Afternoon – Runcandel Mansion
After lunch, Darius returned carrying several boxes.
"These are for you," he said, placing them carefully on the table.
Keith looked inside.
Finance.
Business management.
Strategic theory.
Programming.
Hacking.
Medical science.
His eyes widened slightly.
"…Thank you, Grandfather."
Darius smiled faintly.
"Read at your own pace."
Keith nodded and carried the books into the study.
The Study
Sunlight filtered through tall windows.
Keith sat down and began reading.
With Great Sage, the words no longer remained words.
They became knowledge.
Economic models unfolded clearly.
Business structures linked together.
Strategic doctrines aligned with battlefield logic.
Programming languages made sense instantly.
Medical texts—anatomy, diagnostics, treatment—were absorbed with frightening efficiency.
Page after page.
Hour after hour.
He removed his glasses at some point without noticing.
A quiet knock.
The door opened slightly.
The maid entered.
Chris.
She stopped.
Keith—without glasses, calm, focused, sapphire eyes reflecting the afternoon light—looked impossibly handsome.
For a moment, she simply watched.
Then Keith noticed her.
"…You can come in," he said gently.
"Sit with me."
Chris hesitated for half a second—then nodded and sat beside him.
"What's your name?" Keith asked.
"Chris," she replied.
Keith froze.
"…Chris?"
She tilted her head.
"Is something wrong?"
Keith looked down at the book in his hands, his voice softer.
"There used to be a woman," he said slowly, "who came to our house when I was little."
Chris's breath stilled.
"She was beautiful," Keith continued, "but more than that—she was kind. Cheerful. Sometimes she talked with me… sometimes we played."
His expression darkened slightly.
"After my parents died… I didn't see her anymore."
He looked up.
"I don't know where she is now. But if I get the chance…"
"…I want to meet her again."
Chris swallowed.
"And then?"
Keith answered without hesitation.
"I'll make sure she stays with me."
Chris smiled teasingly, though her heart was racing.
"…Do you love her?"
Keith nodded.
"Yes."
"She was my first love."
For a brief moment—
Chris forgot how to breathe.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
A child I held… loves me…
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"I see," she said quietly.
She stood up.
"I won't disturb you any longer."
Chris walked to the door, paused for a second—then left the study.
Outside, she leaned lightly against the wall.
Her hand pressed against her chest.
"…Keith," she whispered.
Her smile trembled—warm, dangerous, and deeply emotional.