How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

These were routes verified by sailing dozens, even hundreds, of ships directly. It was future work, so there was no immediate evidence to present.

Still, my confident assertions seemed to reassure everyone to some degree. Gehardt, his face brighter than before, shouted heartily.

“Has there ever been a time when Grand Consort’s seemingly impossible plans did not turn out well? Whether by luck or skill, we always trust the Grand Consort. Of course!”

“……Ah, thank you……”

It sounded like praise, but Gehardt had a way of making compliments almost sound like insults.

Tristan looked around at everyone once more and concluded the meeting.

“This voyage could determine the future of Hezekia. Prepare thoroughly, everyone. That is all.”

The knights saluted firmly and left. I rolled up the maps and, cautiously, spoke to Tristan.

“Do not worry, Your Highness. We will succeed without fail.”

Tristan raised his eyebrow slightly, then replied calmly as if it were nothing.

“I am not worried. With the Grand Consort present, what is there to fear?”

“……”

If you trust me that much, it makes me even more worried. The fleet could capsize in a sudden storm in the middle of the sea.

“Still, are you not a little concerned? If something goes wrong and the Grand Estate used as collateral is lost, we would be thrown out without a single coin……”

I muttered that aloud and then leapt in alarm at my own words. No, one should never imagine such a scenario, even as a possibility.

“I, I misspoke. Please pretend you did not hear that. I take it back, take it back!”

“……”

Tristan, who had been quietly watching my face turn from pale blue to white, finally spoke calmly.

“If that were to happen, it would be fate. It does not matter.”

“Eh……?”

What is he saying? Why does it not matter? Is he suggesting the Grand Consort and I rush toward a death ending together?

I could not reply, just parted my lips in disbelief. Tristan, with a completely calm face, asked:

“If you are thrown out without a single coin, will the Grand Consort not take care of me?”

“Eh? Me?”

“Did I not say you would provide for us, so there is nothing to worry about?”

“Me?”

When did I say that? I had muttered to myself plenty, but had my inner thoughts been heard that far?

I was at a loss, blinking in confusion. Then Tristan, who had been quietly watching me, unexpectedly smiled.

“……?”

His long eyes curved gently, and his thick eyelashes fluttered slightly. Warmth spread through the smile in his eyes. His refined face shone radiantly. A sudden warm feeling tickled somewhere deep inside my chest. I looked at him in mild embarrassment. Why, all of a sudden, the man is smiling with his eyes like that……?

“You do not need to hear it to know.”

“……”

If he says that with that expression, what else could I say? I sighed silently and waved my hand as if to say I understood. I had shouted to trust only him, but I had done so inwardly. Yet even with my insistence, why does he make me rely on him so completely……?

I felt as if the weight on my shoulders had multiplied a hundredfold.

❖ ❖ ❖

The next day, the sailors began early, carefully loading several Belforte specialties onto the new ships. The cargo included the empire’s specialty herbs, crafts, and premium wine made from Belforte grapes. The fleet, loaded with goods, immediately set course for Hezekia. After several days of sailing, they arrived in the evening.

Before setting off on the open-sea voyage, the Hezekia port, which we had stopped at briefly for supplies, looked livelier than before. Since there was no need to unload trade goods, Tristan and I strolled leisurely toward the glass workshop. Craftsmen and workers were still working late into the night, sparks flying as they focused on their work.

Inside the workshop, display shelves were already filled with glass bottles, elegant glassware, and vases engraved with beautiful designs that had been completed so far.