Chapter 4

"I see."

I have been visiting Father's study frequently and have come to understand something after skimming through the books.

Father was quite an impressive person.

Usually, he only shows his doting father side, but apparently, he is very competent at work. He is said to be one of the top mages among those serving the castle. I knew he was a court mage, but I didn't realize he was that high up. I thought he was just a middle manager or something. It's not that I underestimated him; I just never imagined my own father would be in such a prestigious position.

Learning this fact, my existence has become even more cheat-like.

After all, I was born to a handsome man and a beautiful woman, both of whom are exceptionally talented. I have a dangerous amount of latent magical power, a well-defined face, and decent athletic ability. On top of that, my parents are court mages and I am a noble's daughter.

It's like I was tailor-made for this. Honestly, I'm a bit troubled by all this favoritism.

While I am very grateful for my latent magical power, it makes me feel silly to try to establish my own position. I want to build my own standing.

Of course, I want to use whatever resources I can, but I don't want to rely on them too much. It wouldn't be satisfying to become great through my parents' power, and such a position could crumble someday.

Well, it's pointless to think about these things from a young age, but it's better to be prepared.

For now, I will focus on honing my own abilities. To grasp everything with my own power.

...Not to rule the world, but to lead a happy life. Please don't misunderstand.

"Father, Father."

"Hm? What is it, Liz?"

I ran up to Father, who happened to be in the study, and greeted him with a smile. Father returned my smile with an even brighter one, picking me up and playing with me. He's so affectionate. I love Father too.

When Father holds me, I can smell a faint scent of the sun.

Even though he doesn't work outside, he has the scent of soft sunlight. It's an indescribable sense of happiness, like diving into freshly dried bedding. I feel such a fluffy sensation from Father.

Mother, on the other hand, has a sweet floral scent. It's a gentle and soothing aroma.

When I told my parents this, it became a laughing matter that we could recognize each other's scents.

However, it was in bed and we were both lightly dressed, so things got a bit heated, and it didn't end with just checking the scents. My parents are still young, so I'm a bit scared that I might have a younger sibling soon.

Of course, I have my wits about me and have no intention of peeking in or getting in the way. I quietly left the room, aware that not many children can read the room like that.

...I got off track.

While being held by Father, I met his red eyes.

The red eyes I inherited from him were soft and gentle. Father, who loves me, stroked my hair affectionately.

...He doesn't look very impressive at home, but I respect and love Father, who supports us and gives us unconditional love.

"Hey, Father."

"What is it, Liz?"

"Teach me magic."

Snap.

Did I catch him off guard with my words? His fingers, which were combing through my hair, accidentally pulled out a few strands of my light-colored hair, which I inherited from Mother. ...It hurt.

"Did someone put you up to this?"

"No, I want to learn of my own will."

Shaking my head and looking straight at Father, he made a complicated face, similar to Mother's.

Father must be worried about me. He probably wants to teach me but is hesitant because it's dangerous.

Well, I anticipated this reaction, so I'm not without a plan.

"I want to become a mage as great as Father."

Father's weakness number one:

Father is weak to flattery (only from Mother and me).

"S-Sure...?"

"Yes. I've heard that Father is a very distinguished mage. I want to become a mage respected by everyone, just like Father."

"To hear you say that makes me very happy...! But Liz, at your age—"

"...Is Father saying no...?"

Father's weakness number two:

Father is weak to tears (only from Mother and me).

While feeling a bit manipulative, I moistened my eyes and looked at him with a trembling gaze. Seeing my childlike eyes become sad and wet, Father started to panic.

...It's a good thing children's tear ducts are easily triggered, I thought, which is a rather uncharitable thought. Sorry, I got carried away.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. How about when you're a bit older?"

"I want to become like Father soon and help him. Is that not allowed...?"

"..."

"I won't be a bother or give up halfway. Please, I'm begging you."

"...I thought this would happen eventually, but it's too soon. I do want to teach you, but—"

"Will you really teach me?"

I ignored the context and reacted only to the words "I want to teach you."

Smiling hopefully, Father finally gave in with a resigned and accepting look.

Father's weakness number three:

Father is weak to unexpected smiles (only from Mother and me).

...In short, Father is head over heels for Mother and me and loves us. He will grant most of our requests.

This time, it's not a whim but rather bringing forward a future that would come eventually. I just want to get a head start.

Father, who saw my expectant, sparkling eyes, sighed, not a small but a rather large sigh.

"...Alright, but there are conditions. I can't teach you alone due to time constraints, so we'll hire a tutor, and you'll study under them. You can't give up halfway. And we'll go to the castle's magic academy together to test your magical aptitude. If you can't keep these conditions—"

"I'll keep all of them. Thank you, Father!"

Before he finished, I nodded vigorously and beamed. Father chuckled, knowing he couldn't say no now. My plan worked.

I kissed Father's cheek and said, "I love you, Father," which made him very happy. It was a win-win situation.

Father was going to teach me magic eventually, so please forgive me for this.