This Villainess’s Parenting Method is Her Fists

Before Marquis Offensa collapsed, Marcel had searched everywhere for fairy mint.

However, from small general stores to famous merchant guilds, everyone shook their heads.

‘Fairy mint? The elves won’t give that out. Since the dark mage Lumen’s era, the natural habitats have been decreasing, and now it’s become rare.’

‘Besides, the elves cut off trade because they were outraged that humans only ended up k*lling the flowers anyway.’

‘And it’s not like there’s a way to cultivate it elsewhere…’

He had no choice but to plan a visit to his homeland soon.

Though the elves would prohibit entry, they usually allowed him in when he brought his magical achievements.

‘But then Graham collapsed and everything became chaotic…’

Having to clean up and deal with illegal magical tool organizations made it even more impossible to leave the Magic Tower.

By the time he came to his senses, his body was near its limit and complaining with headaches.

His magical abilities were already weakening. At worst, he could permanently lose his elven abilities.

‘That can’t happen!’

If it did, he wouldn’t be able to keep his position as Vice Archmage.

In truth, Marcel’s magical talent wasn’t exceptional. It was just above average. He had reached this level only thanks to the long lifespan of half-elves.

If he lost not only his hard-earned magical abilities but his health as well, how could he protect the Magic Tower?

‘With Graham absent now, if I become weak too…’

The mere thought was terrifying.

Trying to hide his anxiety, Marcel said:

“Ahem… Well… Come to think of it, I handled the urgent matters yesterday. Please stay a bit longer.”

“No, it’s fine. I must have bothered you with my sudden request to visit.”

“Ah, earlier I was mistaken about my schedule…”

Marcel’s face grew increasingly red.

‘Oh dear.’

Calliphe realized something she hadn’t expected.

Marcel, being one of the most senior figures, had never had to plead with a young person before.

But if she brought up the fairy mint first, her intentions might be discovered.

It was a situation where she couldn’t dominate but couldn’t give up control either.

‘How annoying. I’m not good at sweet-talking people.’

This kind of complicated communication was Calliphe’s weakest area.

At this moment, someone appropriately intervened.

“We’re the ones who made the sudden appointment first. We were worried about causing trouble and hesitated to ask… if it’s alright, we’d like to stay longer as well.”

It was Lynen.

He maintained a neutral but not disrespectful attitude. While keeping the stance that they had nothing to lose, he was also helping the other party save face.

“Isn’t that right, Calliphe?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right!”

Calliphe, who had been staring blankly at him, quickly nodded.

Marcel’s expression brightened with relief.

“Trouble? Not at all! Come to think of it, I behaved rudely not only to young lady but also to your fiancé Duke Ortega. I’m truly embarrassed.”

Marcel’s hospitality became even more gracious.

When they sat down again, premium desserts and tea that weren’t there before appeared.

Calliphe gave Lynen a subtle glance.

‘Well done, Lynen.’

Lynen glanced at Calliphe before turning away.

It seemed like he was ignoring her, but.

[Lynen’s affection +1]

[Lynen: ♥ 10/100]

‘Acting like you don’t care when you’re clearly happy about the praise.’

In the now more natural atmosphere, Calliphe mentioned the doll again.

“Actually, I was going to give this doll as a gift to the Marquis.”

“Really?”

Marcel’s ears perked up.

His delight was clearly visible.

“But then I thought it might not be an appropriate gift for the Marquis. He’s not exactly at an age to enjoy dolls.”

“No, no, I’m sure he would love it.”

Marcel’s voice became urgent. It was a desperate plea to leave the doll here.

Calliphe laughed mischievously inside.

“No, I’ve already decided. I won’t give this doll to the Marquis.”

“Oh, that…”

His face showed the despair of receiving terrible news.

“I’ll give it to the Vice Archmage instead.”

“Really…?!”

His expression transformed into pure joy.

Marcel’s voice trembled.

“But why to me…”

“Why? Don’t you want it? If you don’t want it, then—mmph.”

Lynen’s hand quickly covered her mouth before she could tease him further.

“Calliphe mentioned on the way here that it would make the Vice Archmage sad if we only prepared a gift for the Marquis.”

“Did, did she?”

“Yes. Isn’t she… lovable?”

Love…?! Calliphe’s eyes widened in shock.

Seeming struck by his own words, Lynen took a brief breath before speaking to Marcel.

“She was too shy to say it directly. That’s just her personality. I’m sure you understand.”

“Ah, yes, yes. Now I remember.”

Marcel smiled at Calliphe with understanding.

“You were like that when you were young too. Acting prickly on the outside but warm on the inside. I see that side of you hasn’t changed.”

“…”

What’s with this atmosphere?

Feeling uncomfortable about being portrayed as tsundere right in front of her, Calliphe handed the doll to Marcel.

“…Here, Vice Archmage.”

“Thank you, young lady.”

As Marcel received the doll with trembling hands, a message appeared.

[Marcel’s affection +50]

[Marcel: ♥ 55/100]

[Quest Complete!]

[You have gained Marcel’s affection needed for Marquis Offensa’s first sick visit.]

[Additional completion: Marcel’s understanding of you has deepened. Now Marcel’s affection won’t decrease even with your prickly behavior.]

‘Wow.’

With just Lynen’s help, she gained almost double the affection she would have normally received.

‘Did we just become friends from a purely business relationship?’

The effects appeared quickly.

“Well then, shall we move? The Archmage will want to see you and the Duke too. Of course, you too, Noah.”

Marcel smiled brightly, holding the doll firmly in both hands.

* * *

Following Marcel’s guidance, they closed their eyes.

After feeling the sensation of magical transportation, when they opened their eyes again, they were standing in a nature-friendly room that felt like being inside a tree trunk.

They could see Marquis Graham Offensa lying in bed.

‘This person is Calliphe’s maternal grandfather…’

He had a stern appearance more suited to a warrior than a mage.

White but thick bushy eyebrows and beard. Stubbornly closed lips.

He looked exactly like a fierce tiger.

Calliphe felt strange, like he was both a stranger and someone she inexplicably disliked.

‘Instead of unnecessary thoughts, should I test my ability?’

Graham Offensa was under black magic using Lumen’s heart fragment.

Since he couldn’t recover due to the same mana thirst symptoms as Lynen, there was a high chance of recovery if Calliphe used her ability.

‘Lynen, please.’

Receiving Calliphe’s eye signal, Lynen nodded slightly.

He immediately diverted Marcel’s attention elsewhere.