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墨書 Inktalez
"I have decided..." Leonard paused again, the silence in the hall was so profound that one could hear a pin drop, and everyone's breath seemed to hang in the air.
His gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on a woman dressed in finery but looking haggard—his wife, Aelia.
A complex emotion flickered in his eyes, a mix of guilt and determination.
"To pass the title of Lord to... my son, Lucius."
Aelia felt her heart clench as if gripped by an invisible hand, nearly choking her.
Passing the title to Lucius?
What a grand reason!
She nearly scoffed aloud.
To her, this decision was merely a pretext for him to favor that woman and her son!
Rage surged within her like lava, ready to erupt at any moment.
Yet she maintained her composure, gripping the Si Pa tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white as if she might crush it.
She wanted to see how many more lies this man would weave!
Behind Aelia, Qin Si noticed the trembling shoulders of Lucius and Aelia's tightly clenched hands, worry gnawing at her heart.
She gently placed a hand on Aelia's back, stroking it softly as if soothing an injured little beast.
"My lady..." she whispered softly, her voice filled with concern.
Aelia slightly turned her head, giving Qin Si a reassuring glance.
She had to remain calm; she couldn't afford to show any weakness at this moment.
For the sake of her Children and the Glorious Demon Fortress, she had to endure.
Meanwhile, Luna, sitting in the corner, suddenly turned pale.
She clutched her doll tightly, her small body trembling slightly.
An inexplicable sense of fear enveloped her, making it hard for her to breathe.
She sensed it just as Leonard announced his decision to pass on the throne—a chilling, intense Dark Aura filled the air with a Magical Fluctuation.
This feeling reminded her of the Evil Magic practitioners she had encountered in her past life, sending shivers down her spine.
Her older brother, sitting next to Luna, keenly noticed her distress.
He leaned down with concern and asked softly, "Luna, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Luna looked up at him, her large eyes filled with terror.
"Brother..." she said with a trembling voice, "I feel... I feel the presence of Dark Magic..."
Her brother's brows furrowed sharply, and his expression turned serious.
He glanced around; the hall was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Everything seemed normal. There was no way his sister, who had shown remarkable Magical Talent since childhood, could feel fear without reason.
"Luna, are you sure?" he asked in a lowered voice. "Can you sense where it's coming from?"
Luna held her doll tightly and closed her eyes, straining to perceive the source of the Dark Magic.
"It’s... it’s coming from..." She suddenly opened her eyes wide and pointed toward the center of the hall, at the high throne and the figure seated upon it—Leonard. "It’s coming from there!"
Her brother followed Luna's finger and focused his gaze on Leonard.
At that moment, Leonard looked at Lucius with a face full of affection, and the interaction between the father and son seemed so warm and harmonious.
However, a sense of foreboding rose within the elder brother.
Could it be that there was some conspiracy behind this succession ceremony?
He took a deep breath, striving to maintain his composure.
“Luna, don’t be afraid. Big brother will protect you.” He gently patted Luna's head, then stood up and walked toward the center of the hall.
“Father,” his voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the hall, “I have some questions regarding the succession that I would like to discuss with you.”
Leonard lifted his head to look at the approaching elder brother.
“Oh? What is it?”
The elder brother's gaze was sharp as a blade, locking onto Leonard's eyes as he spoke each word deliberately: “I want to know, is this truly your decision?”
The affectionate smile on Leonard's face instantly froze, as if encased in ice.
His piercing gaze shot towards the elder brother like a poisoned arrow, as if to say, “Are you questioning me?”
The atmosphere in the hall became suddenly oppressive and suffocating, as if the air was thick with the scent of gunpowder; a storm was about to break.
“Impudent!” Beside Leonard, a stout man with a face full of blubber suddenly stood up, pointing an accusing finger at the elder brother. “Young Master, watch your words! The Lord’s decision is not something you can question!”
This man was the steward of the Glorious Demon Fortress and Leonard's trusted confidant. Relying on Leonard's favor, he often abused his power and bullied other factions.
Yet the elder brother showed no fear. He straightened his back, his gaze unwavering as he met the steward's eyes.
“I only wish to know the truth.” His voice was not loud but resonated with undeniable conviction.
“Truth? What truth?” The butler sneered, “The decision made by Lord after careful consideration is the truth! Do you still want to say that Lord was coerced or forced?”
“Enough!” Leonard finally spoke, his voice deep and authoritative, carrying an undeniable weight.
“Let him speak!”
The butler immediately fell silent, retreating to the side with a disgruntled expression, but his eyes were filled with Resentment.
Taking a deep breath, the elder brother turned his gaze to Leonard and calmly said, “Father, do you truly believe that Third Brother Lucius is the best candidate for the position of Lord?”
“Of course!” Leonard replied without hesitation. “Lucius is intelligent, diligent, and possesses a kind heart. He has leadership qualities and will undoubtedly lead Glorious Demon Fortress to greatness in the future!”
“Heh…” A hint of Mockery curled at the corner of the elder brother's mouth.
“Father, you say Third Brother has a kind heart? Yet I’ve heard that he would go so far as to secretly frame his fellow disciples just to obtain a magical artifact.”
At this remark, an uproar erupted in the hall.
Leonard’s face instantly turned ashen.
“Nonsense!” he exclaimed with Ailya's Roar, “Who is spreading such slander before you? Lucius would never do such a thing!”
“Whether it’s nonsense or not, Father knows in his heart,” the elder brother fearlessly met Leonard’s furious gaze.
“I merely wish to remind Father that the position of Lord is of great importance and should not be decided hastily. If a person of questionable character inherits the title of Lord, it will only bring disaster to Glorious Demon Fortress!”
“You…” Leonard trembled with rage, pointing at the elder brother, unable to articulate a response.
Just then, an Aging voice resonated in the hall.
“Young Master is right! The position of Lord must be passed on to someone who is both virtuous and capable!”
The crowd turned towards the sound, and they saw an elderly man dressed in a black Magic Robe, his hair and beard completely white, walking slowly with a cane.
“It’s Elder Morris from the Elder Council!” someone in the crowd exclaimed.
Elder Morris was one of the most respected elders in the Elder Council of the Glorious Demon Fortress, and his words held significant influence within the fortress.
“Elder Morris, what do you mean by this?” Leonard asked in a low voice, suppressing his anger.
Elder Morris stepped into the center of the hall, surveying the surroundings before fixing his gaze on Leonard. He spoke calmly, “My Lord, if I may be blunt, your choice of Lucius as the Heir may not be well received.”
“Not well received?” Leonard scoffed. “Is the Elder Council questioning my decision?”
“We are not questioning your decision; we are questioning Lucius’s abilities,” Elder Morris replied firmly. “Though Lucius has some talent, he lacks experience and has a volatile temperament, making him unfit for such a responsibility. If he were to inherit the Lord’s position, it would likely lead to turmoil within the fortress.”
“Then who do you think should inherit the Lord’s position, Elder Morris?” Leonard's tone carried a hint of mockery.
Elder Morris stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze sweeping over those present before finally landing on Aelia, who stood in the corner.
“I believe Young Master Leonard and Second Young Master Karl are far more capable and possess better character than Lucius; they are more suited to inherit the Lord’s position!”
At this statement, the hall erupted into chaos once again.
Leonard's expression darkened instantly.
He could not have imagined that the Elder Council would unite against his decision and even propose others for the role of Lord.
“Elder Morris, are you challenging my authority?” Leonard's voice carried a hint of threat.
“I am merely safeguarding the interests of Glorious Demon Fortress,” Elder Morris replied defiantly. “If the Lord insists on going his own way, it will only lead Glorious Demon Fortress into despair!”
“Fine! Fine! Fine!” Leonard laughed bitterly in anger.
"Since you all believe I am unfit to be the Lord, I will step aside and let you choose one for yourselves!"
With that, he waved his hand fiercely and strode away.
The hall immediately erupted into chaos.
"Father!" Lucius hurried after him.
"Lord!" The steward quickly followed suit.
"Everyone, calm down!" Elder Morris shouted, leaning on his cane.
"This is not the time for arguments. We should sit down and discuss how to select a Lord who can lead the Glorious Demon Fortress to greatness!"
At that moment, a clear voice rang out in the hall. "I disagree!"
Everyone turned to see Second Brother Karl and Brother San Leonard standing protectively in front of Aelia and Luna.
"Second Brother, Brother San, you..." Aelia looked at her sons in surprise.
"Mother, don't worry. We won't let anyone harm you or Luna," Karl said with determination in his eyes.
"That's right! The two of us will definitely protect you!" Leonard added boldly.
Lucius hesitated for a moment but ultimately chose to stand with Aelia.
He walked over to her side and softly said, "Mother."
Seeing this scene, a hint of a smile appeared on Elder Morris's face.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even more tense, like a tightly stretched string that could snap at any moment.
"Today’s matters end here," Aelia's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
"Everyone, please return. We will discuss any issues tomorrow."
With that, she held Luna close and turned to leave the hall.
Karl and Leonard closely followed Aelia, not leaving her side for a moment.
Elder Morris watched Aelia's departing figure and said to the Elders beside him, "Let’s leave as well."
The crowd began to disperse, leaving behind a scene of chaos and silence.
The night was deep, and the Glorious Demon Fortress was shrouded in shadows.
Luna nestled in Aelia's arms, her small face pressed tightly against Aelia's chest, feeling the warmth of her mother’s embrace.
"Mother..." she whispered, "I'm scared."
Aelia gently patted Luna's back and softly reassured her, "Don't be afraid, Luna. Mother will protect you."
Luna looked up at Aelia, her big eyes filled with worry.
"Mother, Father..."
"Don't worry, Luna. Everything will be alright," Aelia said.
Just then, Karl suddenly stopped.
"Mother, Luna, you two go ahead. I have some matters to attend to."
Aelia looked at Carl with some concern. "Where are you going? It's dangerous outside right now."
Carl smiled slightly. "Don't worry, Mother, I'll be fine."
With that, he turned and walked into the darkness.
"Carl..." Aelia wanted to say more, but Leonard stopped her.
"Mother, let him go. He has his own ideas."
Aelia sighed and said nothing more.
"Come on, let's go back," she said, holding Luna as she continued toward her room.
In the darkness, Carl's figure gradually faded away, leaving behind a meaningful silhouette.
Where was he going?
What was he planning to do?
What would become of the future of the Glorious Demon Fortress?
Carl paused, glancing back at the distant room with a determined look in his eyes.
He had to find a solution quickly; he couldn't let Mother and Luna come to any harm.
"My brother's leg... it must be healed," he murmured to himself, his voice low and resolute, as if making a vow.
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