# Chapter 28
Chapter 28
"Uh, the treasure will swallow our land.
If anyone discovers this later, please... save us.
From now on, we will fall into a deep sleep in a deep place.
When the time comes for this crystal to light the way, please unseal it."
At Bunny's words, gasps of admiration came from various places.
After all, they were talking about ancient elves.
Ancient elves!
It was uncertain whether they even existed, but the civilization they left behind was so impressive that just seeing the traces or records left behind was astonishing.
Yet, all of it suddenly disappeared one day.
Since it was only recorded like that, if there weren't artifacts or traces of the ancient elves left here and there, the fact that they existed would surely have remained a legend.
However, only traces remained of their existence in the past, and no one could find an actual ancient elf, even though they were said to live nearly eternally.
"The one who opens the seal... has the purest soul untainted by any filth, yet has stepped into the deepest darkness.
That person is truly the world's prophet..."
As soon as Bunny finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent.
"Wow...
If that’s true, it’s amazing."
"If we discover the ruins of the ancient elves or the place where they sleep, a new hero may be born in the Udia dukedom."
Though it was just murmurs, Bunny could hear everything.
Generally, demons have exceptional senses and can see what is invisible or hear even the faintest sounds clearly.
In particular, demons are known for their excellent night vision, allowing them to see everything as if it were daytime, even in darkness.
Heh.
It seems everyone is astonished by Bunny's abilities.
With his shoulders slightly raised, Bunny glanced around.
It seemed like it was time to receive some compliments.
Pat pat!
‘When should I get it?’
As he wiggled his body and peeked up at Kiriel, he noticed Kiriel's face had stiffened slightly.
"...My lord?"
Startled, Bunny shrank his neck and called out to Kiriel.
Hearing that voice, Kiriel relaxed his expression and lowered his gaze.
"Bunny is...?"
"Ah, yes."
When Kiriel reached out and patted Bunny's head, Bunny's face finally melted into a grin.
The crystal continued to emit a voice.
After Bunny had conveyed those words to them...
Help me, help me, help me, help me.Help me, help me, help me, help me.
Help me, help me, help me, help me.>
The endless words that followed were nothing but pleas for help.
Feeling the urgency in the voice, Bunny buried his face in Kiriel's clothing.
‘A bit scary...’
Bunny fidgeted his fingers.
Kiriel set the crystal back in its original place and gently patted Bunny's back.
It felt warm.
‘I want to see Ruri.’
Ruri always held Bunny and patted him like this.
Sighing softly, Bunny buried his face deep in Kiriel's chest.
"Are you tired?"
"Yes."
"Then sleep."
"Don’t...
Bunny is...”
Yawning quietly, Bunny continued to doze off, and Kiriel’s expression became complicated as he watched.
Thud.
The small head that was nodding off fell onto Kiriel's chest.
Silently, he continued to pat Bunny's back and changed his position to help the child sleep more comfortably.
As he looked down at the colorful face of the child, Kiriel quietly stroked Bunny’s head.
"Wow...
If that’s true, it’s amazing."
"If we discover the ruins of the ancient elves or the place where they sleep, a new hero may be born in the Udia dukedom."
Kiriel chuckled.
Did he think of himself from those words?
What would he do next, making the child worry again because he couldn’t manage his expression?
‘Did I think I would raise the child for no reason?’
Once more, Kiriel pondered over his words and chuckled.
Dealing with people was frustrating.
Humans who want much but expect only sacrifices from others.
Just like his older brother, who vanished, and he himself, who was supposed to be treated like a hero.
The reason he decided to keep the child close was that the presence of demons was concerning him.
He wondered if they had a specific purpose in trying to approach him.
It would have been easier if he had left everything to his aide, Rebon.
Softly.
Watching the child, who was sleeping soundly without even realizing what he was thinking, felt strange.
A child who laughs and cries easily yet is surprisingly strong like a weed.
To be honest, Kiriel’s face couldn’t be described as kind.
Most children would usually freeze up when meeting him.
Even if they said he was handsome, no child would like a stiff, expressionless face.
Yet, Bunny approaches him, his terrifying father, and even Allen, who pushes him away, without hesitation, reaching out his hand.
He smiles widely as if he is the happiest person in the world.
In reality, he was a child who grew up in an orphanage, proudly taking care of himself without a personal maid or guard.
A child starving for praise, for attention.
He demands that openly.
He must not feel ashamed of seeking help from someone or wanting someone's affection.
"Um.
So what are we going to do?
Duke."
The commander of the Holy Knights, Klein, spoke, and Ludbride crossed his arms and pondered for a moment.
"First..."
The child's words were not entirely unbelievable.
According to records, the ancient elves completely concealed their forms.
It was said they disappeared like magic.
But what if their dwelling place was truly turned into a dungeon, either sealed by themselves or trapped somewhere beneath the dungeon?
The child's imagination was rather detailed, making it impossible to dismiss completely.
"Klein, Salame.
One of you take this stone and go to the place where it was found and search.
I need to meet the Emperor."
If this is true, it would be a significant discovery.
What kind of divine beast would be born from the child, he didn’t know, but… it would truly become a new storm.
"First, the child..."
"I’ll be leaving now."
Interrupting Ludbride's words, Kiriel stood up from his seat.
With the sound of the chair scraping against the floor, all eyes turned from Ludbride to Kiriel.
"And from now on, it’s bothersome, so unless a demon appears, don’t bother calling me.
The same goes for our child."
"The meeting is not over."
"I have nothing to do here.
I only came because I thought it might be a demon's thing since a strange cursed crystal was found."
"Kiriel!
Until when will you...!"
Kiriel Udia looked at Ludbride with an indifferent and cold face before speaking.
"My daughter is sleeping.
Keep it down."
"Daughter, what nonsense!
You're still saying that ridiculous thing!
Get married to a woman or say something proper!
You can’t take care of anyone, to begin with.
If that child needs a guardian, I’ll find someone who can take care of her, so you...!”
"Who could take care of anyone?
If I give up custody... you’ll push this child into danger, shouting about how she’s a hero with great abilities, just like you did to my brother, right?"
The atmosphere turned icy at Kiriel Udia's sharp words.
Ludbride Udia stiffened at Kiriel's scandalous remarks, and his face twisted immediately.
"You...!"
"Let’s go."
He turned away sharply.
"There’s no custody to talk about!
You have no right to custody either, you vile bastard!"
Ludbride shouted angrily, but Kiriel just sneered and exited the meeting room.