Luna tugged at Aelia's small hand, leaving the stifling study that felt as if it could suffocate anyone.
Sunlight bathed Luna's delicate face, adding a touch of sacred radiance to her features.
She glanced back at the closed door, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of her tiny mouth.
"Mother, let's go see Brother," Luna's voice was soft yet carried an undeniable strength.
Aelia was in a state of turmoil, almost instinctively following Luna.
Her mind was blank, desperately seeking a place to escape the sudden truth that had overwhelmed her.
At that moment, the Magic Arena of the Glorious Demon Fortress was alive with excitement.
Brother stood tall in the center of the competition arena, his posture as straight as a pine tree.
He held an ancient magic staff, his gaze calm and resolute.
No one could imagine that just a few months ago, he had been a Disabled Mage tormented by Magic Backlash to the point of despair.
All of this was thanks to Luna.
Using her knowledge of the Original Plot, Luna discovered the key to lifting Brother's Magic Backlash.
She risked her own safety to venture into forbidden territory and obtained the herbs needed to break the curse.
Of course, her confidence stemmed from being the reincarnation of a Great Mage.
What seemed like perilous Magic Traps were nothing more than child's play in her eyes.
With Luna's help, Brother not only lifted the curse of Magic Backlash but also gained tremendous strength from this misfortune.
He transformed all his pain into strength, walking further down the path of magic.
Today marks the annual Magic Competition of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
Eldest Brother represents the Glorious Demon Fortress, cutting through opponents with unstoppable momentum.
"Go, Eldest Brother!" Luna cheered loudly from the crowd, waving her small hands in encouragement.
Aelia watched her son, who stood confidently on the competition stage, a wave of pride swelling in her heart.
She could envision the future of the Glorious Demon Fortress and see the hope of their family.
Eldest Brother did not disappoint anyone.
With his superb magical skills and unwavering will, he defeated all his opponents and ultimately claimed the championship of the Magic Competition.
The entire competition venue erupted in cheers.
People rejoiced, celebrating Eldest Brother's victory and the glory of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
It had been a long time since the Glorious Demon Fortress had been this lively.
Ever since Leonard became engrossed in Leonard's Concubine and neglected family affairs, the reputation of Magic Castle had plummeted.
Eldest Brother's victory undoubtedly injected a strong dose of vitality into the Glorious Demon Fortress.
It rekindled hope among the people and reignited their aspirations for the future.
Luna looked at Eldest Brother, surrounded by admirers, her heart filled with contentment.
She knew this was just the beginning.
She intended to use her understanding of the Original Plot to change the destinies of all her family members, ensuring they all lived happy lives.
However, when she turned her head and saw Aelia's pale face, the joy in her heart vanished in an instant.
Aelia's eyes were filled with blood vessels, and her complexion was as pale as a sheet of paper.
She trembled slightly, as if she might collapse at any moment.
Luna knew that Aelia had not yet recovered from the blow of Leonard's betrayal.
With a heavy heart, she embraced Aelia and comforted her in a tender voice, "Mother, it's okay. Everything will be alright."
Aelia clung tightly to Luna, as if holding onto the last straw of hope.
Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, soaking Luna's clothing.
"Luna, why did he do this to me?" Aelia's voice was hoarse and filled with despair.
Luna remained silent; she didn't know how to answer Aelia.
All she could do was hold her tightly, trying to convey a bit of warmth.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Glorious Demon Fortress, a storm was brewing.
In Leonard's study, the atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
Leonard sat at his desk with a grim expression, while a provocatively dressed seductive woman stood before him.
"You useless fool! How could you let this happen? Why does Aelia know about this?" Leonard roared in anger.
The Seductive Woman trembled in fear, kneeling on the ground and pleading, "Lord of the Fortress, please spare me! I don't know how this happened; I've been very careful."
"Careful? Hmph! Your idea of careful is what got us into this mess!" Leonard seethed, wishing he could strike down the foolish woman before him.
However, he couldn't.
Though she was foolish, her family held some power in the magical community.
If he killed her, it would undoubtedly cause unnecessary trouble.
More importantly, he couldn't afford to completely sever ties with Aelia just yet.
Aelia's family was an old noble house in the magical realm, with influence deeply rooted in the community.
If he offended Aelia completely, his position as Lord would be at great risk.
"Get out! Just get out of here!" Leonard finally suppressed his fury, waving his hand to signal the Seductive Woman to leave.
She felt as if she had received a reprieve and scrambled out of the study.
Leonard slumped into his chair, filled with frustration.
He had thought he could navigate this situation, enjoying the tenderness of Leonard's Concubine while solidifying his position.
But he never expected that Luna, that little girl, would become a ticking time bomb in his plans.
"Luna, who exactly are you?" Leonard murmured to himself just as the door to the study was flung open.
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Brother San stormed in, their faces flushed with anger.
“Father, we have something to say to you!” Eldest Brother's voice was deep and filled with fury.
Leonard looked up at his three furious sons, a sense of foreboding washing over him.
“What do you want to say?” Leonard forced down his unease and asked in a low voice.
“Father, we already know about your betrayal of Mother!” Second Brother exclaimed, disappointment and rage evident in his tone.
“You…” Leonard's expression changed dramatically; he never expected his sons would find out about this.
“Father, we have always respected you, but this time you've gone too far!” Brother San added angrily. “Mother has sacrificed so much for you, and you treat her like this!”
“What do you know? This is adult business; children should not interfere!” Leonard retorted, trying to maintain his authority.
“We're not children anymore! We have the right to know the truth!” Eldest Brother stood his ground. “Father, we hope you can give Mother an explanation!”
“An explanation? What explanation should I give?” Leonard snapped in anger. “I am the Lord of Glorious Demon Fortress; I can do whatever I want. You have no right to dictate to me!”
“If you don’t give Mother an explanation, we will not acknowledge you as our Father!” Eldest Brother declared firmly.
“Fine! Fine! Fine!” Leonard trembled with rage, pointing at his three sons. “You ungrateful wretches! How dare you speak to me like this! Get out! Get out of my study!”
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Brother San shot Leonard a cold glance before turning and leaving the study.
Leonard was left alone in the room, seething as he smashed a teacup on the table.
“Aelia! Luna! Just wait! I won’t let you off easily!” Leonard gritted his teeth as darkness fell over Glorious Demon Fortress.
Aelia sat alone in the room, her eyes vacant and devoid of hope.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Qin Si entered, holding a steaming bowl of Tang Yao.
“Madam, please drink some medicine,” Qin Si said softly, her voice filled with concern.
Aelia remained silent, merely gazing at Qin Si.
Qin Si approached Aelia's side and gently handed her the Tang Yao.
“Madam, everything will be alright,” Qin Si reassured her in a gentle tone.
Aelia took the Tang Yao and drank it in one gulp.
“Qin Si…” Aelia suddenly spoke, her voice hoarse and trembling. “What should I do?”
Seeing the helplessness in Aelia's eyes filled Qin Si with compassion.
She moved closer and wrapped her arms around Aelia gently.
“Madam, whatever decision you make, I will support you,” Qin Si said firmly.
Leaning against Qin Si’s embrace, Aelia felt a slight alleviation of her inner pain.
“Qin Si, do you think I should really forgive him?” Aelia murmured to herself.
Qin Si did not respond but continued to gently pat Aelia's back.
Outside the door, Luna's small figure stood quietly, listening to the soft sobbing coming from inside the room. Her little face was filled with worry.
After a moment of hesitation, she ultimately decided not to go in.
But she believed that Aelia would make the right choice.
Because the real show was just beginning...
Qin Si's embrace was warm and firm, like a tall tree that had weathered many storms yet still stood tall.
Aelia felt that rare comfort, her tense nerves easing slightly.
“Madam, you still have us,” Qin Si's voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable strength, as if to say that no matter what happened, she would stand by Aelia's side.
At that moment, the door was pushed open again, and Lucius walked in.
He looked at Mother’s weary face and stepped forward to take her hand with concern.
“Mother, don’t worry. Everything will pass. Whatever decision you make, I will support you,” he said firmly, like a knight guarding his mother.
Aelia looked at the two loyal family members before her, feeling their warmth and finding some solace within herself.
Yes, she still had family; she could not be defeated!
She wiped her tears, took a deep breath, and her gaze gradually became resolute.
“Qin Si, help me get ready,” Aelia's voice returned to its usual calmness, even carrying a hint of imperceptible authority.
“I want certain people to know that I, Aelia, am not so easily defeated!”
Qin Si also revealed a look of relief.
Aelia stood up and walked to the grooming table, gazing at her slightly haggard face in the mirror. A cold smile crept onto her lips.
Leonard, do you think this will break me?
How naive!
This game has only just begun!
She picked up a lipstick and carefully applied it to her lips; the bright red color seemed to herald an impending storm.
She would make Leonard pay for his betrayal, for his foolishness!
"Madam, you are truly beautiful," Qin Si remarked sincerely.
Aelia looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
"Beautiful? Heh, the show is about to begin..."
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