# Chapter 80
"Instead, let’s win over some other people!
We can use thecute and charmingstrategy on the maids and knights!
Then, they’ll bring us useful information!
If everyone likes you, you won’t feel lonely anymore."
“…Strategy.”
"It’ll be fine.
As long as you follow what I tell you, you’ll be happy.
First, you should casually share the information I give you with the maids and knights every few days.
And remember—cuteness is mandatory!"
“……”
Bunny stared silently at the countless words written on the page, engraving them deep into her mind.
After a long moment, she let out a quiet sigh and pressed her forehead against the notebook.
"Oh, and… There’s a mine owned by the duchy called theZiriel Mine.
It’s been classified as an abandoned site because it was originally used to mine diamonds, but they’ve long since run out.
However—!!"
Bunny's eyes widened at the suspenseful pause.
She quickly flipped to the next page, blinking curiously.
"If you dig deep enough into the mine, you’ll find a special stone calledPurification Crystal!
But—don’t tell the maids or the knights about this.
Instead, share this information withKiriel Yudiana Ludbreed Yudia."
“Mm.”
"You’re the best, my little one!
You’re amazing!
You’re a genius!
There’s nothing you can’t do!
So don’t make that sad face.
I’ll make sure you’re happy, no matter what."
“Hehe.”
"You will grow up safely.
You won’t die.
You will become a great ruler.
And you will be happy."
Bunny silently gazed at the notebook before pulling it into a tight embrace.
『Luri, I miss you.』
As soon as the small whisper left her lips, the sound of a pen scratching against paper echoed in the quiet room.
Bunny looked down at the notebook in surprise.
"You have a unique constitution, my little one.
You need to maintain balance.
So… don’t let dark thoughts consume you.
Don’t seek love only to be hurt by it.
Just grow up safely and leave that mansion.
Then, you’ll truly become the protagonist of this world."
She reread the words over and over, tilting her head.
"Luri’s words are always hard to understand…"
But Luri was never wrong.
"Protagonist!"
Bunny’s mind raced as she recalled a familiar story—one that Luriel often read to her.
"I Thought I Was a Human Baby, But I Was Actually the Great Demon King?!"
It was about a protagonist who was adopted by humans and raised as one of them.
One day, when faced with danger, they awakened as a demon.
The humans who once loved them—especially their father—feared and shunned them, calling them a monster.
But despite the hardships, the protagonist endured, growing into a powerful adult.
Eventually, they saved the world from catastrophe and became thegreatestDemon King, beloved by all.
'This protagonist… feels a bit like me.'
Bunny was also facing a tremendous ordeal.
"'Cute and charming' strategy.
But not with Daddy."
Daddy never said he disliked her.
So why did Luri tell her to stay away from him?
As she pondered, Bunny pressed the notebook deep into Toto’s belly, hiding it away.
Then—knock, knock.
Her ears perked up at the sound of gentle knocking.
"Miss Bunny, it’s Melissa!
May I come in?"
“Mm!”
Click.The door opened, and Melissa stepped inside.
"Miss Bunny!
The young master has returned!"
Bunny’s eyes sparkled.
"He wants to have dinner with you.
Would you like to join him?"
"Yesss!"
She was about to run to Melissa, but then—
You mustn’t bother Kiriel Yudia anymore.
In fact, from now on, it’s best if you stay out of sight as much as possible!!
The words from Luriel’s notebook flashed in her mind, and she skidded to a stop.
‘When I eat with Daddy, he always serves my food.’
He would lift her onto the chair, scoop food onto her plate, and even carry her back to her room when she was too full to walk.
‘Daddy must find me annoying.’
Bunny clenched her tiny fists, puffed out her chest, and lifted her chin proudly as she faced Melissa.
“…Melissa, Bunny is an adult now.
I eat alone.
No need to go.”
Melissa's jaw dropped.
‘Bunny won’t bother Daddy anymore.
He won’t even see me.’
Hmph.
Bunny was already a capable, independent adult!
***
"What?"
Kiriel frowned.
Melissa hesitated before answering carefully, "Miss Bunny insisted that she’s an adult now and that she’ll eat on her own…"
"Suddenly?"
"Yes.
She seemed excited at first when I mentioned dinner, but…"
From the side, Alan, who had been preparing fireworks for the celebration, let out a disappointed sigh.
"What?!
She’s not coming?
I went out of my way to make time for this…!"
Calvard scowled.
"And you didn’t bring her anyway?
Do you have no sense?"
"I tried to convince her, but she was firm in her decision…"
Kiriel furrowed his brows.
So much for Alan’s idea of a birthday dinner—now, the guest of honor was skipping it.
Bunny was always unpredictable, but when she suddenly said strange things, he always wonderedwhatwent through that little head of hers.
‘…Could it be because of what happened a few days ago?’
His expression darkened as he recalled her words.
"Bunny is not actually a great magician, but a great Demon King in training…?"
She had been unusually downcast after saying that.
"I’ll go get her," Alan offered.
In the past, he had been hesitant around Bunny.
But lately, he had started calling Kiriel "Father" more openly, without any hesitation.
Kiriel shook his head.
"No, I’ll go.
Wait here."
He left the room and made his way toward Bunny’s quarters.
Knock, knock.
“…Yes…?”
A weak voice responded.
Kiriel hesitated for a moment before speaking in a composed tone.
"Bunny, may I come in?"
“Gasp!
N-no, you can’t!”
His hand froze on the doorknob.
Thud.
Something heavy settled in his chest.
For the first time, Bunny was rejecting him outright.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
After a long pause, he pressed a hand against his chest, exhaling slowly.
Hearing it secondhand was one thing.
But experiencing it himself… felt different.
It was like his heart was plummeting.
Kiriel debated forcing the door open but decided against it.
"Bunny, I heard you’re not coming to dinner.
Is there a reason?"
A small voice replied, "Bunny… must prepare to be a great adult.
Bunny eats alone now."
"I thought I told you—you’re still very small."
Silence.
Kiriel tilted his head in confusion.
“…But Bunny can do things alone now…”
"I know you’re capable."
Even if that meant soaking her hair while washing it, leaving clothes scattered on the floor, and wearing wrinkled outfits.
"Bunny will stay out of Daddy’s way… I won’t bother you anymore."
“…What?”
His expression turned unreadable.
What on earth was she thinking now?
Kiriel let out a sigh, gripping the doorknob.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Locked.
“….”
She was thorough.
Should he praise her for her diligence?
Or scold her for being so stubborn?
After a brief moment of contemplation, he tightened his grip.
Crack.
The lock shattered.
He had broken the door.