Father, I Won’t Do Anything

“If you eventually reach a certain level of skill, even if you’re not acknowledged as the Tower Lord’s daughter, you could make a name for yourself and become independent. Hmm, if you serve me until then, I could help you out?”

It was the first time someone had discussed her ‘future’ and spoken of hope to her, leaving Jaina standing dazed.

‘In my past life, I couldn’t even dream of going to the academy, let alone afford workbooks.’

Having someone enthusiastically select study materials and encourage her diligence, she didn’t know what expression to make.

Silently observing Jaina’s reaction, Mikael reached out and ruffled her hair before mussing it completely as he spoke.

“Teacher Mikael!”

“So I’m telling you to study diligently. Answer me, will you?”

Just as Jaina opened her mouth to respond…

Flurr!

A paper bird flew over and perched on Mikael’s shoulder.

It was used within the Magic Tower for communication magic.

“I was finally getting some quality time with shorty, what is it?”

With deeply furrowed brows, Mikael turned his attention to the bird.

After listening to the bird’s lengthy chirping, he eventually let out a sigh.

“Sheesh.”

“You know how I ended up stuck in the Magic Tower despite being a Duke’s son since my parents passed away early, right, shorty?”

Though Jaina shook her head as if hearing it for the first time, she actually already knew from reading the original novel.

“So I don’t really have anyone I consider family, but why is family suddenly visiting?”

“Family is visiting?”

Wasn’t the Magic Tower prohibited to outsiders?

Seeing Jaina’s bafflement, Mikael began explaining.

Originally, the Magic Tower was among the continent’s most isolated and impenetrable communities.

Contrary to its immense prestige, little was known about the Magic Tower due to its strict confidentiality over internal matters.

However, thanks to some magicians’ persistent lobbying, outside visitors were permitted on a limited basis.

“But that’s purely based on meritocracy, so only a handful including myself qualify.”

Mikael explained that by achieving innovative breakthroughs, displaying overwhelming magical prowess, or completing dangerous missions, magicians could accumulate points converted from their achievements. Upon reaching a certain score, family visitations became possible.

“Of course, as an exceptional magician, I was bound to receive a ‘family Magic Tower visitation permit’…”

Mikael trailed off as he crossed his arms, his youthful visage taking on a pensive air, as dazzlingly beautiful as a rain-drenched rose.

“Is something wrong?”

“Well…”

Just as Mikael was about to explain, the paper bird opened its beak.

—Hello, Brother Mikael. It’s been a while.

The bird seemed to also serve as an intercom, relaying human voices.

“Don’t call me ‘brother’ when you’ve gone soft, it annoys me.”

As Mikael snapped sharply, Jaina’s eyes widened.

-You know, in front of that bastard Moben… you kept calling me ‘big brother’ so naturally.

-Huh?

-Since it would make others less likely to bother you, just keep calling me that from now on.

‘He insisted I call him ‘big brother’, yet…’

Though she didn’t know the other party, Jaina sensed a temperature difference in how Mikael treated them compared to her.

“Even if it’s your mother, I find your fake familiarity disgusting.”

‘Disgusting?’

If the recipient heard those words, their affection would surely plummet.

Hearing Mikael’s rare harsh words anew made Jaina keenly aware of the favor he showed her.

“Are you deaf? I said get away from me.”

—Mother wondered how the outfit you only wore once because of your ‘beloved little sister’ ended up unwearable even before the ball.

“…”

—Since I insisted on coming instead of Mother, shall I return?

The polite yet unyielding tone.

The boy remained undaunted by Mikael’s intimidating presence, saying his piece.

—I will abide by whatever choice you make, brother.

“Arrghh!”

Mikael let out an anguished cry as he roughly tousled his hair.

“Dammit, come in before I change my mind and kill you.”

With a displeased expression, Mikael drew a seal on the bird. It then soared back into the sky with a trill.

‘To remain so unfazed before the notoriously ill-tempered Mikael. He even tried to placate him…’

Jaina marveled inwardly. What environment could breed such confidence?

His voice sounded around her age…

‘Ah, that’s right.’

If he called Mikael ‘brother’, then…

* * *

“So in the end, you decided to let me into the Magic Tower?”

With a handsome furrowed brow, Mikael looked down upon the Magic Tower’s young visitor.

Though he adopted an imposing stance with firmly crossed arms, the child before him showed no fear.

“It doesn’t seem we’re the type to meet amicably?”

“Your words wound me. I’ve traveled quite a distance, you know.”

At the boy’s gentle smile, Mikael exasperatedly raked his golden locks.

Yet the other didn’t stop smiling radiantly.

‘Hm? This kid is…’

Jaina fell deep in thought, gazing at the familiar boy’s face.

‘The one who draped a cloak over me in the marketplace?’

She had thought their chance encounter meant they would never meet again since she rarely left the Magic Tower. To reunite here, as Mikael’s relative no less.

“Hm?”

The boy seemed to recognize Jaina too, his eyes widening before he approached with quick strides.

“You’re ratting me out again… What the?”

As the distance between them closed, Mikael halted his words and stared bewilderedly.

“Don’t we know each other? That cloak…”

“Yes, you remember?”

“How could I forget such an adorable little miss? You’re still using the cloak I draped over you. I’m quite proud.”

“Yes, it’s very comfortable.”

Jaina moved to return the cloak, but Rosian gently grasped her hand to stop her.

“Keep it, I gave it as a token of gratitude to my benefactor.”

His charming, twinkling smile.

Indeed, his striking looks befitted Mikael’s relation.

‘He may even surpass Mikael’s handsomeness later on…’

Overall, his features were refined, but the upturned eyes and tear troughs lent him a distinctive aura.

Even now as a boy, one couldn’t help but wonder how dashing he would become.

‘His name was Rosian, wasn’t it.’

Rosian bent his knees slightly to meet Jaina at eye level, smiling faintly.

“Now that I think about it, I forgot to ask my benefactor’s name.”

“Ash… No, I’m Jaina.”

“Jaina, is it? Miss Jaina…”

Rosian repeated her name a few times before smiling, as if it suited her.

“Jaina. A name I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon.”

“Huuh?”

Mikael seemed bewildered watching Rosian address Jaina so familiarly.

‘He came to see his cousin, yet he’s ignoring me completely?’

Putting aside the discourtesy, Mikael disliked how casually Rosian was acting toward the little kid.

‘Speaking of which, she lived among dragons before coming straight to the Magic Tower, so besides the tower magicians, she wouldn’t know anyone else, right?’

For some reason, his stomach twisted uncomfortably.

Mikael spoke without hiding his vexation.

“Hey, did you both forget I’m here? You’re both being rather discourteous.”

“Sir Mikael.”

“Hey, drop the ‘sir Mikael’ and try something else.”

Some bastard insisted on calling him ‘brother’ without permission, while another refused to address him familiarly despite being allowed to. He was dissatisfied all around.

‘I shouldn’t have let it slide last time.’

As Mikael’s expression soured, Rosian asked quizzically:

“If I can’t use your name, should I call you something like ‘sir magician’?”

“Don’t butt in when you barely know me.”

When Mikael snapped at Rosian, Jaina felt uncomfortable.

‘I may be accustomed to his harshness from a young age, but was there any need to speak so coldly even to a cousin?’

However, as time passed, Mikael’s temper only worsened.

“Hey shorty, how do you know this guy? You shouldn’t have had any chance to meet.”

“That’s…”

At that moment, Rosian made a hushing sound before mischievously smiling at Jaina, then telling Mikael dismissively:

“It’s a secret.”

“What?”

“Haven’t you heard not to pry into matters between a man and woman?”

“Urgh!”

Mikael let out a startled shriek at the words ‘between a man and woman.’

“Have you lost your mind? How dare a brat like you spout such nonsense!”

Though Mikael charged forward angrily, Rosian remained unfazed.

Calmly, but loud enough for Mikael to hear, he let out a chuckle.

“And to think you’d fly into a rage over a child’s words.”

“What? What did you just say?”

“Hm? Did I say something?”

As Rosian feigned innocence with a guileless expression, Mikael trembled with barely contained rage.

“You’ve really lost all fear, haven’t you? Should I have you crawl out of the Magic Tower on all fours?”

“That would suit me just fine. I could take a break from the swordsmanship training Mother ordered, so it’s quite alright with me.”

“Are you hiding behind your mother now? Such a cowardly imperial grandson.”

What had begun as a joking exchange gradually turned vicious.