How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 73.1
“I did not expect the Second Prince to personally conduct an inspection. I am surprised this matter is considered so important in the Empire.”
The voice carried no blame or emotion. Tristan remained completely neutral and professional. Everett, who had been observing the Grand Consort, turned his gaze toward me without breaking his smile.
“It is indeed an important matter. I have heard rumors that the Grand Consort of Hezekia played a major role here. That being said, while the inspection team examines the goods, I would like to have a private conversation with the Grand Consort. It is to discuss things in more detail, so I hope the Grand Duke will allow it.”
Everett’s words heightened the tension in the reception room. Tristan immediately responded firmly.
“The Grand Consort is not the representative of the fleet. Midred handles practical matters regarding trade items and ledgers, and all matters including the shipping records fall under my responsibility. Any official discussion should go through me alone.”
His tone was polite but left no room for objection. Everett’s smile hardened briefly. The reception room seemed to freeze in silence for a moment.
Soon, Everett’s expression returned to its usual flawless composure. He gave a light smile and looked at Tristan.
“The Grand Duke is less generous than he seems. As you said, the subordinates can handle practical matters. I only wanted to have a brief personal conversation because of my past connection with Ruellin.”
Tristan’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. I bit my lower lip unconsciously, unsettled by the mention of a ‘past connection.’ It was a clear provocation directed at Tristan.
Yet Tristan remained calm and responded evenly.
“The Second Prince and I are not meeting in a private setting. There is no reason to bring up past matters.”
The tension in the reception room thickened again. Their sharp gazes met without wavering for a moment.
After a short silence, Everett finally let out a slightly irritated laugh.
“……Ha ha ha.”
Everett sat down casually. His gaze flashed toward me for a moment, but then he turned it back to Tristan without saying anything further.
“Indeed, Your Grace is always thorough. Very well. Let us continue our conversation together.”
Only then were Tristan and I able to take our seats and calm our breathing.
The inspectors proceeded with Midred to discuss the practical matters according to procedure. Beyond that, only a few ordinary words passed between Everett and me.
However, I could feel Everett’s cold gaze lingering on me persistently. Each time, Tristan’s hand tensed on the table, the veins standing out slightly. I did not want to jump to conclusions, but it was undeniable that Everett’s intentions felt suspicious.
‘Suddenly… is he taking an interest in me, or what?’
I was secretly flustered at the thought that Gehardt and the knights’ guesses might be correct. The Empire’s top villain was suddenly taking notice of me.
The “instant death ending” I thought had disappeared seemed to be looming right in front of me again. A shiver ran down my spine. It seemed the journey ahead would not be easy.
❖ ❖ ❖
“See, what did I say? What did I say, I tell you! Did I not warn you, Grand Consort!”
“……I understand. You were right. From now on, if you say something, even if I had to make bean curd from red beans or cheese from mineral water… I would believe you.”
After Everett and the inspection team left, the lodgings were in utter chaos. Most of all, I had to break a sweat calming Gehardt, who was bouncing around, insisting that I had been right. On top of that, Tristan sat beside us silently, arms crossed, adding to my stress.
I felt a little wrong. I lowered my head slightly and murmured in a subdued tone.
“No… who would have imagined it?”
“Excuse me? What are you saying?”
“That Everett… suddenly showing interest in me. That man… he must have taken something wrong.”
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