Father, I Won’t Do Anything

This incident began with a casual remark from Mikael.

“Why does Jaina address me respectfully as ‘Brother Mikael,’ refer to others by name, yet call the Tower Lord ‘Father’?” (tl/n: Jaina usually calls him not ‘oppa’ like an older brother with whom she has close relationship, but ‘oraboni’ – more formal address, thus it feels more distant.)

It wasn’t a serious inquiry, merely a thought that had crossed his mind while discussing Jaina.

In fact, he had felt a tinge of pride at her deferential form of address, prompting him to mention it… That was the true motive behind his words.

However, Hilvenzia’s response stirred profound ripples within Mikael’s heart.

“Perhaps she feels a sense of distance from you…?”

Thump.

Mikael froze, halting whatever task he had been engaged in.

He completely missed the faint hint of amusement in Hilvenzia’s tone.

His feelings for Jaina were so profound that he failed to detect such nuances.

“Th-Th-That can’t be…”

Even his feeble protest faltered as Hilvenzia nonchalantly shrugged and continued.

“Then why would she only address you in that manner?”

Mikael fell silent, alternating between mumbled denials and swallowing his words, utterly stunned by the implication of Jaina discriminating against him.

He would have wholeheartedly welcomed any special treatment – but this…

‘Come to think of it, didn’t she used to call me ‘Big Brother’ before switching to the formal ‘Brother’?’ (tl/n: refers to early chapters and their first outing together to the marketplace, where Jaina had called him ‘oppa’ a few times. It’s hard to show the difference of those titles in english – anyway they both mean ‘brother’ – so let’s proceed with adding ‘big’ to it.)

Memories resurfaced of their outings beyond the Magic Tower’s confines.

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

-Big brother, buy me this!

The words ‘big brother’ began reverberating through Mikael’s mind.

Big brother… Big brother…

‘Hazy as it may be, I’m certain she did address me as such back then… But why not anymore…?’

Observing Mikael’s rapidly shifting expressions, Hilvenzia regarded him with a bemused look.

‘He’s taking a casual remark far too seriously.’

A mischievous glint emerged in her eyes, yet she feigned solemnity by lowering her tone.

“You know Jaina isn’t one to discriminate against anyone, right?”

“…”

“If she wanted to treat you the same as others, she would have done so from the outset. Addressing you so formally implies…”

“…”

“Did you perhaps act arrogantly towards her at some point?”

Her words struck the heart of the matter, piercing Mikael’s core.

Cold sweat trickled down his back as he inwardly reflected.

‘There are indeed several incidents that come to mind.’

Who was Mikael Bellafanian?

Until Jaina formally began her magical tutelage under Diamid, he had been the Tower Lord’s sole disciple.

Constantly doted upon by those around him, Mikael was well aware of his own arrogant and brusque tendencies.

Yet he had never anticipated such behavior adversely impacting his relationship with Jaina, leaving him utterly disconcerted.

‘I assumed she didn’t mind, given her nonchalant demeanor. But what if I was mistaken?’

Though Mikael now grasped the gravity of the situation, he strove to maintain an impassive facade.

After some time spent in solitary contemplation, Mikael began awkwardly loitering near Hilvenzia.

“Hey, listen to this story about someone I know…”

Feigning indifference, he broached the subject.

“It’s nothing major, just a minor concern… You see, this acquaintance of mine is having some issues with a little girl…”

An ordinary person might have prefaced it as ‘a friend’s story,’ but the unfortunate truth was that Mikael lacked any close friends.

With his extremely limited social circle, Hilvenzia remained his sole confidant to share his troubles.

“Hmm. Go on?”

Though Hilvenzia instantly discerned Mikael’s transparent attempt to relate his personal dilemma, she indulged him without comment, scenting amusement.

“So, this ‘acquaintance’ wishes to become more familiar with the girl, without such formalities between them?”

A rare delight – she had hooked a considerable prize.

“Hmm, hmhmm. I suppose you could summarize it that way. Quite perceptive of you.”

Uncharacteristically, Mikael even complimented Hilvenzia’s insight.

“Then, how would you suggest he forge a closer bond with the little girl?”

“In my opinion…”

With utmost gravity, Mikael began meticulously noting Hilvenzia’s advice, oblivious to her poorly concealed mirth at his naivete.

* * *

‘So I must portray myself as a ‘kind and gentle man,’ contrary to appearances?’

Inwardly ruminating over Hilvenzia’s suggestions, Mikael clenched his fists resolutely.

‘As distasteful as it may be, I’ll endure it to bridge the gap between Jaina and myself!’

Thus, Mikael volunteered to personally oversee the ‘Magic Tower Tour’ event Jaina had recently organized for orphaned children.

“What prompted Brother Mikael to take charge of this event? Ordinarily, he would have refused, deeming it too bothersome.”

“Hmm, as a representative magician of the Magic Tower, I must maintain a certain image.”

However, Mikael had overlooked a crucial factor – his utter disdain for people, children in particular.

“Waaaaaah!”

The children swarmed him without fear, clinging persistently.

“He’s so handsome. Such a pretty big brother.”

“Big brother, play with me.”

“No, big brother Mikael has to play with me!”

“So the saying ‘Children are drawn to ill-favored faces’ holds true.”

“What?”

“Oh, I meant you’re very handsome, Brother.”

Witnessing the spectacle, Jaina suppressed an amused smile. Though Mikael attempted to reciprocate, the clinging children hindered his efforts.

“Big brother has such pretty hair.”

“It’s all shiny and sparkly!”

“Hey, don’t pull out my hair!”

The once-detached children recoiled at Mikael’s raised voice.

“Brother Mikael, you mustn’t shout around the children.”

“…When did I raise my voice?”

Recalling his motivation for participating, Mikael strained to maintain a friendly demeanor.

“Aboo, aah boo boo!”

“Ack, why is this one climbing onto me…?”

Oddly enough, Mikael proved immensely popular among the children. Despite his perpetual scowl, they remained unfazed by his gruff exterior.

‘Is it because of his blond hair…?’

Jaina applauded lightly with an amused smile.

“Brother seems quite popular with the children. I can’t get them to warm up to me… I’m rather envious.”

“If you’re jealous, then you… Aaack! Gross, drool!”

Mikael recoiled in revulsion as an infant clambered onto his back, drooling profusely.

“Oh my, come here, little one. Play with your big sister instead.”

“Waaah!”

Sensing Mikael’s obvious discomfort, Jaina attempted to retrieve the infant, but it flailed defiantly, clinging steadfastly to him.

“Wuuu, waaah!”

“My, the baby seems quite enamored with Brother Mikael…”

Ultimately, Jaina gingerly deposited the infant into Mikael’s reluctant embrace. His face was promptly squished by the infant’s tiny hands.

“Bah ooo bah.”

“Remove your hands from my face at once.”

“Baaah!”

“Ugh, it’s like we don’t even speak the same language.”

With a disdainful grimace, Mikael turned away from the drooling infant. However, more children awaited his attention.

“Are you the real Mikael Bellafanian? Can you use magic?”

“Is this mister really the Tower Lord’s disciple?”

“Big brother, show us magic! Magic!”

Mikael’s tightly sealed lips parted in exasperation.

“Is magic some sort of childish amusement? You dare demand I perform it indiscriminately, from me of all people?!”

As Mikael’s features contorted in irritation, the surrounding magicians flinched apprehensively.

Initially amused by Mikael’s uncharacteristic participation, they had eagerly anticipated his arrogant demeanor clashing with the children’s innocent audacity.

Yet Mikael’s current state hinted at genuine fury.

Shooting a withering glare towards the magicians stifling their laughter, Mikael challenged them icily.

“You find this amusing?”

“Brother Mikael!”

Though Jaina attempted to intervene, it was too late.

“Waaaaaaah!”

“Wuuuuaah!”

The abrupt surge of Mikael’s aura sent the children into terrified wails.

‘But I only intended to make a favorable impression on Jaina…’

Hastily suppressing the mana he had unconsciously channeled, Mikael sought to soothe them.

“Well, you see… Magic may not be mere amusement, but an exception can be made for occasions like this.”

With a snap of his fingers, gentle currents of wind lifted the children, buoying them aloft.

“Woooaah!”

“I’m flying in the sky!”

Clenching his jaw tightly, Mikael inwardly reasoned.

‘Surely this will deter them from clinging to me any further…’

“Kyaaaah!”

“This is so fun, make it stronger!”

His teeth ground audibly in frustration.

‘The great Mikael, reduced to entertaining children like a court jester…’

Yet there was a small consolation – the children began praising him enthusiastically, giving him a thumbs up.

Their positive reception brightened Mikael’s expression.

‘Jaina will surely perceive me as a gentle soul now?’

Striving to maintain his amiable facade, Mikael stole a glance towards Jaina.

“Pfft.”

However, contrary to his expectations, she was smiling behind her hand, clearly suppressing laughter.

‘Is she amused by my ill-suited behavior?’

Ordinarily, Jaina’s smiling countenance brought him joy. Yet now, her laughter seemed mocking, leaving an unpleasant sting.

With a dejected expression, Mikael averted his gaze.

‘No, I shouldn’t view it negatively. Her laughter implies a closer rapport than before, doesn’t it?’

If this endeavor had bridged their gap by a single step, his next effort would surely draw them two steps closer.

Resolute determination burned within Mikael.