The Day the World Changed — Runcandel Vision HQ Launch
The morning sky was clear.
Glass and steel reflected the sun like a monument to the future—the Runcandel Vision Headquarters stood complete, vast and elegant, its design echoing power, intelligence, and unity. News drones hovered at a distance, media crews from every major nation waiting for history to unfold.
Today was not just a launch.
It was a declaration.
The Hosts Arrive
Keith stood at the entrance, calm and composed, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His platinum–silver hair shimmered faintly, sapphire eyes sharp yet gentle behind his glasses.
Beside him stood Darius and Clara Runcandel—their appearances subtly altered to look like ordinary elderly nobles. To the world, they were merely senior members of a powerful family.
Only a few knew the truth.
Guests began to arrive.
Keith greeted them personally—each handshake, each smile measured and sincere.
Familiar Shadows
Then—
Keith sensed them before he saw them.
A man with a cane, posture straight despite age, arrived under a pseudonym, flanked by familiar figures.
Karasuma Renya (under an alias) Rum Ethan Hondou Gin Kir (Hidemi Hondou) Curacao
Keith stepped forward at once.
"Welcome," he said warmly.
Renya's lips curved slightly. "Impressive as always, my boy."
Kir and Curacao stiffened when Keith's gaze met theirs.
…Then both looked away.
Just slightly.
A faint blush colored their cheeks.
Gin noticed.
And smirked.
A Lawyer's Heartbeat
Another familiar presence approached.
Eri Kisaki.
Confident. Elegant. Sharp as ever.
Keith's expression softened.
"Ms. Kisaki," he said, offering his hand.
"You look beautiful today."
Eri froze for half a second.
"…Thank you," she replied, cheeks warming despite herself.
So it wasn't just strength, she thought.
He's dangerous in other ways too.
She entered the building, heart beating faster than usual.
The Suzuki Family
Next came Shiro Suzuki, arm lightly resting on Tomoko Suzuki's shoulder.
Keith noticed it instantly.
Tomoko's smile was perfect—polite, refined.
But something felt… off.
Keith shook the thought away and stepped forward.
"Mr. Suzuki. Mrs. Suzuki. Welcome."
Shiro laughed. "This place is extraordinary, young man."
Keith turned to Tomoko.
"You look stunning today."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…Thank you," she said softly, a faint blush blooming.
"I'd like to speak with you later," Tomoko added quietly.
Keith nodded.
"After the coronation ceremony."
She smiled and entered—yet Keith couldn't shake the feeling that her politeness was a mask.
The Ooka Family Appears
Finally, a presence even Darius straightened for.
An elderly man, dignified, sharp-eyed despite his age, approached with an 11-year-old girl beside him.
Darius stepped forward with a rare smile.
"My old friend," he said warmly.
Turning to Keith, Darius introduced them.
"Keith, this is Ōoka Genjirō—a man I've known longer than most alive today."
The old man chuckled.
"So this is your grandson."
Keith bowed respectfully.
"It's an honor, sir."
Ōoka Genjirō nodded in approval.
"And this," he added, placing a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder,
"is my granddaughter—Ōoka Momiji."
Keith crouched slightly, meeting her eye level.
"Well then," he said gently, patting her head,
"hello there, princess."
Momiji froze.
Her face turned bright red.
"…H-hello," she replied, flustered but smiling.
Ōoka Genjirō laughed heartily.
"Well, well… charming already."
They entered the HQ together, Momiji glancing back once—just once—before disappearing inside.
The Stage Is Set
Inside the building, executives, world leaders, investors, and shadows from every corner of power gathered beneath towering holographic displays.
Outside, the world watched.
Inside, destinies were aligning.
Keith stood at the entrance for a moment longer, glasses catching the light.
Unaware to most—
Today was not the birth of a company.
It was the rise of an empire.