How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 43.2
Above the calm, mist-covered sea, a massive sail rose into the sky. The ropes tightened, and the ship glided smoothly from the harbor.
I quietly observed Tristan leaning against the ship’s railing, staring at the receding port, before suddenly asking.
“May I ask why we are in such a hurry, Your Highness?”
He did not answer immediately.
The small waves broke against the hull, and far away, the sound of the sail ropes swaying in the wind drifted faintly.
After staring silently at the water for a long while, Tristan finally spoke.
“There are banks in Belforte that manage large capital. I plan to take out a loan.”
I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise.
It was not that I was shocked at the idea of taking a loan. In fact, given the current situation, it was the only possible way to secure funds.
However, I had a reason for not considering a loan.
To obtain one, collateral was required. Naturally, Hezekia had no assets suitable as collateral.
Truly, there was nothing…
I turned my head to glance at Tristan’s profile. I wanted to ask what he was thinking, but fear of his answer kept my lips sealed. Silence stretched between us.
Finally, Tristan added quietly.
“I intend to use the Grand Ducal Castle as collateral.”
“…What?”
This time my heart sank completely. For a moment, the sound of the wind and the crashing waves faded, leaving only Tristan’s voice in my mind. The Grand Ducal Castle…
Once I regained my senses, I hastily tried to stop him.
“Your Highness! This is impossible! If something goes wrong, once the Grand Ducal Castle is pledged, it cannot be undone. If, even by the slightest chance…”
The name of the Hezekia Grand Ducal family would vanish from history.
The Grand Ducal Castle was unlike ordinary noble estates. It was a massive fortress built to repel external attacks, and for centuries it had been the final defense upon which the people of Hezekia had relied.
Every previous Grand Duke had protected it above all else for a reason.
Yet Tristan did not waver.
“I know.”
His short, firm answer fell. The unreadable expression on his face seemed almost chilling.
He continued quietly.
“There is nothing to lose. The fleet has performed well. The collateral can be repaid soon enough.”
“But…”
I was confident I could recover the new investment quickly. With a few more large ships, I had prepared multiple plans for expanding trade routes and new businesses.
But the future is always uncertain. No one can predict what might happen. I could not throw the Grand Ducal Castle into the midst of such uncertainty.
My worry must have been visible because Tristan looked at me and smiled faintly before adding.
“There is no need to fear. You are here. I believe we can succeed going forward.”
“….”
I was grateful for his trust, but that was not the only concern.
Even placing the Grand Ducal Castle as collateral on a banker’s document would shake Tristan’s pride greatly.
I moved my lips into a frown.
“Your Highness, are you truly sure about this?”
Tristan would understand the meaning better than anyone.
He turned to quietly study me. I could only close my mouth. No words came out as I met his eyes.
“I cannot let go of either. The people who rely on me and the future you hope for.”
“….”
“If letting go of pride allows us to have both, then the choice is clear. It is only natural.”
No, it was not natural.
This was not mere pride. The Grand Ducal Castle was the pride of the Hezekia autonomous domain and Tristan’s foundation for centuries.
Yet, even after hearing this, I could not stop him. Tristan was right. This was the only path he could take.
“…I understand.”
The cold sea breeze brushed my cheek. The waves broke white against the hull, pushing the ship forward.
This had begun as a plan to divorce safely, accept a generous settlement, and live quietly. But the weight Tristan carried was entirely different.
I felt the heaviness settle in anew.
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