Alice’s gaze sharpened the moment she heard the word papa .
Mana poured out of her body almost unconsciously, and the pressure spread across the farm, cracking the ground beneath their feet.
[Who is that? Why is it calling you papa?] she asked, her voice frighteningly calm.
The mana leaking from her body only grew stronger as she waited for an answer.
Isaac had honestly expected a punch before any questions. Considering how protective Alice was of what she considered her treasure, he had been prepared to dodge first and explain later. The fact that she was still standing there instead of attacking only showed how furious she really was.
Seeing the pressure continuing to build, Isaac released his own mana. It gently wrapped around Punpun and acted as a barrier that shielded the little Happy Bunny from Alice’s overwhelming mana. Before Alice could misunderstand his actions, Isaac calmly spoke.
"He is Punpun. The first of the monster species I created today."
Alice blinked several times, and Emily looked just as surprised as she did. The answer was so unexpected that neither of them immediately knew how to respond.
"You created him? Isn’t he an Overlord?" Emily finally asked as she crouched down to Punpun’s eye level.
Punpun instinctively moved closed to Isaac. Emily wasn’t intentionally releasing any mana, but rulers naturally possessed a presence that demanded respect. Isaac noticed the bunny’s reaction and gently rubbed his head.
"Don’t be afraid. That’s my... uh, your first mother," Isaac said with a reassuring smile.
He corrected himself halfway through the sentence. Punpun tilted his head and looked up at Isaac with innocent curiosity.
[First Mother...?] the little bunny asked.
"That’s right. She’s very sweet, and she’ll take good care of you. Do you want her to hold you?" Isaac asked.
Emily couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face. Hearing Isaac casually introduce her to Punpun as first mother left her feeling both embarrassed and strangely happy. She slowly extended her arms, making sure not to rush the frightened little bunny.
Punpun looked at Isaac one last time before allowing Emily to hold him. As she gently held him, his nervousness slowly disappeared, and a bright smile spread across his face. Emily instinctively hugged him a little closer, careful not to squeeze him too tightly.
She had spent years interacting with newborn monsters and spirits, so talking to them came naturally. Before long, she had Punpun happily answering simple questions about himself while she gently stroked his fluffy ears. The little bunny quickly forgot that he had ever been nervous around her.
While the two of them chatted, Isaac turned his attention back toward Alice. She had already transformed into her human form, and during those brief moments, Lume had quietly cast an illusion to hide her while she changed clothes. By the time the spell disappeared, Alice stood there looking noticeably embarrassed.
"That... I..." she muttered before lowering her head. She knew she should apologize, but admitting she had been wrong was never easy for a dragon. Her pride resisted every word she wanted to say.
"It’s fine. Anyone would have misunderstood what happened after hearing him call me papa." Isaac simply smiled.
He stepped closer and gently wrapped a hand around her arm before leading her toward the mansion. "Besides, haven’t I told you before? If I ever decide I want someone else to become part of our family, I’ll ask for your permission first."
Those words were meant to reassure her, but they only made Alice feel guiltier. He had asked for trust her and to believe him, yet she had misunderstood him immediately. She hesitated for a few moments before finally forcing herself to speak despite how uncomfortable it felt.
"I’m sorry for not listening to you before jumping to a conclusion. I should have trusted you," she admitted.
Isaac smiled and lightly shook his head. He genuinely wasn’t bothered by what had happened, and he certainly wasn’t upset with her. In his eyes, her reaction was understandable.
The idea of asking Alice for permission if he ever wanted another partner didn’t bother him either. In truth, he would ask every one of his wives before making such a decision. Bringing another person into the family would change everyone’s daily lives, not just his own.
Emily, Alice, Celia, Catherine, and Selene all deserved to have a say in something that important. Isaac had always respected their feelings, and he intended to continue doing so. They had accepted so much because of him that asking for their approval felt like the least he could do.
He constantly copied the powers they had spent time leveling up through hard work. Even so, none of them had ever complained or shown resentment toward him. They simply continued supporting him and loving him without asking for anything in return.
He wanted to reciprocate their feelings, and that’s why he would confirm with them if he wanted to bring another woman in the family.
Of course, none of that mattered at the moment. Isaac had absolutely no plans to marry anyone more at the moment. He already had Emily, Alice, Celia, Catherine, and Selene, and they were more than enough for him.
The group eventually entered the mansion together. Emily settled onto one of the sofas with Punpun resting comfortably in her lap while she continued talking to him. Every answer the little bunny gave only made her smile grow gentler.
She treated him like an adorable baby, carefully supporting his tiny body while absentmindedly brushing his soft ears. Punpun seemed to enjoy every bit of attention she gave him, happily leaning into her gentle touch.
Alice remained standing nearby for a while without saying anything. She watched Emily and Punpun interact before quietly stepping closer, still looking slightly hesitant.
"Can... can I touch him too?" she asked after a brief pause.
"Of course you can." Emily smiled and nodded without hesitation.
Alice slowly reached out and gently patted the little bunny’s head with one finger. Punpun looked up at her for a second before happily rubbing against her hand, making her freeze in surprise. A moment later, she cautiously scratched behind one of his ears, and the bunny happily closed his eyes.