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墨書 Inktalez
Outside the Assembly Hall, the atmosphere was so tense it felt as if one could wring water from it. The thick stone walls seemed to absorb all sound, leaving only the muffled breaths of the crowd quietly spreading through the air. The Knights stood like statues, their upright forms appearing somewhat stiff under the invisible pressure. Sunlight filtered through the towering windows, casting mottled light and shadow, yet it could not dispel the coldness that hung in the air.
Everyone was anxious, straining to catch any hint of movement from within the Assembly Hall. The Old Guard gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his rough fingertips rubbing against the cold metal. He had weathered many storms at the Magic Castle and understood well the bloodshed and turmoil behind shifts in power. The younger Knights appeared restless, glancing frequently at the closed doors, fully aware that every decision made inside would impact not only the future of the Magic Castle but also their own destinies.
Amidst this suffocating silence, the figure of Mo Sorcerer stood out starkly. He anxiously lingered at the edge of the crowd, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Upon hearing Leonard's loud declaration within the Assembly Hall about assuming control over the Magic Castle, a tumultuous wave surged in his heart. "What... what am I going to do?" Mo Sorcerer nervously rubbed his hands together, panic rising within him. He knew he had been close to Leonard; if Lady Aelia learned the truth, she would not let him off easily.
He looked around, searching for an opportunity to slip away. But outside this heavily guarded Assembly Hall, every exit was firmly held by Knights, leaving no chance for escape. "No, I must think of a way to get out of here," Mo Sorcerer thought frantically, his eyes darting about. Suddenly, he remembered he had an important Magic Scroll that needed organizing; perhaps that could serve as a good excuse.
"Gentlemen, I just remembered there are some Magical Affairs I need to attend to; I fear I cannot stay here much longer," Mo Sorcerer said with forced calmness, trying to leave this place. However, as soon as he finished speaking, he was coldly intercepted by the Old Guard.
"Mo Sorcerer, this is a special time; without orders from the Lord, no one is permitted to leave," the Old Guard stated firmly, showing no room for negotiation. Mo Sorcerer's face turned pale as despair washed over him. He realized he had been marked and that escaping today would be nearly impossible.
"Alas, it seems I can only leave my fate to chance," Mo Sorcerer sighed deeply and lowered his head in resignation. The crowd waited silently as time ticked away second by second. Inside the Assembly Hall, there was still no sign of activity, as if all sounds had been swallowed whole. People began to recall scenes from Lady Aelia's reign.
She was decisive and acted swiftly, quickly pacifying the various factions within the household. Those once arrogant competitors were ruthlessly eliminated by her, leaving no hidden dangers behind.
"Remember when Lady Aelia first took over Magic Castle? So many people were unconvinced," a Elder Maid whispered.
"Indeed, those concubines all thought they could rise to power, but what happened? They were all dealt with by the lady one by one," another maid chimed in, her tone laced with a hint of glee.
"Lady Aelia is not someone to be trifled with. Anyone who dares to violate her rules will not end well," the Old Butler said sternly, his voice filled with warning.
It was precisely because of Lady Aelia's authority and decisiveness that Magic Castle had regained order and stability in such a short time. However, now Leonard's sudden proposal to take over the power of Magic Castle was undoubtedly a challenge to Lady Aelia and plunged the castle back into turmoil.
As everyone pondered their thoughts, the doors of the Assembly Hall slowly opened. Leonard stepped out, looking weary, his steps somewhat unsteady as if he bore an immense burden. He scanned the crowd, forcing a strained smile onto his face.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a few words to say," Leonard's voice was hoarse but filled with strength.
The crowd immediately ceased their chatter, watching Leonard intently as they awaited his words.
"I know everyone is worried about the future of Magic Castle," Leonard said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I feel the same way."
"During this time, Aelia has been unwell for various reasons and has struggled with many matters," his tone was filled with concern, as if he genuinely worried for Aelia.
"For the future of Magic Castle, for our shared home, I have decided to temporarily take on the power of Magic Castle to help Aelia share some of the pressure," Leonard announced loudly, his voice brimming with a sense of responsibility and mission.
"I believe that under my leadership, Magic Castle will surely overcome difficulties and move towards an even more glorious tomorrow!" Leonard declared passionately, as if he truly had no choice but to step up for the future of Magic Castle.
However, everyone present knew full well that Leonard was not there to help Aelia; he was there to satisfy his own ambitions and seize control of Magic Castle. His words were filled with hypocrisy and deceit, evoking feelings of disgust and disdain among the crowd.
Silence fell once more outside the Assembly Hall as everyone quietly watched Leonard, their hearts filled with complex emotions. Just then, a cold voice suddenly broke through the suffocating silence.
"Oh really? I had no idea that I was so ill that I needed to hand over control of Magic Castle to someone else."
Everyone turned in surprise to see Aelia slowly walking out from the Assembly Hall, a hint of mocking smile on her face.
"Leonard, you truly… have opened my eyes," Aelia's appearance was like a sharp sword that instantly pierced through Leonard's carefully woven lies.
The sunlight cast a golden halo around her but could not conceal the coldness in her eyes, which resembled Millennium Ice that chilled one to the bone.
"Aelia, you... how did you come out? Your health..." Leonard's smile froze on his face as if he had been slapped hard—painful and awkward.
He attempted to step forward to assist her but found himself rooted in place by just one glance from Aelia.
Aelia cast a disdainful glance at him, as if she were looking at a clown.
"My body? Thank you for your concern, Lord of the Fortress, but I'm not dead yet. As for you, Leonard, when did you start caring about family matters? I remember the last time you stepped into my room was three years ago at the family banquet."
The air instantly thickened, and the surrounding Knights and maids dared not breathe.
Aelia's words were like sharp knives, mercilessly scraping against Leonard's pride.
Leonard's face shifted between shades of green and white as he suppressed his anger and forced a smile he believed to be affectionate.
"Aelia, I know I have neglected you in the past, but you have always been in my heart. I have seen how hard you have worked for Magic Castle over the years; it pains me to see you unwell. I just want to help share some of your burdens..."
"Help me share?" Aelia seemed to have heard the greatest joke in the world; her voice suddenly rose, laced with sharp sarcasm.
"Leonard, do you think I'm still that naive girl from years ago? That I could be swayed by a few sweet words from you?"
She slowly walked up to Leonard, each step feeling like a stab to his heart, sending waves of anxiety through him.
Though she was not tall, her presence completely overshadowed Leonard.
"What you call 'sharing' is nothing more than an attempt to seize my power in In Hand while I'm down. Don't pretend to be so deeply caring; it disgusts me," Aelia's gaze was like a poisoned dagger, piercing straight into Leonard's heart.
Leonard was enraged by Aelia's ruthless exposure of his intentions.
He suddenly grabbed Aelia's arm, trying to use force to subdue her.
"Aelia, don't push me! I am your husband and the Lord of Magic Castle; what I say is an order! The future of Magic Castle is not yours alone to decide!"
Aelia let out a cold laugh and effortlessly broke free from Leonard's grip with a flick of her wrist.
Her movements were graceful and fluid, as if practiced countless times, filled with strength and confidence.
"Husband? Orders?" Aelia laughed as if she had heard the greatest joke ever told; her laughter made Hua Zhi tremble yet sent chills down spines.
"Leonard, how dare you even mention the word 'husband'? Do you think I don't know who truly occupies your heart? That little mistress living near Castle Exterior with her child—do you need me to announce it to the world?"
Leonard's face turned pale as if all the blood had been drained from him.
He never expected Aelia would know about his affair. This was his greatest secret and his most feared vulnerability.
"You... you're talking nonsense! I have no idea what you're saying!" Leonard retorted weakly, his eyes darting around in panic.
Aelia ignored his protests and turned to face the Knights and maids present, her voice cold and authoritative.
"The rules of Magic Castle have always been dictated by the Lord. I hereby command that Leonard be taken away and imprisoned in the dungeon! No one is allowed to visit without my permission!"
The Knights exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. After all, Leonard was still the Lord of Magic Castle; although currently subdued by Aelia, their loyalty and duty made them hesitant to act hastily.
Aelia's gaze swept over the crowd, exuding an undeniable pressure.
"What's wrong? Do you all wish to defy my orders?"
The Knights trembled at Aelia's stare, hastily lowering their heads, afraid to meet her eyes. They knew well that Aelia was ruthless; the consequences of disobeying her commands were unimaginable.
"Get moving!" Aelia barked, her voice echoing like thunder outside the Assembly Hall.
The Knights no longer dared to hesitate and rushed forward, surrounding Leonard.
Seeing the inevitable, Leonard closed his eyes in despair, knowing he was powerless to change his fate.
"Aelia, you will regret this!" Leonard's voice was filled with resentment, like a wounded beast letting out its final roar.
Aelia scoffed, casting him a disdainful glance.
"Regret? The word 'regret' does not exist in my dictionary."
The Knights dragged Leonard away, and calm returned outside the Assembly Hall. Yet, the air was thick with a stifling atmosphere, as if it were the calm before a storm.
Mo Sorcerer stood in a corner of the crowd, his face pale as paper, trembling uncontrollably. He never expected Aelia to be so forceful, actually daring to imprison Leonard in the dungeon.
"It's over, it's really over..." Mo Sorcerer lamented inwardly.
Just as he was quaking in fear, Aelia's gaze suddenly turned toward him, her eyes cold enough to freeze a person into an ice sculpture.
"Mo Sorcerer, come here." Aelia's voice was calm and indifferent, yet it filled Mo Sorcerer with despair.
His legs went weak beneath him, nearly collapsing to the ground. He knew his end was near.
He approached Aelia with trepidation and stammered, "M-Madam, I..."
Aelia cut him off before he could finish.
"I recall that you've been quite close to the Dark Mage lately?"
Mo Sorcerer's face turned ashen; he fell to his knees with a thud, pleading for mercy.
"Madam, please spare me! I was forced into it; I... I..."
Aelia looked at him coldly. "Forced? Hmph! I think you are enjoying it too much. What benefits has the Dark Mage given you that makes you serve them so willingly?"
Mo Sorcerer opened his mouth but was at a loss for words, unable to defend himself in that moment.
He knew that no matter what he said, he could not change Aelia's opinion of him.
"Enough," Aelia waved her hand, her tone filled with exhaustion. "Considering your years of service to Magic Castle, I will spare your life today. However, while you may escape the death penalty, you cannot avoid punishment. From today on, you are no longer a Mage of Magic Castle; you have been demoted to a Servant, responsible for cleaning the toilets of Magic Castle!"
Mo Sorcerer felt as if he had been struck by lightning upon hearing this verdict. He never imagined he would fall to such depths. Cleaning toilets? This was far worse than death!
"My lady, I..." Mo Sorcerer tried to plead for mercy but was ruthlessly interrupted by Aelia.
"What? You disagree?" Aelia's gaze turned sharp, like a knife aimed directly at Mo Sorcerer's heart.
He trembled and quickly lowered his head, not daring to utter another word. He knew that if he dared to defy Aelia again, he might not even survive.
"Take him away!" Aelia waved her hand dismissively, her voice dripping with disdain.
The Knights stepped forward immediately and dragged Mo Sorcerer away. His cries gradually faded into the depths of Magic Castle.
Aelia stood in place, looking at everyone around her, and slowly said, "I do not want anyone to speak of what happened today. If I find out that someone has leaked information, I will not show mercy!"
Everyone nodded vigorously, assuring her they would not reveal a single word. They understood that Aelia's methods were ruthless; once she set her sights on someone, there would be no good outcome.
Satisfied with their response, Aelia nodded and turned to walk toward the Assembly Hall. She knew that today was just the beginning; more challenges awaited her in the future of Magic Castle.
Qin Si hurriedly followed Aelia and quietly asked, "My lady, what should we do next?"
Aelia paused, gazing into the distance with deep eyes and replied calmly, "What is meant to come will come."
At that moment, a Knight rushed over, looking flustered as he reported breathlessly, "My lady, it's bad! The Dark Mage has sent a letter..."
Aelia took the letter from him and opened it; her expression darkened instantly as she clenched the Letterhead tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white.
"What do they want..."
"Oh, schemes and magic! Just what I desire! Here is my continuation of the story with a touch of my own 'flair':
"...what they have always wanted are those things." Alistair's voice was soft yet sharp like shattered ice cutting through the tense silence. Alistair was not an official staff member of the estate but rather a tolerated shadow who whispered quietly in the corridors of power.
His presence was unsettling, like a raven perched on a tombstone, yet he was well aware of the dark undercurrents swirling beneath the surface of the magical world, which was a valuable asset.
"Of course, it's power. But they are becoming increasingly audacious. This is not a request, Alia. This is an order."
Alia unfurled the crumpled parchment once more, the black ink twisting across the paper like a venomous snake.
How dare they be so brazen!
The Dark Sorcerers demanded access to the Heartstone, the very source of power for Glory Fortress.
They claimed it was for "proper safeguarding," asserting that a growing tide of Dark Magic threatened this realm.
It was an outrageous lie.
Everyone knew they sought to corrupt the Heartstone, twisting its power for their own ends.
"Proper safeguarding? How dare they?" Alia's voice was dangerously low, her suppressed fury rumbling like distant thunder.
"Do they think I'm some fool they can manipulate at will?" She tossed the parchment into the fire, watching it curl and blacken as flames consumed it, just as she wished to burn the Dark Sorcerers to ashes with her wrath.
Qin Si, ever pragmatic, gently placed her hand on Alia's arm in an attempt to calm her down.
"Miss, we must proceed with caution. Their power is formidable, and we are not what we once were..."
"Not what we once were?" Alia interrupted her. "Perhaps he thinks Leonardo's betrayal has weakened us, but I will not be intimidated. Let them come. Let them test the strength of Glory Fortress. They will find... it remains unscathed."
A sly smile crept across her lips, almost predatory in nature.
"Alistair, my dear shadow, I believe it's time for some... counter-strategy. I want to know their every move. Every whispered conspiracy, every shadow they cast. Can you help me with that?"
Alistair bowed his head, a raven feather tucked behind his ear swaying gently with the motion.
"Just as the wind reveals secrets, Miss, so shall I."
Alia turned toward the flickering flames; at that moment, her face resembled a mask of deep contemplation.
The Dark Sorcerers wanted to incite war?
Very well.
Let it be as they wish.
But this war would be fought by her rules.
And Alia held a secret trump card, one that even the Dark Sorcerers could not foresee: Xiao Luna, a child with an ancient soul who knew the future and whose destiny was rapidly changing.
This innocent child often spoke words wiser than those of the most experienced Mage when learning to talk from Yi Ya.
"Qin Si," Alia said softly, "it seems... game time is over."
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