The atmosphere in the Runcandel mansion was warm and welcoming as Alexander stepped through the grand doors. The scent of the freshly baked chocolate cake lingered in the air, a sweet reminder of a successful day.
Darius was sitting by the fireplace, a glass of aged whiskey in his hand, while Valeria was looking over some family documents. Both looked up with wide smiles as Alex entered.
"How was the date, champ?" Darius boomed, his voice full of pride.
"It was great, Grandpa," Alex replied, leaning against the doorframe with a relaxed smile.
Valeria tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And where did you take the Sitri heiress? I hope you were a perfect gentleman."
"We started at a hotel for breakfast," Alex explained, "and then I surprised her with a reserved baking class. We made a cake together—it was a lot of fun."
Alex opened the box, offering the remaining slices of the chocolate cake to his family. Darius, Valeria, Grayfia, Sylpha, and Kuroka each took a bite. The room went silent for a moment as the rich flavors melted on their tongues.
"It's delicious, Alexander," Valeria praised, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "You clearly have a talent for more than just combat."
"Not bad at all, brat," Darius laughed, clapping him on the back. "A man who can conquer the kitchen can conquer any woman's heart."
The Internal Chorus:
Grayfia & Sylpha:'The Master's cooking... it's as heavenly as he is.'Kuroka: (Purring) "Nya~ I want to bake with him next time!"
The Call of the Great King
Darius's expression then turned slightly more serious, though his eyes remained warm. "Tomorrow morning, I need you to come with me. Your Great-Grandfather, Zekram, has decided. It is time for you to receive your Evil Pieces."
Alexander's eyes sharpened. In this world, Evil Pieces were the mark of a King—the tools to build a peerage and consolidate power.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Evil Pieces, huh? Zekram himself is overseeing this? That means these aren't just standard pieces. In my previous life, I had my Guardians... my wifes and my army. Now, I'll have the foundation to build something even greater in this world. I wonder if Ciel can 'optimize' them for me once I get them?]
Ciel:[Master, I can certainly analyze their structure. If they are based on the King's soul, your 20% synchronization will likely turn those pieces into something the Underworld has never seen before.]
"I understand, Grandpa. I'll be ready," Alex nodded. He felt the weight of the moment, knowing that tomorrow would officially mark his rise as a recognized King in the eyes of the Underworld.
A King's Rest
Feeling the fatigue of the long day and the lingering warmth of Sona's kiss, Alex turned to the group. "I'm heading up. Goodnight, Grandpa, Grandma. Goodnight, Grayfia, Sylpha, Kuroka."
As he walked up the stairs, the five of them watched him go. Grayfia lingered a moment longer, her gaze soft and lingering on his back.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Tomorrow is the day. After I get those pieces, I'm heading to school. I have a date with Tsubaki to plan, a 'Hero' to put in his place, and a Peerage to build. Life as a Runcandel is never boring.]
The Listening Audience:
Rias Gremory: (In her room) 'He's getting his pieces tomorrow... Zekram-sama is giving them personally? Alex is going to be the most powerful King in our generation.'Sona Sitri: (Waking up briefly in her bed, clutching her pillow) 'Alexander... my King...'