Father, I Won’t Do Anything

* * *

“How dare mere humans…”

Sitail looked down at his tattered body.

His flesh was mottled with burn marks, piercing wounds, and brutal beating scars.

“Ah, what mighty dragon was subjected to such indignities by those wretched humans…?”

“Kekeke, watch your tongue. It would be unwise to speak so of the esteemed dragons.”

Through his blurred vision, Sitail gazed at the human magicians before him.

Under normal circumstances, he could have slain them all with a mere gesture. But with his body bound, he could do nothing but listen to their taunting words.

‘This is all that Tower Lord’s doing…’

“You’ll need further discipline yet…”

At that moment, the guards’ movements momentarily stilled, having received an anticipated message.

However, blinded by the blood spilling from his wounds, Sitail remained unaware.

‘Believe he escaped on his own, deliberately create an opening – what could his intention be?’

No sooner had that puzzlement arisen than the guards noticed a butterfly fluttering around the dazed Sitail.

* * *

Upon regaining his freedom, the holy dragon Sitail first relocated to a safe place before immediately contacting his fellow dragons – exactly as Diamid had anticipated.

-I recently discovered a fragment of a dragon’s sacred relic. But as you know, there were no such reports, right?

-That damned wretch piqued my curiosity, so I investigated and found an undisclosed dragon – the proof of impurity, a half-breed living among humans! I tried to kill that thing!

-For our race’s honor, that creature must die.

Diamid was left speechless by the information relayed through his familiar.

-But being at the Magic Tower, we can’t be careless. Thorough precautions are necessary. For there dwells a monster there… Never did I imagine being bested by a mere human male.

Sitail’s resentful voice echoed in Diamid’s ears for quite some time.

* * *

In the wake of the dragon’s invasion, when Jaina encountered Diamid the very next day, she bowed her small head.

“Good day.”

Even as she offered her gratitude, Jaina puzzled inwardly.

‘Is the Tower Lord truly so accessible these days…? Or is it just my imagination?’

As Jaina remained lost in thought, Diamid’s words reached her ears.

“Your mother was a hero who risked her life to slay the Demon King. So why are you shunned by the dragons?”

“As I mentioned before, it’s because I’m a half-breed.”

“A half-breed?”

“Not the daughter of a hero, but the spawn of an unclean dragon who fell for a human male.”

“…”

“So please, don’t mistake me for a spy of the dragon race.”

“Then like Bezrice, you too…”

Hm? What was he implying? Jaina waited with a puzzled look for Diamid to continue, but he simply sealed his lips, saying no more.

Carefully reading his demeanor, Jaina spoke up cautiously.

“If you wish me to leave, I will depart.”

The Tower Lord was inherently averse to disturbances. And after yesterday’s incident caused by her, she would have no grounds to protest expulsion.

However, unexpectedly, Diamid’s response differed from her expectations.

“No, you shall remain here.”

Leaving only those words, he turned away. Jaina watched his retreating back in a daze before lowering her gaze.

“Thank you.”

“…”

“For allowing me to stay, and for rescuing me yesterday.”

At Jaina’s words, Diamid paused mid-step, as if about to say something, his lips parting slightly.

Jaina had anticipated he would clarify that he hadn’t rescued her, but rather resolved the disturbance at the Magic Tower. Yet contrary to her expectations, Diamid disappeared without saying a word.

* * *

Three years had passed since Jaina’s tenth birthday.

During that time, in addition to a new harpsichord tutor, Jaina had begun studying various academic subjects under etiquette, dance, and even foreign language tutors – all tacitly permitted by Diamid.

“Now, let’s walk through that section once more.”

Unlike Charlotte, the new tutors at the Magic Tower didn’t mistreat Jaina. Rather, they taught her with utmost diligence.

Even to the uninformed Jaina, it was evident these instructors had undergone a rigorous vetting process.

They were kind towards Jaina and didn’t spare praise for her being an outstanding student.

An outstanding student.

Jaina couldn’t fathom Diamid’s reasons for providing her such an education.

She could only vaguely speculate if it was somehow related to Bezrice.

While unable to discern his intentions, Jaina found immense joy in each learning opportunity. Rather than a sense of obligation, she felt a fulfilling satisfaction in acquiring new knowledge.

With nothing particular to occupy her time at the Magic Tower, and influenced by the magicians constantly engrossed in research, studying had naturally become part of her daily routine.

“Miss, the flowers you ordered have been delivered.”

This year, Jaina had begun a flower subscription service.

The botanical research team had started cultivating seasonal flowers defying nature beside the monstrous flower garden. Thanks to Hilvenzia’s thoughtfulness, Jaina could receive those flowers in advance.

‘Perhaps I’ll make a topiary with these?’

Gazing at spring blooms she would have long missed otherwise, Jaina carefully arranged the flowers in a vase.

Tasks that would have been arduous for her tiny hands three years ago could now be easily handled at thirteen.

Though Hilvenzia still chided about not knowing where Jaina put away all that food, indicating her build remained petite, Jaina felt it represented remarkable progress.

“They match beautifully.”

The vase’s flower arrangement changed every three days.

Jaina smiled faintly, feeling the room’s ambiance had transformed with just those blooms.

If asked about the difference between her ten-year-old and thirteen-year-old selves, one could cite her increased height, more developed physique, relatively stabilized wind magic, further refined dark magic, harpsichord skills now closer to Bezrice’s level, and the newly learned dance and etiquette…

But the greatest difference was the bright, cheerful smile that had found its way onto her face – an accumulation of small indulgences.

“Good morning.”

Pulling her hands away from the vase, Jaina greeted the start of another day.

* * *

“Peanut butter certainly has a unique texture.”

“Yet you’re handling these new cookies quite well.”

Jaina was baking cookies beside Hilvenzia. Unlike regular butter, the peanut butter’s distinct texture took some adjustment, but Jaina quickly adapted.

“It’s not that different, really.”

“You only baked cookies that one time before. This level of skill is already impressive.”

As the cookies baked in the oven, a savory aroma wafted through the air – the peanut butter cookies smelled particularly delectable. Jaina eagerly awaited the rising cookies.

“They’re done baking.”

Jaina carefully transferred the plump cookies onto a cooling rack. Eyeing the sizable batch, she suddenly remarked:

“There are too many for me to eat alone. May I gift some to someone?”

“Do as you wish, then.”

Jaina hurriedly produced some wrapping paper she had brought, prompting Hilvenzia to smile wryly.

“That wrapping paper didn’t just fall from the sky, did it? You deliberately baked extras to give as gifts.”

“I always seem to be the one receiving, so…”

Jaina averted her gaze to the cooling cookies.

“And wouldn’t it be nice to share these delicious cookies with everyone?”

With their crowd-pleasing flavor, the peanut butter cookies were unlikely to be a divisive treat.

The previous batch had failed due to improperly creamed butter, but fortunately, this one seemed successful.

Despite the increased difficulty level.

‘This is great.’

Jaina began wrapping the cooled cookies.

First, she meticulously selected a ribbon suitable for the packaging.

Considering its sturdiness for secure tying and which color would complement the brown cookies…

After choosing the wrapping paper and tying the ribbon, lovely cookie gift sets were completed.

Observing the wrapped cookies with satisfaction, Jaina smiled.

“First, I’ll give one to Hilvenzia.”

* * *

Mikael didn’t particularly enjoy sweets.

Hence, Jaina had deliberately reduced the sugar ratio while increasing the peanut butter to make the cookies more savory.

“Hm, peanut butter cookies?”

Originally, Mikael was the type who could make do with chemicals for sustenance, not one to relish eating.

However, after meeting Jaina and frequently accompanying her to the dining hall, his palate had gradually changed.

“You can cook already? No, looking at you, you’re still just a little kid…”

Mikael scrutinized Jaina up and down before comparing their heights.

“This shorty baked these? Seriously?”

“I’m not that small, you’re just really tall, Mikael.”

Jaina was right. The teenage boy Mikael had been when she first arrived was now a full-fledged adult.

With his vibrant looks having fully blossomed, Jaina realized his previous face had merely been a budding flower.

Mikael let out a low chuckle.

“Well, I suppose I am an adult now… Anyway, when will you grow up? You’re still just a leggy little tadpole.”

“I’ll grow eventually. I still can’t believe you’re actually an adult now, Mikael.”

“Why, do I look too young?”

“No. It’s your mental age that seems lacking…”

Mikael pinched and tugged at Jaina’s soft, rosy cheek before curling his lip wryly.

“You cheeky kid. Such a cute shorty.”

“Owww stahp it…”

“Hmph, I have no desire for these unsavory cookies from you. But out of appreciation for the effort, I’ll make a special exception to eat them.”

As Mikael undid the red ribbon on the cookie bag, Jaina quickly reached out.

“There’s no need to force yourself. Just give it back.”

“You think you can take this from me?”

With that, Mikael extended his arm holding the bag high into the air before plucking out a peanut butter cookie and munching on it noisily.

“Honestly…”

After savoring the cookie, he playfully dragged out the suspense.

Delicious or unappetizing – either could follow.

Mikael eventually broke into a smirk.

“Not bad. Edible, I suppose.”

Jaina scowled at his reaction.

‘He absolutely refuses to say they’re delicious…’

“Then I’ll give them to someone who will appreciate them. Give it back.”

“But they’re mine now, why should I return them?”

Mikael proceeded to devour the entire bag of peanut butter cookies right before Jaina’s eyes.