How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 51.2
You want to join the voyage? My eyes widened immediately. If Matthias was sincere, it would be beneficial both for us and for him.
“Are you serious?”
When I asked excitedly, Matthias’s face brightened. He clasped his hands together and nodded repeatedly.
“Of course, Grand Consort. I could also explain the newly created maps and routes. While sailing, I might even be able to make adjustments to the maps. Above all, I just want to be of help to you both.”
“That is unnecessary.”
Before Matthias could finish speaking, a low voice suddenly interjected. I blinked and turned toward the firm reply.
“Tristan?”
It was obvious that this was a good thing for everyone, so I did not understand why. His expression had not been good for some time, which concerned me. I thought it was just a feeling, but perhaps Tristan was wary of Matthias?
“Why do you say that, Your Highness?”
I asked in confusion, and Tristan looked at me briefly. He checked my expression carefully, but his face remained calm and composed as usual. I looked up at him in puzzlement, and Tristan continued in a measured voice.
“Matthias. You are still recovering. I heard that mercury poisoning is not easily cured. The route through the open sea will inevitably be difficult. It could be too much for a body that is still unwell. I understand your sincerity, but it is better that you do not accompany this voyage.”
I looked at Tristan in mild surprise. His demeanor was impeccably polite and considerate. The uneasy feeling I had was clearly just my imagination. I even felt a pang of guilt for misunderstanding Tristan.
Upon hearing Tristan’s words, Matthias lowered his gaze briefly. A faint, bitter smile appeared on his lips before disappearing quickly. Then he looked at Tristan carefully.
“Ah… Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern.”
Tristan had already turned his gaze toward the distant sea. Matthias’s eyes, watching his profile, wavered subtly. For some reason, an awkward silence hung between them. The sea breeze gently brushed our necks. A seagull circled high in the sky and cried out.
I felt a little embarrassed and alternated my glance between the two of them.
Then Matthias added quietly with a faint smile.
“Then… once I am fully recovered, if there is another opportunity, I would be honored to join at that time.”
“Of course. Recover first, and later we will go together.”
I smiled brightly at him, and the atmosphere seemed to relax slightly. Matthias stepped back a little and bowed toward Tristan. Tristan glanced at him briefly but said nothing.
❖ ❖ ❖
The long sea breeze softly brushed my neck. Finally, the entire new fleet was complete, and it was the first day boarding the flagship. It was a large sailing ship built with sturdy materials, capable of withstanding even harsh storms. It was incomparable to the old, dilapidated, and cramped ships of before.
I looked down at Constantine, who was walking beside me holding my hand. The child’s eyes were wide with wonder.
Every time he turned his head to look around, there was a sharp sound. Excited, he ran about and waved one arm enthusiastically while cheering.
“Wow! This is amazing!”
Even though he was the Crown Prince’s son, he was impressed by just one ship. I felt a pang of sadness and gently stroked the child’s chubby cheeks. The child looked up at me with eyes shining with joy.
“Grand Consort! Are we rich now?”
“……”
Rich… we are just debt collectors aiming for wealth. I could not tell the excited child that this was essentially a bank ship and that we were buried in debt. I smiled awkwardly and trailed off.
“Well, um… we do have quite a lot now….”
Perhaps one mast of this ship counted as our net assets. I did not know why, but my nose felt suddenly stinging and tears threatened to fall.
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