Coughing, Ethan turned toward them. "Ah… Sorry. I was just too excited."
Ethan felt that his behaviour was too out of line.If Sophia might have come later he might even have started screaming.
He looked at his creation and said,"Thou shall be named popcorn."
Both Sophia and Nina gave him questioning looks. "But what are you doing here?" Sophia asked.
Instead of answering, Ethan picked up a bowl and placed it on the counter. Inside were small, puffed, white pieces that looked almost like flowers. He sprinkled some salt over them and pushed the bowl toward them.
"Have a taste of my creation."
Nina and Sophia exchanged glances, curious. They each took one piece and placed it in their mouths.
The texture was light and airy. It gave a gentle crunch at first, then softened quickly. The flavor was simple, with a slight saltiness that lingered.
"It's… unique," Sophia said after a moment. "Not exactly something I'd call rich in flavor, but the texture and crunchiness are perfect for a snack."
"Exactly," Ethan said with a pleased smile. He set another dish on the table.
This time, there were thin potato wedges, but they looked different from the roasted potatoes they usually had. Sophia and Nina each picked one up and bit into it. The outside was crispy, while the inside was soft and warm.
"I like this one more," Sophia admitted with a small laugh.
"Good," Ethan said. "These are two dishes I've invented. The first one is called popcorn. It's made from maize. There's not much oil, no sugar, and nothing harmful in it. It's light and doesn't cause weight gain like sugary cakes or cookies. We can even add different flavors if we experiment more."
Sophia's eyes brightened. In most noble gatherings, the snacks served were always cakes, cookies, tea, and coffee. Sometimes there were other foods, but most were meat-based and heavy. Something light and easy to eat like this could be very popular, especially among the noble ladies.
"This is brilliant," she said, smiling proudly. "As expected from my husband."
Though Ethan had managed to make popcorn, he had no plans to sell it right away.
He knew people would need time to get used to it, and most would not like plain popcorn. He needed to experiment with flavors first. On top of that, he would have to set up a proper supply chain and spread it to different places.
Being hasty was never a good idea. For now, the most important thing was waiting for the child to be born.
In the meantime, Ethan decided to talk to Randall about marriage. He called him over, but the moment he mentioned it, Randall's face stiffened.
Then, to Ethan's surprise, the man dropped to his knees and sprawled on the floor dramatically.
"My Lord! Did I make a mistake?" Randall shouted, almost as if he was about to cry.
Ethan blinked, completely confused. "Of course not. Why are you reacting like that? I'm just asking about your marriage plans."
Randall froze. "Marriage plans?"
"Yes," Ethan said firmly. "You're getting older, Uncle Randall. You should marry and settle down."
"No! I can't!" Randall's refusal came so fast that Ethan narrowed his eyes.
"Why not?"
Randall hesitated for a second before mumbling something.
When Ethan finally understood the reason, he had to fight the urge to hit him. The old man valued his freedom far too much. He preferred visiting brothels whenever he felt like it rather than being tied to one woman. A wife would mean responsibilities, restrictions, and fewer "opportunities" to embrace other beauties.
Ethan stared at him, speechless. 'Damn… I never knew this old man was such a lecher.
Randall coughed lightly, trying not to meet Ethan's eyes.
Ethan took a deep breath. "Fine. Then at least do this..find a good woman, free her from that life, and have a child with her. I'm not forcing you, but you should think about it. Your talent is rare, and it shouldn't go to waste."
Randall actually thought about it for a moment. Then he shook his head again. "Lord, please have mercy. I really can't take care of a kid. I'm still young and full of energy. I don't want to be tied down."
That was the final straw for Ethan. He felt his blood pressure rising. "Get out before I start throwing things," he said through clenched teeth.
If someone like Randall could call himself young and full of energy at his age, what did that make Ethan?
For a moment, Ethan even considered shutting down all the brothels in the city.
Just then he paused. "Wait… there are brothels in Blank City?"
"What the fuckkkm....."
"Why don't I know it.."
He immediately called Oliver and asked to track it down.
Oliver himself was oblivious to this but he knew that the previous Baron used to visit with Randall late at night.
As for where they went,it was a deep secret.
Soon the information appeared.
There were three brothels each at the corner of Blank City.
When he confirmed it, his mood soured even further.
"What the hell? I need to make sure my kids never get influenced by him."
The very next day, Ethan issued two orders.
First, Ray was not to have any contact with Randall.
Second, any brothel operating illegally without paying taxes or obtaining a license from the local authorities would be shut down immediately.
In the Kingdom of Ruthiana, brothels were not banned, but they had to follow the rules and pay their dues. Of course, these commands did little to deter brothel owners. They had more than enough money to pay the extra costs. Brothels were never short on gold, wine, or women.
When Sophia heard about the orders, she was curious at first. But once she learned the reason, she nodded in agreement. "You're right. We absolutely can't let Ray be influenced by him."
Still, she couldn't help shaking her head. She remembered how ahe had once followed his father and Randall secretly, thinking they were going somewhere important. Now she knew exactly where they had gone.
"No wonder he doesn't want to marry anymore," she said. "And since he's involved himself, he's kept it a secret so he can enjoy it without anyone interfering. No wonder some of these brothels dared to operate without paying taxes or fees. Birds of the same feather." She snorted at the thought.
Sophia's expression was quite grave.
Everyone thought the Baron refuses to marry because he loved his wife but who knew,he was just a fuck boy inwardly.
Seeing this Ethan just lit an incense for his father.
About a month later, the time came. Sophia was taken to the delivery chamber, and Ethan rushed to her side. He paced back and forth outside, waiting nervously.
Then, a clear chime rang in his ears.
[Detected: Host has given birth to a child.]
Ethan froze mid-step. "Huh? Why does that sound a bit… wrong?"
Before he could think about it further, the system's evaluation voice echoed again in his head distracting it.