As the year changed and the early days of summer approached, Kalia woke up to a change in her body. She noticed a small lump developing on her chest.
It was the first sign of puberty. This meant that the next two years would be the period of her most significant growth in height.
'It's a critical time.'
Typically, the most substantial height growth occurs from the start of puberty until just before the first menstrual cycle. During this phase, it's not uncommon for some to grow 2-3 centimeters per month. This growth spurt implied a need for more nutrition.
There were specific exercises to maximize height growth during this period. For now, she would pause high-impact weight-bearing exercises and focus instead on cardio and functional training.
Kalia sprang up from her bed.
"Melan, please call blacksmith Clan for me. I have something to order."
"Sure, Lady Kalia. What do you need this time?"
"I think a hanging apparatus would be great. If it's made like this, I could grab and hang from it."
Kalia sketched a simple design of a pull-up bar on a blank sheet of paper as she spoke. Melan, upon seeing the drawing, covered her mouth in surprise.
"Hanging, you say? How... innovative."
"When you've been sitting for a long time, stretching out your body during gymnastics feels so refreshing, right?"
As Kalia demonstrated a back-stretching movement against the wall, Melan chuckled warmly at the sight, clearly finding Kalia's actions endearing.
There was no need for further explanation. It was clear that hanging without touching the ground would allow an even more liberating stretch.
"I'll inform Her Grace, the Duchess."
"Thank you."
Hanging was a proven exercise for stimulating height growth. It correctly aligned the bones in the arms and back, engaging all joints and ligaments, which in turn enhanced blood flow to the growth plates. It was the quintessential exercise for growing taller!
'If only I had known this in my previous life, I would have consistently done it since elementary school.'
But the past was the past, and now was the present. Given her parents' tall stature, she was naturally inclined to be tall as well.
Adding exercise and proper nutrition to this genetic advantage, Kalia had a grand plan that looked ten years into the future.
She never skipped her light morning runs before breakfast. Compared to when she first woke up in Kalia's body, she now could run with a more stable posture and speed.
Morning runs were no longer a struggle; they were refreshing. Her body had adapted to the activity, and her stamina had improved.
This feeling of refreshment was unforgettable. It was in these moments that Kalia reaffirmed that she hadn't changed, despite being in a different body and world.
She still relished the tight sensation in her thigh muscles during squats. The heavy weight in her arms while lifting dumbbells felt endearing.
It seemed impossible for her to let go of exercising. It was as if it was engraved in her soul, beyond mere habit or preference.
"Here's a towel."
"Thanks."
The servants, too, had adjusted to Kalia's routine. They would wait at the end of her running route, ready to hand her a towel and a glass of water. This was typically how Kalia's day began.
Including the servants, her family was a solid support system. They observed and supported Kalia's actions, even when they deviated from societal norms.
Moreover, they preemptively considered and solved any potential issues that might arise from her unconventional behavior. The easiest solution would have been to prohibit exercise, but they didn't want to take away something Kalia loved.
Thanks to her family's support, Kalia could fully devote herself to her training. They were truly a wonderful family, and Kalia felt fortunate to have them.
After wiping off sweat and washing her face with cold water, she would head to the dining room where her mother and siblings awaited her.
Eisir, being both a Duke and an official of the empire, often had to be away from the estate. The actual management of the estate fell to the Duchess, Nashia.
"You're increasing your food intake?"
"Yes, mother."
"I'm glad you're healthy, but I worry you might overeat."
It was hard for Kalia to outright tell her genuinely concerned mother, 'I won't gain weight just by eating a bit more than the bird-sized meals I used to have.'
Kalia couldn't fathom why health and beauty were often weighed on the same scale. But for some people, that was common sense.
However, without any significant achievements or power yet, Kalia's family supported her, but they might also worry and intervene if she went too far. So, she had to tactfully navigate this situation.
"I thought it would be good to eat a bit more since I've been noticing some growth."
"Kalia, are you going to grow even taller?"
"Aria will soon grow tall as well."
"And me too, Kalia!"
"Absolutely. You should grow as tall as dad. That means you need to eat more than you currently do."
"That makes sense. You don't have any picky eating habits, which is great, but maybe you should cut down on eggs and meat a bit?"
In this world, the superstition that meat made people less intelligent was commonly believed. Fortunately, Kalia had alternatives.
"Then I'd like to reduce meat and increase my intake of beans."
"Beans, you say? That sounds good. I'll talk to the chef."
This world had an irrational fear of weight gain but also believed 'vegetables are good'. They classified beans as vegetables.
This was favorable for Kalia. By increasing her bean intake, she could get both protein and fat without drawing too much attention.
"I'd like to try a variety of beans if possible."
"Different types of beans?"
"Yes."
The beans that were usually served at their table were peas and chickpeas. Both were rich in vitamins, minerals, and decent in protein content, but for high-quality protein and amino acids, a variety was better.
Additionally, Kalia's new plan required at least six different types of beans, particularly lentils and peanuts.
"Order some beans and plants from the Ducal Trading Company."