"Madam," Qin Si's voice, tinged with suppressed anxiety, broke the morning's tranquility. "Another batch of Magic Water crystals has gone missing from the warehouse."
Aelia, who had been calmly flipping through the Magic Ledger in her hand, furrowed her brow slightly at the news.
She raised her gaze to Qin Si's somewhat pale face and asked softly, "How many?"
"More than last time—almost half a warehouse's worth," Qin Si replied in a lower voice. "And... the guards were completely unaware."
Aelia closed the Family Ledger and lightly tapped her fingertips on the table, producing a rhythmic sound that resonated in the quiet room, adding an invisible pressure on Qin Si.
"It seems it's time to get certain people moving," Aelia said, her tone carrying a hint of coldness. "Tonight, have Lord take some men to investigate. Leave no stone unturned; no detail should be overlooked."
"Yes, Madam," Qin Si responded, but inwardly she sighed.
She knew that the Madam was serious this time.
The two fell silent for a moment, and Qin Si's gaze inadvertently landed on Luna, who was sitting on Aelia's lap and curiously looking around.
The little one had wide, watery eyes that seemed to understand their conversation, making Qin Si feel a bit uneasy.
"This child... is becoming more extraordinary by the day," Qin Si couldn't help but whisper. "It feels like she understands everything."
Aelia turned to look at Luna as well. She gently stroked Luna's soft hair and smiled. "What does a little child understand? She's just curious."
However, Luna seemed to have comprehended Qin Si's words; she turned her head and stared intently at Qin Si with those clear big eyes.
That gaze felt as if it could penetrate one's heart, causing Qin Si to involuntarily shiver.
“Maybe… she really understands?” Qin Si murmured to himself, a sense of inexplicable awe swelling within him.
As evening fell, the Glorious Demon Fortress was stirred by a commotion.
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Brother San rushed back to the Magic Castle almost simultaneously.
They arrived in a flurry, worry and urgency etched on their faces.
“Where’s Luna? Is she alright?” Eldest Brother asked anxiously as soon as he stepped inside. His eyes, once filled with Magic Radiance, now appeared dull and hollow, evoking a pang of sympathy.
Aelia stepped forward, gently patting his Lucius' Thin Shoulders, and softly reassured him, “It’s alright, Luna is fine. Don’t worry.”
At her words, Eldest Brother let out a slight sigh of relief. He looked at Luna cradled in Aelia's arms.
“It’s all my fault… I couldn’t protect my sister,” he said quietly, his voice Hoarse and heavy.
Second Brother approached and gave Eldest Brother a gentle hug, comforting him, “It’s not your fault, Eldest Brother. What matters is that Luna is safe.”
Brother San stood nearby, his Eye Socket reddened as he nodded vigorously.
“Yes, it’s good that she’s back… good that she’s back.” His voice trembled slightly, clearly moved by the earlier scene.
The family gathered together, exchanging warm words and concern for one another; the atmosphere was both tender and touching.
As night descended, they sat around the dining table in the restaurant, enjoying a lavish dinner.
The table was laden with various magical Ingredients that emitted an enticing Cedar Fragrance.
However, each person’s mind was elsewhere, far from the delicious food before them.
Aelia set down her knife and fork, her gaze falling on Luna as she softly asked, "Luna, now that you're back, what are your plans?"
Luna looked up, blinked, and replied earnestly, "I want to help Big Brother with the Magic Backlash."
At her words, everyone froze. Big Brother looked at Luna with excitement.
"Luna... do you really have a way?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Luna nodded and affirmed, "I can give it a try."
Seeing this, Aelia smiled with relief.
"Good, then this matter is in your hands. If you need anything, just let Mother know."
After a pause, Aelia turned to Second Brother and asked, "How's the situation on your end? Have you chosen someone for magical assistance?"
Second Brother sighed and shook his head. "Not yet... it's too hard to find a suitable mentor."
Upon hearing this, Luna smiled slightly and said, "Mother, I actually have a candidate in mind. Mentor Sylvia from the Magic Academy has done extensive research on Second Brother's Magic Dilemma."
Second Brother's eyes lit up at her words.
"Mentor Sylvia? She's a renowned genius in the magical community! If I could get her help, my Magic Dilemma would surely be resolved."
Aelia nodded and said with a smile, "Alright, it's settled then. I'll send someone to the Magic Academy tomorrow to invite Mentor Sylvia over."
Brother San, listening from the side, impatiently interjected, "Alright, alright! Big Brother and Second Brother's matters are all arranged. What about my magic training assignment? Luna, when are you going to help me finish it?"
Luna rolled her eyes helplessly and replied, "Brother San, for training like this, you really have to rely on yourself. I can only give you some guidance; ultimately, it's up to you to put in the effort."
Brother San pouted and muttered, "I know, I know... Honestly, once you have a sister, you forget about your brother."
The family chatted and laughed together, the atmosphere light and joyful.
After dinner, a young maid entered and respectfully said to Luna, "Luna, the water for washing up is ready. Please follow me."
Luna obediently responded and then turned to Aelia, saying, "Mother, I'm going to wash up now."
Aelia nodded and gently said, "Go ahead, get some rest early."
Luna followed the maid out of the dining room.
Once Luna left, Aelia gestured for Qin Si to stay behind with her eldest son.
In the room, only Aelia and her eldest son remained.
Aelia looked at her brother's haggard face, filled with concern.
"Eldest brother, please tell me honestly, what happened with your Magic Backlash?" she asked softly, her tone full of care.
Her brother was silent for a moment before slowly raising his head.
"Mother, there are some things... I don't know how to say," he replied in a low voice, his tone hoarse and heavy.
Aelia looked at him. "It's okay, take your time. Mother will always be here with you."
He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself.
Slowly, he began to recount everything he had experienced...
The story is about to take an unexpected turn.
After dinner, the Glorious Demon Fortress was shrouded in a thin veil of night. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast dancing shadows across the hall, mirroring the fluctuating emotions of those present.
A maid led Luna toward her bedroom, traversing a long corridor. Luna moved with a lightness in her step, like a joyful little deer.
As she passed by a side hall, she caught a glimpse of her elder brother, who seemed to be waiting for something.
With a playful glint in her eye, Luna winked at him and then dashed away like a gust of wind, leaving her brother standing there, shaking his head helplessly yet unable to suppress a smile.
This little girl is truly full of surprises!
Upon returning to her room, Luna barely had time to catch her breath before the door burst open with a loud bang.
Brother San rushed in excitedly, clutching a thick stack of ancient grimoires that nearly knocked Luna off balance.
“Luna! My little genius! I’m counting on you for my magic homework!” Brother San exclaimed as he piled the books in front of her, creating a small mountain that almost buried the petite Luna.
Staring at the towering stack of grimoires, Luna felt her scalp tingle and her heart sank in despair.
This isn’t homework; it’s torture!
“Brother San, didn’t we agree you’d only need guidance?” Luna attempted one last protest, but Brother San clearly ignored her objections. With a serious expression, he opened one of the books and pointed at the densely packed magic runes. “Look at this Transfiguration Spell; I’ve never understood its pronunciation techniques…”
Despair washed over Luna as she closed her eyes. She felt as if she had fallen into an endless abyss surrounded by suffocating magic runes.
“Brother San, you are the Third Young Master Lucius of the Glorious Demon Fortress, with extraordinary magical talent…” Luna tried to ignite his fighting spirit, but Brother San interrupted her with a dejected look. “Sigh, don’t mention it. I might be the dumbest one in the family. Brother and Second Brother are so talented, and here I am…”
"So you need to work hard!" Luna suddenly opened her eyes, her tone laced with a hint of frustration.
Brother San paused for a moment, then scratched his head and grinned, "Right! I need to put in the effort! Luna, don't worry, I'll study hard. When you explain things to me, I'll listen carefully!"
Seeing Brother San's serious expression, Luna felt a mix of emotions.
She knew that although Brother San appeared carefree, deep down he yearned for recognition.
With a sigh, she resigned herself and picked up the Grimoire to begin her explanation.
Time passed slowly, with only Luna's clear voice and Brother San's occasional questions filling the room.
Finally, as the moon climbed above the treetops, Brother San left with the Grimoire in his arms, looking satisfied.
After seeing Brother San off, Luna rubbed her tired eyes, feeling an unsettling sense that something was amiss.
She had the nagging feeling that tonight's assignments were somehow incomplete, but she couldn't recall what exactly it was.
Frustrated, she ran her fingers through her hair and decided to summon Qin Si to inquire about the situation.
"Qin Si," Luna called out anxiously, "could you come here for a moment?"
Qin Si soon appeared in Luna's room, bowing respectfully as she asked, "Luna, what can I do for you?"
Luna hesitated for a moment before asking, "How have things been with the Magic Apprentices lately?"
Qin Si's expression shifted slightly; after a brief pause, she replied, "Luna, the situation with the apprentices... isn't good."
Luna's heart sank at her words. She pressed on, "What happened? What’s going on?"
Qin Si took a deep breath and lowered her voice, saying, "Recently, several talented apprentices have fallen into the Magic Dilemma. The situation is quite serious, and even..." She paused, not continuing her thought.
Luna's heart raced as she realized the gravity of the situation. She struggled to suppress her urgency and asked as calmly as she could, "Who are they?"
Qin Si named a few individuals, all of whom Luna was familiar with.
Luna's expression darkened further; she clenched her fists tightly, Ailya's White Nails nearly embedding themselves into her flesh.
Seeing Luna's anxious demeanor, Qin Si couldn't help but advise, "Luna, you haven't fully recovered yet. It might be best to avoid these matters for now."
Luna shot her head up. "Avoid? How can I avoid it? They are my apprentices; I can't just stand by and watch them..."
Qin Si wanted to say more, but Luna interrupted her with a firm tone. "Qin Si, tell me about their magic assignments..."
Qin Si awkwardly rubbed her hands together. "Luna, the magic assignments... I-I don't know either." Her voice grew softer until it was barely a whisper.
She kept her head down, afraid to meet Luna's gaze, worried that Luna would blame her.
After all, she was Lady Aelia's Personal Maid but couldn't even handle the tasks of a Magic Apprentice; it was quite embarrassing to admit.
Luna sighed and rubbed her temples, feeling a wave of helplessness wash over her.
"I understand. You may leave now." Her voice sounded weary yet maintained an air of authority.
Qin Si felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She quickly bowed and hurriedly exited the room.
Luna watched Qin Si's retreating figure and shook her head in resignation.
She knew that while Qin Si was clever and quick-witted, she was utterly clueless when it came to matters of magic.
This couldn't be blamed on her, after all, not everyone possessed Magical Talent.
Luna walked to the window and pushed it open, a refreshing night breeze greeted her, carrying a faint scent of magical flowers.
Moonlight poured down like water, enveloping the entire Magic Castle in a silvery glow.
Luna took a deep breath, striving to keep herself awake.
She knew this was not the time to rest; there were many things waiting for her to do.
The apprentices trapped in the Magic Dilemma were still waiting for her help.
She returned to her desk, picked up the Feather Pen, and continued to tackle the mountain of magical assignments.
Magic Runes danced across the Parchment, shimmering with mysterious light, like mischievous Little Sprites beckoning to her.
Time passed second by second, and Luna's eyelids grew heavier, but she persisted, refusing to give up.
She understood that these assignments were not just tasks for the apprentices; they were also her promise to them.
She could not let them down, nor could she allow them to fall into danger.
Outside, the night deepened, and the moon gradually climbed above the treetops.
The Magic Castle was silent, only occasionally interrupted by the hoots of an owl.
Luna rubbed her aching eyes, feeling as if she could barely hold on any longer.
She glanced at the assignments on her desk; more than half remained unfinished, and a sense of anxiety crept into her heart.
At that moment, she suddenly sensed an unusual presence spreading from outside the door.
This presence was cold and eerie, imbued with a strong Magic Aura that sent a shiver down her spine.
Luna abruptly raised her head and looked toward the door. She held her breath, carefully attuning herself to the changes in the Magic Aura.
It grew stronger and closer, like a venomous snake stealthily approaching her.
Luna's heart raced as an inexplicable fear began to creep up from the depths of her being.
She gripped the Feather Pen in her hand tightly, her knuckles turning white.
"Who’s there?" Luna whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
However, there was no response from outside the door, only the increasingly potent Magic Aura silently answering her.
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