How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

In fact, it is already too late even now. A massive amount of gold and silver is pouring in from the Sar Empire, and the demand for goods produced by Hezekia in the northern continent and the Rubyere Empire is not trivial, either. Constantine has acquired a sturdy maternal family.

Everett, whose power base is weak, cannot help but feel a crisis. In the original story, even though Hezekia had not yet escaped its desolate, old appearance, Everett somehow eliminated Tristan and swallowed the Grand Duchy whole.

“A swarm of black rats following a swarm of locusts. Everett’s attacks are quite creative.”

“Well, I suppose so…”

But is he really going to continue this conversation? While he is diligently stripping off my clothes with his hands, the Grand Duke’s sincerity in discussing state affairs is making me feel like I am going to explode.

Because of that, my response ended up being a bit twisted.

“Bringing in your own fiancé is also creative. If it were not for me, would you not have married Valerian? Trying to plant a Grand Consort as a spy is an effective plan, is it not?”

“Hmm, it is difficult to see it that way. Above all, I had already attempted to send a spy as a Grand Consort once before, so it is not creative.”

“…”

That was not even a dig, but an outright critique. When I glared at Tristan with wide eyes, he burst into a small laugh.

“Furthermore, it is a plan that has already failed. How can I guarantee that a spy Grand Consort would intend to harm me?”

“Yes, yes. A spy Grand Consort could fall in love with you, right? Does that mean you would have genuinely cherished Valerian if I had not been here?”

“…Why does it lead to that? You are jumping to conclusions.”

Whether it is a jump to conclusions or not is something only the Tristan of the original story would know. I frowned deeply and pushed away Tristan, who was sliding closer. Tristan then pulled me tightly into his arms with a troubled face.

“That person is the son of a vassal who served the Grand Duchy loyally. If I had taken him as a Grand Consort, I would have fulfilled my duties as well. But that is merely a sense of responsibility. It cannot be the same as it is with you.”

“Well… I understand. Let us leave it at that.”

“It is not leaving it at that; it is the truth.”

Seeing that the corners of my mouth are starting to rise slightly even at Tristan’s clumsy comfort, it seems I have been thoroughly blinded by love. It is truly time to graduate from the “real Grand Consort” now.

Of course, the Valerian in the original story was not a “real Grand Consort” but a “real spy”… However, his ending surely did not go the way he wanted, either.

Perhaps he betrayed Tristan in a way similar to this and went to Everett, only to be abandoned by him and meet his end somewhere. Everett would never leave the most compelling witness and suspect of his crimes breathing and alive.

It seems that is the meaning behind the fact that while Everett’s actions continued, Valerian no longer appeared.

“That aside, since we have been attacked by Everett twice now, I think it is time to launch a counterattack.”

“Pardon? Have you made up your mind?”

“The ship of the line I last ordered is almost complete. With this much, we can build a fleet on a fairly large scale.”

“Yes, that is true. But…”

Before I knew it, not a single piece of clothing remained on my body. I was slightly flustered and hurriedly pulled up the silk blanket that had been covering below my waist.

Whether or not I did that, the loyal Grand Duke of Hezekia was busy reciting his plans faithfully.

“Since Everett attacked the backer of Constantine, it is only right that we attack his most loyal support base.”

“Do you mean Count Dearsby?”

“Yes. Even without that, Meyer’s ‘little birds’ have just arrived at the castle. I suspect they have brought the news we want. I intend to decide after hearing the detailed situation from them.”

“Not Meyer, but Sawyer… Ugh…”

Tristan swept his hand down my spine. When I flinched and let out a groan, he looked straight down at me and curved his eyes softly.

“Is now the time to discuss such matters? In this situation?”

Who is saying that to whom right now… I let out a long, long sigh, yet couldn’t help but smile as I wrapped my arms around his neck.