Night – Keith's Apartment
That night, Keith sat quietly on his bed.
"Sign in," he said.
Sign-In Successful.
Reward Obtained:
Cooking Skill – Beginner
Keith blinked.
"…Cooking?"
He checked the skill.
Techniques.
Knife handling.
Heat control.
Basic seasoning logic.
Everything felt clearer.
"So this stacks," Keith muttered thoughtfully.
Satisfied, he lay down and fell asleep almost instantly.
The Next Morning
The sound of cooking filled the apartment.
Keith moved calmly in the kitchen, applying what he had learned last night. The movements were still simple—but efficient, clean, and precise.
Just as he finished plating the dishes—
Knock. Knock.
Keith turned, slightly surprised.
He walked to the door and opened it.
For a split second—
Time stopped.
"Grandfather… Grandmother…"
Standing outside were Darius Runcandel and Clara Runcandel.
Keith didn't hesitate.
He stepped forward and hugged them tightly.
"Welcome back," he said quietly.
Darius stiffened—then relaxed.
Clara closed her eyes and smiled, holding him just as tightly.
"You're not sad," Clara whispered.
Keith shook his head lightly.
"I'm fine."
They entered the apartment.
Both Darius and Clara glanced around.
Small.
Simple.
Almost empty.
A place far too modest for the heir of two terrifyingly powerful families.
But—
They asked nothing.
Instead, Keith smiled and said,
"I was just making breakfast. Please join me."
Breakfast
The three of them sat together at the table.
Darius took a bite.
Then froze.
"…Again," he said calmly, pushing his plate forward.
Clara laughed softly.
"You haven't even swallowed yet."
"It's good," Darius replied seriously.
Very good.
Keith blinked once, then served him another portion.
Breakfast passed peacefully.
No interrogation.
No accusations.
No pity.
Just warmth.
Afterward, they spoke quietly—about school, daily life, nothing heavy.
Finally, Darius stood.
"We have some work to take care of," he said.
Keith nodded.
"Be careful."
Clara smiled.
"Always."
They left.
Outside the Apartment
As Darius and Clara stepped out—
"Grandfather. Grandmother."
They turned.
Shizuka stood there, smiling gently.
"Welcome back."
Clara's expression softened instantly.
She walked forward and hugged her.
"How are you doing?" Clara asked.
"I'm doing well," Vermouth replied honestly.
Darius pulled out his phone and made a call.
The line connected immediately.
"Renya," Darius said.
"I want to meet."
A brief pause.
"Check Keith's bank account," Darius continued.
"…Very well," Karasuma Renya replied calmly.
"Come to Karasuma Group HQ."
The call ended.
Darius looked at Vermouth.
"Come with us."
She nodded without hesitation.
At the end of the street, a black car waited.
Darius, Clara, and Vermouth entered.
The engine started.
And the car disappeared toward Karasuma Group Headquarters.