Father, I Won’t Do Anything

Wordlessly, Diamid gazed intently at Jaina before slowly reaching out to brush aside the stray strands of hair framing her face, tucking them behind her ear.

“I spoke carelessly. This present moment is what truly matters.”

With her eyes closed, savoring the comforting warmth emanating from Diamid’s touch, Jaina gradually opened them once more.

Without prompting, the two exchanged tender smiles, their affection radiating unspoken.

The attendants observing from a respectful distance regarded the scene with astonished expressions.

Though aware of their impropriety, they found themselves unable to conceal their reactions.

‘I had heard the Tower Lord dotes upon his daughter, but to such an extent!’

The atelier’s designers fidgeted nervously, wringing their damp palms in trepidation.

‘I had boasted of creating an ensemble befitting her… What if Lady Jaina dislikes the dress?’

Alas, their inauspicious apprehensions soon manifested.

“…”

Jaina fell utterly silent upon donning the dress designed by Blanche Atelier’s seamstresses. For the gown could only be described as ‘bejeweled’ – draped with an excessive, unending array of gemstones.

Jaina found herself unable to discern whether she wore a dress or jewels themselves, resembling an overly embellished Christmas tree.

‘Definitely not to my taste…’

Jaina preferred sleek, unadorned dresses which complemented her style far better.

Sensing her reticence, the designer urgently spoke up.

“This dress utilizes the finest silk and most precious gemstones in its construction. As for the design…”

Trailing off, the designer abruptly closed her mouth, feeling the chilling aura emanating from behind her.

Mentioning the Tower Lord’s direct involvement in the design seemed inadvisable.

“Since Jaina appears dissatisfied, let’s examine another option.”

“Ah, yes, of course!”

No sooner had Diamid finished speaking than another attendant swiftly brought forth a new dress – also of his own design.

Unlike the previous bejeweled ensemble, this gown featured fewer gemstones yet was excessively adorned with oversized ribbons and lace.

“Haah.”

An excess, akin to the previous dress yet from the opposite extreme.

‘That ensemble seems more befitting an eight-year-old child.’

By this point, Jaina found herself questioning the atelier’s renowned caliber. Had their reputation stemmed solely from their liberal use of opulent materials?

As she scrutinized the dress with evident disapproval, something caught Jaina’s eye.

‘That ribbon bears an uncanny resemblance to the one I gifted Father during the demonic beast hunt.’

Only then did Jaina deduce the underlying cause.

Undoubtedly, Diamid had personally specified the dress’s design with her in mind.

“Um…”

Finally comprehending the situation, Jaina made to address Diamid.

However, his darkened expression gave her pause, rendering her momentarily speechless.

As Jaina hesitated, Diamid spoke first.

“Let’s examine yet another dress.”

Having missed her chance, Jaina resigned herself to viewing the next option.

“Your friend Marilyn recommended this design, asserting it would appeal to your tastes.”

“Marilyn?”

‘How does Father know Marilyn? Did they happen to meet separately?’

Though Marilyn had frequently inquired about the Tower Lord Diamid out of sheer curiosity, Jaina had intended to formally introduce them at her birthday celebration. However, Marilyn had vehemently declined, citing trepidation.

‘Surely nothing untoward occurred during their encounter…?’

As Jaina pondered this unexpected development, an attendant brought forth the next dress.

The ensemble Diamid had them procure, designed by Marilyn with Jaina’s preferences in mind, perfectly captured the current fashion trends while complementing her aesthetic sensibilities.

“Wow.”

An unconscious murmur of appreciation escaped Jaina’s lips. Though she had always admired Marilyn’s stylish attire, this design truly showcased her friend’s impeccable taste.

“But how did you come to consult with Marilyn…?”

As Jaina turned towards Diamid, her eyes widened in surprise.

For some inexplicable reason, his lips seemed to protrude in an uncharacteristic pout.

“…Circumstances led to our acquaintance.”

Moreover, his dispirited tone and deflated demeanor suggested his pride had been wounded.

‘Could Father be sulking because I disliked the dresses he designed?’

Regarding Diamid’s endearing reaction, Jaina couldn’t suppress an amused smile.

“Why the sudden laughter?”

“Because you’re being utterly adorable, Father.”

“Me… adorable…?”

Averting his gaze self-consciously as Jaina’s twinkling eyes remained fixed upon him, Diamid muttered.

“…I’ve never been described in such terms before.”

As an awkward lull settled between them, the designer chose that opportune moment to interject.

“Does the dress fit well? Are any alterations required?”

“No, it seems to fit perfectly.”

“Then shall we proceed with this ensemble?”

“Ah, one moment, please.”

Jaina leaned in to whisper something to the designer, whose expression brightened considerably.

“I shall make the arrangements you’ve requested!”

“I’m most grateful for your assistance.”

After finalizing her selection and changing once more, Jaina emerged from the dressing room and scampered over to Diamid.

“Father, shall we depart now?”

With the dress chosen, there was no further reason to linger at the atelier.

“What did you discuss with them?”

“Ah, I requested delivery to the Magic Tower.”

“I see. Shall we return, then?”

“Yes!”

“This sum should suffice, I presume?”

“Oh, my. The Tower Lord’s generosity truly knows no bounds…”

After remunerating the designer with a pouch of gold coins, Diamid strode ahead, his shoulders slightly slumped in an uncharacteristically dejected manner reminiscent of a crestfallen pup.

Though tempted to laugh at the sight, Jaina restrained herself.

A few days after returning to the Magic Tower, the day of their inaugural outing arrived.

Rather than his customary robe, Diamid awaited Jaina outside her chambers, clad in casual attire.

“Jaina?”

“Father, just a moment, please. I’ll be right out.”

“Hmm…?”

When Jaina eventually emerged, Diamid’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…I thought you didn’t like it.”

Jaina wore the dress Diamid had designed, gracing him with a radiant smile.

“It’s a dress imbued with your sincere efforts, after all.”

“So… you had realized?”

Rather than replying verbally, Jaina simply smiled coyly as she twirled in place.

The ribbons adorning the dress fluttered delicately, while the lace patterns resembled intricate, overlapping petals.

‘Upon further observation, it’s not as unappealing as I had initially thought.’

Watching Jaina’s dress billow like butterfly wings, Diamid paused contemplatively before speaking.

“In truth, I had wished to gift you a dress reminiscent of ‘those flowers.’ It seems I failed to properly convey my intentions to the designer.”

Upon hearing ‘those flowers,’ Jaina immediately discerned Diamid’s implication.

“The Leshanne blossoms, you mean?”

Within the garden adjoining the Magic Tower’s entrance sprawled numerous white flowers meticulously tended by Diamid himself.

Those gossamer Leshanne petals, swaying like snowflakes, held profound significance for both Diamid and Jaina.

Only then did Jaina comprehend his intent behind the dress’s excessive embellishments.

The delicate, ruffled shape of the Leshanne petals bore a resemblance to lace trimmings.

“At that place, I had spoken harshly to you…”

“Please, stop apologizing.”

Feigning an annoyed expression, Jaina prompted Diamid to fall silent, his mouth clamping shut in flustered acquiescence.

“Your mother’s belongings rest there. I had her interred amidst the Leshanne flowers she so adored in life.”

Jaina finally understood the reason behind Diamid’s frequent visits to the White Garden.

“…The truth is, I had suggested this outing in hopes of accompanying you there.”

“That White Garden?”

“Yes, so I could share stories about your mother with you in that place.”

As the two made to depart through the Magic Tower’s entrance, an unexpected occurrence unfolded.

Woooooong!

“Teleportation magic?”

Startled by the sudden activation of a magic array, Jaina and Diamid turned with sharpened gazes towards the source of the fluctuating mana.

Shortly thereafter, they encountered a man drenched in crimson, his body saturated with blood.

“Brother Mikael!”

“…Jaina.”

Clutching his wounded arm, Mikael struggled to remain upright.

“Tower Lord, I bring dire news.”

An ominous chill seemed to pierce Jaina’s very core.

“The dragons have launched an assault. They are likely to lead a demonic beast invasion upon the Magic Tower imminently.”

Of all times, why on this joyous day – the very day they had planned to visit the White Garden?

As if fated to remain an unfulfilled promise.

“Ughh.”

“Brother Mikael, are you alright?”

Rushing to support Mikael’s faltering form, Jaina’s pristine white dress rapidly stained crimson from the copious bleeding.

“St-Stay back. Your dress will be ruined.”

Jaina frowned, for while a cleansing spell could easily restore her attire’s immaculate state, Mikael’s injuries appeared graver than anticipated, his arm still profusely hemorrhaging.

‘So much blood…’

If Diamid’s right hand had sustained such grievous wounds…

“Brother, what of the others?”

“It seems they were simultaneously ambushed as well.”

“Jaina, come to me.”

Recognizing the situation’s severity, Diamid urgently beckoned Jaina closer.

As she approached while supporting Mikael, Diamid swiftly initiated a teleportation spell.

Woooooong!

When Jaina opened her eyes, she found herself confronted by a horrific scene.

“…This is!”

Even her typically composed gaze couldn’t resist wavering at the spectacle before her.

“Ughh, uuughh…”

“Kuhk…”

“Hilvenzia!”

“…Sorry, Jaina. I shouldn’t let you witness such a sight.”

Across the plains leading to the Magic Tower, numerous magicians lay fallen, Hilvenzia among them, evidently gravely wounded – blood trickled continuously from her head.

“We managed to repel the dragons’ and demonic beasts’ initial assault for now, but they are likely to strike again soon.”

“The enemy’s numbers…?”

“The vanguard wasn’t overwhelmingly large, but their ranks seemed to comprise various dragon clans – undoubtedly a coordinated effort.”

“Black Night clan must be seeking vengeance.”

Diamid exhaled a weary sigh, his eyes tightly shut.

The ensuing battle seemed destined to escalate beyond any scale he could have fathomed.