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墨書 Inktalez
Luna's small brow furrowed as her chubby little hands unconsciously clutched at Aelia's clothing, mumbling indistinctly, "Bad... person... flower..."
At first, Aelia dismissed it as mere babble from her daughter. However, Luna was unusually persistent, repeating those few words over and over again, her tiny finger pointing toward the study. In her clear blue eyes, there was an unsettling hint of worry and anxiety that belied her age.
A chill crept up Aelia's back. The study was Leonard's private domain; aside from him and a select few trusted confidants, no one was allowed inside. Why would Luna point in that direction? How could a mere infant utter such strange words as "bad person" and "flower"?
Aelia's heart tightened suddenly as a terrifying thought flashed through her mind. Leonard... could it be... no, it couldn't be! He loved her so much, loved this family so deeply; how could he possibly do something to betray her?
Yet, Luna's strange behavior felt like a thorn deeply embedded in her heart. The seriousness in Luna's gaze was too intense, too... all-knowing, as if she were a small prophet foreseeing an impending storm.
Aelia's breathing quickened as she held Luna tightly, her fingertips nearly digging into her daughter's delicate skin.
Luna seemed to sense her mother's unease and reached out with her tiny hand to gently pat Aelia's cheek, comforting her in a baby voice, "Mama... not afraid..."
Those simple three words struck Aelia like a thunderclap in her ears. She looked down at her daughter; Luna's clear gaze held no impurities—only pure concern and... pity?
Pity?
Aelia's heart sank. Why would an infant feel pity for her mother? Unless... unless she knew something Aelia did not.
"Qin Si!" Aelia's voice trembled slightly.
Qin Si, Aelia's personal maid who had been by her side since childhood, entered immediately upon hearing her call. "Madam, what can I do for you?"
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Aelia forced calmness into her voice. "You... come here."
Qin Si approached the bedside and asked with concern, "Madam, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"
After hesitating for a moment, Aelia decided to share her doubts with Qin Si. Luna's unusual behavior was impossible to ignore; she needed someone to help uncover the truth, even if that truth might bring her unbearable pain.
"Qin Si," Aelia lowered her voice, trembling slightly, "I... I suspect..."
Aelia recounted Luna's actions and her own suspicions to Qin Si. Initially incredulous, Qin Si’s expression shifted as she observed Aelia’s serious demeanor; the doubts in her heart deepened.
"Madam," Qin Si said indignantly, "if what you say is true, then the Lord of the Fortress has gone too far! Rest assured, I will get to the bottom of this and seek justice for you!"
Aelia’s gaze grew resolute. "Good, Qin Si; I leave this matter in your hands. Remember to be cautious and avoid alarming anyone."
"Yes, Madam." Qin Si nodded solemnly.
Leonard was out handling affairs, giving Qin Si an excellent opportunity. She disguised herself and quietly left the Magic Castle. The streets outside the Magic Castle were bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out and bargaining. Qin Si wove through the crowd, her eyes alert as she observed everything around her. She knew she bore an important mission and could not afford any mistakes.
She visited several places Leonard often frequented, asking shopkeepers and waitstaff for information, leaving no detail overlooked. Her expression was tense and focused, like a leopard tracking its prey. Meanwhile, Aelia waited anxiously alone in her room for news from Qin Si. She paced back and forth, occasionally glancing out the window, her heart filled with both anticipation for the truth and fear that years of love were merely an illusion.
As time ticked by, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly oppressive. Aelia's heart raced as if it might leap from her chest. Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks broke the silence. "Madam..." Qin Si's voice came from outside the door, trembling slightly, "I... I’m back..."
Qin Si stood outside, looking weary and anxious. Aelia immediately opened the door and pulled her inside, asking urgently, "What happened? What did you find out?"
Without catching her breath, Qin Si poured out all the information she had gathered. Lowering her voice and speaking rapidly, she said, "Madam, I went to the Moonlight Tavern that Lord of the Fortress often visits. The waitstaff there said that he has been frequently bringing a beautiful young woman over these past few months. They act intimately, like a couple in love. I also found out that this woman is named Lilith; she is a Bard with an alluring figure and a captivating voice, which has won Lord of the Fortress's favor."
As Aelia listened to Qin Si's report, her face gradually paled, and her once-bright eyes dimmed. Her body trembled slightly as if all her strength had been drained away. She had always believed that Leonard’s love for her was unwavering and would not be shaken by anything. But now, the harsh reality pierced through her illusions like a sharp knife.
"What else?" Aelia's voice was so hoarse it was barely audible, as if it were squeezed from deep within her throat.
Qin Si gritted her teeth and continued, "I also visited several jewelry stores in town. The shop owners said that Lord of the Fortress often buys expensive jewelry for Miss Lilith, spending lavishly without hesitation. He even... he even gave Miss Lilith an Eternal Heart ring, which is something only a legitimate wife could receive!"
"Crash!"
Aelia's teacup fell from her hand and shattered on the floor, scalding tea splattering onto her skirt without her noticing. Her mind went blank; it buzzed as if a thousand bees were buzzing around.
"Enough! Stop talking!" Aelia covered her ears and screamed in agony. She could not accept this reality; she could not accept that her beloved husband had betrayed her and was mingling with a lowly Bard.
Qin Si looked at Aelia with concern and gently embraced her to comfort her, saying, "Madam, please don’t be upset; this must be a momentary lapse in judgment by Lord of the Fortress. You have to believe he still loves you."
"Loves me? If he truly loved me, how could he do such a thing?" Aelia pushed Qin Si away, tears streaming down her face like beads from a broken string. Her heart was filled with anger, sorrow, humiliation, and resentment. She had sacrificed so much for this family and for Leonard but received only betrayal and deceit in return.
"I will make him pay the price!" Aelia suddenly lifted her head, her gaze filled with unwavering determination.
She could not allow Leonard to get away with his actions; she needed him to face the consequences of what he had done.
Taking a deep breath, Aelia forced herself to calm down. She knew that this was not the time for sorrow or anger; she had to devise a plan quickly to be ready before Leonard returned.
"Qin Si, come here," Aelia whispered, sharing her plan with Qin Si.
After listening, Qin Si nodded gravely. "Madam, rest assured, I will follow your instructions. But... isn't this a bit too risky?"
"Risky? I can’t afford to think about that anymore. If I don’t fight back, I’ll just have to watch him take everything from me," Aelia replied.
The atmosphere in Aelia's room grew heavy and tense, like the calm before a storm.
Aelia and Qin Si exchanged a silent glance, each seeing the resolute determination in the other's eyes.
They did not know how Leonard would react upon his return or what the future of Magic Castle would hold.
But they both understood that a storm was about to arrive, and they had to be prepared to face it.
Qin Si glanced out the window; the sunset had painted the sky red, and night was approaching.
She softly said, "Madam, it’s getting late; you should rest early. Leave the rest to me."
Aelia nodded, leaning wearily against the headboard. Her heart was filled with unease and anxiety.
"Remember, be careful," Aelia's voice was soft yet filled with strength.
"Yes, Madam." Qin Si respectfully exited the room, leaving Aelia alone to confront the challenges ahead.
As night fully descended, the entire Magic Castle fell into slumber.
Only one room remained lit—the room of Aelia.
She sat quietly at the edge of her bed, gazing out at the pitch-black sky, her mind racing with thoughts.
She did not know if everything she was doing was right or what would happen in the future.
But she knew she had to fight for herself, for her daughter, and for the dignity she had lost.
Suddenly, a faint sound echoed in the room.
Aelia jolted upright, alertly scanning her surroundings.
"Mommy..." a tender voice called out from within the room, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tremor.
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