Chapter 101: The Weight of Attention

The measurements were complete, and the saleswoman tucked away her measuring tape, her face filled with professional admiration.

“Miss, your figure is truly wonderful. This ‘Serene Starry Sky’ will surely look exceptional on you.”

Lia looked at the stranger in the mirror.

The contours of that body, outlined by the close-fitting undergarments, revealed curves she usually ignored; her waist was slender, and her shoulder line was straight, no longer merely flat and frail.

The saleswoman’s praise made her feel a bit uneasy.

She told herself this was merely a rejection of an unfamiliar environment.

“Wrap it up.”

Klein spoke flatly, interrupting the saleswoman’s attempt to continue her introduction.

He handed over a shimmering magic crystal, its pure energy fluctuations making the saleswoman’s movements even more sincere.

“Certainly, Master. Please wait a moment.”

Soon, the deep blue gown was properly packed into an exquisite box.

Adèle leaned in, looking at the box with eyes full of envy.

“This is a custom box from Laurel Branch. The box alone is worth several gold coins. Mentor, you’re so kind.”

Lia didn’t respond; she only watched as Klein took the box and then held it out in front of her.

“Take it.”

She reached out to take it, her fingertips inevitably brushing against his.

His fingers were icy, their touch dry and firm.

The contact was fleeting, yet Lia felt a faint chill from her fingertips, as if a tiny electric current had surged through her.

She reflexively withdrew her hand, curling her fingers as if trying to wipe that unfamiliar sensation from her skin.

Klein thrust the box into her arms and turned to walk out.

“I’m heading to the academy.”

“Mentor, aren’t you waiting for us to go together?” Adèle called out from behind.

“No need.”

His answer came without a pause, and his tall silhouette quickly merged into the passing crowd.

He disappeared.

Lia held the rather heavy box, watching Klein’s rapidly vanishing back, her brow furrowing slightly.

He seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.

“Forget about him, Lia! Our shopping trip has just begun. Come on, I’ll take you somewhere great!”

Before she could think further, Adèle hooked an arm through hers again, enthusiastically dragging her forward.

The lingering cold touch on her fingertips, the weight of the box in her arms, and Klein’s slightly stiff back swirled together in her mind, making her feel a bit distracted.

The “great place” Adèle mentioned was the capital’s Craftsman District.

Though it lacked the luxury of the clothing boutiques, it possessed a different kind of bustling charm.

The streets were lined with various shops selling alchemy materials, enchantment scrolls, and all sorts of peculiar magical items.

The air was thick with the scent of ore dust mixed with magical potions.

“Look at this!”

Adèle picked up a small metal bird at a stall that was constantly changing colors.

“Memory metal! It can change shape based on a set temperature. Though it’s not very useful, it’s fun, isn’t it?”

Lia’s attention was drawn over; she watched the metal bird slowly spread its wings under the heat radiating from Adèle’s palm.

It was indeed a delicate little thing.

“And this, an Eternal Light Stone pendant. It’s very convenient for reading at night.”

Adèle held up another accessory and waved it before her eyes.

The two of them browsed as they walked through the crowded Craftsman District, eventually reaching a relatively open plaza.

By the fountain in the center of the plaza, many young mage apprentices were gathered, sitting in small groups and discussing something intensely.

“…So the magnetic field produced by the induced current always acts to oppose the change in magnetic flux! This hindering characteristic is so marvelous, it’s almost like a kind of inertia of the universe itself!”

“I think the proposal of the concept of ‘magnetic flux’ is the stroke of genius! To consider intensity and area as one—Master Klein’s way of thinking is simply beyond our reach!”

“Don’t forget Miss Lia Farrien. Without her work on electricity generating magnetism as a foundation, Master Klein wouldn’t have been able to find the direction so quickly. The two of them are like the twin stars ushering in a new era!”

The appearance of Lia and Adèle caused the discussions at the edge of the plaza to pause.

When those young apprentices saw Lia, they were first stunned, and then they all stood up one after another, offering her a solemn mage’s salute from a distance.

Holding the box, Lia nodded slightly in response and tried to pull Adèle along to cross the area quickly.

However, she still noticed that those gazes were laced with something different than before.

Beyond reverence, there was pure curiosity, and a certain… scrutiny she couldn’t accurately describe.

A few bolder apprentices didn’t immediately lower their heads after saluting; their gazes lingered on Lia for a moment.

“Is that Miss Lia Farrien? She’s even more… petite than the rumors suggested,” a male apprentice whispered to his companion.

“Yeah, you really can’t tell she’s someone who could write that kind of thesis. Beauty and wisdom coexisting… I don’t know whether to be envious or jealous.”

Another apprentice chimed in, his tone a mix of amazement and a strange sort of appraisal.

Those words drifted clearly into her ears.

Her footsteps faltered.

Adèle clearly noticed the change in the surroundings as well. She puffed out her chest like a hen protecting its chick, shielding Lia slightly behind her while scanning the area with a warning look.

“Ignore them.”

Adèle leaned close to Lia and comforted her in a low voice.

“Just a bunch of boys who haven’t seen the world.”

Lia didn’t speak; she only pulled her wide-brimmed hat lower and quickened her pace.

Beautiful?

The word felt absurd to her, which in turn sparked a sense of irritation.

‘Attracting some strange looks… congratulations on having this kind of trouble.’

Hearing this, Lia almost laughed out loud.

It seemed that in her combined two lifetimes, no one had ever used such a word to describe her herself.

The appearance of this body had always seemed to her to be an inconsequential vessel.

But now, this vessel seemed to be gaining its own sense of presence and was starting to receive signals she was completely unfamiliar with.

The two of them hurried away from the plaza and ducked into a quiet alleyway.

“Are you alright, Lia?” Adèle looked at her with concern. “Your face is a bit pale.”

“I’m fine.” Lia shook her head and leaned against the wall, trying to let that inexplicable irritation subside. “I’m just a little tired.”

Adèle sighed and reached out to help tidy the hair at Lia’s temples that had been ruffled by the wind. “I told you, you can’t always lock yourself in the Mage Tower. You’re a celebrity in the whole capital now; people will pay attention to you wherever you go.”

She paused, her expression turning a bit mischievous.

“Besides, they weren’t wrong.”

Adèle pinched Lia’s cheek.

“Our Lia was always beautiful to begin with. You just hadn’t blossomed before. Now that you’ve filled out a little, those men’s eyes are all glued to you. You’d better get used to it; there’s more to come!”

Lia brushed her hand away, the irritation in her heart increasing rather than fading.

She walked to the storefront window at the mouth of the alley. The large glass was as bright as a mirror, clearly reflecting her figure.

The girl in the mirror was slender, wearing a simple mage’s robe, cradling a magnificent box that looked completely out of place with her attire.

The shadow of her hat brim obscured most of her face, leaving only a gracefully lined chin and slightly pale lips visible.

Even so, it was undeniably the silhouette of a young girl, carrying the greenness of someone who had just broken away from childhood and a hint of unconscious frailty.

Is it beautiful?

Lia scrutinized the image in the mirror.

This body was growing; the curves were becoming distinct, and the contours were growing softer.

It seemed there was something she needed to begin adapting to all over again.