How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

I held his hand tightly with one hand, and with the other, I gently touched my own lips. A subtle, refreshing trace lingered on the tips of my lips.

❖ ❖ ❖

Outside the admiral’s cabin window, the deep blue sea rippled gently. White waves rolled in quietly, broke softly, and then receded repeatedly. On the ship, smoothly swaying toward Hezekia, the knights who had gathered for the first time in a while began to report the results of this voyage in turn.

“The list of spoils captured from the pirate ship we seized is as follows. Six boxes of amethyst, ebony wood……”

“……The trade goods acquired from the Sarr Empire were sold at Belforte Port. After deducting all associated costs including trade taxes, port fees, and unloading costs, the net profit secured so far is……”

After Sir Johannes reported the results from the naval battle, Sir Mildred announced the total profit. Standing straight before the thick wooden table, he opened the ledger and carefully traced the numbers with his fingertips while clearly reading out each entry.

“……Of this, after repaying loans to the Belforte Bank, the remaining profit is approximately 105,000 gold.”

When the final amount was reported, several knights held their breaths and swallowed their astonishment. Gehardt raised his head as if he could not believe it, his eyes shining as he looked at me.

“Finally, it’s done……. I honestly thought the Grand Consort’s castle would be blown away.”

“…….”

I thought so too. But at that time, did I not loudly claim that nothing would happen right before me?

I chuckled softly and nodded.

The knights patted each other’s backs and laughed brightly, and the first officer and the deckmaster, along with the other crew, let out small cheers as if finally reassured.

“Good work. Rest comfortably in Hezekia for the time being.”

Tristan, seated beside me, spoke quietly with a soft smile. I subtly turned my head to look at him, and our gazes met in midair.

“…….”

I turned my gaze back toward the window and stared blankly outside. Sunlight shimmered on the sea. Even in this dramatically emotional moment, the space between Tristan and me felt strangely awkward. I quietly clenched my cold fingertips into a loose fist and then opened them again.

‘I must be crazy…….’

If the system had triggered a heat cycle or a lust event, at least I could have used that as an excuse. But no matter how I recalled it, I had definitely acted soberly. I had deliberately covered Tristan’s lips while fully conscious.

I stole a sideways glance at Tristan’s profile. Beneath his long eyelashes, his partially visible blue eyes looked calm. His expression seemed as if nothing had happened, but my mind was a tangled mess, making me increasingly anxious.

‘He cannot possibly have forgotten, can he?’

Since the kiss had been so sudden and heated, his memory might have been blurry. As I thought this, a tingling ran through my fingertips. I thought it might be better that way, yet a strange unease lingered. Even though I had technically taken his first kiss, we were already married, so I had some responsibility……

Moreover, it was not taken from him; I had taken it.

It was not the very first kiss, but in the past, it had happened due to the system’s manipulation. This time, however, it had been consciously done, so it counted as the first intentional one.

“Grand Consort, Your Highness?”

I had been lost in thought, following the stream of consciousness, when a voice suddenly brought me back to attention. Sir Mildred stood neatly before me, as always.

“The reports end here. As for the schedule of fund usage in Hezekia, please discuss it with Your Highness after arriving at the Grand Consort’s castle……”

“Ah, yes. I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

I answered hurriedly, and Sir Mildred tilted his head slightly, appearing a little puzzled, before quietly stepping back.

Then, I felt Tristan’s gaze gently reach me, and I flinched slightly.

I lowered my head and lightly rubbed my cheek with the back of my hand. Following the path of his gaze, a warmth seemed to rise within me.

Soon, I heard the quiet sound of a chair being moved beside me. Tristan rose and spoke.

“Let’s conclude the meeting. Everyone, review your assigned tasks once more. We will arrive in Hezekia within two days.”

His voice was calm and orderly as always. However, after speaking, I noticed a faint sigh. That gentle breath made my face suddenly flush, and I awkwardly cleared my throat.