Scarlett ended up eating way too much in an effort not to waste any food.
Thankfully, there was gym equipment in the room.
She worked out for a long time before finally feeling comfortable again.
… The next morning, Scarlett was jolted awake by her phone alarm at 5:30 am.
She slowly opened her eyes and turned it off.
The room was still pitch black, and the sky outside was only just beginning to brighten.
Even so, she quickly freshened up and stepped outside.
Originally, she had just wanted to walk around and stretch a little, but she hadn’t expected to see Edmund leading the villa’s maids in martial arts practice out on the open grounds.
Even Jane, who had chatted so warmly with her the day before, was among them.
Their moves were sharp, precise, and powerful.
Their moves were far more refined than anything Scarlett had ever learned from books.
When Edmund noticed her, he immediately finished his form and said warmly, “Ms.
Quinn, you’re up early.” The rest of the maids quickly finished their forms and straightened up as well.
Scarlett quickly apologized, waving her hands.
“Sorry!
I was just passing by.
Please, continue.” She turned to leave, but Edmund smiled and called after her, “Would you like to join us, Ms.
Quinn?” Scarlett paused, surprised.
“Can I?” “Of course,” Edmund said, his tone kind.
“It would be my honor to teach you some basic self-defense.” A flash of excitement crossed Scarlett’s face.
She stepped forward and said, “I know a little already, but I’m not very skilled.
Edmund, would it be alright if I learned a bit from you?” Edmund hadn’t expected her to have any prior training.
His expression softened with an affectionate pride.
“Nothing would please me more,” he said.
The maids stepped back to give them space.
Scarlett and Edmund faced off in the center.
Without hesitation, Scarlett made the first move.
As expected, her techniques were like child’s play against Edmund.
He dodged effortlessly and could have easily struck her vital points.
Yet every time he moved close, he deliberately redirected his blows, landing instead on harmless areas.
After exchanging well over a hundred moves, Scarlett finally stepped back, breathing heavily and looking at Edmund with deep respect.
Edmund, on the other hand, had shining eyes filled with pleasant surprise.
“Ms.
Quinn,” he said, genuinely curious, “may I ask which school you trained under?” Scarlett felt a little embarrassed as she replied, “I taught myself, actually.
I found some martial arts manuals at a flea market and learned from them.” A flicker of disbelief crossed Edmund’s face.
He asked, “And how long have you been practicing?” “About ten years,” Scarlett answered honestly.
Edmund looked even more stunned.
To reach this level through self-study in just ten years was impressive.
He had been called a martial arts prodigy, yet even he couldn’t have achieved that without formal instruction.
A sudden thought struck him.
Without warning, he launched another attack, this time far more aggressive and fierce.
Scarlett quickly realized he wasn’t holding back anymore.
The blows came fast and sharp, forcing her to respond with everything she had.
She gritted her teeth and endured it.
She knew what he was doing.
He was testing her fundamentals.
She had read about this before.
True martial artists could tell someone’s potential by testing the strength and resilience of their body under real pressure.
Scarlett believed she had what it took.
After all, she had managed to learn so much from books alone.
Even Alton had once told her she ought to seek a real master to continue her training.
Sadly, she’d never had the chance.
Finally, Edmund stopped.
His face was flushed with excitement.
The usually calm light in his eyes now burned bright.
Throwing his head back, he laughed heartily.
“Excellent!
Truly excellent!
You have a fine, flexible frame and great endurance.
You’re born to practice martial arts.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen such potential.
The only other person who came close was Xavier.
Xavier’s instincts had been right once again.
This girl would be extraordinary one day.
“Ms.
Quinn,” Edmund said, his voice full of emotion, “would you be willing to train under me?
I would be honored to pass down everything I know to you.”