The moment Alexander said he was done with Lunaria Valencrest, the atmosphere changed.
Evelyn Runcandel was still smiling.
But anyone who knew her—even a little—could tell.
That smile meant someone was about to disappear from the business world.
Mom's in destroy mode, Alexander thought calmly.
Darius and Selene exchanged a glance.
They knew exactly how much Evelyn had endured over the years—smiling politely while Lunaria and the Valencrest family pushed boundaries they had no right to touch.
Alexander took a slow breath, then turned his head slightly.
"Mom."
"Yes, son?" Evelyn replied gently.
"Cancel all contracts and business dealings with the Valencrest Group."
Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Understood."
Then Alexander added calmly,
"And as compensation… take their D-rank dungeon."
The room froze.
"…The D-rank dungeon?" Evelyn repeated, clearly puzzled. "Alex, they own several B-rank dungeons and even a few A-rank ones. Why that one?"
Victor frowned.
Darius raised an eyebrow.
Selene tilted her head slightly.
Chisato, Grayfia, and Chris all looked confused.
Alexander nodded slowly.
"Yes. That one."
He met his mother's eyes. "You remember it, right? The one with the large mountain."
Evelyn thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. The dungeon that barely generates revenue. Mostly fruit-type Pokémon resources. Everyone calls it a waste dungeon."
"Exactly," Alexander said. "But mommy…"
He smiled faintly.
"The mountain itself is the real wealth."
Silence.
"…You don't mean—" Evelyn started.
"Yes," Alexander replied calmly. "There's an Evolution Stone mine inside that mountain."
The reaction was immediate.
"What?!" Victor snapped.
Darius's eyes sharpened dangerously.
Selene's calm expression cracked for the first time.
Grayfia's aura turned cold.
Chisato clenched her fists.
Chris's smile vanished completely.
"I found out a few days ago," Alexander continued casually. "I was going to tell Lunaria."
His voice dropped slightly.
"But then I saw her and Leon Ashford acting all lovey-dovey."
Evelyn inhaled sharply.
"So you didn't tell her," she said slowly.
Alexander shook his head. "No."
For a brief moment—
The room filled with pure, undisguised killing intent.
"That two-faced bitch," Victor growled.
"She dared," Darius said coldly.
Selene sighed, but her eyes were icy. "The Valencrest family has no right."
Chisato looked furious.
Grayfia's lips pressed into a thin line.
Chris cracked her knuckles loudly.
Evelyn closed her eyes, then opened them again.
Her smile returned.
It was calm.
Elegant.
Absolutely terrifying.
"Give me two days," she said softly. "I'll cancel the engagement, sever every contract, and make sure that dungeon becomes Runcandel property."
Alexander nodded.
"Thank you, mommy."
Evelyn gently brushed his hair. "Rest well, son."
As the family began discussing logistics like it was a casual business meeting, Alexander leaned back against the pillow.
First move, he thought.
Canon just lost a major plot resource.
And Leon Ashford—
Didn't even know it yet.