“What the hell does it mean to ‘burn the last wick’?”

I couldn’t grasp the meaning right away and slightly opened my mouth in confusion. In that brief moment, Isaac continued to speak.

“I’ll take responsibility. You mentioned you’ve been ill and couldn’t make your presence known in the social circles. Just say the word. I’m quite familiar with most gatherings. What type of women do you fancy? Oh, and of course, there are men too.”

What the hell is he on about?

They say when you’re utterly flabbergasted, words fail you, and that was exactly my state. However, I couldn’t hide the loathsome expression that rose from the pit of my stomach.

I wondered how he could be such a rascal, but Isaac now was more than qualified to be one.

“Or do you perhaps enjoy drinking?”

“No.”

“When it comes to alcohol, our Gardenta family is the name!”

Perhaps my response was too soft. His reply was completely off the mark.

“There are exquisite drinks in my father’s study. If Lord Oscar wishes…”

If I left him be, this could go on endlessly. I was about to sigh and tell Isaac I wanted to end the conversation when an opportunity presented itself.

“Happy birthday, Lady Mona!”

“Oh my, you look absolutely stunning…”

From beyond, a loud buzz of greetings and congratulations filled the air. Judging by the sound, it was undoubtedly the arrival of Mona Fortis, the star of this banquet.

“It seems the guest of honor has arrived. I must go now.”

I couldn’t delay any longer. Fearing the conversation might drag on unnecessarily, I quickly turned and opened the door. Even then, he was unnecessarily solemn.

“Thank you for choosing me. I will serve you to the best of my abilities!”

As if he were the owner of a shop, catering to customers in such a manner.

I was about to retort but stopped myself. It was too bothersome, and the thought of no longer associating with a madman, coupled with a sense of pity, crossed my mind.

However, I would come to regret this moment deeply.

I had no idea that Isaac would cling to me from then on, pushing all sorts of liquors, women, and debaucherous gatherings at every banquet I attended.

And because of that, Zachary…

“Did you have a good chat with your friends, Oscar?”

The banquet was reaching its peak and moving into its second phase. The main guest of the evening, the Duke’s second daughter Mona Fortis, stood among the guests, offering her thanks. Following her lead, the members of the Duke’s family took turns greeting the guests, engaging in long conversations. It was already night.

“…Ah, Mother.”

And just before the second part, which was more focused on dancing, was about to start, the band took a short break, and the music stopped. That’s when my mother approached me. She had been standing at a distance on the balcony, watching the greetings alone, but it seemed she was concerned about me.

“Oscar, how do you find your first banquet? Everyone seemed to be quite taken with your charm.”

I had to tell her a white lie.

“Of course. It was enjoyable.”

I couldn’t dare to admit that I hadn’t really enjoyed myself and felt out of place.

“Did you talk to many lovely young ladies?”

“Um…”

I had spoken to a strange boy. I didn’t particularly want to mention it to my mother, especially as I could feel Isaac’s intense gaze from afar, making me wish even more to pretend that conversation never happened.

“Somewhat.”

“Oh, I thought as much.”

“…”

My mother was so pleased, she even clapped her hands.

Mother, the truth is, I didn’t really get to talk properly with any girls. Due to my shortcomings, it might be difficult to find the kind of good wife you’re hoping for for your son.

I couldn’t bring myself to add more to the conversation, but my mother smiled and patted my head.

“I knew you’d adapt well. Everyone seemed to gather around you. I’ve never received so many handkerchiefs in my life. They all recognize your worth. You’re a bright and beautiful child.”

My mother must have eyes on the back of her head to say such things after observing the situation earlier. However, I had already decided not to attach any significance to those handkerchiefs.

‘Those handkerchiefs… They were just because I looked sickly, Mother.’

I would’ve done the same. Even if I didn’t want to interact with someone unappealing, if they seemed close to death and were suffering in front of me, I’d feel compelled to offer a handkerchief, even if it didn’t bear my family’s crest.

“By the way, why doesn’t the eldest daughter of the ducal family show herself?”

There was one peculiar thing. Information that couldn’t be found in any of the records I had read before. The eldest daughter of the Fortis ducal family.

It was known that the Duke had three daughters. While the second and third daughters were often seen and well-documented, the eldest was not. At some point, she vanished from the records.

“She has shut herself away, and we can’t force the door open.”

She shut herself away?

My mother would know, being closely associated with the ducal family, but others were unaware of the details. They speculated freely. Even standing quietly, I could hear unfavorable rumors about the eldest daughter.

“It seems the eldest daughter hasn’t come today, either.”

“Good heavens…”

“Even so, could that really be true?”

“But still, to not show up like this?”

Whispers and hushed conversations away from the Duke’s gaze were easy to overhear without even trying.

The records concerning her ceased in the year the Duchess passed away.

‘To think such conversations happen at a banquet hosted by the Duke.’

Would the Duke be unaware of the discussions about his daughter? Impossible.

He knows yet lets it be. Pressing the issue would only make a difference momentarily. Nobles often disown their words and feign ignorance.

And my mother must have been tormented by countless rumors as well.

“It must have been tough because of me entering the social scene so late.”

I said this with a smile, feeling sorry for the many rumors my mother had to live through. Then, my mother looked at my face blankly for a moment before pulling me into a hug and rubbing her cheek against mine.

“To me, you are always a blessing.”

While my mother appeared indifferent to the nobility’s backtalk, she probably couldn’t overlook the rumors about me.

The rumors of my impending death were elegantly circulated by her, but the barely concealed fierce look in her eyes gave away her true feelings.

“By the way, what do you think about all the intense gazes you’ve been receiving?”

My mother asked playfully, but by now, I was no longer mistaken.

Combining Isaac’s reaction and the way people hastily offered their handkerchiefs at the slightest cough from me, it was clear that it was all because of the rumors.

“It seems I’m quite the curiosity.”

There was no other way to explain those stares, other than the interest in someone rumored to be on the verge of death. I said this with a hollow laugh, and my mother tilted her head, looking at me curiously.

“Hello there! Madam!”

Just as she was about to say something, a clear and chirpy voice cut through our conversation, preventing her from continuing. I was taken aback as well. I turned towards the direction of the bold voice.

“Oh, hello.”

“Nice to meet you! I had to come out with my sister, the main guest! I couldn’t greet you earlier!”

The owner of the voice was Charlotte Fortis, the youngest daughter of the Fortis ducal family, whom I hadn’t gotten a good look at before.

Was she about ten years old? People from the Fortis family are generally large in stature, but Charlotte, who had been frail since childhood, was an exception. She appeared even younger than her peers due to her small frame. Moreover, her round face and the small teeth peeking out from her mouth made her incredibly adorable.

“Are you representing busy Lady Mona in greeting everyone?”

“Yes!”

Indeed, Mona Fortis was still by the Duke’s side, exchanging greetings with the elder nobles.

“Oh my, thank you.”

The sight of her coming to greet the guests on behalf of her sister was incredibly endearing.

My mother seemed to feel the same, bursting into laughter at the sight of Charlotte confidently stating her opinion with a small hand placed over her heart. Charlotte Fortis, looking proud, laughed back at my mother.

“You’re still so beautiful!”

“And so are you, Miss Charlotte.”

“But today, you have a partner! With you?”

It seemed she was acquainted with my mother. The way she emphasized the end of her sentences was so cute and funny that I almost laughed out loud. I had to clear my throat and turn my head away to contain my laughter.

“Today, I am accompanied by my son.”

My mother gently smiled and lightly grasped my shoulder. I turned my head back around to face Charlotte.

She seemed to really like my mother. It was as if she had only seen her and hadn’t noticed me until now, her eyes widening in surprise as she turned towards me.

“Oh, uh…”

Her mouth slowly opened, her eyes wide in disbelief, mirroring the deep green eyes of Duke Fortis. The resemblance to the Duke’s reaction when he saw me was striking, making her seem even more like him. The sight of her innocent and lovely face naturally made the corners of my eyes crinkle. I politely bowed to the charming young lady.

“Good day. I am Oscar Serpentine, the second son of the Serpentine family. It’s an honor to meet you.”