The Golden Spoon and the First Crack
Kael Ravencroft noticed Alex by accident.
It wasn't because of Alex's aura.
Or power.
Or reputation.
It was because everyone important unconsciously angled themselves toward him.
That annoyed Kael.
He followed their gazes—
And saw him.
Alexander Argus Runcandel.
Standing casually.
Hands in pockets.
Laughing with ease.
Surrounded by Evelyn Runcandel, Lusamine, and the Britannia sisters.
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…So that's him."
Kael's First Judgment (And First Mistake)
Kael observed Alex for a few seconds.
Then mentally dismissed him.
Spoiled.
Golden spoon child.
Born at the peak.
Kael scoffed inwardly.
"So this is the villain from Luna's past?"
He saw:
Expensive suit Relaxed posture No visible ambition
Kael's conclusion was immediate.
He wouldn't last a day without his family.
But—
Something felt off.
Alex wasn't trying to dominate the room.
People just… gravitated to him.
That irritated Kael.
Still, he smiled politely and leaned toward Lunaria.
"Do you know him?" he asked casually.
Lunaria hesitated.
"…He's Alexander Runcandel."
Kael nodded.
So that was it.
Strong background. Nothing else.
He didn't even bother putting Alex in his eyes.
Fate Pushes Them Together
Unfortunately for Kael—
The party organizer had other plans.
"Chairman Runcandel," the host said nervously,
"would you like to greet some guests?"
Evelyn smiled.
"Of course."
Alex sighed internally.
"…Here we go."
They moved.
And within moments—
They stood directly in front of Kael Ravencroft and Lunaria Valencrest.
The Meeting
Evelyn's smile vanished.
Lunaria stiffened.
Kael straightened, putting on his most refined smile.
"Chairman Runcandel," he said smoothly,
"I've heard much about you. Kael Ravencroft."
Evelyn glanced at him.
Once.
Then turned to Lunaria.
"…Ah," Evelyn said coolly.
"Miss Valencrest."
Lunaria's fingers tightened.
Alex, meanwhile, tilted his head slightly.
Looked Kael up and down.
And—
Smiled.
Not hostile.
Not angry.
Just amused.
Casual Cruelty
Alex extended a hand lazily.
"So," he said lightly,
"you're the childhood friend."
Kael took the handshake.
Alex's grip was gentle.
Too gentle.
Kael relaxed slightly.
Then—
Alex spoke again.
"You came back at a good time," Alex continued.
"Cleaning up scandals is expensive."
The surrounding air froze.
Kael's smile twitched.
"…Excuse me?"
Alex looked genuinely curious.
"I mean," he added calmly,
"emotional support, lawyers, PR teams… all that costs money."
He glanced at Lunaria briefly.
Then back to Kael.
"Must've hurt your wallet."
Silence.
Kael Tries to Recover
Kael laughed lightly.
"You misunderstand. I'm just helping a friend."
Alex nodded seriously.
"Of course."
Then—
"I hope," Alex continued, voice polite,
"your overseas money is clean."
Kael's pupils shrank.
"…What do you mean?"
Alex smiled wider.
"Oh, nothing," he said.
"I just heard foreign laws are… flexible."
Cornelia snorted.
Euphemia covered her mouth.
Lusamine coughed to hide her laugh.
Evelyn sipped her drink calmly.
The Final Nail
Kael straightened.
"Alexander Runcandel," he said coolly,
"some people rely too much on their family name."
Alex nodded.
"True."
Then leaned in slightly.
"Others rely too much on luck."
Kael froze.
Alex patted his shoulder.
"Enjoy the party," Alex said warmly.
"And… welcome back."
He turned and walked away.
Aftermath
Kael stood stiffly.
His heart was beating faster than he liked.
Lunaria whispered, "…Kael?"
He forced a smile.
"I'm fine."
But his gaze followed Alex's back.
For the first time—
Kael Ravencroft felt something unfamiliar.
Not anger.
Not fear.
But—
Unease.
Elsewhere — A Silent Update
Alex rejoined his group.
Kirlia floated beside him, eyes bright.
System Notice:
Protagonist Kael Ravencroft's confidence shaken.
Luck −300.
Alex didn't even look at the notification.
He simply took a drink.
"…So fragile," he murmured.
The party resumed.
But for Kael—
The script had just stuttered.