Kensington reflected with growing exasperation that the very reason for his presence here—Diams—had been as shocked as he was at first. Yet here he was now wholly absorbed in watching, like a hawk, his cousin's clumsy attempt to woo Sukuna. The young man appeared truly besotted.
In this, Kensington could not have agreed more with Diams' feelings. Sebastian Sermiando bore far too much Sefraz blood, as his appearance plainly attested, and the Sefraz possessed an infamous reputation where women were concerned. Kensington spoke from experience. He carried some of that blood himself.
Sukuna, on the other hand, seemed entirely indifferent to Sebastian or his kin. Her attention was fixed solely on the Guardians, though she still observed the expected courtesies with Diams' family.
At present, her focus had shifted to one of Saint Sylia's familiars, who had joined them earlier. The white, fluffy creature had even brought them delicate light snacks and confections, accompanied by magically blended drinks that had delighted most of the gathering, including Kensington's notoriously fastidious daughters, Petunia Kensington, and Aurora Neilom.
This "Demonic Bunny," as Sukuna had called him, possessed an almost deceptively charming appearance, concealing what was likely a mischievous or even dangerous nature.
Even Kensington could not help but find him dangerously endearing.
The Saint's familiar was covered in soft, snow-white fur, his long floppy ears framing a face adorned with a fluffy pompon. At the center of his brow rose a spiraled unicorn-like horn, a curious and possibly ominous feature for such a creature. His large, dark-brown eyes carried an expression of irritated disapproval, heightened by a faint blush upon his cheeks. An elegant teal coat, trimmed in gold and fastened with a prominent golden bow at the neck, lent him an aristocratic air. Or perhaps the appearance of a young Noble.
He sat upright upon a richly patterned red-and-gold tablecloth opposite Sukuna, his small forepaws resting neatly before him, his posture relaxed yet undeniably regal. The combination of his stern gaze and otherworldly horn made it clear he was no ordinary pet, but a magical, perhaps even infernal, being of considerable authority.
(Nyom, the Demonic Bunny)
Kensington had found him somewhat unsettling, especially since the Bird Guardians addressed him as a peer of theirs. Even now, they teased him while Sukuna attempted to understand what troubled the creature, whose name was as peculiar as his appearance: Nyom.
Sukuna tilted her head towards him. "Nyom, why are you sulking in a corner? Come, sit with us. Was my father's home so unclean that you felt compelled to bring your own tablecloth?"
Diams frowned but said nothing. He had not remarked upon it. He knew better than to say anything, particularly after witnessing what that deceptively adorable Demonic Bunny was capable of.
It was wiser to remain silent, given that Nyom not only specialized in summoning ravenous and dangerous Demonic Drakes, but also thought nothing of impaling Mortal Gods and crushing a few Celestials.
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In his new attire, he looked almost too charming and harmless, likely in an attempt to feign innocence before the other guests.
Sukuna coaxed him again. "Now, Nyom, tell me what is wrong. I might be able to help."
Nyom's ears twitched as he glanced at her, his gaze both hopeful and sorrowful. "It is Mathew Two."
Sukuna's brow furrowed. "What of him?"
Kensington, suddenly intrigued, strolled closer, holding his espresso cup with studied nonchalance. His amusement, however, was not so easily hidden, despite the warning glance his granddaughter shot him. Diams shook his head sharply. His own Guardian did the same as he looked at him with a stern expression. They were both warning him to stay clear of that one, yet Kensington still found the scene far too entertaining to follow their silent advice.
Diams sighed inwardly. He longed to caution his natural father, but doing so would risk offending the overly powerful creature.
Nyom continued, ignoring the rest of the guests entirely. "He has created a Kingdom for himself. He even invited my Mistress to become his Queen."
Sukuna's smile softened. She patted the seat beside her. "Is that so? I heard of it. Come, sit by me and tell me why this troubles you."
Nyom nodded, then moved in a half-leap, half-teleport to the spot on the settee at her side. Sukuna reached up to gently pat his bent ears. "So?"
Nyom's voice was quiet, almost wistful. "I do not have a Kingdom of my own."
Diams nearly choked, while Kensington's amusement deepened. The scene was becoming ever more intriguing.
Sukuna tilted her head toward Nyom. "What are you talking about? You have your own Dimension and a Kingdom filled with adorable people like yourself. It is surely far better than Mathew Two's Kingdom—I am certain of it. I had great fun there."
Nyom looked distinctly chagrined. "But, Miss Sukuna, here I have nothing. I am treated as a pet… which, technically, I am, but I wish to be more. I want my own Kingdom, a place where I can cultivate fine vegetables and invite you all to visit—a nation not only for Demonic Bunnies, but also for some Magirians and Mag we can look down on."
Diams almost whimpered, yet his father's smile only broadened, while his siblings regarded the creature they had believed to be a mere pet with dawning horror.
Sukuna leaned forward with an encouraging smile. "How about we speak with Mother and Lord Chester later? They have created entire Kingdoms and new lands as jests before. I am certain they would welcome your idea, especially since you are so charming and helpful. However, you must prepare sketches of your vision and compile a full business plan with multiple variants. No High Mag this time, though. They would have to summon the High Spirits for that, and it could destabilize this Sub-Realm."
Nyom's face brightened, and he looked up at her with joy. "Truly? Fear not, my Lady—I have plenty of those prepared. I have been pondering this for days and have had ample time to design a worthy project."
Sukuna's smile widened as she watched the Demonic Bunny rummage in his pocket and produce several notepads. "I am sure it can be arranged quickly. Mother still has much unused space in the area created for Taryna's new Kingdom. How about an Island Kingdom there? You enjoy the sea and its fish, do you not? You would not wish for a nation located deep inland with no access to the ocean."
Nyom frowned as he glanced through his notepads. "But I wanted a Kingdom near Mathew Two, so we could enjoy each other's company. He has an enclosed internal sea, after all—we could have shared it. I did prepare designs for a concealed Island Kingdom, but it must remain hidden. All the admirable figures and important characters in books have secret Kingdoms. You are right, however, and it would indeed be quicker to use the spare space Mistress has. I would love to be near Miss Taryna."
Sukuna nodded, watching Nyom as he summoned a fresh notepad and began sketching at remarkable speed. Many among those present stared in shock; several jaws hung open.
Kensington's daughters looked positively pained, yet Sukuna and her small circle of friends paid them no mind. The Guardians even joined in, offering their counsel on the proposed Kingdom, reminding Nyom that he would need to make them Bird children and assign those as Guardians for his new Kingdom so they could visit freely and have Birds' company during their holidays.
Naturally, Nyom agreed at once, incorporating the suggestion into all his plans and designs.
***
Just as Nyom set down his quill, a Divine Light shone upon him.
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