Father, I Won’t Do Anything

“Shorty, can you throw darts?”

“Darts?”

At Mikael’s words, Jaina craned her neck to look ahead.

‘A darts tournament?’

In the distance, a host was beckoning people over while holding a voice amplification device.

“Now, the participant with the highest score will receive any prize they desire!”

The rules were simple. The person with the highest score would be the winner.

Following Mikael’s suggestion, Jaina decided to participate in the darts tournament.

Though she had never thrown darts before, she felt it would be fun to participate regardless of the outcome.

“Aren’t you going to enter, sir Mikael?”

“If I enter, wouldn’t I obviously take first place?”

Well, as the Tower Lord’s disciple, it was only natural he could throw darts proficiently.

Magic was a discipline demanding precision.

Of course, throwing mana-formed fireballs differed from using tools like darts, but still.

“Good luck, little miss!”

Jaina paid the entry fee and joined the tournament.

However, none of the magic she had learned involved throwing objects from a distance.

Hence, Jaina had no sense of how well she could throw darts.

“I didn’t enter out of consideration for you, but I won’t let you off if you don’t place first.”

Mikael clicked his tongue as he placed his hands on his hips.

‘That couldn’t be cheering, right?’

Unaware that the word ‘consideration’ didn’t exist in Mikael’s vocabulary, Jaina solemnly accepted her number tag.

Having arrived late, her turn was near the end.

The other participants laughed upon seeing Jaina’s entry.

“Isn’t it dangerous for a kid to throw darts?”

“Oh my, you know how to throw darts?”

At a glance, she was merely an adorable young child with baby fat.

The other participants didn’t view Jaina as competition at all.

Her stance clearly betrayed her as a darts novice, and she showed no signs of nerves.

They likely assumed she was just seeking to make memories.

“What a cute little kid.”

But that impression was short-lived.

Swoosh!

When Jaina threw her dart straight into the bullseye, everyone could only gape at her in astonishment.

“Wh-What was that just now? Was that actually a dart?”

“Was she born holding darts in her hand?”

Unlike the others’ intense reactions, Jaina’s expression remained composed as she shook out her throwing hand.

‘Easier to throw than I thought.’

Although her first time throwing darts, she quickly got the hang of it after a few tries.

Swoosh!

Jaina threw another dart in succession, her scores climbing higher with each throw.

“Phew.”

While she only managed a bullseye once unfortunately, Jaina currently held the highest score among the participants.

‘Not an adult dragon, but a dragon nonetheless.’

A dragon’s innate sensitivity and concentration were optimal for darts. Jaina found herself increasingly enjoying it.

“The little miss is quite skilled.”

“At this rate, the little miss will likely take first place in this tournament.”

Though Jaina maintained her usual placid expression, her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“Wow, the little miss throws so well!”

“Did you do nothing but eat and throw darts your whole life?”

The participants and spectators looked at Jaina with fresh eyes, mostly approving gazes.

“Hey Datrich, looks like the little miss will be the darts champion this time?”

“Didn’t you say you’d buy booze with the prize money?”

“Quiet down!”

Jaina glanced sideways. The man called Datrich was seated next to her.

Unlike Jaina, he had scored high points from the start.

However, having faltered a few times, his current score was now similar to Jaina’s.

Kwan!

Datrich’s angry gaze fell on Jaina.

“The little one struts about without fearing the world.”

A quiet mutter inaudible to others.

Was he really saying such things right now?

Jaina furrowed her brow slightly, thinking Datrich was venting his frustration on her.

For a full-grown adult to act so pettily toward a child.

“Alright, it’s Datrich’s turn next!”

While Jaina had scored quite highly as well, her initial fumbling left her score similar to Datrich’s.

This next throw from Datrich would determine who took first place.

Datrich fixed his resolute gaze and took his stance, throwing the dart with force.

“Eh? Uwak, ack!”

But in that moment…

Datrich suddenly lurched forward, as if he had leaned too far or was pulled from the front.

“Aaack!”

And then one turn, two turns, three turns…

In motions too unnatural for intentional stunts, Datrich spun wildly, coating his entire body in dirt mounds.

“Ahahaha, what is he even doing?!”

“Lacking confidence in darts, so he’s trying to make us laugh instead?”

“This is more entertaining than your darts, mate.”

Even passersby halted at the raucous laughter to gawk at Datrich’s ludicrous tumbling before joining in the guffaws.

“Th-This…”

A few more participants followed, but their movements were subdued, likely after witnessing Jaina and Datrich’s performances.

Soon, all participants had completed their turns.

The host checked the scoreboard and grinned slyly.

“The winner of this darts tournament is the adorable little miss!”

Applause erupted as the host dramatically raised Jaina’s right arm.

“The first place winner can choose any prize they desire. What will it be?”

Jaina surveyed the prizes thoughtfully.

A practical mana lamp, a magic safe to store emergency funds…

All were valuable items, a lavish array for a mere marketplace darts tournament.

But Jaina had no need for them.

“I’ll take this one.”

Uproar ensued as the host double-checked incredulously:

“You really want the teddy bear?”

“Yes.”

“But this teddy bear is just one of the participation prizes, not the first place prize. Are you sure you want it?”

Jaina nodded again.

As a resident of the Magic Tower, Jaina had no use for mana lamps or devices.

…Of course, a plush teddy bear was hardly befitting of her, but since she had participated, she wanted at least one memorable item. That was all, truly.

‘Why is this so embarrassing… I wish there had been a more innocuous option.’

The flush on her cheeks from the darts excitement refused to subside.

“The little miss chose a doll that suits her well.”

The tournament host was extremely accommodating, likely relieved she hadn’t chosen an expensive prize.

“Now, here you go. But how will you carry this home?”

As he said, it seemed difficult for Jaina to carry the gigantic plush toy alone, not just due to the weight but its sheer size.

Jaina swayed unsteadily with each step, unable to find her center of balance.

“Hm?”

Suddenly appearing beside her, Mikael snatched the teddy bear effortlessly.

“Geez, this is why dealing with kids is such a hassle.”

He easily lifted the bear with one hand, a vastly smoother motion compared to Jaina’s struggles.

“Haah, shorty. What if you end up smaller than this doll?”

“I’ll grow eventually, so what if I’m a little slow?”

“What if you remain small as an adult? Then instead of shorty, I’ll have to call you an undergrown tadpole.”

Mikael shrugged as he mocked her, but before leaving, he shot Datrich a chilling glare as he lay sprawled on the ground.

“That scoundrel dared to…”

However, sensing Jaina’s gaze, he immediately cleared his throat.

“Your darts, not bad compared to those mediocre folks.”

Jaina’s eyes shone sharply.

While she could overlook her own situation, the other man’s movements had been highly abnormal.

Of course, not in a good way.

“That assistance just now, it was you, wasn’t it, sir Mikael?”

“No, it wasn’t.”

Mikael flatly denied it.

His response only reinforced Jaina’s conviction.

Had he truly been unaware, Mikael would have responded with ‘What?’ instead of ‘No, it wasn’t.’

Yet he avoided her gaze, refusing to say anything further.

“You heard all the unpleasant remarks Datrich made to me, didn’t you?”

“To insult a tadpole that isn’t even a frog yet, what a bad guy.”

Mikael feigned ignorance.

“But unpleasant remarks, you just listened to them quietly? You should have immediately struck back with magic.”

“If I retaliate, it might not be magic, but taking his life instead.”

Though Jaina spoke jokingly, Mikael stroked his chin with a satisfied expression, clearly not joking.

“Taking his life, eh. Now that’s more appealing.”

Befitting the final boss’s right-hand man, he seemed delighted by the idea of taking someone’s life.

Watching Mikael ponder the most efficient way to take a life, Jaina let out a small sigh.

“I don’t know that many types of magic. Manipulating people freely like you do is impossible for me to even attempt.”

As she sighed softly, a voice called out to her from behind.

“Hey kiddo, did you come out to play with your big brother? Are you having fun?”

Jaina turned to see a street vendor.

Glancing sideways, Mikael seemed to be eavesdropping attentively while feigning disinterest.

‘He really wears his emotions on his face.’

What would happen if she said she wasn’t having fun? The mischievous thought crossed her mind, but Jaina answered honestly.

“Yes, I’m glad I came out to play with my big brother.”

He wouldn’t dislike being called ‘brother,’ would he?

She was merely echoing the vendor’s words.

“Hmm, hmhmm.”

Mikael cleared his throat, his expression seeming oddly satisfied.

Far more so than when he had been gleefully discussing taking Datrich’s life.

‘Why is he so pleased?’

Was it because she said she was glad to be out playing? But even so, his delight seemed excessive.

“Is that so? Seems like your brother is making sure you have fun, eh? Why don’t he buy you one of these too?”

The vendor grinned amiably at Mikael.

“It’s really delicious. And not just one flavor. It’s made at the same place that supplies the nobility.”

“No need…”

“You’re out with your little sister, you know? Giving her treats is how you earn popularity with the ladies.”

Noticing Mikael’s slight flinch, the vendor’s eyes twinkled mischievously.