Bring Justice to those Who Dare to Harm my Beloved Daughter (The Villainess)!

Two years have passed since that eventful time, and the days seem to have flown by.

Lulu is now six years old and has begun her formal education as a young lady.

From an early age, I made sure to explain things clearly to Lulu: “Your father isn’t the Duke. He’s only protecting the Ducal House for your Uncle Markus.” Thanks to those efforts, Lulu now understands that she is not the daughter of a Duke but an Earl.

I hired a capable tutor, someone exceptional within the scope of what an Earl’s household can afford. After all, it’s common knowledge in society that I am merely a proxy Duke, while my true title is that of an Earl.

During our family meals or tea time, it’s heartwarming to see Lulu trying to put into practice the lessons she’s been learning.

Ah, that curtsey she just did—it’s so endearingly awkward. I wish I could capture this moment forever. I need a camera! Or at least, I’ll sketch it on canvas tonight.

“You’re as doting as ever when it comes to Lulu, brother,” my younger brother Markus remarked, his tone tinged with amusement.

Today, we were enjoying tea as a family, with Markus joining us for a rare occasion.

“What’s wrong with that? She’s adorable!”
“Father!”
“Yes, Lulu is adorable, but could you at least refrain from making such a goofy face?”
“We’re family. It’s fine!”
“No, Father! Uncle Markus is here as a guest today!”

Even her indignant little pout is adorable. Ah, will moments like these disappear in just a few short years? The thought alone is heartbreaking.

Markus, who had been smiling indulgently, suddenly grew serious, his demeanor shifting entirely. I immediately straightened up. When Markus gets like this, it’s usually about something important. And judging by his expression, I already had a good idea of what was coming.

“I have a request for you, brother.”
“If it’s about passing the title of Duke to me, the answer is no.”
“…Brother!”

As expected.

I sighed and met his gaze. Markus frowned, his brows knit in frustration, but his expression was resolute.

Even before our parents passed away, Markus had been asking me to take on the title of Duke permanently. Now 17, he’s nearing graduation from the academy and is set to inherit the title. It would make sense, given my years of experience, but Markus knows the truth.

“Seventeen years ago, the kingdom officially recognized me as the heir to the Zonta earldom, not the Ducal House. My name, Wolfgang Zonta, is already recorded in the noble registry. That decision cannot be reversed.”

Lulu’s formal title is Lady Luise Zonta, daughter of an Earl. Since I’m merely the acting Duke, she will never be the Duke’s daughter. The only exception would be if Markus adopted her, but adoption is restricted to married nobles, and Markus is still single.

My role has always been clear: to serve as the acting Duke until Markus turns 18. Nothing more, nothing less.

Markus pressed on. “It’s not about the logistics! It’s about what’s right!”
“There’s nothing to argue. It’s already been decided.”

If Markus were incompetent or unfit to lead, I might have exploited the system to claim the title permanently, especially for Lulu’s sake. But none of that applies here.

We went back and forth until, unexpectedly, Lulu interjected.

“Father, why don’t you just make it obvious that you’re using magic?”

Both Markus and I froze, staring at her. Realizing she had our attention, she hesitated, then timidly continued.

“Father’s flames are magic, right? But people don’t think so because they can’t see how you cast them, right?”
“That’s true, Lulu,” Markus admitted. “People don’t recognize Brother’s flames as magic.”
“Then why not pretend? Like the wizards in stories! Use a staff or something!”

What a remarkable daughter. She’s genuinely trying to help me. I love her so much.

After trying out different methods—using a staff, a wand, even a pen—we eventually settled on something simple: snapping my fingers.

Carrying a prop felt impractical, especially if I forgot it during a crucial moment. Inspired by a certain alchemist from my past life, I tried snapping my fingers to activate my flames. The reaction from Markus and Lulu was overwhelming. Even Christoph, my steward, looked a little too amused.

“I’ll tell everyone at the tea party that my father can summon flames with a snap of his fingers!” Lulu declared, her eyes sparkling.
“Wait, Lulu, no!”
“Actually,” Markus interjected, “children spreading the story could work to our advantage. It’ll generate plenty of buzz.”

“…Someone help me,” I muttered under my breath.

Though embarrassing, I couldn’t refuse Lulu when she looked at me with those shining eyes. Perhaps this is what the Wolfgang in the game felt, too—doing everything for the sake of his family.

Conclusion:
I’ve officially become The Duke Who Snaps His Fingers.

My flames now come with flair, and the world can think what they like. But no matter how ridiculous it seems, if it makes Lulu smile, it’s worth it.