Morning Light, Old Feelings
Morning sunlight filtered softly into the room.
Alex opened his eyes—
And the first thing he saw was Chris, sleeping peacefully beside him.
Her breathing was steady, calm.
Alex smiled.
He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.
Chris stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"…Morning," she murmured sleepily.
Alex chuckled.
"Good morning."
She smiled, pulled him closer for a brief kiss, and replied,
"Good morning."
No words were needed.
They both got up, freshened themselves, and headed downstairs.
Breakfast at Runcandel Mansion
The dining hall was lively as always.
Victor, Evelyn, Darius, Selene, Chisato, and Grayfia were already there.
"Good morning," Alex greeted.
Everyone responded warmly.
Chris sat beside Alex naturally.
Chisato glanced at them—then at Grayfia.
Both women narrowed their eyes slightly.
So she slept with him…
Jealousy flashed briefly—
But neither said anything.
After breakfast, Alex stood up.
"I'm heading to school."
Victor nodded proudly.
"Have a good day."
Chris waved at him as he left.
High School — Familiar Grounds
Alex walked into the school grounds.
The moment he appeared—
"Good morning, Alex!"
"Hey, Runcandel!"
Students greeted him enthusiastically.
Alex responded casually, smiling.
Then—
He saw Leon Ashford and Lunaria Valencrest chatting together.
Laughing.
Alex glanced once—
Then looked away.
"…Irrelevant."
He continued walking.
Old Friends Reappear
"Alex!"
Two familiar voices called out.
He turned—
Cornelia li Britannia and Euphemia li Britannia stood there.
Cornelia crossed her arms.
"Well, if it isn't the Young Master of Runcandel."
Alex smiled inwardly.
Cornelia… Euphemia…
In the canon—
After Alex's fall, they tried to destroy Leon.
They failed.
Lost everything.
Fled to the countryside.
Lived with regret and grief.
Alex felt a strange mix of sadness and warmth.
This time… I won't let that happen.
He grinned.
"Well, if it isn't my little pig."
Cornelia froze.
Her face instantly turned red.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
Alex laughed.
"How could I forget? That nickname was earned."
Cornelia sputtered.
"You—!"
Alex leaned closer and whispered teasingly,
"You look so cute today I feel like carrying you away, feeding you well, spoiling you until you become a chubby little pig."
Cornelia's face turned crimson.
Steam practically rose from her head.
"I—I'LL KILL YOU!"
Alex stepped back calmly, amused.
Then he turned to Euphemia.
"Good morning, Euphy."
"You look beautiful today."
Euphemia's eyes widened.
"…T-Thank you."
She smiled shyly, cheeks pink.
Silent Thoughts
Cornelia and Euphemia exchanged a glance.
He's different.
He wasn't clinging to Lunaria.
He wasn't hovering around her anymore.
Both of them knew—
Lunaria had cheated on Alex.
Used his money.
His influence.
Yet loved Leon instead.
And Leon?
That shameless guy had tried to flirt with them multiple times.
They never liked him.
Never trusted him.
Now—
Watching Alex stand tall, confident, calm—
Their hearts beat a little faster.
This Alex…
We like this Alex.
Alex walked to his classroom.
The day had just begun.
Outside—
Fate trembled.
Inside—
Old bonds quietly rekindled.
And somewhere—
Leon's luck continued to slip through his fingers.