“Don’t worry; they’ll self-destruct in twenty to thirty years.

Ah, I see. For humans, twenty years is—”

As Ash lifted his goblet, a maid standing nearby poured more wine from a bottle. Even when the goblet was full—no, even when it overflowed—her hand didn’t stop. Her hand and whole body trembled uncontrollably. Looking around, it wasn’t just the maid pouring the wine; every maid and retainer in the throne room—everyone except Ash and Joseph—was trembling.

“Stop it.”

With a calm gesture, Ash reached out toward Joseph and spoke in a kingly voice to stop the commotion.

“Look. Not only my …