Keith woke early, still wrapped in Luna's arms. After washing up and eating a simple breakfast together, they headed to the main hall. Luna walked silently beside him, her expression calm but sharp. She already knew what today meant.
Keith took his seat on the head chair—too big for his small four-year-old body, but he carried himself with the dignity of a Runcandel. Luna stood behind him like a silent guardian.
The butler and all loyal staff entered the hall one by one.
Old faces. Kind faces. People who had served the Runcandel family for decades.
Keith stood up.
"Thank you," he said, bowing slightly—a gesture that shocked all of them. "Thank you for supporting our family… even after everything that happened."
The aging butler trembled.
The head maid covered her mouth.
Several servants wiped their eyes.
Keith continued, voice steady:
"You've devoted your entire lives to the Runcandel family. Now… it's time for you to live your own. Please spend your remaining years with your families. Rest. Enjoy peaceful lives."
He placed a stack of papers on the table.
"This is your retirement pay. It will support you comfortably for the rest of your lives."
Silence filled the hall—before everyone bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Young Master!"
"We wish you and Lady Luna happiness!"
"Long live the Runcandel Family!"
Luna watched them with a rare gentle smile.
The loyal staff left the hall to pack their belongings, whispering blessings for Keith and Luna as they went.
Removing the Spies
When the loyal staff were gone, Keith turned to the butler—one of the last loyal elders.
"Call the others… the ones who didn't come."
The butler stiffened, understanding immediately.
"…Yes, Young Master."
He left and returned a few minutes later, followed by the group of staff who always avoided everyone—those who had been sending information to outside noble families.
They entered nervously.
Luna's gaze alone made several of them flinch.
Keith didn't speak immediately.
Instead, he placed a file on the table.
Inside were documents—evidence gathered by Great Sage—detailing every instance of information leakage.
As the spies read the pages, fear drained the color from their faces.
Keith finally spoke:
"You will leave the mansion today."
No shouting.
No anger.
Just a calm voice that left no room for argument.
"You're not being punished publicly," Keith added. "If anyone asks, you will say you were let go because the Runcandel heir is reorganizing the staff after giving retirements."
Relief washed over the spies.
They bowed deeply—some trembling, some nearly collapsing.
"Th-thank you for your mercy, Young Master…"
"Thank you for not exposing us…"
Keith simply nodded.
They left the mansion quietly, never to return.
Evening — An Empty Castle
By evening, the once-bustling Runcandel castle was silent.
No footsteps in the halls.
No maids cleaning.
No butlers preparing dinner.
Only Keith and Luna remained.
The emptiness might have frightened another child, but Keith felt no fear. Luna stayed beside him, close as a shadow, guiding him through the now-quiet corridors.
When night came, they ended up in Keith's room again.
Luna didn't say anything—she simply lifted him gently, placed him on the bed, slid in beside him, and wrapped her arms around him tightly.
Keith hugged her back.
In the darkness of the now-empty Runcandel castle, the two siblings—no, the two future partners—fell asleep holding each other.
The beginning of their new era had started.