How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

If we squeeze as much as possible, maybe we could construct three ships.

Even having just three ships would allow the new fleet to generate profits incomparable to anything before.

“Your Highness.”

After hesitating, he finally spoke. He took a step forward and looked Tristan squarely in the face.

A warm gaze fell upon me. A faint sense of guilt pricked my chest. He likes me so much…

Still, I clenched my fists and continued.

“I would like you to postpone the relief for the poor.”

“……”

Tristan’s eyebrows twitched ever so slightly.

He did not speak. Yet in the heavy silence, I could feel that he was swallowing something hard.

“Now is the time to invest in ships. You must wait a little longer instead of giving up immediately.”

Tristan’s eyes met mine.

As always, his gaze was calm. Yet, within those deep, lake-like blue eyes, multiple emotions were sharply stirring.

An uncomfortable and heavy silence filled the air.

“The people of the territory are starving.”

At last, when he spoke those words, I could say nothing. I lowered my head and listlessly tapped the floor with the tips of my shoes.

“Your words are correct. As always, they are rational and reasonable.”

“Then…”

“One, this time, I cannot accept it.”

“Your Highness.”

Tristan, who usually followed my words without objection, now wore a firm expression.

He was the Grand Duke responsible for the lives of his subjects. My position, stepping back and thinking of myself first, was completely different.

I murmured in a timid voice.

“But they say you must sacrifice the small for the sake of the large. If we endure just a little, it will not take long. If we can just get through this year…”

But Tristan quietly shook his head. His voice was gentle yet firm.

“Yes, of course, if only a few people are sacrificed, greater benefits will come in the future. I do not deny that. However…”

He paused and took a breath. His gaze toward the distant sea had calmed.

“How would you feel if the person starving before your eyes were your parents? Your siblings or children? Would you still say the same?”

“That is…”

There were few words I could say. I scattered sand on the floor with my shoes and barely mumbled.

“…But they are neither Your Highness’s parents nor Your Highness’s children.”

“Ruellin.”

“No, I am not saying that sacrifices are acceptable. What I mean is that just as they endure trials, there are things that only Your Highness can do. Now is the time to do those things. If all the funds are used here, Hezekia will be stuck in this place forever.”

“Are you saying that the price for that is the severe hunger and misery that my subjects must endure?”

“……”

I do not know either. Who could give a clear answer to this problem? Perhaps I am too selfish. Yet, this was an opportunity too valuable to let slip away.

I lowered my gaze and let out a long sigh.

❖ ❖ ❖

My heart was still heavy and restless.

To get some air, I ended up heading to the harbor without much thought.

The waves brushed against the pier, low and gentle. Masts rose above the docked ships, swaying slowly in the wind. Loosely coiled ropes creaked as they rubbed against each other. In the far, high sky, the cries of seagulls scattered.

I slowly walked toward the flagship docked at the front.

Since it had been months since it was last used, I felt a faint sense of relief. On a whim, I raised my hand and touched the hull.

Tap. Tap-tap. Tap…

“What is this?”

Water was leaking from the gaps in the wooden planks of the ship. Startled, I tapped the wood again. The sound seemed serious.

Even if it seemed minor, leaving it unattended could lead to disaster. If an accident happened at sea, it would be irreversible. I hurriedly ordered the workers.

“Pull all the ships into the dock immediately.”

“Excuse me? All of them, sir?”