Walking slowly through the silent and solemn hall to the inner part where the king was, I glimpsed the faces of several people, including Philip, Laila, and Alexander. I was relieved not to see Enoch and Delina.

However, Philip’s atmosphere seemed to sink somehow. On the other hand, Marboro and Laila seemed calm, and Alexander seemed in a good mood.

I wondered if something had happened to Philip, but due to the solemn atmosphere of the investiture ceremony, I didn’t have a chance to ask with a glance.

“The status of Sigarett shines above the sun.”

I, paying respect to the king, lowered one knee on the low velvet chair prepared in front.

The king, seated in a wheelchair, raised his sword.

I slightly bowed my head.
To receive the title of a viscount, and furthermore, to be recognized as the head of a new noble family. My emotions were numb. Even as the sword touched each of my shoulders and fell, I couldn’t grasp the reality. Then, two medals were bestowed upon me on the plush velvet cushion. Seeing that, I remembered having a dream of acquiring jewels overnight. It felt like a premonition, but considering today’s events, it might not have been just a dream.

‘Could it be that nature is delayed because of stress?’

I decided to wait a few more days, and if nature still doesn’t show up, I’ll have to see a doctor then.

After the investiture ceremony concluded, the king, feeling the need for a rest, went inside with Philip and Marboro. I was then guided to the banquet hall where people were congratulating me.

“I’m truly delighted to meet you, Viscount D.S.”

“Viscount D.S., how do you plan to sell the limited edition?”

“Do we have to stand in line at a boutique for the limited edition?”

People called me various things, associating me with the new achievement and title recognized by the king.

“Well, I’m considering it.”

It might have been troublesome in the past, but not anymore.

Nobles approaching me were potential customers for scented candles. So, even if I couldn’t hear their words well, I gracefully nodded with a business smile.

Some insisted on offering me champagne.

“I remember. This was the drink you liked when you were just married, Viscount D.S.”

“Oh, really? Haha.”

“Let’s have a drink together.”

However, perhaps due to nervousness from the investiture ceremony, or maybe because I wasn’t feeling well, the champagne didn’t taste good, even just from the aroma.

“Oh, how about the limited edition? How do you plan to sell it?”

“Um, still considering it.”

“We heard that the king really liked it, so our family is suddenly interested in scented candles.”

“We are grateful for your generous acceptance of our shortcomings.”

“Haha, you are humble. So, when will the limited edition be available for sale?”

“……. ”

It became quite annoying and tiring.

I had clearly mentioned that I was still considering it, so why do they keep asking?

“…… Viscount D.S.? You look a bit pale.”

At that moment, Clona, who was nearby, approached with a concerned look.

“You’ve been busy since dawn. Wouldn’t it be better to take a break now?”

Although I actually overslept, I nodded in agreement with her suggestion. Then, I thought it would be a good idea to disperse people’s attention.

The true intention of the nobles was to obtain premium scented candles. Since the quantity was limited, the value was naturally high. In other words, they didn’t want to get close to me.

“As for the limited edition, I plan to handle it through Clona Hasena’s art brokerage.”

Upon hearing my words, Clona covered her surprised mouth with her hands.

“Oh my! Viscount D.S.! Are you bestowing such an honor upon me?”

“I’ll leave the details to the staff, so please take care of it.”

Clona, seemingly thrilled, stepped forward.

“All right. I’ll take care of the limited edition brokerage.”
The nobles’ attention shifted to Clona, who readily accepted my proposal. In an instant, the surroundings became tranquil. I headed towards the terrace where there were no people. I needed to take a break before going inside.

However, the terrace I intended to go to was occupied by concubines. Judging by their giggles and the way they were huddled together, they seemed engrossed in some interesting conversation.

Not wanting to interrupt, I turned my body.

“A dress made of iron and a punishment garment? They use that for criminals in foreign countries?”

However, unwillingly, I overheard the conversation among the concubines. I couldn’t help but stop in my tracks.

“Oh, does the heavy iron dress serve as a punishment? Besides sticking closely to the ground, of course.”

“It’s not worn as it is; it’s heated with fire until it becomes as hot as lava.”

Turning around, I saw a red-haired concubine waving a fan.

“They use it when executing heinous criminals.”

“My goodness.”

“It’s terrifying.”

Now that I thought about it, it seemed that the tool Marboro used to execute the villain Ellen had become a hot topic.

Of course, as long as Laila followed me, there would be no occasion for her to wear that dress.

Nevertheless, it still sent shivers down my spine.

‘Should I take refuge somewhere for a while? At least until the succession dispute in the Cigarette Kingdom settles?’

In the brief moment, various thoughts crossed my mind.

“……Indeed, human affairs are incomprehensible.”

It would be better to leave. With that decision in mind, I headed towards a quiet place, and a tender whisper reached my ears.

“Your Highness.”

“Laila.”

Unintentionally calling her by name, I realized my mistake and covered my mouth with my hand.

“Your Highness Consort.”

As I corrected myself, Laila’s face turned as red as a ripe peach.

Perhaps my actions were awkward, as she stammered for a moment before lowering both of her hands.

“Wow, Your Highness Consort, you can call me Laila when we’re alone. Also, it would be nice if you could call me ‘Mother,’ and you can speak informally too…”

She continued, lowering her gaze with lavender-colored eyes that seemed to look at me while being slightly moist.

Seeing her rabbit-like ears droop, my heart softened.

I looked around once more and nodded.

“Then, only when no one else is around.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Delighted as if she were about to jump, Laila guided me to a table beautifully set with party food.

Let’s eat something together and have a conversation.

As I sat down, the unusually colorful fruits in front of me looked delicious. Despite being the usual kind I would eat, my mouth watered anew.

Then, a steak was presented in front of me.

Unbelievably, it emitted a foul odor.

“Ugh.”

For a moment, my stomach churned, and without realizing it, I covered my nose and mouth, pushing the plate away. It instantly improved.

‘…?’

An anxious feeling, as if to confirm my suspicions, overwhelmed me.
“Mother? Why are you like that? Do you feel unwell?”

“No, it’s nothing. Just keep eating.”

She picked up a grape and put it in her mouth.

“…….”

The grape, wrapped in a light purple skin, burst with flavor. The distinctive refreshing fruit aroma filled the air, and her stomach settled, as if to say, “When did this happen?”

‘This is exactly what I’ve heard about…’

No matter how much she thought about it, it seemed to be that symptom.