Making the Candy People had seemed like such a good idea at the time. He could combine his love of baking with his interest in science, and at the end he'd have people to interact with! (People other than Nelly, even. He loved Nelly dearly, but it would be nice to have a full conversation without any screaming.)
Since then, he'd had moments of regret. As much as he loved his subjects, taking care of a kingdom of children could be tiring. Sometimes he wished he'd at least waited until he knew more science, if only so they'd stop exploding.
All of these moments paled in comparison to his feelings when he was replaced.
He tried to distract himself as he trudged up the hill to his Aunt Bubblegen's house. Sure, he might not have a kingdom anymore, but he'd finally have the time to perfect his banana cream pie.
It actually almost worked, to the point where his first reaction to the house's dramatic collapse was to comfort his people. Peppermint Maid was kind enough to change the subject after pointing it out (and what would he do without Peppermint Maid), but it was a stark reminder that he'd lost the thing had been his purpose for centuries.
Feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to accomplish anything, though. He gritted his teeth and stepped inside the cabin.
It wasn't so bad, he told himself as he looked around. Peppermint Maid was right that it wasn't fancy, and the kitchen was too small to be ideal, but they had time.
... Their first priority should probably be the roof.