Soft Moments and a Very Loud Notification
That night, Runcandel Mansion was quiet.
Too quiet.
Alex sat on the edge of his bed, staring at nothing in particular.
For the first time since Leon Ashford fell off the story—
There was no immediate threat.
No calculation.
No fate thread screaming for attention.
Kirlia floated nearby, watching him carefully.
Alex exhaled.
"…You did well today."
Kirlia blinked.
Then smiled.
Alex opened his arms.
Kirlia didn't hesitate.
She floated straight into his chest and hugged him tightly, small hands gripping his clothes like she was afraid he'd disappear.
Alex froze for half a second—
Then relaxed.
"…Alright," he said quietly. "You win."
Kirlia beamed.
She curled up against him, warm and light, psychic energy wrapping around them like a blanket.
Alex lay back.
For once—
He slept without thinking of the future.
Kirlia slept even better.
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Alex opened his eyes calmly.
Kirlia was still there.
Still hugging him.
Still refusing to move.
"…You know I have work, right?" Alex murmured.
Kirlia pretended to be asleep.
Alex sighed and carefully sat up.
Kirlia floated after him.
Victory.
Avalon Group — A Normal Morning (It Was Not)
Alex left the mansion dressed neatly, posture relaxed.
Today's plan was simple:
Visit Avalon Group Review reports Maintain the image of a calm, capable heir
No drama.
No fate.
Just business.
He stepped into the car.
Closed his eyes briefly.
And then—
DING
The sound echoed directly in his mind.
Alex's eyes snapped open.
System Notice:
A new protagonist is detected.
The words hung there.
Heavy.
Silent.
Unavoidable.
Alex leaned back slowly.
"…Already?"
Kirlia floated closer, sensing the shift instantly.
Alex opened the system interface.
A familiar feeling returned.
Not anger.
Not excitement.
Just readiness.
"So," he murmured, eyes sharpening,
"let's see what kind of story you're trying to tell now."
Somewhere in the city—
A new fate thread sparked to life.
And Alexander Argus Runcandel?
He smiled faintly.