“Before I forget…”

Just as she was leaving, Tobias called out to Maxine, “Wait.”

“Is something the matter, grandpa?”

Tobias turned to her. “You are also someone who is highly proficient in martial arts. Feel free to head to the basement if you have nothing better to do.It’ll be a great learning opportunity for you as well.”

Maxine kneeled on the ground reverently and said, “I’m not worthy.”

Tobias beckoned her to stand. “I’m giving you express permission to do as you see fit..”

“But grandpa… I’m not a real Caden. I don’t have Caden blood coursing through my veins. The ancestral teachings were specific about —” Maxine fiddled with the hem of her dress.

Tobias raised his hand to interrupt her. “What’s the point of following rigid and obsolete ancestral teachings? Even if you aren’t a Caden by heritage, you were practically raised as a Caden since childgood. I consider you my own granddaughter. All these years, you’ve stayed by my side devising plans and strategies for me. B