Chapter 2 – The Lady's Preparations – (2/6)

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Just two days after placing the order, the first set of dumbbells arrived. Opening the beautifully wrapped box, Kalia found the dumbbells made of shimmering grey steel.

Weighing only 500 grams, they were still a hefty weight for Kalia. She held one in each hand, standing upright. She felt the pressure not just in her arms but also in her waist.

"I've heard of knights swinging swords or overpowering enemies, but using such iron weights for exercise is new to me."

"I wanted something easy to grip, but with a suitable weight."

"So the weight and the feel of holding it... that's why you chose this shape."

Indeed, if the sole purpose was to strain the muscles, dumbbells weren't necessary. Filling water bottles could achieve the same weight.

However, the convenience of a grip that fits snugly in the hand and the evenly distributed weight on both sides of the gripped hand was unique to dumbbells. This form was crucial.

"I can finally do what I've only thought about."

"You must have planned a lot in advance."

With just two dumbbells, it was possible to stimulate nearly every muscle group. For handling very heavy weights, barbells were necessary, but at lower levels, dumbbells alone were sufficient for full-body development.

"But is there really a need for you, the eldest daughter of the Duke, to exercise using metal weights like this?"

Clan's question was echoed in the expressions of the people standing behind Kalia. They appreciated the benefits of the gymnastics Kalia had introduced, enjoying better moods and increased efficiency in their work, but they were puzzled about taking it further.

"I realized something after experiencing a situation where I couldn't move my body at will. Magic isn't eternal, and I can't rely on it all day."

"That may be true, but isn't that how everyone lives? If Lady Kalia had health issues, you could've just called a doctor."

"If it were a sickness or an injury, yes, I could have healed that way. But being physically weak is a different matter. That's why I've decided to strengthen myself through movement."

"But overexerting your body could lead to..."

Clan hesitated, wrapping his arms around his own forearm. Hidden until now by his clothing, the contours revealed upon clutching his arm showed that not just his shoulders, but his forearms too, were quite thick.

Kalia understood what Clan was implying without him saying it outright. 'Won't you become unattractive by exercising that way?' It was a concern left unspoken.

To Kalia, it didn't make much difference, but in this world, even someone like Clan was considered part of the 'unattractive profession' simply for having slightly broader shoulders and thicker forearms.

She understood their concern for young Kalia. They were trying to be considerate in their way.

Yet, she had no intention of giving up her exercise routine.

"I appreciate your concern. But I'd rather be a bit less perfect if it means being able to walk on my own."

"Oh, no! I didn't mean to overstep or say anything out of turn."

"It's okay. Please make sure the rest of the dumbbells are well-made too."

Holding the dumbbells in her hands, Kalia left the reception room with a farmer's walk, keeping her chest open and her waist tense. The combined weight of 1 kilogram, 500 grams in each hand, felt like a ton at the moment.

It was actually better this way. Heavier weights weren't always more effective. Choosing the right weight for one's body was key to the best results. For Kalia at that moment, 500 grams was just perfect.

Since she hadn't hit puberty yet, high-weight training wouldn't significantly boost muscle growth. Hormones played a crucial role in muscle development.

What Kalia wanted now was just the minimal muscle strength and physical functionality. A moderately light weight was sufficient.

"Lady, let us carry those for you."

"It's okay, I got it."

The attendants followed Kalia anxiously as she walked back to her room, ignoring their pleas to stop. By the time she had traversed the long corridor and climbed the stairs to her room, sweat was streaming down her face.

After wiping off the sweat with a towel handed to her by a maid, Kalia examined her schedule more closely. She planned to figure out what exercises to do in her free time.

'I want to develop basic cardiovascular and endurance functions before puberty hits, and there's not much time left.'

In females, puberty could start as early as ten or as late as fourteen. Kalia was already ten, and her birthday was approaching, meaning puberty was near.

In Korea, there was a myth that strength training before puberty could stunt growth. This was far from the truth. Exercise actually stimulated the body, promoting the secretion of growth hormones.

Furthermore, gymnastics, aerobic activities, and light strength training enhanced blood flow and metabolism in various parts of the body, activating the growth plates. If you want to grow tall, exercising is the way to go!

Considering her parents' heights and growth environment, Kalia was likely to grow tall even without exercise. Adding appropriate exercise and nutrition would be like adding wings to a tiger.

'I'd like to grow as tall as possible for my weight class.'

Muscle output is proportional to its cross-sectional area. A taller height means longer bones and naturally, the ability to develop larger muscle areas. Just like building on a larger plot of land allows for a bigger structure.

"Melan, can I change the dates or times of my classes as I wish?"

"Well, it's possible to make changes if you request it, Lady Kalia, but changing them on your own can be difficult. You'd need to get permission from the Duke."

Kalia wanted to move her magic class, scheduled for ten days later, to the very next day. With magic seemingly making anything possible, she had many things she was eager to try out.

"Then I'll ask my father."

"Alright. I'll check if he's available right now."

Melan left briefly and soon returned, indicating they could go together to the Duke's office. It appeared they had some sort of magical device for communication from a distance.

The limitless nature of magic was fascinating to Kalia and only fueled her enthusiasm.

"Our daughter wants to change her class schedule?"

"Yes. I want to take my magic classes sooner and more frequently."

"Already at that age to be interested, huh? Magic is fascinating, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Eysir's desk was piled with documents. Although his secretary and attendants were lined up beside him, he stopped everything to give Kalia his full attention, meeting her eyes as they talked.

"However, arranging it for tomorrow might be difficult."

As Eysir turned his head, an elderly secretary immediately handed him a document. Eysir nodded and showed it to Kalia.

"The magic teacher hasn't yet arrived at the castle. If we call now, we can start the classes the day after tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"That's fine by me."

"Alright. Then how should we rearrange the schedule?"

"Your Highness, it might be best to leave the rest to Melan."

At the secretary's suggestion, Eysir's eyes slightly drooped, seemingly overwhelmed with work. Kalia agreed to do so and stepped back.

"Very well. Melan, report back to me with the revised schedule later."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Eysir watched Kalia leave the office before turning his attention back to his work. Kalia thought it remarkable how her father made time for her despite his busy schedule.

"Can I stop by the library on the way back?"

"Are you looking for books?"

"I'd like to review the materials before starting my magic classes."

"Those are already prepared in the library of your room."

"Great, that's perfect."