The morning sun filtered through the large windows of the grand estate, casting a warm, golden hue over the intricate tapestries and polished floors. The scent of blooming flowers from the garden wafted through the open windows, mingling with the fresh, crisp morning air.
Sophia and Renard sat in their usual places in the grand sitting room, enjoying their morning tea. Alice, with her twin tails bouncing with every step, approached them with a determined look on her face.
"Grandma, Grandpa, I have a request," Alice told the two.
"And what is that?" asked Sophia softly, curious.
"I want to become strong," Alice suddenly declared, her voice filled with conviction.
Renard looked at little Alice with a curious gaze, setting his teacup down gently.
"Oh, our little Alice wants to become strong?" he asked, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes," Alice nodded vigorously, her twin tails bouncing up and down.
Sophia and Renard exchanged a knowing look and smiled at Alice's enthusiasm. They couldn't reject their little granddaughter's heartfelt request.
"That means Alice needs a teacher," Sophia said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Could Grandma and Grandpa not teach me?" Alice asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.
"We can, but there's someone even better than us," Sophia replied softly, her smile widening.
"Someone better?" Alice's eyes sparkled with excitement, her imagination running wild.
"Yes, Alice will be taught by the best teacher in the empire," Sophia told her, her tone filled with pride and assurance.
Hearing her grandma say that, Alice's eyes gleamed, and her mouth formed an 'O' of excitement. She could hardly contain her joy at the prospect of learning from the best.
...
"Huh? Why do I have to teach her? Aren't there other people?" Spark grumbled, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious room lined with books and scrolls.
"Who else can teach her better than you?" his mother, Sophia, countered, her tone firm.
"Oh, she believed my words rather easily," Spark muttered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Can Father teach Alice to become strong?" asked Alice, her eyes wide with hope.
"I like your motivation. Fine, I'll teach you."
Alice's eyes gleamed with joy. "Father will teach Alice!"
"But first, you have to become as strong as butler Zhao," Spark said, pointing at Zhao Shi, who stood a short distance away. "Then, I'll teach you myself."
"How strong is Uncle Zhao?" Alice asked, staring at Zhao Shi with curiosity.
"Super strong," Spark replied. "He is the strongest man I've met."
Receiving praise from Spark, Zhao Shi gave a slight nod before resuming his straight posture. His expression remained calm and composed, betraying no emotion, but a glint of appreciation shone in his eyes.
"Strongest man..." Alice appeared dazed, her mind trying to comprehend such strength. "Is Uncle Zhao as strong as Grandma Poo?"
"Very strong," Spark confirmed. "Just like the hero in that story."
Hearing her father mention the hero in the story, Alice's interest was further piqued. She stared at Zhao Shi with a new gleam in her eyes, filled with admiration and curiosity.
"Should I call Uncle Zhao 'teacher'?" Alice asked, her voice filled with innocent excitement.
Zhao Shi shook his head gently. "Little Miss can continue calling me Uncle Zhao."
Alice nodded, satisfied with his answer.
The garden was a peaceful haven, bathed in the soft light of the morning sun. Flowers of every color bloomed vibrantly, filling the air with a sweet, fragrant aroma. Birds chirped melodiously from the branches of trees, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, adding to the tranquility of the scene.
Spark sat on a comfortable couch under a gazebo, his eyes wandering around the two ahead. The gazebo, intricately carved from wood, offered a perfect vantage point to observe Alice's training.
Alice was sitting on a mat on the ground, her eyes closed in concentration. She mimicked Zhao Shi's meditative posture, her small frame looking both determined and serene.
Spark watched the two from his comfortable seat, his expression a mix of amusement as he observed Alice's eagerness.