“Wow!”
Bunny’s jaw dropped.
The line of children had led her into a small temple tucked away within the ducal estate. It was only opened for summoning rituals, which was why everyone referred to this modest structure inside the mansion as the “Room of Blessings.”
To be precise, the room was actually the vast hall within the temple, but that was a minor detail. The space felt more like a courtroom, dominated by a small table in the center and rows of chairs arranged in a rigid circle around it.
Bunny trailed at the very back of the group, craning her neck to take it all in. Resting on the center table was a glass bead, so strangely transparent and clear that it looked like a suspended drop of water.
“Young Lady and Young Masters, please stand over here and wait until your names are called. Once called, go forward and do as you are instructed.”
As Jessie, who had accompanied them as a chaperone, gave the order, Bunny’s eyes sparkled.
[My dear baby, are you worried about what you should do? However, there is no need to worry. Because you, my baby, are a special genius. Trust this Luriel. Our baby will surely summon something incredibly cool and amazing.]
Recalling the secret notebook Luriel had gifted her, Bunny’s body bounced with excitement. Something incredibly cool and amazing! As far as Bunny knew, there was only one such thing in the world.
‘Bunny must be going to summon a super-duper strong dragon!’
Since Luriel’s words were infallible, she was certain to summon something grand. She could already see it: *Pew-pew!* Shooting fire beams from its mouth! Flying high into the sky on the dragon’s back!
‘Hehehe, line up, daddy candidates—right behind Bunny.’
Immersed in her fantasy, Bunny smugly rubbed the area under her nose.
‘My goodness, to think such a talented child exists! Would you please let me be your father? I will raise you with love until you are an adult. So, please, will you call me Father?’
‘Hmph. To be my child, one must have at least this much ability. I shall give you a castle made of the finest chocolate. How about it? Becoming my child?’
‘Hmph. That pathetic-looking rabbit is the master of a dragon? I can’t believe it even with such a cute face! What? You even have ambitions to become the Great Demon King….’
Bunny, who had been orchestrating a battle for her affection within her soft, drifting thought-clouds, suddenly froze and clamped her mouth shut.
‘Great Demon King is a secret!’
Snapping back to reality, Bunny shook her head vigorously. Then, she let her lips twitch into a goofy grin and dove back into her daydreams.
‘That pathetic-looking rabbit is the master of a dragon? I can’t believe it even with such a cute face! What? You even have the ambition to become an Archmage? I won’t believe it unless I see proof!’
‘Heh, here is the proof.’
In her vision, Bunny sat on a long bench, crossed her short legs awkwardly, and sipped orange juice from an elephant-shaped cup while waving a dismissive finger. Behind her, a pitch-black dragon let out a thunderous, “ROAR!”
‘My word, it was true. I’ve never seen such a brilliant child. Would you become family with me? My child.’
Bunny, the sensation. Human adults loved a child who was cute, clever, and—above all—not bothersome. And Bunny was not only excellent on her own, but she was destined to be the master of a super-duper strong dragon and a giant Great Demon King. She was simply too clever, a collection of nothing but lovable traits.
‘A dragon!’
She would fly and play among the clouds!
“His Excellency Duke Ludbrid Yudia, First Order Knight Commander Kline Yudia, Saintess Salame Yudia, and Young Master Kiriel Yudia are entering.”
The booming announcement snapped Bunny out of her reverie. She looked up to see the crowd of people, previously chatting, jump to their feet in unison and bow. It was only then that she realized how many people had been sitting in those circular chairs. Her jaw dropped again. The other children were bowing, too.
‘Gasp, Bunny too!’
*Flap, flap.* Realizing her duty, Bunny bowed her head as best she could. She stretched both arms back to ensure she wouldn’t wobble or fall over—effectively striking the pose of a bird right before takeoff. This resulted in the unfortunate incident of Magomi’s waist being folded in half as the doll followed her lead.
“Pfft.”
At the small, suppressed sound of laughter, Bunny perked up her ears. She lifted her head, though her waist remained bent, peeking out like a shy turtle. For a split second, her eyes met those of the people in the seats of honor. Bunny tilted her head, realized the breach of decorum, and immediately ducked her head back down.
A dark-skinned man turned away, his shoulders shaking, while an incredibly grim-looking old man in the center glared at him fiercely.
“Everyone, stand up and take your seats.”
At the old man’s command, the crowd straightened and sat. Bunny took the hint, straightened her waist, and plopped down onto the floor with a spirited *thud*.
“*Cough*….”
Another stifled laugh echoed nearby. Regardless, Bunny sat there, using her small, clenched fists to thump her waist, which felt strained from the exertion. She paid little attention to the surroundings; tapping her aching muscles felt far more urgent.
“Young Lady Bunny.”
A shadow fell over her. She looked up.
“Yeah?”
It was Roden Heiner.
“The floor is very cold. If your legs hurt, I will have them bring you a chair. Would you please stand up first?”
Bunny scanned the room. None of the other children were sitting on the floor. Her face flushed a bright, humiliated red.
Face burning, she hopped to her feet. She glanced sideways, feeling the weight of a hundred eyes.
‘All eyes on Bunny…!’
Flustered, she subtly turned her body and shoved Magomi to the front. It was only natural—Magomi was, after all, a teddy bear meant to provide courage. She shook her body a couple of times, causing the doll’s limp limbs to dangle and sway.
The massive hall, already silent, grew deathly quiet. When Bunny turned with a puzzled expression, she finally heard the people around her gasping for air.
“*Ahem!*”
Duke Ludbrid Yudia let out a loud, awkward cough. “Let’s not delay any further. Start quickly.”
At the Duke’s command, Salame Yudia stepped forward and placed her hand on the transparent glass bead. A pure white light poured from her palm, seeping into the glass.
‘White light!’
*Bunny die! Bunny turn to dust!*
Bunny scrambled, diving behind what she assumed was a large pillar.
“…Young Lady Bunny?”
No, to be precise, she was hiding behind Roden Heiner’s leg. In truth, it offered no real cover at all.
‘Gasp, Roden is also white!’
Because it was a major event, Roden Heiner was wearing his formal uniform, which was pure, blinding white.
“Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Bunny is….”
“Is…?”
*Huh?* She wasn’t hurting. She hadn’t turned to dust.
“My baby, if strong divine power touches a weak demon, you must be careful because your body will crumble into ash.”
But Bunny was perfectly fine. That meant….
‘Is Bunny actually already super strong?!’