A Party, Old Faces, and a Walking Idiot
Alex really didn't want to come.
Unfortunately—
"Alex," Evelyn Runcandel said sweetly, already holding his arm,
"you're coming."
That tone meant resistance was pointless.
"…Yes, Mother," Alex replied flatly.
Thus, the Runcandel Heir was forcibly dragged to a high-society party.
Arrival — Familiar Trouble
The moment they entered, Alex spotted a familiar silver-haired woman beside Evelyn.
"Good evening, Chairman Lusamine," Alex said smoothly.
Lusamine turned—
And froze.
"…Alex."
Her ears reddened instantly.
Evelyn smirked.
Alex leaned closer, voice teasing.
"You're blushing again. Did I get more handsome in one month?"
Lusamine coughed.
"…You were already troublesome."
Alex chuckled.
The Britannia Sisters
Before Lusamine could recover, two figures rushed over.
"Brother Alex!"
Euphemia li Britannia practically bounced toward him.
Behind her, Cornelia li Britannia walked with dignity—
Which immediately shattered.
Alex spread his arms.
"Well, well… my little pig and my little princess."
Cornelia exploded instantly.
"DON'T CALL ME A PIG!"
Alex smiled brightly.
"You're cute when you blush. And you're my pig. I'll spoil you rotten."
Cornelia's face turned red enough to rival a fire-type Pokémon.
"I WILL KILL YOU—"
Evelyn laughed openly.
Euphemia tugged Alex's sleeve shyly.
"Brother Alex… I haven't visited the mansion. I've been training my Pokémon and studying, so I forgot…"
Alex patted her head gently.
"It's fine," he said warmly.
"My little Euphy is kind and works hard—just like a princess."
Euphemia's face went pink.
"…Brother Alex…"
Cornelia fumed even harder.
Evelyn Joins the Attack
Evelyn bent down and gently pinched Euphemia's cheek.
"My, my… you've grown into such a beautiful lady, Euphy."
Then she turned her sharp gaze to Cornelia.
"And you," Evelyn continued, smiling sweetly,
"have forgotten your aunty who changed your diapers when you were little."
Cornelia froze.
"…A-Aunty Evelyn?!"
Her face went nuclear.
Euphemia burst into laughter.
Lusamine covered her mouth, shoulders shaking.
Alex laughed openly.
Cornelia wanted the floor to swallow her.
Evelyn waved lightly.
"Come visit our house once in a while, Cornelia, Euphemia."
"Yes, Aunty!" Euphemia replied instantly.
"…Y-Yes," Cornelia muttered.
The Mood Breaks
Alex's smile faded slightly.
Across the hall—
Two figures entered together.
Lunaria Valencrest.
And beside her—
Kael Ravencroft.
Alex's eyes narrowed just a fraction.
"System," he said mentally.
"Status."
Protagonist Status Panel
Name: Kael Ravencroft
Title: Protagonist of Return of the Hidden Tycoon
Personality: Shameless | Selfish | Overconfident
Age: 18
Luck: 9500
Alex exhaled slowly.
"So the script really is moving."
Mother's Sharp Instinct
Evelyn leaned closer, whispering.
"…Who's that man next to Lunaria?"
Alex replied calmly,
"Kael Ravencroft. Childhood friend."
Evelyn squinted.
"…He looks like a walking idiot."
Alex nodded seriously.
"Yes, Mama. I thought of punching him too when I saw him."
Behind them—
Euphemia nodded.
Cornelia nodded.
Lusamine nodded.
A rare moment of unity.
Two Worlds, One Room
Kael laughed softly at something Lunaria said.
Lunaria smiled.
Across the hall—
Alex stood surrounded by family, allies, and quiet power.
The party continued.
Music played.
Glasses clinked.
And somewhere between polite smiles and hidden glances—
Two stories occupied the same space.
One believed it had just begun.
The other had already been rewritten.