Outside the secret chamber, Aelia and Qin Si stood in silence for a long time.
Moonlight filtered through the Carved Window Lattice, casting dappled Light and Shadow on the Ground, mirroring their anxious hearts at that moment.
Luna's sudden "awakening" was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring ripples that no one could predict would lead to what kind of waves.
These waves came faster than expected.
When Luna awoke, she did not cry or fuss like other children. Instead, she gazed intently at her elder brother with her clear, water-like eyes. Her small mouth opened and closed as she uttered a series of unbelievable Spells.
These Ancient Spells, even experienced Mages might not fully comprehend, yet flowed from the lips of a babbling infant like celestial music, imbued with a hint of mystery.
Her brother's once dim Magic Mark gradually shone with brilliant light as Luna chanted the Spell.
A Warm Current surged through his body, washing away the intense pain brought by years of Magic Backlash like receding tides.
He felt a long-lost Magical Power swelling within him, vibrant and overwhelming, as if he had returned to the peak of his youth.
"My... my magic... it's restored?" His voice trembled with disbelief and joy.
He excitedly stood up, waving his arms and reveling in the rushing Magical Power within him.
Luna blinked her big eyes and asked in her Baby Voice, "Brother, how do you feel now?" Her expression was irresistibly cute, yet carried an air of maturity beyond her years.
In the secret chamber, everyone witnessing this scene was left speechless in shock.
They had witnessed a miracle—a miracle created by what seemed to be a fragile infant.
News quickly spread throughout the Glorious Demon Fortress, igniting joy among all its inhabitants.
The restoration of her brother's magical abilities was undoubtedly a powerful boost for the Magic Castle.
In the upcoming Magic Arena, the eldest brother seemed to be blessed by the gods, winning three consecutive victories and bringing the Glorious Demon Fortress back into the spotlight.
Everyone began to view Luna with newfound respect, considering her the family's lucky star.
As Luna looked at the smiles on her family's faces, a warm current surged within her. Changing the family's destiny was her primary mission upon arriving in this world, and she had finally taken the first successful step.
However, once the gears of destiny began to turn, they would not easily stop.
Just as the Magic Castle basked in joy, a hidden crisis was quietly approaching.
Qin Si, Aelia's trusted maid, accidentally learned that Lord Leonard had a concubine outside and even had an illegitimate child!
This news struck her like a bolt from the blue, leaving her dizzy and disbelieving. The esteemed Lord of the Fortress had committed such an act of betrayal against his wife.
Anger, worry, and turmoil swirled within her heart. Ultimately, her loyalty to Aelia triumphed over all other emotions.
She knew she had to inform her mistress about this matter, even if it might bring Aelia immense pain.
On a sunny afternoon, Qin Si gathered her courage and approached Aelia's room.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she struggled to maintain her composure, but her trembling voice betrayed her inner turmoil.
"Madam... I... I have something to tell you..."
Aelia was playfully teasing Luna when she noticed Qin Si's unusual expression, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.
"What's wrong, Qin Si? What happened?"
Qin Si hesitated for a moment before finally revealing the truth about Leonard's betrayal.
Aelia's toy from In Hand fell to the floor with a crisp sound, but it couldn't compare to the sound of her heart shattering at that moment.
Her face turned pale, her lips trembled, resembling a beautiful porcelain doll that seemed ready to break at any moment.
Years of sweet memories with Leonard surged in her mind like a tidal wave, now transformed into sharp blades that pierced her heart.
The world crumbled before her eyes, and the once unshakeable beliefs she held collapsed in an instant.
After a long silence, she found her voice again, trembling as she asked, "...he... he really...?"
Qin Si turned away in sorrow, choking on his words as he said, "Madam... I... I saw it with my own eyes..."
Aelia slumped helplessly into the chair, her gaze vacant as she murmured, "How could this happen... how could this happen..."
She reached out her hand, wanting to grasp something, but found nothing but emptiness.
The room was enveloped in a deathly silence.
Suddenly, Luna let out a soft hum from the cradle, breaking the suffocating stillness.
Aelia mechanically turned her head to look at Luna.
Luna seemed to sense her mother's sadness and reached out her tiny hand, gently grasping Aelia's finger.
At that moment, Aelia's tears finally burst forth.
"Luna..." she trembled as she called her daughter's name, "Mother... Mother..."
"Madam, you..." Qin Si looked at Aelia with concern, unsure of how to comfort her.
Aelia held Luna tightly, as if grasping a lifeline, her gaze gradually becoming resolute.
"Qin Si..." She lifted her head, her tone icy. "I want..."
Aelia's world seemed to collapse in an instant.
Leonard, the man who once appeared to her like a god, the one who had vowed eternal love to her, had betrayed her.
Warm tears fell drop by drop onto Luna's tender little face.
Luna seemed to sense her mother's sorrow, her small hand gripping Aelia's fingers tightly, as if silently comforting her.
In Aelia's mind, memories of sweet moments with Leonard flashed by like a revolving lantern.
The heart-stopping excitement of their first meeting, the solemn vows at their wedding, and the little details of their life together... Those memories that once brought her immense happiness now felt like sharp knives, piercing painfully into her heart.
"How could this happen..." Aelia murmured to herself, her voice hoarse and filled with pain and disbelief.
"How could he do this to me? To this family?"
She clung tightly to Luna, her body trembling slightly.
She felt as if her heart had been hollowed out, empty and filled with despair and helplessness.
Qin Si stood by, watching Aelia in pain, her heart filled with sympathy and concern.
She knew that this news was undoubtedly a tremendous blow to Aelia.
“Madam…” Qin Si choked out, “You must take care of yourself…”
Aelia said nothing, tightly embracing Luna, allowing her tears to flow freely.
Time passed, though how long she could not tell, and gradually Aelia's emotions began to settle. She lifted her head.
“Qin Si,” Aelia's voice was hoarse and weak, “What should I do?”
Qin Si looked at Aelia, feeling helpless.
She understood that what Aelia needed now was time—time to digest this cruel reality.
“Madam,” Qin Si said softly, “Please rest for now. We can discuss everything else later.”
Aelia nodded, slowly lying down on the bed while still holding Luna close.
Outside the window, the sun continued to shine brightly, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers.
However, in Aelia's heart, there was only gloom.
She did not know how to move forward in the future.
All she knew was that she could not fall; she had to be strong for Luna and for this family.
As time went on, Aelia gradually calmed down.
She began to contemplate the future of Magic Castle.
Leonard's betrayal was not only a personal wound but also a threat to the entire family.
If Leonard truly had a Concubine and an illegitimate child, the inheritance rights to Magic Castle would become murky.
This would spark internal family conflicts and could even lead to the decline of Magic Castle.
With this thought in mind, Aelia knew she could not allow such a thing to happen.
She had to protect Luna and safeguard their home.
Taking a deep breath, she struggled to maintain her composure.
She understood that this was not the time for sorrow and despair.
She needed to gather herself to face the challenges ahead.
Just then, Second Brother and Brother San hurried in.
They had already heard about their elder brother regaining his magic, as well as Leonard's betrayal.
They were both happy for their brother and furious at Leonard's actions.
Approaching Aelia's bedside, they asked with concern, "Mother, are you alright?"
Aelia shook her head, suppressing the pain in her heart. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me."
"Mother," Second Brother said, "Father's actions are simply unacceptable! We cannot forgive him!"
"Indeed," Brother San said, "we must support you and face the impending changes at the Magic Castle together!"
Aelia looked at her two sons, her heart filled with emotion.
She knew she was not fighting alone.
She had her Children, who would stand by her to protect this home.
Meanwhile, Lucius had also heard about this matter.
He was shocked by the changes in the family and began to reflect on his past behavior.
He had always been proud of his Magical Talent, neglecting his training.
Now, seeing his elder brother regain his magic and witnessing the family's crisis, he finally became aware of his Error.
He decided to work hard to enhance his magical abilities and contribute to the family.
He wanted to prove that he was not just a waste who relied solely on talent.
Aelia gazed out at the setting sun, her heart filled with both worry and hope.
She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.
"Qin Si," Aelia suddenly said, "go summon the Elders of the family; I have important matters to announce..."
Luna's small hand was soft and warm, like a tiny flame that instantly reignited Aelia's extinguished hope.
She looked down at the exquisite infant in the Cradle, whose clear eyes seemed to reflect the starlight of the entire universe.
Luna's gaze held no trace of an infant's innocence; instead, it radiated a determination and resolve that transcended her age.
In that moment, a surge of indescribable strength welled up within Aelia.
She knew she was not fighting alone; she had Luna, this little angel who had descended with mysterious powers, and she was her greatest hope.
Gently, she caressed Luna's small face, silently vowing to protect her daughter and safeguard their home at all costs.
She would never allow Leonard's betrayal to destroy everything she held dear.
Luna seemed to sense Aelia's determination, her little mouth curving into a sweet smile.
That smile was like the warmest sunlight of spring, dispelling all the shadows in Aelia's heart.
Luna babbled in sounds that others could not comprehend, but to Aelia, it felt as if her daughter was encouraging and supporting her.
Luna's tiny hand tightly grasped Aelia's finger, as if trying to transfer her strength to her mother.
Her big eyes were fixed on Aelia without blinking.
A warm current surged within Aelia.
She understood that Luna was not just her daughter; she was also her spiritual pillar, the source of strength that would help her overcome any difficulty.
Determined, she resolved to face all challenges bravely for Luna and for their home.
Slowly, she stood up and walked to the grooming table, gazing into the mirror at the weary woman staring back at her.
Her complexion was pale, dark circles under her eyes, and her hair was somewhat disheveled.
She took a deep breath, striving to calm herself.
“Aelia,” she said to her reflection in the mirror, “you cannot fall apart. You have Luna, you have this home. You must be strong; you must seek justice for yourself and your daughter!”
She picked up the Combing Mirror and carefully brushed her hair, tidying the messy strands until they were immaculate.
She applied an exquisite layer of makeup to conceal the fatigue and weariness etched on her face.
Dressed in a magnificent gown, she adorned herself to shine brightly.
She wanted Leonard to know that Aelia was not a soft persimmon to be bullied.
She would make him pay for his betrayal.
Aelia turned to Qin Si and said, “Qin Si, go fetch Leonard. I need to have a serious talk with him.” Her voice was cold and resolute, filled with authority.
Qin Si looked at Aelia, filled with admiration.
She understood that her lady had made up her mind to confront the Lord of the Fortress in a decisive battle.
Quietly, she stepped out to find Leonard.
Aelia took another deep breath, working to steady herself.
She knew that what lay ahead was a difficult fight.
She would confront Leonard, expose his true nature, and defend her family's dignity.
Her heart was filled with anger and determination.
She would never let Leonard get away with it; she wanted him to pay the price for his actions.
She wouldn’t cry or make a scene; she would use her intelligence and strength to completely crush Leonard.
She walked to the window, gazing at the bright sunlight outside, silently vowing to protect her daughter and safeguard their home.
She wanted Luna to grow up in an environment filled with love and warmth; she would never allow her daughter to come to any harm.
She wanted him to regret it, to suffer, to face the consequences.
She wanted him to know how terrifying the outcome of betraying her could be.
A chilling atmosphere filled the room.
Aelia stood by the window like a cold statue, exuding an intimidating presence.
Time passed slowly, and finally, Leonard's figure appeared at the door.
He was dressed in a lavish suit, a hint of fatigue and impatience on his face.
He had no idea why Aelia had summoned him, but he sensed that something bad was about to happen.
As he entered the room and looked at Aelia standing by the window, a false smile appeared on his face.
“Aelia, what do you need me for?”
Aelia turned around and coldly regarded Leonard, her eyes filled with anger and disgust.
“Leonard, you betrayed me, betrayed this family. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Leonard's expression changed slightly; he had not expected Aelia to already know about his affairs.
He struggled to maintain his composure, trying to mask his panic.
“Aelia, what... what are you talking about? I don't understand,” he stammered.
Aelia let out a cold laugh, pulling a letter from her bosom and throwing it at Leonard's face.
“Take a look at this. What else do you have to say?”
Leonard picked up the letter and opened it, his face turning pale as he trembled all over.
The letter detailed his relationship with Leonard's Concubine and the existence of their illegitimate child.
“This... this... this isn't true...” Leonard stuttered, attempting to deny it, but his pale face betrayed his inner turmoil.
“Enough, Leonard!” Aelia's voice thundered, interrupting his excuses.
“You don’t need to deny anything anymore. I know everything about you. Let me tell you, I will not let you off the hook! You will pay for your actions!”
“Aelia, what... what are you going to do?” Leonard asked in terror as he looked at Aelia, sensing the killing intent in her gaze.
Aelia slowly walked up to Leonard, reaching out to gently caress his face.
Her touch was tender and slow, but Leonard felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet.
“Leonard,” Aelia's voice was soft yet icy, “do you know what I hate the most? Betrayal…”
“Aelia, please let me explain…” Leonard tried to reason with her, but before he could finish, Aelia's expression suddenly changed as she fiercely grabbed his throat.
Leonard's face turned red, and he struggled to breathe.
He fought desperately to free himself from Aelia's grip, but he found her strength surprisingly overwhelming.
“Aelia, you’ve gone mad! Let me go! Cough, cough…” Leonard said with great difficulty, his voice hoarse and weak.
Aelia's gaze was cold and merciless; her fingers tightened around him, making it increasingly hard for Leonard to breathe. His complexion grew paler by the moment.
Just as Leonard was on the verge of suffocating, Aelia suddenly released him.
Leonard collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, his face as pale as a sheet, trembling uncontrollably.
Aelia looked down at Leonard with a cold expression, her eyes filled with disdain and contempt.
“Leonard, did you think I would kill you? No, I won’t let you die so easily. I want you to live and witness how I will destroy everything you hold dear!”
Aelia turned away and walked over to the cradle, gently lifting Luna into her arms.
She gazed at Luna's tender little face, filled with love and tenderness.
“Luna,” she whispered, “Mommy will protect you. Mommy won’t let anything harm you.”
Suddenly, Luna's small hand clutched tightly at Aelia's clothing. Her big eyes stared unblinkingly at Aelia.
“Mommy…” Luna suddenly spoke up, her voice sweet yet clear, tinged with an unsettling tremor. “Be careful… Lucius… he…”
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