Ashcal’s Superpower was ‘Dragon Knight’—a combination of summoner and tamer abilities, a variation unique only to the Forno’s main family. He could summon a golden dragon, and when that thing appeared, it was the undisputed supreme of beasts.

‘Such a ridiculously broken ability,’ the Lord thought, casually watching the golden dragon effortlessly battle a mid-level eagle. The eagle, after a few minutes of flapping around in a desperate attempt to defend itself, finally fled in a panic.

Unfazed, the Lord strolled over toward the two children.

Raven wiped the sweat from her forehead, her eyes lifting to her father. He’d been standing there, watching the whole spectacle like a lazy spectator at a parade, instead of offering any help. She wasn’t sure what to feel.

She felt a bit complicated in her heart. Over her five short years, the time they’d spent together could probably be counted on one hand. At first, she’d thought maybe it was something about her, that she was the reason he’d barely looked her way. But now… well, now she just realized he was a neglectful jerk.

Maybe that’s why her mother had taken her brother and left. No… why didn’t she take me too?

Her mood dipped. Both my parents are scum.

“Why didn’t you go to the shelter?” Her father’s voice cut through her thoughts, as he gave her a side-eye like she was the one who had messed everything up. “Do you like danger so much?”

Raven gave him an unimpressed look, not in the mood for his nagging. She tugged at the hem of his white robe and pointed to the shelter hole.

At that moment, a nervous voice called from inside the shelter: “Ashcal... Raven... Are you two okay? Why is it so quiet? Are all the beasts gone?”

The lower-tier beasts had run off when the mid-tier eagle showed up. And now that the golden dragon had scared it away, everything had settled.

“We’re fine!” Ashcal’s voice came back, hoarse and tired, as he slumped down onto the ground. “The beasts ran off. It’s safe here. Hang on, I’ll go get help.”

“Ok!”

Ashcal turned to her father, still hovering with an air of absolute indifference and explained the situation to him briefly, “Sir Rayan Serth, we were trying to enter the shelter when the ladder fell. Some of them might be hurt. We should—”

And with that, he scooped Raven up in one arm like she was a kitten, effortlessly pulling her against his side as if she weighed nothing at all.

Raven blinked, caught somewhere between confusion and resignation. Her father didn’t even spare Ashcal a second glance. The whole situation felt... surreal. Ashcal stood there with the same dumbfounded expression, but Raven was already being lifted off the ground, the air around them whipping as they soared into the sky while she shot him a quick apologetic look.

It took less than a minute to reach the portal gate in the city. The entire process was so swift that Raven barely had time to register the passing scenery before it was already over.

“Activate the portal,” Rayan ordered the person in charge, his voice clipped.

“Sir, there’s a beast wave going on—” the man began, but Rayan cut him off with a sharp wave.

“I won’t repeat myself.”

The person sighed in resignation. “Yes... sir.”

The portal took another fifteen minutes to activate and transport them to their territory, but during the entire duration, neither of them spoke a word. The silence hung heavily between them.

Even after they arrived home, there was no conversation. Raven usually started their exchanges, but since awakening, she’d decided it was best to maintain her distance from him.

It wasn’t long before Rayan broke the silence at the dinner table. His voice was low, yet sharp as he studied her intently.

“Is something wrong?”

Raven shook her head, keeping her focus on her food as she ate quietly under his scrutinizing gaze.

“Are you mute?” He asked, his tone dripping with condescension.

“No.”

“Then why aren’t you answering properly?”

Raven sighed inwardly but kept her voice even, not wanting to argue. “I’m sorry, father. I was just tired.”

“Is that an excuse?” he asked coldly.

Raven gritted her teeth, realizing he wasn’t going to let it slide easily. “No. I’m sorry, father.”

“You say sorry really well, but do you know what your mistake is?”

“...”

“Well?” He prodded, his eyes never leaving her.

“I did not speak clearly.”

“Yes. You did not. That is why I heard what I wanted to hear from that Forno boy.”

His words stung, but Raven refused to let him see any reaction. He’s really treating me lightly now, she thought.

“I awakened my element, father.”

“I know.”

“I wasn’t hurt.”

“I can clearly see that.”

“And... you didn’t bother yourself with helping others.”

“So?”

“Then, why did you want to know what happened, father?”

“...”

“I would have told you if something important had happened. If there’s something you need to ask, please be specific next time. I won’t hesitate to answer.”

“You’re very good at talking back now.”

Raven almost rolled her eyes. “I’ll take my leave first, then.”

“Greet me properly.”

“Goodnight, father.” She turned and walked away quickly, not bothering to look back.

Of all the things they could have talked about after today, it was one useless interrogation. Raven felt a pang of frustration—her father truly was the most useless father ever.

In her previous life, she had been incompetent, even after awakening years earlier than her peers. Until the day she died, she had blamed herself, thinking it was her fault that her father didn’t like her. But now, she understood—he wasn’t fit to be a father. He didn’t care to be one.

Thank God she had figured that out early. It meant she could stop expecting things from him and focus on herself. That, she believed, would save her from a lot of unnecessary suffering.

After going to bed, Raven slept peacefully, but the moment she woke up, the memories of her past life seemed to slip away like sand through her fingers.

She woke up earlier than usual, a clear sign that her mind was already focused on what she needed to do. She had something important to discuss with her father. Breakfast was the only time she’d have a chance to catch him before he left for work. He usually had breakfast very early, and after yesterday’s events, he would likely be busier than usual for a while. It might take her a few days to get a word in.

While getting ready with the help of a caretaker, Raven considered her options.

In her previous life, she’d been lazy. She spent most of her time chasing after Ashcal, avoiding responsibility, and ignoring her true potential. Her talents were wasted because of her low self-discipline. She had never given enough effort, and her arrogance had only made it worse.

But now, Raven was terrified of being that person again. She couldn’t afford to be lazy anymore. This time, she would work hard, no matter how mentally exhausting it became.

After finishing her morning routine, she made her way downstairs for breakfast. To her relief, her father was already seated at the table, his phone pressed to his ear, likely in the middle of a call.

Butler Hans, standing dutifully by her father’s side, greeted her with a warm smile, his posture as straight as ever. The elderly man radiated an aura of professionalism—every inch the elite butler who served the Serth family with distinction.

Raven quietly took her seat, her eyes lingering on her father for a moment. The chef, a plump woman with a bright smile, served her a rich breakfast. The warm aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling eggs filled the air, making her stomach growl in appreciation.

“Young miss, you’re up early!” the chef said cheerfully.

Raven nodded in acknowledgment but didn’t respond directly. Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on her father, intently, waiting for him to finish his call.

Her father raised an eyebrow at her, his sharp gaze narrowing. “Yes, we will discuss the details in the meeting. Assistant Wang, make sure we’re compensated nicely. Hang up now.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

When he finally hung up, his eyes locked onto hers, a subtle tension filling the air. “What do you want?”

Raven didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “I want to learn swordsmanship.”

There was a beat of stunned silence before he spoke again. “Why?”

Raven took a moment to think, her fingers gently tapping the edge of her plate. “...There are many reasons. Do you—”

“Never mind,” he interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. “I know why.”

“Then…” Raven hesitated, but then pressed forward, her voice steady.

“But,” he continued, his tone hardening, “learning how to wield a sword isn’t easy. It’s tough and demanding. You will have to practice every day, through blood, sweat, and tears. As a Serth, I cannot tolerate seeing you cry. So through blood and sweat, you must persist, even if you want to give up. For that, you’ll need determination and drive.” He met her eyes with an intense, almost piercing gaze. “You might think of giving up easily, especially since you don’t have to learn close combat– with your superpower. And you’re only five, after all. Most likely, you’ll learn swordsmanship as you grow older. But now? It might be too much for you. Choose wisely. Once you start, there’s no going back. I don’t want to see you quit.”

Raven’s voice was unwavering. “I won’t give up. And I won’t disappoint you.”

Raven thought about her previous life again, where she had started sword training at thirteen– when her father had insisted on it, but had been too stubborn to make any real progress. Her teacher had been strict, and Raven had never bothered to put in the effort. It was a waste—her talent was immense. In just eight years, she had reached a high level in swordsmanship, something that usually took a decade or more to achieve through pure dedication.

But it had been in name only. She hadn’t put in the effort, and despite her potential, she was still weaker than others. Strong intermediate swordsmen could beat her easily.

Now, she wanted to put in the effort. She wanted to finally unlock her true potential and be someone who wasn’t weak—someone who could stand strong in the face of danger, not run away or hide.

Her father’s gaze softened, but just slightly. “You won’t? But you didn’t even greet me properly today.”

Raven rolled her eyes, then deadpanned, “...Good morning, father. I hope your day goes well and—”

“Don’t speak so much so early in the morning,” he cut in, irritated.

She stayed silent, thinking that her father would probably annoy her to death someday.

“You can rest today,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Butler Hans will arrange your new classes. Now that you’ve awakened, things will be different. And more difficult.”

Raven was prepared and unbothered, “Yes, father. I understand.”

He paused, then said with cold finality, “and stay away from that Ashcal boy.”

Raven blinked, confused. “Why?”

“He’s too kind. We have an ideology mismatch. You can’t marry him.”

Raven felt her face flush with embarrassment and anger. She had to take a deep breath to keep herself in check.

“And his family is too far away. We live in the northernmost part of the country, they live in the center. There’s a regional disparity.” He continued, in a tone that bordered on indifference. “We’re elementalists, they’re summoners and tamers. There are many more problems.”

Raven’s patience wore thin. “I get it, father.” She rolled her eyes. “You don’t like him. I wasn’t thinking that way either.”

“I know you like him,” he shot back calmly, sipping his tea. “Where did you learn to lie so blatantly? To your own father, no less.”

“I don’t like him that way!”

“You cling to him all the time,” he retorted with a smirk. “You didn’t even climb into the underground shelter with everyone else. You stayed behind, waiting for him, all kind-hearted.”

“That was because of the shield charm—”

“You stopped calling me ‘dad’ after I was rude to him. You even gave me the cold shoulder.”

Raven’s cheeks flared red, and she clenched her fists. “Is that why... you don’t like him?” Because in her past life, he supported her engagement with Ashcal.

“Do you think I care what you call me?” He snorted. “As long as it’s respectful.”

“Mr. Serth.” Raven’s voice was cold, sharp.

“...What was that?”

“Isn’t that respectful enough? Or should I call you ‘my lord’?”

He pursed his lips, looking at her disdainfully. “Just because of a boy.”

“You said you didn’t care. Why are you sour now?”

“I really don’t care. Don’t misunderstand. No matter what you call me, I will always be your father.”

Raven fumed inside. “Mr. Serth, have a nice day. I’ll leave first.” She humphed and walked away, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction as she left the room.

“My lord, young miss didn’t mean it, she’s just a child,” Butler Hans said, his voice tense as he tried to smooth over the tension between the father and daughter.

Usually, Raven was very polite and respectful toward her father. She craved his attention and approval, but it was painful to see that he barely noticed her. She had no mother, and the only people who showed her any affection were the nannies and maids. It was clear to Butler Hans that Raven was lonely.

He had always known that one day, when she understood more, she might start resenting her parents, but he hadn’t expected that day to arrive so soon. Despite everything, Raven had kept her composure. She was growing up faster than most children her age. Her awakening had sharpened her mind, and though it brought him some pride, it also saddened him. She was maturing into a person who would eventually have to face harsh truths.

“Young miss just wants your care, master,” Butler Hans continued, his voice softer now. “There was a beast wave in the capital, and she was caught in the middle of it. Such events can be traumatic, especially if she saw Ms. Samul’s sacrifice. Even we adults feel shaken... imagine what it must have been like for her. Please, be patient with her.”

The lord grunted, barely looking up. “She can call me whatever she wants. But I will not let her marry just anyone.”

Butler Hans, sensing the lord’s indifference, nodded reassuringly. “Young miss is only five. She doesn’t even understand what love is, let alone marriage. She’s too young for that. Don’t worry, my lord, she won’t even think about someone you don’t approve of.”

The lord’s frown softened ever so slightly. He nodded again, though it was more out of habit than agreement. With a dismissive wave, he went back to his duties.

Ashcal and Raven were both born into Tier-1 supernatural families, each holding enormous power. Raven’s family, the Serths, ruled over a vast number of elementalist families. The wind element was versatile and deadly, both supportive and offensive. They had alliances with other elementalists and were often the backbone of battle strategies. The Serths were known as the rulers of the sky, a family steeped in history and legend. Their patriarch, Rayan Serth, was the strongest wind elemental in history—and he ruled over the Serth’s floating city in the sky.

Ashcal, on the other hand, was from the Forno family—a lineage of powerful summoners and tamers. The Fornos were unrivalled in their community. Their unique superpowers often bent the laws of reality, making them seem almost like walking cheats in the eyes of others.

While the Fornos were undeniably strong, the Serths were no slouches either.

Raven and Ashcal had met at a grand celebration for the most prestigious Tier-1 and -2 families. Among all the children their age, Ashcal had stood out like a full moon in a sea of stars. He wasn’t arrogant or aloof, but instead, he was well-mannered and genuinely caring. He was sharp, capable, and had a natural aura of leadership. Raven had seen that in him, and for the first time, she had felt what it was like to genuinely consider someone a friend—someone worthy of respect.

She’d laugh now at her naive self. Who was she to decide who was worthy? Was she even worthy to be his friend, with her immature and bratty attitude? Raven couldn’t help but snicker at her past self’s arrogance.

With a sigh, Raven pushed aside her thoughts and handed a bottle of dye remover to her new nanny, Margaret—who had replaced the old one after... a rather messy situation.

Margaret hesitated. “Are—are you sure, young miss?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Raven replied with calm determination.

“But… won’t people talk? Badly, I mean?”

Raven gave a faint, almost dismissive smile. “Let them talk. Let’s see who dares.”

Margaret smiled, clearly reassured by her words. “Very well, young miss.”

Black hair and eyes were a taboo– they weren’t unseen but very rare and Raven had inherited her father’s hair and eye colour. Black was the colour of destruction and death; it was also considered unlucky. No one would dare to say anything to her father. But Raven was just a powerless kid and her father wouldn’t care about such minor things, they could say whatever they wanted about her. At a young age, this could harm a child’s fragile mind– making her lose confidence. So the previous nanny had thought that it was better to dye it until she grew up.

But now, Raven felt that it was necessary that she stopped hiding herself for such useless things. They could say whatever they wanted about her. Wouldn’t they politely shut up after she gained power eventually? She didn’t have to be considerate towards people who didn’t matter.

“Young Miss's hair is truly beautiful,” Margaret said, her voice filled with quiet admiration.

Raven nodded, a slight warmth in her chest. “Thank you.”

After a bit of idle chatter, Butler Hans arrived to escort Raven to the supernatural government building for her registration. Raven asked if this would draw attention.

Butler Hans denied it, “No young miss, everything has been taken care of. No one will know.”

Raven sensed that something was off from his words. Why would no one know? Isn’t this a big deal?

But she understood what he meant after thinking about it for a while.

The registration process took several hours, with Raven undergoing a series of tests. By the time she returned to her room, she was exhausted. Complaining to the nearest maid, she flopped onto the bed.

“Even though my father is the most important person in the kingdom, it still took this long? Is this some kind of joke?”

The maid chuckled softly. “Young miss, it usually takes a week for others.”

Raven blinked, momentarily stunned. “...Well, never mind then. Just give me my phone.”

“Young miss can only use it for one hour.”

“...Yes, I understand.”

Raven quickly called Ashcal to check on him. She had wanted to wait before contacting him, thinking he’d be busy dealing with the aftermath of the beast wave, but after two days, things should be quieter.

“Is everything sorted there?” Raven asked, her voice laced with concern.

“It’s... chaotic,” Ashcal admitted, sounding drained.

Raven could sympathize. “Take care of yourself.”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, then added casually, “By the way, congratulations on your awakening.”

“Thank you. You’ll awaken soon too.”

“...” Her guess was right. Her father had hidden the fact that she had awakened to gain more compensation! Awakening was a very profitable event to her father. If they knew that she had awakened during this incident, it could be used as an excuse to reduce the compensation.

Raven decisively changed the topic, “I hope so. Was anyone hurt in the shelter?”

There was a long pause before Ashcal spoke again, his voice a bit strained. “Quite badly. Someone almost died.”

She understood why he had hesitated before. “...That’s awful,” she said quietly, feeling guilty.

After a brief silence, Ashcal continued, “Mr. Rayan restrained the beast for me to kill it.”

Raven winced, realizing the frustration behind his words. “...Thank him for that, will you?” he added dryly.

Raven bit her lip. She understood. “Yes… of course.”

She would feel resentful too if someone just stood there, restraining the beast to watch the show instead of killing it. Especially if they could just kill it without even flicking a finger.

But her father hadn’t restrained it to watch the show, even though he did watch the show. She had restrained it so that Ashcal could kill it. So her father shouldn’t be blamed for that at least.

But the truth couldn't be told and lies had to be maintained. So, with an awkward cough, she ended the call.

Anyway, it had little to do with her. She would never be his fiancé in this life too. It didn’t matter if her father and Ashcal disliked each other.

In her past life, she had foolishly obsessed over Ashcal, throwing tantrums whenever a girl looked at him. In the end she couldn’t even have him.

Raven realised it wasn’t worth it.

With her status, talent or beauty alone, others would have to be lucky to be able to chase after her. Not the other way round. In this life, if she ever chased after someone, she would be a dog.

With a satisfied sigh, she turned her attention back to her phone and settled in for some games. There were better things in life than love, after all.

***