Chapter 19 - 19 - Arrived at my Home

Chapter 19: Chapter 19 - Arrived at my Home

After my brief visit with my mother and a request that didn't quite go as planned, I departed from the Liander Duchy. My intention had been to surprise her, but it seemed my efforts were in vain.

I had forgotten to mention Elsa and missed an opportunity to secure some benefits. Her nonchalant reaction to my transformation left me reeling and, quite honestly, questioning my newfound self-confidence.

Leaving the Liander Duchy behind, I couldn't help but wonder if my dramatic weight loss had even been worth it.

Two days later, I arrived back in County. Since Thalia had already left to prepare for the academy, no one here was aware of my dramatic change.

I would be entering the academy not as the Count's son but as the Duchess Liander's son, adopting the name "Zeph Liander" to shield myself from Thalia's torment.

As I stepped off the carriage, I overheard some murmurings. But these weren't about my transformation. They were about my absence.

"Hey, isn't that hippo coming?"

"Fat chance! That hippo's probably wallowing in water somewhere."

Thanks to my enhanced hearing, courtesy of my mana control, I could practically hear a pin drop in a rainstorm. My expression twitched at their disparaging remarks.

Then, a familiar voice chimed in, "Oh, my son, look at you! You've lost so much weight!"

I turned to see my father, who was trying to disguise himself with glasses. But apparently, disguises like that only worked in fiction, not reality.

"Indeed, Dad," I replied, a bit taken aback by his joviality. "How was your day?"

"Hahaha, just fine, my boy. Your mother sent me a letter. You can't imagine how happy I am," he chuckled

So, I couldn't help but think, someone must have told him that he looked good with glasses. I sighed internally, "Dad, you've been scammed."

As I entered the mansion, I could see the astonishment on the faces of those who remembered me. Their jaws dropped, and many of the maids began blushing.

"Yes, it's a shame he doesn't have any mana. He could be a real force with it."

The girl, panting but victorious, raised her sword in triumph, a determined glint in her eyes. She might lack mana, but her skill and determination were boundless.

She was determined to carve her own path in a world dominated by magic.

.

After a grueling training session, she made her way to her private bathing chamber.

The room was elegantly decorated with hints of opulence befitting a young noble, but it was her moment of solace.

With graceful movements, she undressed, revealing a body that bore the marks of rigorous training.

Her hands, once delicate and pristine, now had calloused skin, evidence of countless hours spent honing her sword skills. These marks told a story of her dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.

As she eased herself into the steaming bath, her sapphire eyes glistened with a hint of exhaustion, but also determination.

The water enveloped her, soothing her tired muscles, while fragrant oils and soaps released their scents, creating an aura of serenity around her.

She reached for a mirror on the side, gazing at her own reflection. Her hair, a striking shade of silver that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly luster, cascaded in gentle waves down her back.

It framed a face that could only be described as ethereal. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips formed a harmonious balance, enhancing her allure.

Her eyes, the most striking feature, were like sapphires, gleaming with an inner fire.

They held a depth of wisdom and determination beyond her years, a testament to her resilience in the face of challenges.

Her lithe body, adorned with a scattering of training marks, was a testament to her strength and grace.

She was not just beautiful; she was an embodiment of both power and femininity.

As she reclined in the bath, thoughts swirled in her mind. Her path was one of hardship and obstacles, but she was determined to rise above them. With the reflection of her captivating face in the mirror, she knew that she was destined for greatness, not just in beauty, but in skill and strength.