Ethan was unaware of the gossip spreading outside. His days were filled with training and overseeing the work within the estate. On top of that, he had another matter that was keeping him occupied.
The popcorn business was growing swiftly.
For this, he had created a brand. He named it The Jester's Crunch but people mainly called it Jester's Corns.
Ethan had made sure it was set up as a completely separate entity so that no one could trace it back to him directly for now.
His plan was to spread the product as far and as fast as possible before anyone could interfere. Food and wine, after all, had their own kind of addiction.
Once someone tasted popcorn, it was hard to let go. Unless a person had never tried it, resistance was almost impossible.
Oliver entered one afternoon carrying a ledger and spoke with a bright smile. "The Jester's Crunch is expanding much better than expected."
But Ethan's expression was far from cheerful. His face remained solemn, his hands resting on the table.
"My Lord, aren't you happy about this?" Oliver asked, puzzled by his master's silence.
"It is a good thing," Ethan said at last, "but it could also bring us trouble. If we don't have someone to personally oversee the whole business, it could get out of control. We need a person who can handle the procedure and management alone." His tone was thoughtful, but the crease on his forehead showed his worry.
He leaned back in his chair and gave a small sigh. "I don't want to admit it, but maybe I was too quick to spread something like this without preparing for control. I can't personally manage it all while staying here."
Oliver thought carefully, then nodded. "You are right, my Lord. Without the right person, it will be difficult. But finding someone capable enough… that will take time."
"That is going to be a headache, isn't it?" Ethan gave a bitter laugh and rubbed his temple.
At first, he had thought of Sophia. But his wife was not interested in such things. She had already refused when he brought it up before.
She had shaken her hands with a playful smile.
'Find someone else. I only like eating it. But I'll help when you open a clothing store.'
Ethan could only sigh at the memory. Sophia was intelligent, but she was mischievous, and she hated long hours of management. If they could not find someone suitable, then they might have to stop expanding for the time being.
Being too hasty would only cause more harm. So the matter was set aside for the moment.
Days later, however, something new came up. Sophia walked into the study with a letter in her hand and an excited look on her face.
"Ethan, read this," she said, placing the letter in front of him.
He glanced at her swollen belly and frowned. "Calm down, my dear wife. You are pregnant. Don't get too worked up or you might hurt yourself."
"Just read it," Sophia insisted, her smile glowing. "Once you see it, you won't be able to calm down either."
Curious, Ethan unfolded the letter.
His eyes widened as he read through the elegant handwriting.
It was from Countess Rina.
The gown he had designed for her had become the center of attention at the banquet. Duchess Emma herself had written to request exclusive designs from him. The letter even stated that price would not be an issue, as long as his work could satisfy her.
Ethan slapped his thigh in joy. "Damn, that is great news!" His face broke into a wide grin.
"Now we can finally start creating momentum for building a real brand."
Sophia clapped her hands together, her voice full of pride. "Yes. With Her Highness's backing, we won't have trouble getting materials. And with you personally designing the gowns, they will be something no one else can copy."
She looked at him with admiration. Sophia had seen the way he worked, how carefully he shaped every detail, how he poured his thoughts into each creation. It was not just clothing to him.
It was art.
The memory of his hands moving skillfully through cloth and tools filled her chest with warmth.
Without thinking, she leaned forward and kissed him.
Ethan jerked back slightly, startled. "Hiss… Sophia, stop it. I am busy with work. Don't provoke me." His face was red as he tried to swat her away.
She blinked and smiled softly, realizing what she had done. "Ah, sorry."
Her voice carried no regret, only affection. Ethan sighed but could not hide the faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
....
Ten days later, an envelope arrived with the Duchess's reply.
Ethan carefully opened it. Inside were her written expectations, a list of her needs, and a painting. The moment his eyes landed on it, he froze.
"Is this photo fake?" Ethan muttered, staring at the image of a woman with flawless skin and no wrinkles.
The lady was supposed to be almost sixty, yet in the painting she looked only a little older than Sophia.
"Of course it's fake," he sighed in relief.
But then came the next words.
"She actually looks more beautiful than in the picture."
Ethan blinked. "What? For real? Isn't she quite old?"
"She is almost sixty, but she's also an Advanced Rank Mage."
"Ohh…" Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. He knew about the power levels of men, but Oliver had never taught him much about aging of bodies or their changes with strength.
"So… does that mean Advanced Stage live much longer?" Ethan asked.
"I don't know everything," came the reply, "but I once heard Father say that when you reach the Intermediate Stage, your body slows down aging. You can still look like you're in your thirties even at fifty. Only after sixty does life finally begin to show signs of decline."
Ethan immediately thought of Randall, who had gained vitality after advancing.
He set the painting aside and focused on the details written in the letter.
Such a wealthy patron must be satisfied.
From that day, Ethan's leisure ended. His nights were spent sketching and creating designs, one after another.
Amid all this, the date of Sophia's delivery drew near.
[DING]
[Detected birth of host's children.]
"Huh!''
Ethan frowned. "Why does this notification always sound different?"
However,he didn't have the time as the next notification drew his attention.