How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

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After some thought, I came to a conclusion.

The glassware did not necessarily have to be Istenia’s finest grade. In fact, products of ordinary quality but relatively affordable could be better. The Northern Continent was not as developed as the Empire, so purchasing power would still differ.

I decided to mobilize the knights to gather the low-priced glassware available on the market.

I thought this alone would be enough to give us a fair chance.

Gehardt, who had been thoroughly discouraged by the Lirisia bulb incident, worked most enthusiastically. Thanks to him, we were able to purchase enough to roughly fill the fleet with the remaining funds.

Watching my actions, Tristan suddenly spoke.

“Have you considered tracking down glass artisans directly? What do you think?”

“Oh, you mean buying straight from them? Not a bad idea, but……”

Using no middlemen would indeed yield higher profits.

However, after some further consideration, I shook my head. Searching for artisans whose locations were unknown would likely cost more in travel. Unless they lived in concentrated artisan communities like on Istenia Island, other craftsmen were scattered across the Empire. It was impossible to check the entire vast Empire, so it was not feasible for now.

Moreover, we had already reached a sufficient quantity. Buying more would be good, but the fleet had limited cargo space, so this was the practical limit for now.

Still, I found it impressive that Tristan, who I thought only knew about mercenary work, had such an idea. I felt quietly touched. Tristan continued.

“It would be fine to buy them, but perhaps we could encourage the artisans to relocate to Hezekia.”

“Oh……”

Unexpectedly, he was suggesting a kind of scouting.

Hezekia had poor climate and infertile soil, making proper farming difficult. I could understand Tristan’s desire to develop industry there.

I remained silent for a moment. I was glad Tristan, who had been in a low mood for no reason these past few days, had finally spoken. But the topic was such that I could not simply welcome it with both hands raised.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Tristan sighed first and shook his head.

“I spoke out of frustration. I know that without offering a massive reward, no one would come. We could never afford that much.”

“Yes……”

These were skilled artisans; a small sum would never suffice. And for the hundredth time, Hezekia had no money.

Poor Tristan……

Why did I feel a pang of sadness too? The Grand Duke, knowing it was impossible due to lack of funds, still could not let go. Yet he was the Grand Duke. And he had been doubted by a mere glass merchant as if he were no better than anyone else……

I was subjected to the same incredulous stares as the Grand Consort, but I had been a commoner in my original world. Feeling sorry for Tristan, I patted the back of his hand to comfort him.

“Just wait a little. One day, our territory will become a place that glass artisans would want to flock to.”

I would spoil them. Just trust me, big brother. I am a little younger than you, but……

I was not exaggerating. I had confidence in this. Left to its own devices, in about ten years Hezekia would flourish as a trade hub. I was determined to accelerate that timeline.

In the original story, this happened after Tristan’s death. He would suffer, and Everett would reap the benefits. But I would not let Tristan vanish so vainly.

I had grown unexpectedly attached to Tristan. Above all, losing such beauty prematurely would be a worldwide loss.

“……”

Tristan looked like he wanted to say something more. His red lips twitched slightly.

But he stopped himself, and a deep shadow still lingered over his otherwise picturesque face.

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Finally, the fleet loaded with trade goods set sail. Several days into the voyage, everything was proceeding smoothly.