Father, I Won’t Do Anything

Jaina was surprised to see Mikael dressed in proper formal attire, something he rarely wore, and asked:

“Brother Mikael, where are you going dressed like that?”

Most magicians at the Magic Tower typically wore loose robes. Mikael was one of those magicians.

‘Brother Mikael dislikes wearing anything other than his usual attire.’

He disliked going to the atelier more than he did visiting the restroom. Seeing Jaina’s perplexed expression, Mikael chuckled.

“Ah, you’ve never seen me dressed like this before? I’m heading to my territory to deal with some demons.”

Of course, most magicians provide long-range firepower from the rear rather than engaging in close combat. Hence, it wasn’t strange for them to wear flowing robes.

However, Mikael let out a low chuckle as a strong gust of wind condensed in his palm.

“It’s no fun to just blow them away. I’m going up close to smash their skulls in.”

“Woah.”

Jaina soullessly exclaimed in admiration.

“Just kidding, the demons appeared near a village in the mountains, so it’s difficult to simply overwhelm them with raw power. Plus, the knights are also being dispatched there.”

Mikael pulled on his leather gloves with his mouth. Even in a light suit instead of his usual robe, he carried it off stylishly.

‘I suppose there’s no attire that doesn’t suit him.’

“But for mere demons, do you really need to go yourself, Brother? Even if you do, wouldn’t one of you be enough? Are the demons that powerful?”

“Hey, one question at a time.”

Though he grumbled in reproach, Mikael seemed pleased by Jaina’s concerned words.

With the corners of his lips curled up, he calmly explained:

“It’s fun to crush them up close with magic. It wouldn’t be as enjoyable if my hood’s hem just fluttered around.”

Mikael was renowned as a combat magician even in novels. Jaina wondered if dealing with demons was a healthy way for him to vent his nature.

“So where are you headed?”

“The Nerint Mountains.”

Upon hearing the location, Jaina flinched with a shudder.

“The Nerint Mountains… That’s where the dragon clan resides.”

Originally, animals and demons were subject to the rule of dragons.

Dragons stood at the pinnacle of all living beings, and the more perceptive animals and demons didn’t deliberately provoke such strong entities.

Even Jaina, a half-dragon, could easily tame animals just by making eye contact with them.

“What? If a dragon lives there, they wouldn’t be running rampant.”

Hearing this, Mikael fell into contemplation.

“Hunting demons is exhilarating, but I suppose I should report this. By the way, do you know of any other dragon clan dwelling places?”

“I’m aware that dragons reside in almost every mountain range. The only reason I know for certain about the Nerint Mountains is because I’ve been there on an errand before…”

Jaina parted her lips but trailed off in silence.

“Brother Mikael. What if something happened to the dragons…?”

An ominous premonition left her unable to continue.

‘What if the dragons sent demons to attack humans?’

If the latter was true, then the appearance of demons wasn’t an isolated incident but an ongoing situation.

And Jaina’s premonition proved accurate.

“Demons have been emerging and rampaging across the entire mountain range.”

“Villages located near the mountains have suffered severe damage.”

The only consolation was that the temple faction had deployed many holy knights and combat priests to the temples near the mountains, quite conveniently.

A bit too conveniently, in fact.

‘Could it truly be a coincidence?’

And peculiar rumors began circulating in the imperial high society.

-The future foreseen by the High Priest didn’t include any demons.

-It seems some force other than divine power has altered the future.

-And one thing the High Priest didn’t see was…

Jaina, of course.

* * *

“We must lodge a protest at the Magic Tower.”

In a beautifully tended garden. Before the people were elegantly aged teacups and delectable desserts, but no one paid them any mind.

Instead, voices far too intense for the serene setting echoed among them.

“This lady named Jaina, or whatever, wasn’t present in the future the High Priest foresaw. She must have done something to summon the demons.”

“Wait a moment. She’s just a young lady. Isn’t that too presumptuous?”

“I understand your sentiment, but how could a newly debuted girl lead demons astray?”

The man shook his head.

“There were stories about her being exceptionally skilled with magic, you know? Apparently, she once caused a commotion by conjuring wind.”

An exaggerated account of Jaina using minor magic had spread.

Within their group, Countess Milpres snapped her fan shut and chimed in.

“More importantly, doesn’t Jaina reside at the Magic Tower?”

“That’s correct. The Magic Tower is a closed-off space, even to outsiders.”

“How would we know what she’s been plotting inside?”

As time passed, people gradually leaned towards the ‘what if’ scenario.

Suffering damage from the demons, someone had to be held accountable.

And people always reveled in gossip, especially in high society.

A rumor that the lady who made a glamorous debut with Princess Elia as her chaperon might be involved with the demons was nothing short of intriguing.

However, lacking concrete evidence, it remained mere gossip.

Ordinarily, they would have gossiped a bit before moving on to other topics.

But…

‘Why does my head feel a bit fuzzy today?’

‘Why do I keep repeating the same story over and over?’

With clouded awareness, people mindlessly reiterated the discussion about Jaina like puppets.

Observing this scene, Countess Milpres smiled.

“…Well done.”

Then she turned towards Raikis, who had finished performing and was leaning against the wall.

* * *

Playing the harpsichord always put Jaina’s mind at ease.

Although it had been Diamid’s instruction due to Bezrice, whenever she played, she could momentarily forget reality.

Initially, she had fixated solely on Bezrice’s compositions, but gradually, as she played different pieces, Jaina’s world seemed to expand.

For her, the harpsichord was a respite.

At least, until now.

“How have you been lately, Lady Jaina?”

However…

“Playing a piece like , you must have deeply immersed yourself in the emotions.”

Jaina silently regarded Raikis.

From some point, she had felt as if he were scrutinizing her.

A gaze of feigned concern, yet subtly gleeful.

Like observing a fish trapped in an aquarium, his eyes seemed to study her.

“I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

“Are you feigning ignorance?”

“What kind of answer are you seeking?”

“Ahaha, you really are quite amusing, Lady Jaina.”

Jaina stopped her harpsichord performance.

She couldn’t understand why she had felt such familiarity towards this man upon their first meeting.

“Are you truly alright with the rumor circulating in high society that ‘Lady Jaina is the root cause behind the demon incident’?”

“Reacting to every passing rumor would only trouble oneself unnecessarily.”

However, Jaina was somewhat concerned about that rumor as well.

In the original novel , there had never been an incident where demons descended upon human settlements.

‘It’s because I’m someone who didn’t exist in the prophecy. It means I’ve already died by this point in the novel.’

The end was gradually approaching.

These days, even when closing her eyes, Jaina would toss and turn, feeling it was a waste to sleep.

Yet what did this man know about her current state?

“There are times when nonchalance isn’t the answer, you know?”

“Do you wish me to be miserable, Teacher?”

“I’m simply saying, don’t hide your emotions from me, your teacher.”

“I appreciate your words, but…”

Suddenly, a pang of pain shot through her head. Jaina clutched her temples, swaying from the dizziness.

“Oh dear, Lady Jaina.”

Raikis took a step forward, trying to grab Jaina’s shoulders, but she pushed his chest away.

“I’m alright.”

“How did you feel when you first heard that rumor? Were you saddened?”

Even after witnessing Jaina’s unsteadiness, Raikis persisted in discussing the rumor.

He had crossed a line.

“I’d like to end this conversation.”

Raikis tilted his head at Jaina’s firm tone. Then, as if realizing something, he let out a harsh laugh.

“Though I had suspected as much, it seems you are indeed greatly cherished, my lady.”

Jaina found it peculiar that Raikis’s gaze had been fixed on her wrist.

“Oh dear… I had thought you regarded me as familiar, Lady Jaina.”

Certainly, Jaina had felt a sense of familiarity towards Raikis, but…

“For I also felt that way when I first met you, my lady.”

A condescending, supremely arrogant gaze. As if he understood her heart, something beguiling about him…

However, Jaina remained unfazed as she spoke.

“While you may be my teacher, we haven’t known each other for very long. Your demeanor seems rather impolite.”

After Jaina’s words, Yurika, who had been present, said:

“I shall see the teacher out.”

It was a subtle yet firm dismissal. Even so, Raikis remained nonchalant as he left with Yurika.

“Oh dear, I suppose we’ll end today’s lesson here.”

No, it would likely be the final lesson.

After sending Raikis away, Jaina intended to inform him that he need not return to the Magic Tower.

However, something felt amiss. It didn’t seem their connection would end just like that.

Pursing her lips tightly, Jaina gazed at the spot where Raikis had disappeared for a long while.