After finishing his meal, Elysar made his way to the personal bathroom within his spacious room. The bathroom was an opulent space, adorned with intricate patterns on the marble floor, gold and silver fixtures, and a large, beautifully crafted bathtub at its center. Light streamed in through the stained-glass windows, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room.
The maids had prepared a luxurious bath for Elysar, filled with a mixture of health and mana recovery minerals, as well as various herbs and essences. The water's surface shimmered with the infusion of these potent ingredients, designed to help Elysar regain his strength and replenish his mana reserves. The bathroom also featured magical devices exclusive to the nobility, such as an artifact imbued with elemental fire magic that could dry a person instantly after bathing.
Elysar immersed himself in the soothing bath, feeling the rejuvenating effects of the minerals and herbs as they worked their magic on his body and mind. After a while, he emerged from the water and activated the drying artifact, which surrounded him with a gentle, warm breeze, leaving his skin completely dry.
The bath, infused with various healing minerals and herbs, worked wonders in conjunction with the lavish feast Elysar had enjoyed earlier. Together, these treatments fully restored his body and mana to their previous levels, showcasing the privileged life led by high nobles. However, it was worth noting that some of the resources used for Elysar's lunch and bath were quite rare, even among the high ranking noble families like his own.
Elysar felt grateful for having transmigrated into a family that promoted fair competition among its potential heirs. All three contenders received equal shares of resources and treatment, regardless of their innate talent, until the eventual successor was chosen. This fair approach allowed Elysar to access the same benefits as his siblings, giving him the opportunity to prove himself and potentially secure his position as the next patriarch of the family. Not to mention all the resources he was monopolizing from his mother's side. And even with all of that, he couldn't bring himself further, showing just how little fate he had.
Wrapped in nothing but a towel, Elysar stepped out of the bathroom to find Isabella and Elise waiting for him with several clothing combinations they had prepared. Each maid held up a large mirror, allowing Elysar to evaluate the outfits they had selected. As he considered his choices, the maids looked on with anticipation, eager to see their young master's reaction to their selections.
Elise, with cheeks flushed a rosy hue that matched her hair color, held up and showcased different clothing combinations for Elysar. He stood directly in front of the two maids, his towering six-foot-four frame casting an imposing presence. The earlier joke he had made continued to cause them to blush, not to mention now with his nearly naked body, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, being in front of them, and now even this routine task of helping him choose his attire felt somewhat exciting and heated for the young women.
Isabella, unable to suppress her embarrassment, hid her face behind the mirror she was holding. Meanwhile, Elise seemed to grow irritated with herself, and even the Elysar for saying stuff like that during the lunch, struggling to maintain her composure as she presented the various clothing options to Elysar. However, despite the unusual atmosphere, they continued to assist their young master, determined to fulfill their duties as his maids.
As Elysar stood before the mirror, he took a moment to assess his appearance for the first time since awakening from his transmigration and fusion journey. He was certainly tall, but his current thin frame left much to be desired. Determined to change this, Elysar resolved to bulk up his muscles, believing that there was no harm in being physically fit, even for a mage. In his past life, he had been teased for his slender build and weakness, but now he had the opportunity to change that.
Furthermore, Elysar considered incorporating close-range combat abilities, typically employed by knights, to complement his magical prowess. This idea had come to him during his time in a coma-like state, where he experienced the original Elysar's life like a strange, three-dimensional movie.
Despite his thinness, he had broad shoulders and a V-shaped torso that tapered down to a narrow waist. He imagined how much better he would look with added muscle mass.
Elysar's gray hair caught his eye as he continued to evaluate himself. He also took note of his unusually pale, almost unhealthy-looking complexion. His face appeared tired and gaunt, but he possessed attractive features that would likely become more prominent once he gained weight and improved his overall health. Elysar's almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, chiseled jawline, full lips, and short, attractive nose contributed to a striking appearance. With a bit of effort, he could transform himself into a handsome individual.
Elysar nodded approvingly at his reflection and turned his attention to the clothes Elise was presenting to him, her cheeks still flushed. It seemed she would be the one assisting him in getting dressed today. The previous Elysar had preferred black and gray clothing, which suited both his personality and, surprisingly, the current Elysar's tastes as well. After browsing through the options, Elysar chose the previous Elysar's all-time favorite outfit.
Elysar picked out a fitted, silver, and black doublet with intricate embroidery representing the Valthoren heraldry—a silver rift on a deep blue field. The doublet was made of fine silk, with silver threads woven throughout, creating a subtle shimmering effect. Beneath the doublet, he chose a black, high-collared tunic with silver trim and buttons. The tunic featured the Valthoren family crest—a silver rift with a golden key inside, symbolizing their mastery of spatial magic—embroidered on the left side of the chest.
To complete the ensemble, Elysar selected a long, flowing cloak of midnight black, lined with soft silver silk. The hood of the cloak was decorated with silver thread, creating a sparkling celestial pattern. The cloak was fastened at the neck with a silver clasp shaped like the golden key from the Valthoren crest. For the lower half, he opted for tailored black trousers made of fine wool, with silver piping running down the sides, reflecting his status as an heir within the family.
Elysar finished his outfit with knee-high, black leather boots adorned with silver buckles and intricate embroidery that complemented the patterns on the doublet and cloak. The boots were both functional and fashionable, suitable for both courtly events and potential combat situations. Finally, he chose a silver and black leather belt adorned with the Valthoren family crest to secure the doublet and trousers, and a pair of silver cufflinks, also featuring the family crest, to fasten the cuffs of the tunic.
Unlike his current clothes, commoner and serf clothes were typically simple and practical, designed to accommodate their daily work and the demands of their modest lifestyles. Made from inexpensive and locally-sourced materials such as cotton, linen, or rough wool, these garments prioritized durability and functionality over style.
Men often wore loose-fitting trousers or leggings, paired with a plain shirt and a simple tunic or vest. Women typically donned long skirts or dresses, with aprons or shawls to provide extra coverage and protection while they worked. Footwear was basic, often consisting of rough leather or cloth shoes or boots, which were frequently worn and mended until they were beyond repair. The color palette for commoner clothing was generally limited to earthy tones, with occasional splashes of muted colors derived from natural dyes.
In stark contrast, noble attire was a showcase of wealth, power, and influence. Nobles wore luxurious and intricately-designed garments, crafted from the finest materials such as silk, velvet, and brocade. Their clothing was adorned with elaborate embroidery, featuring intricate patterns, and embellished with precious metals and gemstones, showcasing their and families' unique styles. The color palette for noble clothing was vibrant and varied, with each family often having their own distinctive colors to display their heritage and status.
Men's noble attire often included tailored jackets, waistcoats, and trousers made of rich fabrics, complemented by fine shirts with delicate lace or ruffles. Women's noble garments consisted of elegant gowns with layers of petticoats, corsets, and sometimes even train, showcasing their family's wealth and social standing. Footwear was equally extravagant, crafted from the finest leather and adorned with ornate buckles or delicate embroidery. Accessories such as hats, gloves, and jewelry further accentuated their status and allowed them to display their family's heraldry or personal achievements.
The difference between commoner and noble attire served as a visual representation of the vast social and economic divide within the Dreamroot Empire. While the commoners struggled to make ends meet, the nobles enjoyed lives of opulence and luxury, their clothing a constant reminder of the privileges and power they held over those beneath them in the social hierarchy.
Elysar then turned his attention to his dazed maids, who were still blushing from their earlier exchange. With a gentle and understanding smile, he gave them a nod and signaled that they were free to go. Grateful for the dismissal, Isabelle and Elise bowed respectfully, their cheeks still flushed, and hurriedly left the room to tend to their other duties. They obviously needed more time to adjust to his astronomical personality changes, mainly his newfound unbridled gaze and behavior toward them.
With his maids gone and dressed in his elegant attire, Elysar strode confidently towards the grand library of the Valthoren family. His mind was now focused on his goals and the newfound determination to rise within the family ranks, as well as to gain more knowledge and power. The impressive library awaited him, filled with vast resources and secrets that would aid him on his ambitious journey.