"Tyir, can you show me how it's done?"
"Certainly."
Tyir picked up a pebble of appropriate size and tossed it onto the first square, then proceeded as Kalia knew the game. He hopped on one foot into the first square, bent down to pick up the stone, and exited the layout. Next was throwing the stone onto the second square, then hopping on the first and second squares in order.
"Just so you know, I can finish the whole course in one go. If you want to play hopscotch with me, you might need to add several special rules."
Tyir boasted confidently as he returned from the third square.
"The more, the better."
"If you step on a line or make a mistake in order, it's the end of your turn."
The household's retainers, as well as the bureaucrats, had already been practicing gymnastics every morning before work. And this method was gradually spreading to other cities.
However, running and other forms of exercise had not caught on in the same way. There were those who joined Kalia in gymnastics and devised new movements with her, but no one ran alongside her.
Kalia pondered over this difference for a long time. Then, after hearing the hopscotch, she realized the crucial distinction between gymnastics and running.
Running seemed like exercise, while gymnastics did not. This was a significant difference.
"I think I see a way."
Then, the solution was to spread it in the same way as gymnastics. In a manner that didn't feel like exercise. To make moving one's body feel like a fun activity.
This approach wouldn't work for everyone. Many people don't enjoy physical activities, even if they are presented as fun.
But even if it's just one in ten, or one in a hundred, that's enough. All it takes is for one person to discover the joy of physical movement.
Having the opportunity to know is fundamentally different from having no opportunity at all. The first person, and then another. Even a small group can influence society.
"Lady Kalia, is this your first time doing this? You're really good at it."
Though her mind was filled with thoughts, Kalia's body moved effortlessly. She threw a stone with precise movements, hopping to catch it. Even when standing on one foot and bending at the waist, her balance never faltered.
"I've been moving my body a lot, so this isn't too difficult."
'Tyir is naturally adept at physical games and enjoys them. If I use Tyir well, I can quickly get others to join in.'
Kalia threw the stone swiftly, moving farther than Tyir in a single go. She was better than anyone at hopping on one foot.
But on the seventh square, the stone went out of bounds, and it was Tyir's turn. She had thought that hopping on tiptoe would be enough, but surprisingly, aiming was also necessary.
"Tyir, besides this, what other games are there? Tag?"
"Well, among the common folk, tag, as you mentioned, is most popular. Spinning tops and marbles are also in vogue. The children of knights often enjoy spear throwing or archery. My brothers even bet on it."
'No ball games at all? Really?'
She realized she had never even seen anything resembling a ball. Becoming the inventor of basketball or soccer seemed like a good idea, but there was no one to enjoy such games with her now.
In a world without ball games, developing such a game felt awkward. Besides, since ball games weren't Kalia's specialty, she would need time just to recall the rules.
'Regrettable, but for now, I'll have to be satisfied with tag. Given the situation, maybe I should introduce a variant like 'Statues.' If I'm 'it,' I can run to my heart's content.'
Kalia was entertaining such peculiar thoughts.
"Then let's try tag tomorrow. Tyir, can you gather some servants who enjoy tag?"
"Yes, I'll gather as many as I can."
If she were to exercise alone, there would be no need for such considerations. Kalia wanted not only to become stronger herself but also to spread the joy of exercise and find others to exercise with.
Exercise was better when done together. It's a story for the future, but high-intensity workouts required the assistance of someone who understood the exercise. It's best to start nurturing them now for a more comfortable future.
'It's all about slowly acclimating them.'
* * *
While Kalia was preparing for her future, far away, events were unfolding that would significantly impact her future. It all started in the capital of an empire, far from her duchy.
Kalia's magic teacher, Hans, had published two papers. One was titled 'The History and Future of Inductive Study' and the other, 'Integration of Quantitative Study and Probability Theory - 'Statistics'.'
There was no excitement nor shock. The academic conference proceeded in a calm and orderly manner.
Instead, there were many questions. Faced with a barrage of inquiries, Hans answered each one, sweating with the effort.
The scholars, professors, and researchers sitting in the audience pondered more than they questioned. At the end of the Q&A and reflections, those who understood the essence of what they had heard and seen quietly nodded their heads.
Finally, Hans understood the atmosphere's meaning. The role of a scholar wasn't to be enthralled by knowledge. It was to deeply ingest, savor, and understand.
'I still have a long way to go.'
Scholars didn't express their passion through astonishment or cheers. This very onslaught of questions was their way of showing enthusiasm.
"Off-topic, but the lead author is listed as 'Kalia Anima.' Who is she? Seems to be a direct descendant of the Animus Ducal family, but it's a name unheard of in academic circles."
"Oh, she's the eldest daughter of His Grace, the current Grand Duke of Animus."
"Huh. The Grand Duke's eldest daughter is of age to write papers already?"
"That can't be. She should be the same age as Prince Arleigh."
Another scholar beside the questioner answered. His voice was quiet, but the hall was so silent that others could hear him.
"So, she's only twelve?"
"No. Eleven. Her birthday hasn't passed yet."
The previously calm atmosphere of the hall was abruptly filled with murmuring. Hans hurriedly stepped in to quell the commotion.