Chapter 3

First, let me explain the current situation: I, Lizbet Adelschan, have turned four years old.

Having received plenty of love from my parents, I have grown up to be an honest and straightforward child, at least in front of them. Please forgive me for not being as cute on the inside; it's hard for a grown adult to revert to being a child.

My parents call me Liz, but at first, it felt very strange to me, having been accustomed to Japanese names. Now, I've gotten used to it.

As a child, I've had to experience things I didn't want to, but that's a long story, so I'll skip it. For example, the regular bath time with my father. I'll leave it to your imagination what happened.

"Liz, come over here. Let's read a book together?"

"Yes, Mother."

My mother, whose name is Selen, is the one who gave birth to me. She beckons me with a gentle smile, and I immediately respond with a smile, running over to her. This has become a daily routine.

My mother is very beautiful, and I might even try to court her if I were a man. She's that stunning. And here she is, inviting me with a beautiful smile. I can't possibly refuse.

As I run to her, being careful not to fall, she envelops me in a loving embrace with a tender smile. ...From my previous life, I can only envy the softness of her chest, which serves as a kind of chest armor. I hope I inherit this softness from her.

If I inherit the best traits from my parents, I think I'll grow up to be quite good-looking. I can already see some hints of it, though it's a bit awkward to say. I won't become a beauty of the world, but I'm relieved to think I'll grow up to be a reasonably cute girl, all thanks to my parents' genes.

"What book are we reading today?"

Burying my face in her ample bosom and narrowing my eyes in bliss, I tilt my head with an innocent smile.

By the way, as a four-year-old, I'm considered exceptionally smart. Well, I'm not really four on the inside.

I want to be a well-behaved child, but I also want attention, to some extent.

"What would you like to read, Liz?"

"I want to read the books in Father's study."

...Such a four-year-old isn't very cute, but please forgive me. A child with such clear intentions and articulate responses is almost non-existent in the world. Fortunately, my parents just think, "Our child is so smart!"

"The books in the study are off-limits. They're too difficult... and they're about magic."

Ah, that's right. My initial concerns were correct. It seems I was reborn not on Earth but in some fantasy world. And I was born into a noble family. My parents are court mages... oh, mages are people who have mastered magic, a title of sorts, meaning they're elite.

I'll explain more about magic later, but for now, it seems I was blessed by the goddess of fortune and born into a very fortunate environment. Perhaps the gods of Earth arranged it for me.

"I want to study magic too."

According to my parents, "You have talent, and your latent magical power is extraordinary." Isn't this a cheat stat...? Well, it would be helpful.

Even with such an evaluation, having talent is useless if you don't use it. Talent needs to be honed, and I don't want to rest on my laurels.

If I have talent, I should work even harder. I don't want to end up saying, "I had talent, but there was nothing I could do," in the future. ...Well, I also want to be a winner in this life. I want to be happy this time around and seize happiness with my own hands.

So, I want to start special training in magic as soon as possible, but Mother looks hesitant.

Mother wants me to follow in her footsteps, but she also thinks I'm too young for magic. She's concerned about the strain on my small body, the risk of accidents, and the fact that she still wants to spoil me. It seems the last reason is the most significant.

"...Mother, do you... not like it when I do magic?"

Yes, so, a bit of trickery. I pull my face away from her chest and let my eyes well up, staring at her intently. At this moment, I mustn't forget to look up at her and tug at the hem of her dress. I probably look cunningly cute.

I know I'm being a bit manipulative, but since I don't usually throw tantrums or make demands, I hope this is forgivable. I won't do this when I grow up, so please bear with me.

After four years together, I understand Mother's character. My parents, especially Father, are very indulgent with me. I'm their beloved daughter, and I'm well aware of how much they dote on me.

Seeing my downcast expression, Mother is at a loss for words. I'm sorry for causing her trouble.

But I can't back down. Sometimes, you have to take risks to achieve your goals. ...Well, in this case, it's just about reading the books in the study.

"...No...?"

"...Just reading the books? You mustn't use magic, okay?"

"Yes!"

Mother finally gives in, emphasizing the rules before agreeing. As expected, Mother, I love you.

I hug her in gratitude, beaming, and she smiles, albeit with a wry expression, and pats my head.

For now, I'll focus on honing my knowledge. Knowledge is never a burden, and if it can help me in the future or avoid crises, I'll study as much as I can. I don't dislike studying.

...From then on, I spent every day in the study, and the maids started calling me a bookworm and saying I was crazy, but I'll let it slide.