Elara's body was now enveloped in a faint, deep purple aura shimmering amidst the darkness of the forest. The light was not blinding, but it felt dense and brimming with a mysterious energy.
Inside that veil of light, Elara could feel a strange sensation spreading throughout her entire body. It wasn't pain, but rather a warm, tingling feeling, as if millions of cells within her were being awakened from a long slumber and reconstructed. Her once-wrinkled skin tightened, her slightly fading hair regained its brilliant luster, and the vitality that had begun to dim now burned fiercely once more.
Slowly, the purple light faded, leaving behind the figure of a young woman standing tall under the moonlight.
In an instant, Elara had returned to the prime of her life. She now appeared as a woman in her early twenties. Her skin was flawless, her yellow hair shimmered like liquid gold, and her clear blue eyes radiated an aura of beauty capable of enchanting anyone.
Calian and Wolvin stood frozen where they were. Their mouths hung slightly open, stunned by such a drastic transformation.
As she felt her body stop reacting and her energy stabilize, Elara opened her eyes. She immediately frowned in confusion at the sight of the two boys standing before her like statues.
"Why are you two just standing there like that?" Elara asked, puzzled. Her voice sounded slightly younger and crisper, yet it still carried the same authority.
"M-Mother..." Calian stammered, his eyes blinking in disbelief. "Y-Your face... your face in your youth... I never imagined you possessed such a breathtakingly beautiful countenance!"
Wolvin nodded enthusiastically, his tail wagging slightly without him realizing it. "Darling is right, Mother! I never expected my Mother-in-law to be this beautiful in her youth. Your face truly glows, and honestly... you don't look like Calian's mother, but more like his older sister!"
Hearing the barrage of sincere compliments, Elara's cheeks flushed slightly. She quickly reached into her dimensional storage inventory and pulled out a small, silver-framed mirror. Under the bright moonlight, she gazed at her own reflection.
Her eyes widened. She touched her plump, smooth cheeks.
I never imagined my son could truly make me young again. Elara thought in amazement. Her heart raced, not out of fear, but out of awe. A user of [Time Loop] is truly formidable! He doesn't just manipulate time. He can overturn the laws of nature on a living being.
However, beneath her wonder, a deep concern quickly crept into the former Duchess's mind. She realized how terrifying this power would be if it fell into the wrong hands, or if the Empire discovered a time mage among them.
If this ability becomes public knowledge, Calian will become target number one. Duke Maxwell, the Imperial Court, and even those who crave eternal youth and immortality will surely hunt him down.
Elara lowered the mirror. Her face turned serious as she stared intensely at her son.
"Calian, listen to me carefully!" Elara said in a stern tone, her maternal instinct now blending with the vigilance of an Archmage. "Never show this ability carelessly to anyone else! The power to manipulate the age of a living being is a taboo and something highly coveted by many. I do not want you to become the prey of everyone in this world. Do you understand?"
Calian offered a slight smile, recognizing his mother's worry. "Yes, Mother! I understand." he answered without a second thought. "I already intended to keep it hidden. Besides, I only used it because it was your request, Mother. Hehehe."
Elara let out a sigh of relief and then smiled faintly. She straightened her clothes, which now felt a bit loose but still fit her new body well enough.
"Good! Now, forget everything that happened here!" Elara said as she turned around and pointed toward the flickering city lights in the distance. "Let us head to the city over there, Argam City."
Elara looked at Calian and Wolvin in turn. "And remember, from this moment on, my name is Arale. When we arrive, let me be the one to speak to the guards! You two just stay quiet and follow my lead."
Calian and Wolvin nodded in agreement. With newfound confidence and the hope of escaping the empire, the three of them began walking down the path toward the border city gates.
The night wind blew softly as they arrived before the giant gates of Argam City. The sturdy stone walls towered high, guarded by several soldiers who appeared drowsy yet remained vigilant.
Upon seeing three figures approaching from the darkness of the forest, a guard atop the watchtower immediately pointed his spear and shouted loudly.
"Halt! Who are you and why have you come to this city so late at night?"
Elara, now playing the role of Arale, stepped forward with confidence. There was no hesitation in her demeanor.
"I am Arale, the personal bodyguard of Young Master Calian Larvin!" Elara answered loudly, beginning her act. "Over the next few days, Young Master Calian will be adventuring to see the vastness of this world, and we require a place to rest for the night!"
Hearing the name "Larvin" mentioned, the atmosphere atop the gate wall immediately grew tense. The name of the most powerful Duke's family in the empire was not one to be ignored. The soldier squinted, trying to see the figure behind the woman more clearly.
When the torchlight illuminated Calian's distinctive purple hair, the soldier's doubt vanished instantly. It was an unmistakable physical trait of the Larvin family that could not be faked.
"Open the gate! Immediately!" the soldier panicked, shouting to his comrades below.
Calian and Wolvin exchanged glances. Neither of them had expected their mother to act as a bodyguard so perfectly. Her posture, her tone of voice, even the look in her eyes were incredibly convincing, as if she had been a guard her entire life.
Grrkkk....
The sound of rusting yet heavy iron hinges echoed as the two giant gates slowly creaked open. Two soldiers holding the rank of captain immediately ran out to meet them, their faces pale and slick with cold sweat.
They bowed deeply, not even daring to look Calian directly in the eye. That purple hair was enough proof of authority.
"Please, come in, Young Master!" greeted one of the soldiers with excessive respect. "Forgive our lack of readiness. Are you all looking for an inn?"
Calian was about to answer, but Arale immediately cut in skillfully, maintaining her role.
"Yes, we wish to stay at the best inn this city has to offer!" Arale stated firmly.
"If you are looking for the best inn, it is located right in front of the Merchant Guild building, My Lady." the soldier replied nervously. "Would you like us to escort you there?"
"That won't be necessary!" Arale declined, polite yet firm, gesturing for the soldiers to step back. "I already know its location. We shall head there immediately so that Young Master Calian may rest. Our journey has been quite exhausting."
"As you wish..." the soldier said again while giving a military salute. "Welcome to Argam City!"
The soldiers immediately moved aside, allowing the three of them to pass through the city gates without so much as a baggage inspection. The power of the most influential and feared noble family name was truly extraordinary.