A Mother and Daughter — Realization
The television in Eri Kisaki's apartment was still replaying the footage.
Over and over.
The moment the glasses were removed.
The sapphire-blue eyes.
The name—
Keith Argus Runcandel.
Eri sat frozen.
Her heart was beating faster than it should.
"…So it really was him," she whispered.
Her cheeks warmed, an unfamiliar heat spreading to her ears.
Beside her, Ran Mouri stared at the screen, eyes wide.
"Mom," Ran said softly, tugging at Eri's sleeve,
"Look… those eyes."
Eri turned.
Ran continued, her voice filled with certainty.
"They're the same eyes I saw at the hospital. The day Keith collapsed after Harumi cheated on him."
Ran smiled faintly.
"He was beautiful… right?"
Eri swallowed.
"…Yes," she admitted quietly.
Her crush—
No, it hadn't faded.
It had only deepened.
Eri leaned back against the sofa, one hand pressed lightly to her chest.
Powerful family… ancient lineage… and yet still kind.
Her lips curved unconsciously.
Ran watched her mother carefully.
Then, in her own thoughts—
He's my future husband, Ran decided, cheeks faintly pink.
Neither spoke the thought aloud.
But both felt it.
Runcandel Mansion — Farewell
The mansion was quiet.
Too quiet.
Keith stood in the grand hall with his suitcase beside him.
"I want to return to France," he said calmly.
Darius studied him for a moment—then nodded.
"That's good," his grandfather replied.
"It's time you see your real home."
Clara smiled warmly.
"We'll prepare everything."
Keith nodded.
He glanced around once more.
"…Where's Chris?" he asked.
Silence.
Clara and Darius exchanged a brief look.
"She had matters to attend to," Clara said gently.
Keith felt a strange, faint ache in his chest.
"I see…"
He didn't know why.
But something told him—
This isn't goodbye.
Watching From the Shadows
From a distant balcony, Vermouth stood in silence.
No disguise.
No smile.
She watched the boy she loved walk away with his grandparents.
Her gloved hand pressed over her heart.
"So you're leaving already," she murmured.
Her lips curved into a soft, sad smile.
"I won't stop you."
Her golden eyes shimmered faintly.
"We'll meet again," she whispered.
"My angel."
She turned away.
And vanished into the shadows—
As Keith Argus Runcandel stepped into a future that would shake the world.