How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 85.2
Tristan carefully set me down and rose to his feet. Then, with a cautious gaze, he surveyed our surroundings.
“Stop rowing.”
His low, steady voice fell. Several sailors turned to Tristan with guarded, hopeful expressions. Some seemed to sense something, while others still looked bewildered and uneasy. Amid them, Tristan stood upright and spoke clearly.
“The sea is changing. The area where the wind is blowing is not far from here.”
A faint spark lit in the sailors’ eyes. Without realizing it, my back straightened and my fingertips trembled slightly.
“T…then if we row just a little more, we can survive, Your Highness?”
“But this lifeboat does not have a sail…”
The corner of Tristan’s lips lifted ever so slightly. He looked around with a confident gaze.
“We return to the fleet. We will connect the lifeboats to the fleet, row, and pull the ships over to us.”
Tristan’s voice brimmed with certainty. Heat flickered within his blue eyes.
❖ ❖ ❖
The ships that had been abandoned in the middle of the sea and dozens of lifeboats were now bound together with thick ropes. The trade goods that had been loaded for sale in the Sarr Empire were all thrown into the deep sea. Rotten provisions, heavy barrels of liquor, and thick winter fabrics were no exception. After emptying the ships as much as possible to make them lighter, all the sailors boarded the lifeboats and took their places.
No one spoke as everyone rowed. Their sun burned arms trembled violently. Hot sweat streamed down their rough brows. They had long been exhausted and starving, yet no one stopped. Only the creaking sound of oars echoed through the vast silence. And behind us, three massive ships began to move, slowly, but unmistakably.
“…You should rest.”
Tristan’s large hand overlapped mine as I rowed in a daze. When I lifted my head, our eyes met. A deep emotion passed fleetingly through eyes as blue as an icy lake. I quietly lowered my gaze. Blood was seeping from my palms, swollen and blistered countless times over.
I shook my head softly.
“If even one more person adds their strength, we will reach the wind just a little faster.”
Even moving my parched lips was difficult. Still, my voice came out clear. It was a vow to myself, and I hoped it would also be encouragement to everyone. Then, a small laugh sounded above my head.
Startled, I looked up at Tristan. He sat beside me and gently took the oar from my hands.
“Tristan? What are you doing?”
“You are not much help. It is better if I do it.”
“No, Your Highness, you need to be giving commands. You should not be doing this here.”
“You need to rest. You should not be doing this here.”
“…Do not copy what I say.”
I had no idea what this sudden stubbornness was about. When I glanced around, everyone was rowing with deeply uncomfortable expressions, deliberately turning away from us. The Grand Duke, who should have been busy assessing the situation and issuing orders, was personally rowing alongside the sailors. Feeling awkward, I rolled my eyes before finally letting out a sigh.
“Fine. I understand what you mean, so now please stop…”
“Wait.”
Tristan raised one hand to halt my words. I was about to argue further when I suddenly drew in a sharp breath.
The wind brushed against my cheek.
“Tristan…”
I looked up at the sky with a dazed expression. A sudden smile crossed Tristan’s cool face. Startled, I looked around. The ships following the line of lifeboats came into clear view.
The sails, which had been hanging limp, were beginning to swell, little by little, very slowly.
“W wind…!”
“The wind is blowing. The sea of death is moving!”
“W… we survived! We are going to live!”
Cheers erupted among the sailors. The oppressive silence finally shattered. Everyone turned to look at Tristan at once. Tristan’s eyes curved gently.
“All personnel, board the ships. Hurry!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“Yes!”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
