How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending

Tristan spoke calmly.

“This is a natural phenomenon. When the humidity is high and the wind suddenly picks up, the atmosphere becomes unstable. That is why static electricity forms. It is not a real fire. The discharge occurs only at pointed areas, like the top of a mast. It is not dangerous.”

Though massive in scale, it was similar to ordinary static electricity. However, unlike in the previous world, the concept of static electricity was not commonly known here.

Tristan’s face remained pale. His jaw was clenched firmly.

He shook his head slowly, expression dark.

“The principle is not the issue, Ruellin. The important point is that anyone from Hezekia believes this legend.”

“I see…”

As Tristan said, whether the flames were a witch’s curse or a natural phenomenon, my explanation could not calm the fear-stricken sailors.

I had no choice but to speak quietly, trying to soothe Tristan.

“Still… Hezekia is very near. If we can endure for just a few days, nothing will happen.”

“Let us hope so.”

Yet Tristan’s gaze also seemed unsettled, filled with a sense of foreboding.

❖ ❖ ❖

Deep within the Imperial Palace of Belforte, Lady Countess Dearsby’s residence, Seren Hall, was known even in the court for its elegance and brightness.

Countess Dearsby, or Emperor’s consort Liander, was far from being worthy to become the owner of the historic Seren Hall. She had not even been qualified to assist with minor duties as a servant. She had once been a serving girl, carrying drinks and selling smiles in a tavern in a back alley of the port.

Of course, by now, she appeared at official events, even in place of the late Empress. No one dared to mention her lowly origin in front of Liander, and that had long been the case.

If only the Empress had still been alive… No, even if the Crown Prince had not died so tragically, it would still have been impossible.

Scarlett, the wife of Viscount Elsworth and Liander’s personal lady-in-waiting, glanced sideways at Liander’s beautiful face while thinking of a polite bow if the Empress had been present.

Liander leaned lazily against a luxurious sandalwood chair imported from the Sarr Empire in the east, her face filled with boredom as she stared out the window.

Beyond the large glass windows lining one wall of the reception room, the carefully tended garden was visible. Each time the wind blew, the neatly trimmed silver-white branches and the multicolored exotic flowers swayed gently.

Liander straightened and sipped from a white porcelain cup filled with fine Sarr Empire tea. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows and delicate lips under a straight, narrow nose were so youthful that her age could not be guessed. Yet shadows lingered beneath her long eyelashes. She placed the cup down and silently lifted her head.

A coldness appeared in her otherwise gentle and lovely face. Scarlett flinched and bent deeply at the waist under Liander’s piercing gaze.

“…A patrol ship surveying the eastern waters has sent a report, Ma… Ma’am.”

Though Liander’s official rank in the Rubyere Empire, which did not recognize the harem system, was technically only “Countess Dearsby,” her position as the mistress of Seren Hall gave her influence. Even so, a former serving girl being called “Ma’am” by her words embarrassed Scarlett. She quickly composed herself and continued.

“They say the Hezekia fleet is returning safely. This time, it seems they set their course directly for Hezekia without stopping at Belforte Harbor.”

But what could the Viscountess, merely Scarlett’s employer, say when Liander, the favored consort of the aging emperor, wished to be addressed as “Ma’am”? Her only duty was to faithfully carry out Liander’s orders.

Liander, apparently unsatisfied with Scarlett’s report, tilted her head slightly, then spoke in a mildly irritated tone.

“They are returning from the eastern continent sooner than expected.”