The air in the room felt as if it had solidified, pressing down on one’s chest and making it hard to breathe.
Luna's clear eyes sparkled with a determination that belied her age.
She gently tugged at Aelia's skirt, signaling her to come closer.
Aelia was filled with confusion.
What could this child possibly want to tell her?
But seeing Luna's serious expression, she leaned down and brought her ear closer.
“Madam, Leonard… he has betrayed you.” Luna's voice was soft, yet it struck Aelia's mind like a thunderclap.
Betrayal?
Leonard?
My husband?
How could this be possible!
Aelia felt a wave of coldness surge from her feet to the top of her head, as years of love and sweet memories flashed before her eyes like a slideshow.
She had always believed that she and Leonard were a match made in heaven, a couple envied by all in the magical realm.
He was handsome and charming, powerful and considerate, showering himself with endless care.
But now, Luna was telling her that all of this was a lie?
"Luna, what... what are you saying? Are you mistaken?" Aelia's voice trembled, tinged with a hint of hope she herself was reluctant to acknowledge.
Luna shook her head, her small face serious.
"Madam, I am not mistaken. Leonard has... another woman outside, and even an illegitimate child."
Boom!
Aelia felt her world shatter completely.
The family she had carefully maintained, the love she had taken pride in, turned out to be nothing but a lie!
Anger, humiliation, pain—various emotions surged within her like a flood, nearly drowning her.
She stood up abruptly, her body trembling slightly from rage.
Years of noble upbringing had taught her to control her emotions, but the fire burning in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
"Qin Si!" Aelia shouted fiercely.
“Madam, I am here.” Qin Si stepped forward immediately, bowing respectfully.
“Go summon Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Brother San, and Lucius. Tell them I have important matters to discuss with them!” Aelia's voice was cold and resolute, devoid of any emotion.
“Yes, Madam!” Qin Si complied without hesitation, her footsteps hurried as she left.
Having served Aelia for many years, she understood her temper well.
At this moment, the Madam was truly angry.
Before long, several people entered the room one after another.
The first to arrive was Eldest Brother, leaning on a magic staff, his face pale and his steps somewhat unsteady.
The magic backlash from years ago had nearly ruined his future and stripped him of his former vigor.
Yet his straightened back still displayed his resilient character.
“Mother, you called for us?” Eldest Brother's voice was hoarse, tinged with fatigue.
Following closely behind was Second Brother, his face filled with worry and his brows tightly knitted.
Ever since he had been deceived by a close friend and fell into a magic dilemma, he had remained gloomy, as if he had lost direction in life.
“Mother, what’s going on?” Second Brother asked with concern.
Brother San was the last to enter, looking somewhat disheveled and as if he hadn’t fully woken up.
Relying on his strong Magical Talent, he often neglected his training, spending his days idly without purpose.
“Mother, you called us in such a hurry. What’s the matter?” Brother San yawned and asked nonchalantly.
Lucius was the final one to arrive, his gaze resolute and expression serious.
As the Third Young Master of Magic Castle, he had always taken it upon himself to revitalize the family, striving to enhance his abilities in hopes of contributing to their legacy.
“Mother, did you summon us because something significant has happened?” Lucius asked respectfully.
Seeing her sons arrive one after another, Aelia took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions.
She knew that what she was about to say would completely alter the Destiny of Magic Castle.
Luna observed the various expressions on the faces of the men before her, aware that the main event was about to unfold.
Clearing her throat, she spoke in a youthful voice, recounting everything she knew about the Original Plot in detail.
From how Leonard conspired with Leonard's Concubine, to how that illegitimate child gradually seized power within Magic Castle, and finally to Aelia and her sons meeting a tragic end—Luna narrated it all thoroughly.
The room was enveloped in silence, with only Luna's tender voice echoing through the air.
Everyone listened in stunned disbelief, alternating between surprise, contemplation, and anger.
They could hardly believe that the usually respectable Father was actually such a despicable Little One!
The eldest brother gripped his wand tightly, his knuckles turning white.
He never imagined that his own Father could commit such a heinous act!
The Second Brother's face turned ashen as he recalled his own experience of betrayal by a close friend, filling him with even more sorrow and rage.
Was there truly no genuine emotion left in this world?
Brother San's expression grew serious; he set aside his usual nonchalance. He had always believed that possessing strong Magical Talent would keep him safe, never considering that the family's Destiny was so precarious.
Lucius's once-admired Father turned out to be so hypocritical and selfish!
He would never allow anyone to harm his Mother or family!
"This Leonard is utterly shameless!" Brother San couldn't help but exclaim, breaking the silence in the room.
"How could he do such a thing? He's worse than a beast!"
"Yes, Mother has treated him so well, yet he still betrays her. It's simply heartless!" Second Brother said indignantly.
Aelia looked at her angry sons and felt a slight sense of comfort in her heart.
She knew she was not fighting alone; she had her Children with her, and they would protect this home together!
"Alright, Children, now is not the time to be angry," Aelia said in a serious tone. "We must find a way to thwart Leonard's scheme, protect Magic Castle, and safeguard ourselves!"
"Mother, you are right!" Lucius said firmly. "What should we do now? Just tell us, and we will follow your lead!"
Aelia nodded, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally resting on her eldest son.
"Eldest Brother, do you have any ideas?"
After a moment of contemplation, the eldest brother slowly replied, "Mother, I think we might be able to..."
"I believe the priority is to contact the Magic Alliance!"
Before the eldest brother could finish his sentence, Lucius, who had been silent until then, suddenly interrupted him. He looked intently at Aelia, his tone carrying an undeniable conviction.
"Mother, we can leverage the power of the Magic Alliance to pressure Leonard, making him think twice before acting recklessly!"
Upon hearing this, Aelia nodded thoughtfully. It was indeed a good plan, but...
“However, Lucius, will the Magic Alliance help us?” Aelia asked with some concern.
Lucius smiled slightly. “Mother, don’t worry. I have my ways.”
“What ways?” Brother San asked curiously.
Lucius did not answer directly but smiled mysteriously.
“I can’t say just yet, but you’ll know in due time.”
He paused for a moment, turning his gaze to Aelia, and said slowly, “Mother, I need you…”
Eldest Brother spoke slowly, his voice slightly hoarse from the Magic Backlash, yet it carried a steady strength. “Mother, I believe we should stabilize the situation first and secretly gather evidence of Leonard’s betrayal. Only with solid proof can we hold a favorable position before the Magic Alliance.” He paused, lightly tapping his fingers on the table, producing a rhythmic “thud” sound. “The Magic Alliance is powerful, but they cannot intervene in family matters based solely on one side's word.”
Second Brother quickly added, “Eldest Brother is right; we need evidence! I think that since Leonard dares to betray Mother, he must have left traces behind. We can start by investigating his daily activities, financial dealings, and communication with Leonard's Concubine.” He anxiously rubbed his hands together, worry evident in his eyes. “But this will take time; we must be careful and not alert him.”
Brother San set aside his usual carefree demeanor and spoke seriously. “Both Eldest Brother and Second Brother make valid points, but I believe that in addition to gathering evidence, we also need to reach out to friendly forces in the magical community. Leonard has been operating in the magical world for many years and has extensive connections. If we are isolated and unsupported, it will be difficult to contend with him.” He clenched his fists, his tone resolute. “I know some like-minded friends who may not be as powerful as Leonard but are loyal and trustworthy. I will contact them as soon as possible to seek their support.”
Lucius’s eyes shone brightly as he spoke with conviction. “I agree with Brother San; we need allies! Additionally, I suggest that we strengthen the defenses of the Magic Castle to prevent Leonard from acting rashly out of desperation.” He paused, a fierce glint in his eyes. “We must not let him harm Mother or our family!”
Aelia listened quietly to her sons' discussions, feeling a mix of emotions within her.
She was proud of their growth and unity but also felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders grow heavier.
She took a deep breath and slowly said, “Children, you all make valid points. I have decided that we will split into two groups. On one side, Brother Eldest and Second Brother will be responsible for gathering evidence of Leonard's betrayal, ensuring that nothing goes wrong. On the other side, Brother San and Lucius will reach out to friendly forces in the magical community to seek their support while strengthening the defenses of Magic Castle.” Her gaze was resolute, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “We must unite and protect Magic Castle, safeguard our home!”
“Yes, Mother!” everyone responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the room.
The atmosphere in the room was vibrant and filled with hope; each person was brimming with determination, as if they could already see the dawn of victory.
Luna watched this scene unfold before her, her heart swelling with anticipation.
She knew that this battle had only just begun, and the road ahead would be long and fraught with unknown challenges.
But she believed that as long as they stood together, they could overcome any difficulty and change the destiny of Magic Castle!
Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks broke the harmonious atmosphere in the room.
“Knock, knock, knock,” the knocking was urgent and forceful, as if heralding some ominous sign.
Everyone exchanged glances, a sense of foreboding rising within them.
Aelia furrowed her brow and asked in a serious tone, “Who is it?”
A trembling voice came from outside the door. “Madam, it’s me, Qin Si… something has happened…”
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