The single guest room in their house had been renovated into Scarlet’s training room. Of course, it anyone asked, it would simply be referred to as a gym.

Scarlet began with stamina building - running, push-ups, planking, and all sorts of leaps and jumps, almost as if she was training for acrobatics. This sparked concern in Uncle Chan, who thought Kyle might have been overzealous in his parenting approach, leaning too much into “the Asian way”.

“I reckon Scarlet’s bright enough as it is. She doesn’t need to worry about her future career, does she?” Uncle Chan ventured cautiously. “She’s doing well academically, and she’s a well-known children’s author with her second book on the way. I don’t think you need to push her into any extra-curricular activities. Perhaps ballet would be better than acrobatics - less risk of injury?”

Scarlet recalled videos from her previous life, showing the injuries ballet dancers suffered once they took off their pretty shoes. She replied, “Ballet isn’t exactly easy either, and I’d much rather be leaping than dancing.”

Uncle Chan was puzzled by her response, and Kyle chuckled, “Uncle, it’s not what you’re thinking. I’m not pushing Scarlet into anything. She wants to learn a bit of self-defence, and she’s particularly keen on leaping and jumping rather than punching.”

Of course, it was because she planned to use a spear – more thrusting than punching, really. Kyle didn’t mention that part, but Uncle Chan seemed relieved by the explanation.

“Self-defence? That’s excellent, really. It’s always good to know how to protect yourself...Oh, has she learned how to swim yet? That’s another useful skill, if you ask me,” Uncle Chan suggested, and Kyle nodded in agreement.

Kyle pondered for a moment, “Not just swimming - gun-shooting, horse riding, archery, and when she’s old enough, motorcycle and car driving are a must. It wouldn’t hurt to learn how to steer a boat if we get the chance...”

“Hold on, hold on - you’re not planning to raise her like some ancient gentlemen, are you?”

In ancient Chinese, a gentleman's education followed the teachings of Confucius, who instructed his disciples in the six arts: ritual (manners), music (and ritual dances honouring ancestor), archery (hunting), charioteering (horse riding and carriage driving), read (scholarly studies) and mathematics.

Kyle paused for a moment, “Well, I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it does sound like a rather good idea.”

Uncle Chan had been worried about Kyle’s future before this young man adopted a girl, but now his concern shifted as Kyle seemed obsessed with raising the perfect child. Who, in this day and age, raises their child according to ancient wisdom?

Kyle glanced at Scarlet, seeking her opinion. She wasn’t entirely sure what to think, as she wasn't familiar with the Asian culture of this world.

Her nation in her previous life didn’t exist here. It was a blend of Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian cultures. She had once tried to read an Asian book, but while the characters seemed familiar, parts of it were completely different. She realized she’d need proper language education. That was the only tutoring she had these days - a tutor who could teach her Japanese and Chinese - while Kyle took charge of her martial arts training.

After hearing Kyle’s explanation, she looked at Uncle Chan, who still appeared concerned, and said, “Well, I’m keen on archery and horse riding, but I’m not particular interested in learning music. Don’t worry, Great Uncle Chan, you know I’m smart - I can manage my own schedule.”

Uncle Chan could only shrug and continue to keep a close eye on things, just in case. His old friend had asked him to look out for his only son, so how could he not pay more attention to this young man, and the girl he adopted...was her hair red?

Days passed peacefully. Kyle had become a renowned piano teacher in the community, with many parents eager to book his sessions despite the high fees. Scarlet, perhaps due to her bond with the Queen, seemed naturally gifted in martial art. Not only did she excel in horse riding and archery (she even became the model for their promotional poster, earning some extra income), but her close combat skills were impressive as well - according to Kyle who had once been trained by numerous bodyguards in lethal techniques...In the underworld of the Mafia, there’s no tolerance for mercy when it comes to action. Martial arts that don’t aim to kill have no place there, and that’s exactly what Scarlet needed to learn.

She had also discovered the existence of mystical beasts and other anomalies in this world ever since she gained power from the Queen. If she ever needed to fight, she had to be fully prepared.

Finally, it was time for her to train with her spear. But there was a problem - their training room was too small for her to swing it properly, even the shorter wooden replica Kyle had found for her. She needed a wider space, but finding such a place nearby, especially one where no one would peek or meddle, was challenging.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

At last, Kyle found a suitable location: a deserted farm on the outskirt, overgrown with wild bushes where rabbits and foxes occasionally appeared.

“I reckon you’ll need to practice hunting as well, if you’re to meet your Queen’s standards,” Kyle remarked. “This farm belongs to no one, so we can come here once a week to train until someone claims it. The nearest neighbours are miles away, so no one will notice even if you bring out your real spear. I’ll ask around to see if we need any permits or if there are rules for hunting rabbits or hares. For now, just enjoy.”

Scarlet hugged Kyle before leaping into wild grasses, gearing up in her battle attire with a smile on her face.

The spear she held was a gift from the Queen of the Shadowy land, a replica of the famous Gáe Bolg once wielded by Cú Chulainn. Every inch of it mirrored the legendary weapon, though it was scaled down in power since she wasn’t the legendary hero capable of mastering such might. This was a replica forged to suit her - a mortal with no divine lineage - and only she could fully harness its power.

Thus, her spear was named Gáe Scáil, the shadow of Gáe Bolg...No, she wasn’t clever enough to come up with such a grand name herself; it was bestowed upon her by the Queen when she handed over the spear.

Heavy, yet dependable, Gáe Scáil initially moved sluggishly in her hands. She had practised with the wooden spear Kyle had given her before, but it felt different, even though Kyle had crafted it from hard wood...just too different. There was something in Gáe Scáil that no other weapon could offer her – a sensation as if it was communicating with her, guiding her...

Kyle observed Scarlet from a distance. She seemed clumsy at first, probably not accustomed to the weight of the magical spear, but soon her swings and thrusts became smoother. Though far from skilled, her progress was commendable for a beginner.

He didn’t just sit there and watch; he opened the newspaper he had brought and studied the stock market and investment sections in detail. Beside him were a few magazines related to latest technology and scientific papers. He never imagined he’d be reading these again, but raising a disciplined, hard-working girl who set high standards for herself was financially challenging. To support her, he needed to secure the right resources, starting with finding her a suitable training space - a bigger house, of course.

However, their life soon came to a halt when a couple arrived at their doorstep.

It was a Wednesday morning, a day Kyle had set aside for a day off and for the father-daughter time. They would go shopping, watch a film, sometimes just stroll around the neighbourhood, or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company. Scarlet might occasionally pull out her notebook to jot down some inspirations.

“Well, I can’t just keep writing the Akahime’s Diary series. I need to come up with new stories set in different worlds, perhaps a cyborg world with nothing to do with magic and incantations,” Scarlet said as she scribbled with her favourite fountain pen.

However, on that particular Wednesday, just as they were deciding what to do for the day, the doorbell rang. Kyle expected to find a neighbour when he opened the door, but was taken aback when he saw who was standing there.

“Dad, who’s at the door?” Scarlet called out, having heard no conversation or the sound of the door shutting. She peeked her head out from the kitchen to see what was going on and found her dad standing stiffly at the entrance. She approached and saw a couple standing there, their surprise evident as their eyes landed on her.

“This is outrageous!” the man, who appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, exclaimed in Cantonese - a language Scarlet had roughly mastered through daily conversations with Kyle. “How could you keep her a secret from us! Do you still consider us your parents?!”

“Well...I can explain.” Kyle said, struggling, as he stepped aside to welcome the incoming couple.

Scarlet remained silent, heading to the kitchen to prepare some tea while everybody settled down in the living room.

Lady Sato, who appeared to be of a similar age to the man, accepted her tea with a dearly smile.

“Now, explain,” the man, Mr. Hong said, his anger evident but not directed at Scarlet.

Kyle petted Scarlet on the head as she sat beside him. “I was planning to inform you when the situation there became more stable. They’re still competing for the throne, aren’t they?”

Mr. Hong and Lady Sato did not respond, confirming Kyle’s statement.

“Imagine, if they knew I had a child here, wouldn’t they think you’re raising her to inherit the throne instead of passing on your power to them?” Kyle said, looking directly at his father. “I want a stable life, and so does Scarlet. I’ve retreated far away from Asia and have been doing well these past few years...”

“Naive.” Lady Sato said calmly in Japanese, her temper much cooler than her husband’s. “You were born into an underworld family, you bear its mark, and you will never be rid of it until you die. You cannot escape it.”

“I bet I can,” Kyle said firmly.

Mr. Hong continued sternly, “We’ve received word that some old-timers consider you the most suitable candidate for the throne. Your competitors have started to take an interest in you, digging up information.”

Kyle’s eyes widened.

“If not, why do you think we’ve come all the way here?” Mr. Hong said, “We’ve sealed your information and provided misleading details, making them think you’re travelling the world and not staying here...raising a child.”

Kyle let out a long breath he had been holding, “Well, Scarlet is adopted. She should be fine since we’re not blood-related.”

“How dare you say that in front of her!” Lady Sato shouted in Japanese, rushing to hug Scarlet and speaking slowly in English, “There, there, you are of course your father’s dearest daughter. Don’t listen to his nonsense.”

She then snapped at Kyle, in Japanese, “How could you say such things? She’s your own daughter; how can you deny your blood relation with her?”

“...What?” Kyle was dumbfounded, “No, we’re not blood-related, I adopted her last year...”

“Shush!” Lady Sato still looking furious, “I know you dislike her mother, but you can’t treat her like this.”

Kyle remained silent for a moment, “Just, what exactly did you hear about me and Scarlet?”

“That a gold-digger claimed she was pregnant with your child, and threatened to marry you to secure a wealthy marriage because she knew we would never allow a child of yours to be born out of wedlock.” Mr. Hong explained, “Then she discovered you’d been kicked out from the family business, so she dumped you, and now you’re single and poor with a daughter.”

Kyle buried his face into his hands, while Scarlet let out a snigger.

“Scarlet, don’t jot this down in your notebook.”

Oh, but I will. What a great plot for a story! Scarlet mused with joy.