A Crown Without a Throne
The lights dimmed.
A single beam illuminated the central stage of Runcandel Vision Headquarters, the vast hall falling into reverent silence. Above, holographic banners unfolded—silver sigils interwoven with light, the Runcandel crest rotating slowly like a living star.
Darius and Clara stepped forward.
The crowd straightened instinctively.
The Coronation Speech
Darius's voice carried weight—calm, ancient, unquestionable.
"Today is not merely the birth of a company," he began.
"It is the continuation of a legacy that has shaped trade, knowledge, and progress for centuries."
A pause.
"The Runcandel family does not rule through fear.
We rule through vision."
Clara stepped beside him, her smile gentle yet absolute.
"And today," she said,
"we entrust that vision to the next generation."
The lights shifted.
Keith stepped forward.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Silver hair caught the glow. Sapphire eyes—now uncovered—looked across the hall without arrogance, without hesitation.
Darius placed a hand on Keith's shoulder.
"By blood, by will, and by capability," Darius declared,
"I present to you the founder and chairman of Runcandel Vision Group—
Keith Argus Runcandel."
Applause thundered.
No—this was more than applause.
It was acknowledgment.
Keith Takes the Podium
Keith approached the podium, expression calm.
"I won't speak of destiny," he said simply.
"I won't speak of superiority."
The hall quieted instantly.
"I believe power exists to protect, and knowledge exists to uplift.
Runcandel Vision was created for one purpose—
to bring every field that shapes human life under one roof… and improve it."
Behind him, holograms bloomed.
Product Previews
Cosmetics Division
A soft glow revealed elegant containers.
"Skin regeneration without side effects.
Age stabilization.
Allergy-neutral formulations."
Experts in the audience inhaled sharply.
Orders began appearing on screens in real time.
Medical Division
Next—data streams.
"Treatments for degenerative diseases.
Organ recovery acceleration.
Non-invasive cellular repair."
Doctors stood.
Investors whispered.
Governments silently recalculated.
Orders surged again.
Keith raised a hand gently, and the projections faded.
"And this is only the beginning."
He looked directly into the cameras.
"In two months, Runcandel Technology, a subsidiary of Runcandel Group, will release a product that will redefine daily life."
A pause.
"I look forward to showing you the future."
Keith stepped away.
The hall erupted.
The World Explodes
Within minutes—
Global headlines ignited.
"RUNCANDEL RETURNS: A HEIR, A VISION, A REVOLUTION"
"MEDICAL AND COSMETIC INDUSTRIES SHAKE AS RUNCANDEL ENTERS THE FIELD"
"WHO IS KEITH ARGUS RUNCANDEL?"
Stocks surged.
Competitors panicked.
Governments requested meetings.
Social media collapsed under speculation.
And somewhere in the shadows—plans were rewritten.
Quiet Assignments
As guests began to depart, Karasuma Renya approached Keith.
"Kir and Curacao will work with you from now on," he said calmly.
Keith nodded.
"Then I look forward to working with you both."
Kir and Curacao stiffened.
"…Y-Yes," they replied in unison.
Both blushed.
Renya smirked faintly.
"The other two will wait a few years," he added.
Keith understood—and nodded again.
Then he asked softly,
"Where is she?"
Renya's gaze shifted upward.
"The terrace."
The Reunion on the Terrace
The highest floor opened to the night sky.
City lights spread endlessly below like constellations fallen to earth.
She stood there alone.
Vermouth.
She turned as Keith approached, fear and longing colliding in her eyes.
Before she could speak—
Keith pulled her into his arms.
"Welcome back," he said quietly.
Her breath caught.
She hugged him tightly, as if afraid he would vanish.
"I—there are things I need to explain—"
"Chris," Keith said softly.
"Shizuka."
She froze.
"…Since when?" she whispered.
Keith didn't answer.
Instead, he leaned in—
And kissed her.
Time dissolved.
The world below ceased to matter.
When they finally parted, Keith rested his forehead against hers.
"Thank you," he said, voice low and steady,
"for always staying with me."
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
He took her hand.
"Stay," he said.
"Don't leave me again."
Vermouth nodded.
This time—
Without hesitation.