a while ago, and I have prepared a temporary residence in my home, however shabby it may be. First, please come inside.”

“Let us do that.”

Tristan nodded his head and headed toward the civilian house following his guidance. I walked silently beside Tristan, then looked at Valerian, who had mingled among the following party.

As if he was quite shocked by the village’s serious atmosphere, he had an expression as if he were swallowing a moan while feeling heartbroken.

The village chief’s house, located in the center of the village, was relatively large for a civilian home. Tristan and I decided to stay there, and we assigned the party members to stay scattered in various other civilian houses that the village chief had vacated in advance.

Before long, a temporary clinic was set up on one side of the village. The physicians began to prepare to welcome the sick while sorting through various medicinal materials brought from the Grand Ducal Castle.