Father, I Won’t Do Anything

‘I had hoped to keep a low profile at the academy…’

Jaina wore a disconcerted expression.

Having been granted permission for overnight stays in exchange for nightly communication crystal conversations with Mikael and Hilvenzia, Jaina had intended to inform them of her academy enrollment as soon as the admission process was complete.

Though they might feel slighted for not being told in advance, she couldn’t keep burdening the two working under Diamid.

Moreover, the academy was her only alternative to the Magic Tower, and she had lacked the time to convince them, making it an unavoidable choice.

However, unexpectedly, she was recognized by far too many people immediately upon enrollment. Furthermore, the majority regarded her with disdain.

Rosian had likely anticipated this and intentionally toured the academy grounds with her, but there were still unintended consequences.

Letting out a sigh, Jaina envisioned her tumultuous academy life ahead.

‘If Brother Mikael and Hilvenzia learn of this, they’ll rush over immediately…’

While she could handle the excessive attention and jealousy on her own, the hot-blooded Mikael and the strangely intimidating Hilvenzia were beyond her abilities to deal with.

‘They’d come all the way from the imperial capital for my sake. It could potentially lead to trouble.’

In the end, Jaina returned to her assigned dorm room and activated the communication crystal to contact them.

—What?! You enrolled in the Melbel Academy?

“Yes… Staying at a friend’s place felt like an imposition, but I haven’t fully sorted out my thoughts to return to the Magic Tower… I’m sorry.”

—Hey kid, you should have told us in advance about something like this… At least Hilvenzia, that old hag.

—…I’m sorry.

—…

Though visibly disappointed, Mikael didn’t scold her further. He understood that Jaina was the one grappling with the most complex thoughts.

In the ensuing silence between them, a familiar voice chimed in.

—Our Jaina wouldn’t have refrained from telling us if she could help it. With our relationship with the Tower Lord, she probably couldn’t bring herself to talk about it. We were just as stunned last time, our mouths agape.

—But, but still… The Melbel Academy is filled with all sorts of weirdos. Even Moben was from that academy.

Having encountered many magicians from the Melbel Academy, Mikael vehemently opposed Jaina’s attendance there, citing the potential danger from the ‘weirdos’ lurking about.

—But wasn’t it you, Mikael, who defeated those ‘weirdos’ with magic? Jaina is the distinguished disciple of the genius magician Mikael. Are you doubting her current abilities now?

—Ah, no, that’s not it… But, but still, no way! Don’t fill out the admission forms. I’ll burn them all, you hear?

—I’ve already completed the enrollment process…

—What? Aaargh!

Contrary to expectations, Hilvenzia’s reaction was composed.

—Alright, Jaina. I’m also disappointed you didn’t inform us in advance, but I’m sure you had your reasons. And since it’s the academy founded by the great Archmage Melbel, it should have barriers rivaling the Magic Tower’s, so I can rest somewhat assured.

—Thank you for understanding.

—In fact, I had been considering sending you to the academy myself. Family can’t always remain together. The Magic Tower isn’t the best environment either. A welcome face will be visiting you soon, so don’t worry too much and just focus on your studies there.

“A welcome face?”

Hilvenzia spoke as if she had expected Jaina to attend the academy.

Mentioning a ‘welcome face’ visiting her implied some prior arrangement, but when Jaina inquired further, Hilvenzia evaded the topic, claiming it was a secret.

—By the way, how did you manage to enroll without a guardian, since you couldn’t have told the Tower Lord.

“Thanks to His Highness Rosian explaining the situation to the headmaster, Lord Seiden, I was able to enroll.”

—Rosian? Why is that weakling’s name coming up here?

Until then silent, Mikael immediately interjected upon hearing Rosian’s name.

“While discussing matters with His Highness Rosian, he suggested I enroll at the academy.”

As Jaina recounted the details, a shattering sound accompanied Mikael’s raised voice as he vented his frustration.

—What, what? That bastard seduced you?! I knew it! So that’s why he’s been holed up at the academy, just swinging his sword around… It was all a ploy! I’m going over there right now and…

—Jaina, it seems Mikael is a bit too excited. Let’s end the communication for now and talk again later. If anything happens, let us know.

“Understood. Thank you both for always understanding.”

—We’re like family, after all.

—Argh, I still have things to tell Jaina…!

As the communication crystal deactivated, Jaina immediately flopped onto her bed.

Her full-fledged academy life would begin tomorrow.

* * *

On her way to unlock the early-sealed door as the day’s duty student, Jaina noticed scattered scraps of paper strewn about as she headed to her seat to retrieve her bag.

Jaina immediately recognized those paper scraps.

‘My textbooks and assignments.’

As Jaina absentmindedly looked down at the floor, a voice came from behind her.

“Wh, what is this?”

Another student had arrived early besides Jaina.

A meek-looking bespectacled student caught sight of the scattered scraps and covered her mouth in shock.

“I, I’ll help you tidy this up! Goodness, who would do such a thing…”

Even as she gathered the scraps with her hands, the bespectacled student fretted as if it were her own predicament.

“But this is the assignment due this morning!”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Aren’t you upset?”

“What an odd question.”

Simultaneously, Jaina extended her hand forward.

The mana emanating from her palm transformed into wind, gathering the scattered scraps. Then, a glow radiated from Jaina’s hand.

In an instant, the pile of scraps had reverted to their original, intact form.

“See, it’s as if nothing happened.”

“But, but just a moment ago…”

As the bespectacled student stood gaping, Jaina nonchalantly dusted off her textbooks and assignments before storing them under her desk.

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Wh, what magic was that just now? I’ve never seen or heard of anything like it…”

And for good reason.

That restoration magic was exclusively used by the magicians of the Magic Tower.

The bespectacled student gazed at Jaina with sparkling eyes as she spoke.

“Jaina, I’m Cecil.”

“Yes, Cecil.”

“Would you like to engage in an in-depth discussion about magic?”

To propose such a discussion without even a proper introduction… Though taken aback, Jaina couldn’t help but smile at her familiarity.

Being from the Department of Magic, Cecil shared similarities with the magicians of the Magic Tower.

As Jaina felt a sense of familiarity while performing her duty, students began trickling into the classroom one by one.

“Hmm, ahem.”

They entered with expectant expressions, only to appear disconcerted upon seeing Jaina’s calm demeanor and tidy desk area.

Soon returning with smiles, they approached Jaina in a friendly manner, unlike their usual aloofness.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning. It’s such a lovely day today, isn’t it?”

Jaina smiled in response. Startled by her reaction, they soon replied nonchalantly.

“Ah, yes. The sunlight is wonderful.”

As time passed, more students trickled in, all reacting similarly.

‘They must have expected me to cry or cause a scene.’

Seeing her unexpectedly serene composure, they approached her differently than usual.

“You’re Jaina, correct? How has your academy life been so far? No issues, I hope?”

“I appreciate your concern. Thanks to everyone’s kindness, I’ve been doing well without any problems.”

“Oh… I see.”

“Thank you. It’s the first time Lady Yuliana has addressed me first.”

They had merely sought to provoke a reaction from her, having never properly greeted her before.

Feeling the sting of Jaina’s words, her fellow students scratched their heads as they responded.

“Haha, ha. I, I suppose so.”

“I hope we can exchange greetings more often from now on.”

Jaina innocently smiled, feigning obliviousness.

Just as the students were awkwardly conversing with Jaina, they swiftly returned to their seats upon someone’s entrance.

‘So that person was the ringleader?’

The one everyone furtively glanced at, pretending nonchalance.

It was Amelia, the class president, entering the classroom.

Unlike the others, she didn’t bother surveying the surroundings and immediately approached Jaina with self-assurance, seemingly believing her instructions had been carried out.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Lady Amelia.”

Amelia continued in an unnaturally casual tone.

“About the assignments due this morning. Professor Barbara informed me, the class president, that she won’t let those who fail to submit today’s work off lightly. She said they lack the qualifications to study at this academy.”

“Is that so?”

“But there are occasionally those who foolishly forget to bring their own assignments. Some even come to me, the class president, pleading and crying about it. Honestly, seeing such a sight just…”

Amelia scrutinized Jaina’s expression before curling her lips into a smile.

“It’s irritating, isn’t it?”

“It must be difficult being the class president.”

As Jaina responded as if it had nothing to do with her, Amelia’s smile gradually froze.

“It would be best to submit your work before losing it. Will you hand in your assignment now, Jaina?”

“Of course.”

“Everyone, please submit your assignments now.”

With her usual impassive expression, Jaina began retrieving her assignment from under her desk.

Everyone seemed to sense something amiss as they furtively glanced towards Jaina.

Ignoring their wide-eyed stares, Jaina smiled faintly as she pulled out her intact assignment from her desk and approached the front of the classroom.

Then, meeting Amelia’s faltering gaze with a look of innocence, she placed her assignment in Amelia’s hands.

“Lady Amelia, you’re truly remarkable. On top of your own responsibilities, you even concern yourself with others’ affairs. Your efforts are admirable.”

“…”

As Jaina patted Amelia’s shoulder with words of encouragement, the previously smiling Amelia’s expression instantly hardened.

‘Her composure has cracked. But this is only the beginning.’

Jaina calmly returned to her seat and gazed absently out the window.

It was another beautiful morning.