Threads Behind the Crown
The night air on the terrace still carried warmth when Keith gently led Vermouth—Chris—to the inner hall.
She walked beside him, composed once more, but anyone watching closely could see the way her fingers tightened around his sleeve—subtle, possessive, relieved.
Introductions
Keith stopped before a small group already waiting.
"This is Chris," he said simply.
For a brief moment—
Grayfia, Albedo, Gamma, Kuroka, Yor, Chisato, Sylpha, and Saya all looked at Vermouth.
Sharp eyes. Dangerous instincts.
Vermouth smiled.
The air itself felt… tested.
"So this is her," Albedo thought, crimson eyes narrowing with interest.
"Ara~," Kuroka purred inwardly, tail swaying just a bit before she remembered to hide it.
Grayfia inclined her head with perfect elegance.
"Welcome," Grayfia said calmly. "Anyone important to Master is welcome here."
Vermouth met her gaze, amused—and approving.
"Thank you," she replied smoothly. "Please take good care of him."
The words carried weight.
Keith didn't miss it.
The Lawyer Joins
Moments later, Eri Kisaki approached, still visibly affected by the scale of the launch.
Keith turned.
"Perfect timing."
He gestured lightly.
"Everyone—this is Eri Kisaki, private lawyer of the Runcandel Group."
A collective pause.
Then—
Polite greetings. Professional nods.
Eri adjusted her glasses, heart pounding—not from nerves, but from realization.
This isn't just a company, she thought.
This is an empire.
Gamma smiled brightly.
"Looking forward to working with you, Kisaki-san."
Eri returned the smile.
"The feeling is mutual."
Touring Runcandel Vision HQ
Keith personally guided them through the upper executive floors of Runcandel Vision HQ.
Each office reflected its role perfectly:
Gamma's CEO office overlooked the city skyline—transparent walls, data-streams flowing like rivers of light. Albedo's COO office was minimalist, immaculate—control given form. Chisato's R&D and Medical Division resembled a futuristic laboratory more than a workplace. Yor and Kuroka's security command had layered access points and silent corridors. Grayfia's administrative suite flowed seamlessly into the mansion's internal systems. Sylpha and Saya shared adjacent spaces—order and chaos in perfect balance. Eri's legal office was shielded, quiet, absolute.
Every one of them felt it.
This wasn't luxury.
This was authority.
"I like it," Saya said honestly.
"Efficiency at its finest," Gamma added.
Grayfia closed her eyes briefly.
"A home worthy of a king."
Keith only smiled.
A Different Kind of Meeting
After ensuring everyone was settled, Keith excused himself.
"I have someone I need to speak with," he said.
Vermouth watched him leave, expression unreadable.
"…So that's Tomoko Suzuki," she murmured softly, already knowing.
Tomoko Suzuki
Keith found Tomoko standing alone near a quiet garden corridor, hands folded, posture flawless—but her eyes betrayed tension.
She turned when she sensed him.
"Keith," she said politely.
"You wanted to talk," he replied, voice calm.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Tomoko inhaled deeply.
"I won't waste your time," she said.
"What I want… is not business."
Keith's gaze sharpened—not cold, but attentive.
"I want freedom," Tomoko said quietly.
"For myself. And for my daughters."
Silence.
Not awkward.
Heavy.
She met his sapphire eyes, steady despite the storm behind them.
"And I believe," she continued,
"that you are the only one who can give me that—without asking me to sell my soul in return."
Keith studied her.
This wasn't desperation.
This was resolve.
"…Then let's talk," he said at last.
"Properly."
Tomoko's breath trembled.
For the first time that night—
She smiled honestly.