How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

Looking at him, Matthias was quite a neat and handsome man. Even my eyes, raised to the sky by Tristan, could see that he would appear even more so to others. Unlike the original story, he had survived, so now Matthias could meet someone or start a new life.

“Matthias? What is it?”

However, Matthias stopped mid-greeting, his face briefly going blank. Then, startled by my urging, his ears turned red in embarrassment. He still looked dazed, which seemed to be a lingering effect of mercury poisoning. I clicked my tongue quietly in sympathy.

“From now on, do not touch things like top hats and stay away from mercury. You have more than enough talent.”

If he gave up his livelihood as a hat maker, Matthias would have had immediate difficulty earning a living. That was why Tristan had recently approached him with an offer of sponsorship.

Tristan promised to pay generously for the maps Matthias produced and to support his future research. Of course, our fleet’s funds were not exactly abundant, and we would need to take another loan from the Belforte Bank, but once this voyage was completed, everything would be paid off.

We could repay it, right?

“I am honored that you say that despite my inadequate skills, Grand Consort.”

Having finally regained his composure, Matthias bowed deeply toward me. A faint smile spread across his thin face.

“It is all thanks to you, Grand Consort. You supported me with medicine and treatment fees, so I could quietly receive care from Professor Robren. Now, I have at least roughly organized the maps I had previously laid out in disarray.”

Matthias tapped the leather bag slung over his shoulder with his fingertips. It seemed to contain the newly organized maps. I asked eagerly, my eyes shining.

“Is that really so? Already? Even though you are not fully recovered, you did not take it easy.”

Naturally, I was pressed for time. The completion of the new fleet was imminent. But I could not rush a patient, so I had been quietly anxious. Seeing him come to me on his own brought both relief and joy.

“I have rested enough. I must complete the maps so that Grand Consort can set sail. I hope it will be of help.”

“It will be of great help. Naturally.”

This was a new route that allowed travel to the East Continent without passing through the deadly sea. We had decided to sponsor Matthias with part of the profits from using the route, yet it was such an incredible innovation that even that seemed like too little.

At that moment, I sensed Tristan approaching nearby. He walked slowly with a blank expression and stopped beside us. Matthias bowed his head in greeting.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Tristan nodded quietly. His cold gaze swept over Matthias. The way his eyes lingered made Matthias flinch and stiffen slightly, clearly taken aback.

“The weather is good. Were you taking a walk, Ruellin?”

“Ah? Yes, yes.”

“With Matthias?”

“No. I came out to see how the ship construction was progressing and happened to run into him.”

“I see.”

Perhaps it was my imagination, but Tristan’s gaze soon returned to me. When our eyes met, I could not hide my excitement and grabbed his elbow.

“I have good news. Matthias has nearly finished organizing the maps, Your Highness. The ships will soon be completed, so we will be able to set sail soon.”

“I see.”

He nodded indifferently, but I noticed a flicker of happiness deep in Tristan’s eyes. He understood the significance of the new maps better than anyone.

“Um…”

Suddenly, Matthias, who had been silently watching us, stepped forward.

“Excuse me for interrupting, but I would like to ask both of you something, if I may.”

“What is it?”

I asked as I turned to him. Matthias hesitated a little before speaking.

“Could I perhaps accompany this voyage? I wanted to ask.”