ISBD 06

Chapter 6.

 He’s the Final Boss, but a Bunny (1)

Iago Rihue.

He was more often called by a different name than his real one.

The Black King.

The ruthless ruler of the desert.

A man as ferocious and cruel as a black panther.

The guardian of the battlefield and sovereign of the Kingdom of Rihue.

His notoriety largely stemmed from a war that broke out over a decade ago.

The “First War” that started due to sudden climate changes turning the island into a desert.

At only seventeen years old, he fought like a demon in that war and left a strong impression on neighboring countries as the Black King.

Even after a ceasefire agreement was signed and the war had seemingly ended, threats aimed at the southern mines persisted.

The only reason the Kingdom of Rihue survived those years was due to the terrifying reputation of the Black King.

A man said to possess both a beautiful face and a brilliant mind, yet had the violent, bloodthirsty disposition of a black panther in the desert…

Or so the world believed.

But the truth was the complete opposite.

When the island was still peaceful, he was born as the second son of the former king, with no real chance of inheriting the throne.

He was born with beautiful violet eyes—just like his mother’s, who died giving birth to him.

The king, who had dearly loved his wife, couldn’t bear to look at the child who reminded him of her and left him to live in an annex while focusing solely on governing the country.

Still, the abandoned “ugly duckling prince” grew up happily in the annex.

A gentle child from a young age, he preferred soft and cuddly bunny dolls to toy swords, and plump little puppies or kittens over massive, intimidating warhorses.

No one ever tried to teach him about military tactics or royal governance.

Only one man—an official said to be close to his father—came to teach him some basic self-defense.

Rather than unfortunate, it was a blessing.

Just hearing about beating or killing people made him tremble.

His favorite books were romance novels, filled with sweet, fluffy dialogue and dreamy fantasies.

Like the protagonists in those books, he dreamed of one day meeting a destined love of his own.

“When I meet that person, I’ll love them with everything I have. Please let me be a devoted husband and a good father.”

He once made that wish upon a falling star.

Being a prince of a kingdom, it was embarrassing to have such a private wish, so he never told anyone.

Oh—and he loved cooking too.

Especially baking. He liked how warm, savory smells filled the kitchen while something was baking.

But more than anything, he enjoyed wrapping his baked treats with ribbons and handing them out to nannies and maids.

There were many other things he loved too.

Tending to the garden. Sewing stuffed animals filled with soft cotton.

“As long as I have these small joys, I’ll be fine.”

Even if his father ignored him, even if his crown prince older brother looked down on him—he told himself it was fine.

The “ugly duckling” prince abandoned in the annex found contentment in such little things.

But his fate changed in an instant.

A sudden desertification struck, and the North, backed by a shrine maiden, launched a surprise attack on the southern mines.

His brave father and brother fought valiantly on the frontlines—and died.

And just like that, the forgotten second prince, the “ugly duckling,” was now forced to lead the Kingdom of Rihue.

Before the joint funeral of his father and brother was even over, the loyal retainer who had secretly taught him self-defense came to visit.

“Your Highness.”

“H-hic… Father… Brother…”

Young Iago couldn’t even respond—he could only cry.

He’d never once been shown affection by them, but he still admired and respected them.

Just hearing the word “war” terrified him.

The retainer, who had never shown a stern face before, now looked serious.

“You must collect yourself at once. Your Highness—no, Your Majesty.”

“Y-Your Majesty?!”

Hic.

His fragile heart was so startled, he hiccupped.

Tears welled in his eyes, and he covered his mouth.

He looked so delicate—like a small flower, or a little bunny—completely out of place for someone with such a large frame.

“I-I can’t… hic… You know I can’t do that, Minister Auter…”

“…The situation has changed.”

“Hic… M-Minister…”

“Please call me Auter. And from now on, do not show such weakness to anyone.”

One small mercy in his misfortune was that his father’s loyal retainer had stayed by his side.

Whether it was truly good or bad luck, he still wasn’t sure—but the fact was, he had an innate talent for war.

He had no choice but to pick up a sword and, while silently swallowing his tears, fight off the invaders.

Before long, frightening rumors began to spread.

“The second prince, who coveted the throne, used the war as a cover to kill his father and brother.”

Hearing that, Iago buried his face in bed and cried all night. But Auter deliberately fanned the flames of those rumors.

To hide the truth: that the King of Rihue was actually a coward and a crybaby.

Auter worked behind the scenes so Iago could convincingly play the role of the “Black King.”

‘That’s why I must be strong. I can’t show weakness.’

“…Do you understand? That’s why Your Majesty must act strong.”

“Huh? What was that?”

Auter let out a deep sigh.

Only then did Iago snap out of his thoughts.

Now wasn’t the time to reminisce.

He was currently in the royal office, discussing critical state affairs with Auter.

“S-sorry.”

Gentle and naturally timid, Iago immediately apologized.

“The Black King does not apologize so easily.”

Auter said coldly.

“S-sorry. Wait, no— I mean—sorry again… urgh… sorry…”

The more he spoke, the smaller his large frame seemed to shrink.

Like a frightened rabbit trying to burrow into its hole.

Auter sighed again at the sight.

He hadn’t always been this harsh.

Back when the late king and prince were alive, Auter had been a quiet, reliable servant.

But Iago’s constant blunders had made him stricter—and harsher over time.

Iago bit his lip slightly.

“Did you even understand what I just said?”

“Hmm? Ah, no—sorry. No! I mean—sorry again. What did you say?”

Auter let out yet another sigh and explained again, patiently.

“The shrine maiden is clearly withholding rain on the North’s orders.”

“R-right. Even though we signed a ceasefire, the North and South are still enemies.”

Iago nodded, and Auter gave a sly grin.

“But there is a way. According to secret intel, the shrine maiden’s powers are influenced by her emotions…”

Auter declared ominously.

“We must make her cry. No matter what.”

Make her cry? How could he say something so awful…

The image of lemon-colored golden eyes gazing up at him, framed by sky-blue hair, flashed in Iago’s mind.

His frail heart pounded.

“Why do I feel like this? Am I scared because I don’t want to make anyone cry?”

“Have you come up with a plan?”

Auter adjusted his monocle and shot a sharp gaze at Iago.

Under pressure, Iago fidgeted with his large fingers.

“Umm… no matter how I think about it…”

“Making someone cry who’s done nothing wrong… that’s just too cruel.”

“You must do it.”

Auter said sternly with a firm expression.

Iago flinched like a startled rabbit.

“If a savage king is needed, then act savage. If a cruel king is needed, then you must become cruel.”

“B-but she…”

“It hasn’t rained in ten years. If this continues, the Kingdom of Rihue will fall.”

Auter said bitterly.

“Fall…? That can’t happen.”

Iago’s face turned pale with fear.

This was the kingdom passed down from his father, his grandfather, and the kings before them.

He couldn’t be the one to destroy it.

“Please think only of the kingdom, Your Majesty. It’s for everyone’s sake.”

Auter bowed deeply.

He had loyally served Iago since the day he took the throne.

Iago didn’t want to disappoint someone who had already suffered so much because of him.

Anxiously biting his lip, he finally spoke.

“A-actually… I did try to scare her a little earlier.”

“Ohh! You did, Your Majesty? That’s wonderful. See? You can do it. Just standing there with a blank face is intimidating!”

Auter brightened and showered him with praise.

“You’re more than capable. In fact, you have an abundance of ability! If you just steel your heart a bit more, you’ll be a king equal to your father.”

In truth, no matter how hard he tried to scare her, Ilena hadn’t budged an inch.

But Iago liked being praised, so he left that part out.

He softened his words instead.

“B-but the shrine maiden didn’t react at all.”

He added quickly.

“I think she’s been trained to suppress her emotions since her feelings affect the weather.”

“Those cunning Northerners would absolutely do that.”

Auter mused with a thoughtful expression.

“Then… there’s nothing we can do, right?”

Iago asked hopefully, wanting Auter to give up on the heartless idea of making her cry.

“Heh. No matter how well-trained she is, the shrine maiden is still human. And there are many ways to make a person cry…”

Auter grinned again—like a slimy villain.

At that, Iago turned pale and trembled.