# Chapter 81
“Ehh?!”
With a single hand, Kiriel casually pushed open the now-broken door handle and stepped into Bunny’s room.
Bunny stood frozen in place, hugging her stuffed bear tightly.
Her mouth hung open.
“Daddy, you’re super strong.”
“I am.”
Kiriel walked over to Bunny and crouched in front of her, meeting her gaze.
“So, why did you suddenly decide you shouldn’t be seen by me?”
“…Because Bunny isn’t a baby anymore.”
“Even if you’re not a baby, I already promised to be your dad.
Or… have you found a new one?”
“Um…”
Come to think of it, Roel’s dad was quite handsome…
As Bunny pondered whether she should consider a new dad candidate, she suddenly—
Thunk!
“Ow!”
A light tap on her forehead made Bunny’s eyes widen as she looked up at Kiriel.
He stared at her expressionlessly before speaking.
“You weren’t actually thinking about getting another dad, were you?”
Guilty!
Bunny flinched, her little shoulders shaking.
She quickly pouted and shook her head side to side in denial.
Kiriel studied her for a moment before sighing.
“So… what made you think you needed to stay out of my sight?”
His voice was calm, slow, and steady—almost lazy.
But Bunny swallowed hard.
Her fingers fidgeted, her gaze darting around.
She looked like she wanted to escape, but Kiriel didn’t seem like he would let her.
“…If Daddy hates Bunny, Bunny will cry.
So… so…”
So…
Bunny’s lips quivered.
Should I tell him about Luri?
Luri had always told her never to talk about him to anyone.
And Luri was always right.
Always.
"From now on, no more secrets between us, Bunny."
But, Luri…
If Bunny lied, she’d only end up with friends who lie too.
What should she do if she wants a friend who doesn’t lie?
Her heart pounded wildly.
Kiriel, noticing Bunny’s hesitation, gently patted her shoulder.
“Bunny, if you don’t want to talk about it—”
“…Luri said Bunny shouldn’t be seen by Daddy.”
Kiriel was about to reassure her when she suddenly clenched her eyes shut and blurted it out.
“…You mean the person who raised you before?”
“Yes…”
Kiriel’s eyes widened slightly before he slowly blinked.
How… could she have heard anything from someone who wasn’t even here anymore?
“Why?”
“Luri said… Daddy doesn’t like demons.
That’s why… That’s why Bunny should stay out of sight.
So Bunny doesn’t bother Daddy.
That’s why…”
That’s why…
Bunny’s voice gradually became smaller.
Kiriel quietly gazed down at her little head, then, without warning—he picked her up.
“Ah!”
“So you tried to stay out of my sight?
To not bother me?
For my sake?”
“Yes… Bunny doesn’t want Daddy to hate her…”
At her small, innocent confession, Kiriel smiled faintly.
He patted her back before turning on his heel and walking out of the room—Bunny still in his arms.
“I don’t hate you.
I won’t ever hate you.”
“…Really?
But what if Bunny becomes a bad demon one day?”
“Then I’ll catch you, spank your little butt, and tell you it’s wrong.”
“…Ehh.
But spanking hurts.”
“Then don’t be a bad demon.”
Bunny blinked.
Then, she giggled softly before wrapping her tiny arms around Kiriel’s neck.
“Daddy doesn’t hate Bunny?”
“No.”
“Even if a new baby comes, Daddy won’t hate Bunny?”
“A new baby?”
Was she talking about his future child?
Kiriel wasn’t sure how her mind had gone in that direction, but he simply nodded.
“Of course.
Don’t even say something so obvious.”
Then, with a small smile, he added, “Besides, your brothers are waiting for you.”
“For Bunny?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Kiriel chuckled as he pushed open the doors.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
“Happy birthday, Bunny!!”
The moment the doors swung open, loud cheers rang out.
Bunny, still in Kiriel’s arms, blinked in complete shock.
“…But today’s not Bunny’s birthday?”
She finally managed to speak, her expression dazed.
Behind the group, a large banner read:
[Happy Birthday, Bunny!!]
The entire room was filled with food—tons of it.
A seven-tiered chocolate cake, a chocolate fountain, an array of chocolate desserts, fresh fruits, and a massive, glistening piece of meat sitting proudly at the center.
“Last time, your birthday celebration was a total disaster!
The only thing I got was a piece of chocolate you gave me!”
“Exactly.
We promised to do it properly this time.”
“I-I just came because they said it was your birthday…”
Alan grinned widely, while Kiriel gently placed Bunny down on the floor.
Calvard muttered from behind, and soon, Rebon, Roden, Jesse, and Melissa all joined in to wish her a happy birthday.
Bunny’s big, round eyes grew even larger.
“…I thought Alan didn’t like Bunny anymore.”
“Huh?
Why would I?!
That’s ridiculous!
I never hated you!”
“But Alan avoided Bunny all morning.
Like stinky old shoes.”
Bunny pouted.
Alan flinched.
“No, no, that’s because we were planning the surprise party!
If Bunny found out, it wouldn’t be a surprise!
It wasn’t because I didn’t like you at all—”
He rushed over, frantically explaining.
Meanwhile, Bunny slowly walked toward the towering seven-tiered chocolate cake and stared up at it.
“…This is Bunny’s first birthday party.”
“Wait.
You’ve never had a birthday party before?”
Calvard, who had moved closer, looked utterly confused.
Bunny glanced around at the lavish decorations and the people surrounding her, then softly spoke.
“Mm.
When Bunny was little, Bunny didn’t have money.
So, on birthdays, Bunny and Luri would share a tiny piece of chocolate together.”
The room fell silent.
Kiriel’s eyes widened slightly, and the others quickly realized—
That was why Bunny had handed out chocolates last time.
That was why she had asked them to wish her a happy birthday.
“…So this is my first real party!
And it’s amazing!”
Bunny’s clear, innocent laughter filled the room.
She spun around, arms wide open, before bowing deeply.
“Thank you very much!!”
As she bowed, Alan sniffled, trying not to cry.
Rebon and Jesse subtly turned away, while Melissa covered her mouth.
At that moment—
Click.
Click.
Click.
The sound of a camera shutter echoed in the room.
Kiriel’s eyes narrowed slightly as he turned his head.
There stood Rebon, his expression as blank as ever, snapping away with a camera.
When their gazes met, Rebon calmly tucked the camera back into his coat pocket.
“Bunny, do you know?”
“Hm?
Know what?”
“If you make a wish before blowing out your candles, your wish will come true!”
Alan took her hand and led her toward the cake.
Kiriel lifted her up so she could reach the candles at the top, making her eyes sparkle.
“A wish…!”
Bunny had always had only one wish.
To grow up safely.
To become the greatest Demon King ever!
She closed her eyes, preparing to make her wish—but then, she hesitated.
Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked around at the people surrounding her.
Her eyes darted from one familiar face to another.
Then—
Bunny clasped her hands together tightly, shut her eyes, and made her wish.