I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes

"Lilisha, how is school life going?"

At the moment, I was deliberately summoned to the parlor to speak with Father. When angry, Father would call even family members to such formal settings as if we were strangers. And then make sure the other party fully comprehends their wrongdoing.

I sat properly, with no choice but to endure Father's wrath. Even without speaking, I knew exactly what he wanted to say. Father puffed on his pipe, deliberately blowing smoke in my face.

"I asked how school life is going."

"It's fulfilling."

"Oh? That's splendid. But how strange. Why is it fulfilling?"

"I've been blessed with good friends."

This stinging, needling way of speaking hasn't changed since old times. It was exactly like this when I lost to Alfis. Starting with asking about recent conditions, then demanding reflections on battles. From there, he'd gradually corner me about why I lost. And ultimately end with fierce scolding and punishment.

In the past, I desperately tried to divert the topic to avoid being reprimanded. But doing that would only make Father angrier. His magic-enhanced fists would smash tables and break walls.

No one in this mansion could stop Father once he reached that state. His magic-enhanced physical abilities alone made him threat enough. As head of the Seirland Mage Corps and Minister of Military Affairs, his titles were no mere boasts - whispers in the Persifam family even called him the strongest head in generations.

They say Father defeated his predecessor, my grandfather, when he was merely thirteen. I never knew Grandfather as he passed before I could form memories, but apparently he was truly severe. In the Persifam household, punishment came not with slaps or tools, but fireballs.

The young Father who failed to meet expectations endured thousands of them. Having nearly died several times, this naturally became a frequent issue among relatives. I too have been struck by Father's magic many times.

Of course he holds back, but it's still unbearable pain for a child's magic and body. Though I now recognize it as abnormal, until recently I thought it completely ordinary. All for the Persifam family, for the nation. Looking back, I realize I had killed my heart.

"You probably don't know this, but my father was strong. The heat from a single one of his hands could kill ordinary monsters."

Father blew smoke toward the ceiling before reaching for his empty wine glass. A servant immediately refilled it before he could. Mistiming this would mean at best a pay cut, at worst dismissal.

"To me, he was nothing but terror. Surpassing such a father was unthinkable. An overwhelming presence before my eyes... it was despair."

"I can imagine."

"But I won. At first I didn't understand how I defeated that terrifying father. Why do you think I won?"

"Because you had more talent?"

Father wordlessly drained his wine and had the servant pour another.

"It was because I observed him. However terrifying, I burned his magic control and every movement into my eyes. No matter how many times he hurt me."

"I see. I'll follow your example."

"Lilisha, what about you? Even if just one or two defeats, it's unforgivable. But surely you haven't given up?"

"O-of course not."

Father had struck a nerve. With eyes settled in a mean-spirited gaze, he observed me as if knowing my psychological weak points. It's true that after losing to Alfis, my fighting spirit to defeat him vanished.

Was it because he's simply too strong? Or some other reason? I don't know, but I haven't been trying to fight Alfis.

Though I resented him at first, spending time together gradually weakened my fighting spirit. While telling myself I must fight and win, I kept postponing it. Of course the current situation is no good.

I'm the only heir to the Persifam family. If I yield, who will protect the Persifams? I—

"I defeated my father because I never gave up. No matter how near death I was beaten, I never yielded. That's when I realized - true victory lies in the heart."

"The heart..."

"An unyielding heart brings victory. What awaits those who yield is defeat - in other words, death."

"Are you saying I've yielded?"

I tried bluffing, but Father saw through it with a faint smile. He'd been trying to make me say the words he wanted. In the end, I might have no choice but to say them.

"You haven't given up, have you?"

"Of course not. I will defeat Alfis of the Balfont family."

"Good. That's my daughter."

Father laughed cheerfully, then snatched the wine bottle from a servant and drank straight from it. His face red from guzzling, he stood and placed a hand on my head.

"Alfis Balfont. He's truly strong. In his current state, he might have even defeated my father."

"That much..."

"But I defeated my father at thirteen. He's sixteen - I was stronger."

"R-right..."

I was utterly exasperated but couldn't show it. Such a childish competition. Might as well let him enjoy his good mood.

"A truly infuriating brat. Acting like he knows everything despite having no life experience. But sometimes I think... how wonderful it would be if he were my son."

"W-what!"

I was indignant at such words. Of course Father had calculated this. He was clearly provoking me.

"But he's that detestable Leolg's son. And my precious daughter is losing to Leolg's son... can this be allowed?"

"I'll win!"

"...Do you truly believe that?"

"Yes!"

When I answered clearly and strongly, Father made a disgusting smile.

"I see, well said. Good girl."

"Y-yes!"

"Then go kill Alfis. Until then, you're forbidden from setting foot in this mansion."

"...What?"

I couldn't comprehend Father's words. I knew he wasn't the type to joke about such things.

"I've clearly seen your resolve. Now shouldn't you produce results? Am I wrong?"

"That's true, but..."

"I believe in my daughter. After all, I'm her father. What parent wouldn't believe in their child? Very well, Lilisha, leave the mansion tomorrow at latest."

"W-what..."

Me? Kill Alfis? Why? What for?

Only such questions arose, but if it's to protect the Persifam family, do I have no choice?

"We cannot allow that Balfont family to grow any more arrogant. With Alfis dead, that Leolg might finally behave."

"B-but Leolg is considered the strongest in the country... no, the continent. Angering him isn't strategic..."

Suddenly, Father's sharp gaze pierced me. Like a frog stared down by a snake, I couldn't move. No further verbal exchange was possible. The pressure made that abundantly clear.

I must kill Alfis. As a member of the Persifam family, there is no other choice.