Hidden Magic

<Next morning>

Feeling the slight amount of sunlight hit my eyes, it was enough discomfort to wake me up.

"Urgh, what time is it?" Getting up from what felt like a stone bed, I saw that the sun rose in such a way that it perfectly shined through my curtains.

'Damn it, I really need to find something that fully blocks the window, not these shutters that don't shut properly.' The state of the house was really starting to show, which made me realise how convenient life was before. There were plenty of affordable options, but in this world, that did not seem to be the case.

'Enough about that; I should probably get ready for school.' Dragging myself out of bed and grabbing my school clothes that I hung over my chair, I quickly entered the bathroom to freshen up.

I was once again slapped in the face with the fact that I was a female, but I was beginning to get used to it. I felt my brain bug from just looking in the mirror; however, it was getting easier to see that the woman in the mirror is indeed me.

*Sigh* 'I'm losing the charm I had for myself.' But by recognising this as my own body, I no longer looked at myself in a lewd way. I started to notice the small imperfections, and before I knew it, I was looking all over my body, spotting all the different marks.

'I need to maintain these good looks before it's too late.' I couldn't deny I looked stunning, but if my old habits resurfaced, I would no doubt become some slob.

'Good thing Lyra is still a girl and can give me advice. How funny would that be if everyone had a gender swap?' It occurred to me that Lyra very well could have turned into a man, but luckily that didn't happen. I wouldn't know how to react if a male version of Lyra started hitting on me.

"AHHH that is not an image I want in my head, j-just focus on getting changed.' I didn't want to think of the possibilities, so I shook my head trying to rid of those thoughts… especially ones about being pinned aga- enough!

*

'Gosh, how do girls do their bra every day like this? I feel like I'm about to break my arm just trying to line up the hooks.' After struggling with women things, I still managed to get dressed without any hassle.

'Maybe I can use magic to help me clip my bra next time; I remember seeing Mother use it to make things levitate, so surely I can too.' I didn't know if it was a common skill to learn, but it was certainly something useful.

Exiting my room, I saw Mother humming away in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Morning Mum." Taking a seat at the dining table, I cross my arms and rest my head on top of them, hoping to get a couple of extra minutes of shut-eye.

"Morning dear, sleep well?" Opening my eyes, I notice that she had utensils floating around her as she cooked away.

"Could be better, but mum, I have a question."

"What's up?"

"How do you levitate all the things around you? Is it wind or just simply mana?" Figuring it wouldn't hurt to ask, my question seemed to make her freeze.

"You can see it?" My mother's tone suddenly shifted, as if she were about to get angry. My brain instantly became suspicious, thinking of the worst-case scenario that this wasn't my real Mother. It also didn't help that I recently transported from a different timeline, so I would think she would have noticed something was off about her daughter by now.

"Yes?" I asked as I cautiously flowed mana through my entire body, ready to retaliate if things did go sour.

"Good grief, you grow up too quickly. Here I was told I had another 30 years before you were old enough to see this magic." However, my suspicion would be thwarted as she returned to normal.

"Wait what? I only see them floating there; why wouldn't I be able to see them?" Now I was just confused about what was going on.

"Because these items don't actually exist and are something created by magic that only you and our relatives can see." After a small explanation, it still left me with more questions than answers.

"Elaborate please?" I really wanted to know more, as this might be the ticket I need to gain noble status.

"I can't; I want to explain, but due to certain circumstances, I am unable to tell you everything." My mother stopped cooking for a moment and quickly walked over to me. Her face was filled with a certain sadness, making me guess these circumstances were some kind of family issue, possibly involving my absent father.

We are living just the two of us, and with no name drops of any other relatives, it sounded like the perfect set-up for family problems. Although I have only been here for 24 hours, it would line up with my previous timeline since I never met any other family members besides my mother; even after her death, there was no sign of them.

"Is there anything you can tell me?" At this point, I doubted I could find out more, but that just means I have to do some investigating of my own. There was something extremely suspicious going on, and I wanted to find out.

"Not really, but if you ever hear the name Kirai, please, whatever you do, do not talk, approach, or even look at him." Reaching out for my hand, I reached back as a sign of understanding.

"Alright."

'I feel like I might regret not pressing for answers, but for now, I probably should listen. This Kirai must be someone high up in the family, which is potentially why me and my Mother live alone. That is assuming the issues stem from relatives; for all I know, it's some mafia group threatening my Mother.

'However, it could possibly be my father.' I was never told the name of my dad, let alone anyone in my family besides my Mother's.

'Urgh, this is going to be a headache to figure out, but at least I have something to look into even though I probably shouldn't.'

"Good, I'm sorry I can't at the moment, but give me some time and I might be able to." Letting go of my hand, she returned to the kitchen to finish up breakfast.

'Interesting, it's like she has to get permission to even tell me... Maybe I do come from a noble family, but my mother has become an outcast. It must have happened around when I was born since surely something would have happened in my old timeline.' It was a slippery slope I was heading down, but I desired that noble status. If I can get recognised as one, then most of my current problems will be solved.

"Also, no need to wrack your brains about it... You will soon get a chance to see why." Returning with a plate of food, she clearly noticed I was still thinking about it.

"I-I see."

'Wow, okay, it looks like I just need to wait for the time being.' It was a shock to hear that I would eventually get an answer, but there was a sense of danger I feltl in my heart. If I go, then there is a chance that I won't be returning in any way.

'Enough about that; I just need to wait and see.' I shook my head, as it was pointless thinking about what might happen, so I stayed quiet and began eating.

My mother did give me a few glances while I was eating, but the atmosphere had become quite awkward. I still had some lingering suspicions, but I didn't want to believe them, at least not yet. I still wanted a peaceful life, and if that meant living ignorantly in the end, then I didn't have a choice.

*

"I'm off; see you after school." Once I finished eating, It was finally time to go back to hell.

"Alright, be safe." My Mother waved, but it was much less enthusiastic. The conversation still bothered her, which was fair enough. If I were in that position, I would feel like shit having to be forced into hide something that your daughter could clearly see.

'I just need to wait.' Knowing that some form of answer was coming, the best thing I could do was just accept it, and hopefully when I get back, she will be feeling better.

*

<Tolver Academy>

"Hey, look, it's the peasant!"

Before I could even take a step into the academy, someone was already bringing attention to my arrival. Luckily, there was a guard at the front gate, and upon hearing the student, he turned around, glaring at them.

It stopped anyone from trying anything, which was a relief, but I knew as soon as I was alone, someone would jump at the chance.

"Hey there."

My body instantly froze as someone whispered in my ear from behind, it was the one person who was an exception to rule. He didn't care if anyone was watching and if anything reveled in being seen by the people who would help me.

"HAHAHA! I love that look. I hope you are ready these next 3 days." It was Raja; he walked by with the biggest smirk, knowing the guard realistically couldn't do anything unless something physical happened.

'Fuck me, is there anything I can do?'