“No way, is it true?”

“This is beyond belief…”

“There’s no way. It’s impossible for a businessman to receive the mineral specially managed by the Vita Kingdom.”

Exchanging bewildered glances with the princes, Enoch looked at me.

“Yes, it’s a candle holder made of Eluril.”

The gazes of the three princes also shot up. Expressing disbelief, one of them spoke first.

“Yes, it’s the special mineral managed by the Vita Kingdom. It’s easy to process, and it doesn’t age, making it perfect for artistic materials.”

“Eluril…”

One of the king’s eyebrows twitched.

“Setting aside the high cost, wouldn’t the Vita Kingdom never hand it over? How did you manage it?”

Everyone had dumbfounded faces.

The information about the ingredients of the scented candles was a secret known only to those directly involved in the production. Philip and Mild were no exception.

In fact, the King of Vita, who received my request through Clona, the art intermediary, was more helpful than expected.

“[As you sent the mermaid statue without any special requests, just for the sake of my mother, we will do the same.]”

That was the statement from the King of Vita. Although I had never seen his face, he provided me with Eluril at the production cost.

“[And send two gifts to you. Please carry out your plans well.]”

The King of Vita entrusted me with a letter to be delivered to the King of Cigarette.

To be handed over only when I meet the King of Cigarette.
And one skilled technician for special processing of Eluril was also sent. Thanks to the active cooperation of the king, we were able to produce scented candles quickly, discreetly, and as much as needed.

Not only that, but borrowing the expertise of a professional technician brought out the full brilliance of the refined minerals.

I sent scented candles with the symbol of the Vita royal family made from the remaining minerals as a gesture of gratitude.

Naturally, the bond between the Vita royal family and me became even stronger.

“Your Highness, Ellen Vervein Renoir is a woman known for her extravagance.”

However, a prince who couldn’t imagine such behind-the-scenes stories began to criticize me.

“It’s undoubtedly true that she spent an enormous amount of money recklessly!”

Other princes also agreed.

“Otherwise, how could a mere businessperson acquire Eluril…!”

There was nothing more to hear.

This time, even the king’s brow was furrowed. It’s something he didn’t want to hear.

While the concubines might have some affection, they wouldn’t waver in the face of the fake prince’s words.

I interrupted the prince’s words without hesitation.

“Your Highness, can you acquire Eluril by spending money?”

“….!”

Of course, the prince couldn’t answer, and his expression contorted. I showed him Ellen’s characteristic wicked smile.

“It’s my special skill, isn’t it.”

In response to my words, the king echoed.

“Ho. There’s a point. The princes have never succeeded in procuring Eluril.”

Thanks to that, the prince’s expression became even more interesting.

I politely expressed my gratitude to the king.

“Then the cost is important, isn’t it, Your Highness? I would be happy regardless of the amount if it’s a genuine product presented to you.”

The king’s expression became even more satisfied.

“That’s also a pleasant sound to hear.”

The king acknowledged me and again enjoyed watching the scented candles burn.

Thanks to that, the princes lost their words and just glared at me, lips tightly pressed. However, that lasted only for a moment.

When I deliberately opened my eyes a bit more and stared at them, the princes became overwhelmed and lowered their gaze to the ground.

Now, they seemed unable to dare to confront me.

The red-haired concubine, who had been watching, got angry and stepped forward.

“Your Highness, now is not the time to be fooled by the scented candles. Please take a look at that wicked woman’s sinister gaze.”

“Calling me wicked is a bit excessive.”

Suddenly, Philip spoke up, his voice calm but with a slight hint of strength.

It wasn’t that intimidating, but when Philip tried to stand up, the overwhelmed concubines flinched.

Trying to step forward in front of the king was truly bold.

I was grateful for this unexpected situation.

However, I gently touched Philip’s back of the hand and made him sit down again.

Fake princes don’t matter. The king also knows he’s not my son.

But the concubines are different. At the words of the courtiers who spent difficult days together, the king might waver.

“Thank you, Viscount. But it’s okay.”
The strongest in this world would undoubtedly be Philip and Marboro, but it’s still better not to have unnecessary conflict with the king.

“Well, and that’s it. If the delivery of scented candles goes smoothly, I was instructed to pass this on.”

I handed the letter given by the Vita King to the king.

“What’s this?”

“This is a letter that King Vita wanted to give you.”

“…A letter?”

“Fortunately, it seems I wasn’t just an ordinary businessperson to King Vita.”

The king’s expression softened after checking the letter. There was no hint of hostility in his gaze towards me.

“We had a superficial relationship with the Vita Kingdom for the past few years. However, it seems that with this incident, the Vita Kingdom is expecting better relations with our kingdom.”

Then the king instructed the prince.

“Calling a businessperson who has an impact on diplomacy a mere one and making a breach of etiquette towards the representative of DS Boutique, the prince should apologize.”

Because of that, the faces of the princes who had scorned me turned red.

The princes hesitated, but at the king’s fake cough, they opened their mouths.

“I failed to recognize a reputable businessperson due to my narrow view. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Really sor…sorry. I don’t know how to seek forgiveness.”

“That could happen.”

I smiled graciously and let it go. Forgiving the princes wasn’t the point. Those roles that clashed with Philip and would disappear weren’t worth paying attention to.

Soon, this novel reaches its climax with the king’s death. It was better to live a little longer in favor with the king and Marboro.

“A while ago, I connected scented candles to the people and candlesticks to the kingdom. Now, like the newly changed scented candle, the people live fragrantly, passing down generations to illuminate the kingdom.”

“Oh, indeed. You’ve given various meanings to scented candles.”

The king’s expression showed satisfaction.

“I feel embarrassed by excessive praise. What you desired, Your Highness, is just the basics.”

I responded gently, and eventually, Enoch, who didn’t forgive me, wiped his eyes and looked at me again.

His expression suggested disbelief in my actions, but I just casually showed him two guarantee certificates lying on the bottom of the box.

“This is a special mineral, Eluril, and the guarantee certificate from DS Boutique.”

“Truly splendid.”

Seeing the certificates, the king clapped his hands and laughed with a relaxed voice.

“Also, to decorate the year that will be the old man’s last with memories and joy, I must repay you. So, stay in the royal palace for a few days.”

I felt genuinely pleased and our mood became better together. However, the king unexpectedly declared something suspicious.

“I’ll confer achievements and titles on the representative of DS Boutique.”