Luna's small figure rushed into Aelia's room like a whirlwind, crashing into her embrace, a faint Lavender Scent lingering in the air.
“Mommy, Mommy!” she called in her baby voice, her little face flushed with excitement, resembling a ripe peach.
Aelia set down the Embroidered Shoes she had in hand and gently lifted Luna, placing her on her lap.
“What’s wrong, my sweetheart? Running so fast, be careful not to fall.”
“Mommy, I have something very important to tell you!” Luna's tiny hands clutched Aelia's sleeve tightly, her round eyes sparkling with intelligence. Her tone carried a hint of adult seriousness that created a delightful contrast with her childlike voice.
“It’s about… the future of the Glorious Demon Fortress!”
She lowered her voice dramatically, as if sharing a monumental secret, causing Aelia to chuckle softly.
“Oh? Our little Luna has started to care about the future of the Magic Castle? Do tell me, what is this important matter?”
Luna straightened her small frame, her tone as serious as a little adult’s.
“Mommy, think about it. Aren’t there fewer and fewer Mages in our Magic Castle? Those talented children don’t want to stay here to learn; they all run off to the Royal Magic Academy!” She waved her tiny fists as if accusingly pointing out this “brain drain.”
Aelia's smile gradually faded as Luna's words struck a chord, like a stone creating ripples in the calm lake of her heart.
She had to admit that Luna's observation was spot on.
The Magical Power of the Glorious Demon Fortress was indeed waning; if this continued, the consequences would be dire.
Seeing Aelia lost in thought, Luna pressed on, gently stroking Aelia's arm. Her soft voice carried a hint of worry.
“Mommy, if we don’t have strong Mages in our Magic Castle, we’ll be bullied! Luna doesn’t want to see you and the Brothers suffer…”
Her words were tinged with an almost imperceptible quiver, and her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.
The pitiful little appearance completely struck at Aelia's soft spot.
"My dear Xiao Luna, don't worry, Mommy will protect you," Aelia said, holding Luna close and gently patting her back. "You're right; we do need to cultivate more Mages. I'll go find Lucius and see what he can come up with."
After finding Lucius, Aelia got straight to the point.
Lucius hesitated at first; after all, nurturing magical talent was no easy task and required a significant investment of resources and manpower. Moreover, he had always been engrossed in his magical research and had little interest in managing affairs.
However, seeing Aelia's worried expression and hearing her sincere tone awakened a sense of responsibility towards their family deep within him. He understood that the Glorious Demon Fortress was their shared home, and if the Magic Castle declined, each of them would be affected.
"Alright, Mother, I promise you," Lucius finally nodded, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance but also a touch of determination. "I will do my best to cultivate more outstanding Mages for the Magic Castle."
With Lucius's affirmative response, Aelia smiled with relief; her anxious heart finally settled. She gently stroked Luna's hair. "Thank you, my Xiao Luna. You truly are Mommy's little lucky star."
Luna mischievously blinked her eyes, feeling secretly pleased. The first step of the plan was a success!
Next, Luna called Qin Si over, waving her small hand like a general commanding thousands of troops.
"Qin Si, go to the Royal Magic Academy right now and bring the best magic teachers to our Magic Castle!" she commanded firmly, leaving no room for doubt.
Qin Si was somewhat puzzled; how could a little child know about the teachers at the Royal Magic Academy?
But she felt an inexplicable trust in Luna, as if this small body contained immense energy.
"Understood, Miss." Qin Si respectfully bowed and turned to leave, her steps light and full of vigor.
She was determined to complete the task assigned by her mistress, contributing her part to the future of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
Watching Qin Si's departing figure, a mysterious smile appeared on Luna's face.
"The good show... is just beginning..." she whispered, a glint of cunning shining in her eyes.
The night around Castle Exterior deepened, and a black crow landed on the windowsill, letting out a hoarse caw that shattered the night's tranquility.
Luna looked up at the window, her lips curling into a meaningful arc.
"It seems someone can no longer hold back..." Qin Si rode in a horse-drawn carriage adorned with the emblem of the Glorious Demon Fortress, speeding along as the wheels clattered rhythmically over the cobblestones, sounding like notes of hope being struck.
The majestic archway of the Royal Magic Academy came into clearer view, and the air was thick with rich Magic Element, invigorating her spirit.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Si adjusted her slightly wrinkled skirt and jumped down from the horse-drawn carriage.
At the entrance of the academy, students in matching uniforms came and went, their youthful faces brimming with dreams of magic and vitality, the essence of youth enveloping her.
Qin Si did not dare to delay and headed straight for the administrative building of the academy.
Today she bore an important responsibility; she must invite the most renowned Magic Mentor in the academy—Mr. Elias—to the Glorious Demon Fortress!
Mr. Elias was one of the most popular mentors at the Royal Magic Academy. His knowledge of magical theory was profound, and his practical experience was extensive. What was even rarer was his ability to explain complex magical concepts in an easily understandable manner.
As a result, his classes were always packed, and seeking his guidance was akin to climbing a mountain.
Qin Si arrived at Mr. Elias's office door and gently knocked.
The dull sound of knocking echoed clearly in the quiet hallway.
"Come in," a slightly magnetic voice called from inside the room.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Si pushed open the door.
What greeted her was an office filled with books and Magic Artifacts.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the tiny dust particles floating in the air and revealing the figure seated behind the desk.
Mr. Elias appeared to be around forty years old, with slightly tousled brown hair and deep blue eyes that seemed to hold endless wisdom.
He wore a simple gray Magic Robe, exuding a calm and reserved scholarly aura.
"Hello, Mr. Elias," Qin Si said respectfully, slightly bowing. "I am Qin Si, the personal maid of Lady Aelia from the Glorious Demon Fortress."
Mr. Elias looked up, his gaze landing on Qin Si. "Glorious Demon Fortress? I recall... your Magic Castle has always had its own system of magical education. What brings you here today?"
Qin Si smiled slightly, maintaining her composure as she replied, "Mr. Elias, you may not know that we at Magic Castle have always placed great importance on nurturing magical talent. However, in recent years, the number of Mages in Magic Castle has decreased. Therefore, my lady hopes to invite an outstanding mentor like you to help us enhance our overall level of Magic Water."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "Of course, we at Magic Castle would never expect you to contribute without compensation. If you are willing to teach at our Magic Castle, we will provide generous remuneration and a comfortable living environment. Moreover, you will have the freedom to conduct your magical research, and we will fully support you."
Qin Si's words were sincere and appealing; she clearly expressed the intentions and advantages of Glorious Demon Fortress.
She believed that anyone who truly loved magic would be tempted by such an offer.
After listening to Qin Si's proposal, Mr. Elias did not show much expression on his face but simply said, "Thank you for the invitation from Magic Castle. However... I have worked here for many years and am very familiar with everything here. Additionally, the teaching resources and environment at Royal Magic Academy are top-notch; I truly cannot think of any reason to leave."
Qin Si had long anticipated that Mr. Elias would not easily agree, but she did not feel discouraged. Instead, she continued, “Mr. Elias, I know you have a deep affection for the Royal Magic Academy. However… have you ever considered that your talents and knowledge might be somewhat wasted if confined to this place?”
Her tone shifted, becoming filled with allure. “The Glorious Demon Fortress may not have the same historical significance as the Royal Magic Academy, but our Magic Castle possesses limitless potential for development. Our Mages at the Magic Castle are eager to learn more advanced magical knowledge; their thirst for knowledge is unmatched anywhere else. If you could come teach at our Magic Castle, you would become a key figure in our Magic Renaissance, and your name would be forever remembered in the history of the Glorious Demon Fortress!”
Qin Si's words ignited a burning flame within Mr. Elias, awakening a deep-seated desire.
He had always hoped to pass on his knowledge and experience to more people, helping them realize their magical dreams.
And perhaps the Glorious Demon Fortress was the place where he could achieve that dream.
“What is the teaching environment and compensation like at your Magic Castle?” Mr. Elias finally asked, his tone laced with anticipation.
Qin Si felt a surge of joy, knowing that things were taking a turn.
She quickly elaborated, “Our teaching environment at the Magic Castle is exceptional. We have dedicated Magic Laboratories and various advanced Magical Equipment. Additionally, our library is incredibly rich; you can find any Ancient Grimoire you need there. As for compensation, we will offer generous salaries based on your abilities and contributions, along with various benefits. You can also choose your own residence; we will provide you with the best accommodations.”
She paused for a moment before continuing, “Most importantly, we deeply respect knowledge at our Magic Castle. Everyone here will hold you in high regard. You will have the freedom to fully express your talents without any constraints.”
After hearing Qin Si's introduction, Mr. Elias fell into deep thought.
He carefully weighed the pros and cons, considering his future development.
After a long while, he lifted his head and looked at Qin Si with determination in his eyes. “Alright, I agree. I can visit your Magic Castle for a while to see if it truly suits me.”
Upon hearing Mr. Elias's response, Qin Si was overjoyed.
She exclaimed excitedly, “Really? Mr. Elias, you’re really willing to visit our Magic Castle? That’s wonderful! I promise you will love it there!”
She quickly pulled out an exquisite Invitation from her pocket and handed it to Mr. Elias.
“This is a handwritten invitation from our lady, detailing the address and contact information for our Magic Castle. You are welcome to visit us at any time!”
Mr. Elias took the invitation and nodded.
“I will arrange a time to visit your Magic Castle as soon as possible.”
Qin Si felt a sense of joy as her mission was successfully completed.
She knew that as long as Mr. Elias could come to the Glorious Demon Fortress, the Magic Water in the Magic Castle would surely see significant enhancement!
She bowed once more to Mr. Elias before turning and leaving the office.
In the corridor, Qin Si walked with light steps, as if each stride was on clouds.
She could hardly wait to share this good news with her lady and Luna.
As night fell, the Glorious Demon Fortress was enveloped in tranquility.
Aelia sat in her study, the book in hand remaining unopened.
Her brow furrowed, clearly still worried about the shortage of talent at the Magic Castle.
At that moment, a faint sound came from outside the window.
Aelia suddenly looked up and saw a petite figure standing on the windowsill, offering her a mysterious smile.
It was Luna!
She lightly jumped down from the windowsill, holding a folded note in her hand, which she handed to Aelia. The note read:
“Don't worry, Mom. Everything is under control.”
The night enveloped the Glorious Demon Fortress like a vast black curtain, so quiet that even the sound of breathing was distinctly audible.
Aelia sat in her study, the dim candlelight casting shadows on her slightly weary face. The heavy Magic Tome in her hands felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds, making it difficult to turn the pages.
The current state of talent depletion in the Magic Castle felt like an invisible rope tightening around her heart, making it hard for her to breathe.
She rubbed her Mei Xin gently, letting out a long sigh. The soothing Lavender Scent could not ease the anxiety churning within her.
Suddenly, a light figure on the windowsill broke the tranquility of the study.
Luna, a small silhouette bathed in moonlight, seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale as a Little Sprite.
She held a folded note in her hand, wearing a mysterious smile. Her lively eyes sparkled with mischief in the candlelight, shining like the brightest star in the night sky.
“Mom, are you still worried about the Magic Castle?” Luna lightly leaped down from the windowsill and landed softly on the carpet without making a sound.
She handed the note to Aelia, her tone cheerful yet imbued with a reassuring strength. “Don't worry; everything is within my grasp.”
Aelia took the note with curiosity and unfolded it. It contained only one elegantly written line from the Little One: “Wait for good news.” She looked up to ask Luna what it meant but found that Luna had already turned toward the door, leaving behind a mysterious silhouette and a meaningful phrase: “Mom, tomorrow... you will understand...”
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