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墨書 Inktalez
Luna's laughter echoed in the silent hall like a grotesque lullaby. Her small finger pointed at Barton as she mumbled the words "bad person," which pierced Leonard's heart like a sharp knife.
Aelia's initial shock and panic were interrupted by Luna's sudden action. She looked blankly at Luna and then at Leonard. Seizing the moment, Luna leaned closer to Aelia and, in a baby voice, revealed that Leonard had a concubine outside and had fathered a child with her.
She deliberately lowered her voice, but it was loud enough for Aelia to hear clearly. Aelia's face instantly turned pale, as if all the blood had been drained from her body. She covered her mouth in disbelief, her eyes wide open, staring intently at Leonard.
The hall was terrifyingly quiet, filled only with Luna's gentle breathing and Aelia's increasingly urgent heartbeat. "No... it can't be..." Aelia's voice trembled, sounding like a murmur or a desperate plea. She shook her head, tears silently streaming down her face, leaving two clear trails on her delicate makeup.
Luna gently patted Aelia's hand and spoke with an unexpected maturity for her age, "Mother, everything will be alright." This statement acted like a fuse, igniting Aelia's suppressed emotions completely.
She suddenly stood up, pushing aside the maid beside her, and rushed toward Leonard. "Leonard! Tell me! This isn't true!" Aelia's voice was sharp and piercing, filled with despair and anger. She resembled an injured lioness.
Leonard's face turned ashen; he opened his mouth to explain but realized that any explanation would seem pale and powerless. He looked at Aelia, his eyes flickering before he finally shouted in anger, "Are you out of your mind?! What are you saying in front of the child!"
"Child? Which child? Is it Luna or your nefarious offspring raised outside?!" Aelia's voice cracked with sobs as she trembled while pointing at Leonard, her body swaying unsteadily.
The atmosphere in the hall became unbearably tense, like the calm before a storm. Everyone held their breath, afraid to make a sound lest they disturb this couple on the verge of explosion.
Luna sat quietly in Qin Si's arms, watching the scene unfold before her without a hint of emotion. She knew this was just the beginning of the storm.
Her older brother, who had been sitting quietly in the corner observing everything, clenched his fists tightly upon seeing their mother’s breakdown. Ailya's white nails dug deep into his flesh, causing a sharp pain.
He suddenly stood up and walked over to Aelia, supporting her as he said with determination in his eyes, "Mother, I support you."
The second brother, who had been disheartened by his friend's betrayal, now felt empathy for Aelia’s plight. He recalled his own past pain and despair as his expression grew serious.
He walked up to his older brother and patted his thin shoulders, speaking in a low voice, "We're all here."
Leonard looked at his united wife and children, a surge of indescribable anger rising within him. He felt like a clown, mocked by everyone, betrayed by all. He shot a fierce glare at Luna, who met his gaze with a slight smile, her innocent expression shining through.
“Daddy, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?” she asked in a baby voice, her tone filled with concern.
Leonard stared at her pure face, and his anger intensified. Gritting his teeth, he said slowly, “You... are very good...”
Leonard forced out the words "very good" through clenched teeth, laced with a strong undertone of threat. The air in the hall seemed to freeze, all eyes focused on Luna, waiting for her reaction.
Yet Luna appeared completely oblivious to the danger, still smiling brightly, her clear eyes sparkling with mischief.
All this time, Brother San had acted like a spoiled child, indulging in fun and neglecting his responsibilities. He had relied on his slight magical talent to feel superior and had never been willing to practice diligently.
But today, witnessing their mother’s breakdown and their father’s furious humiliation, he suddenly became aware that the family's honor and safety were not as unbreakable as he had imagined. A sense of unprecedented crisis surged within him, leaving him breathless.
He could almost see the Magic Castle swaying in the storm, on the verge of collapse. No, he couldn't continue like this!
He clenched his fists tightly, Ailya's white nails digging deep into his palm; the sharp pain jolted him back to reality. Taking a deep breath, determination flickered in his eyes for the first time.
He needed to train; he needed to grow stronger; he needed to protect their mother, safeguard his family, and defend the Magic Castle! A strong sense of responsibility burned within him, igniting an unprecedented motivation.
Qin Si watched Aelia's heartbroken expression with pain that felt like a knife twisting in her chest. She had followed Aelia since childhood; they were like sisters.
Aelia's gentleness, kindness, and strength were all etched in her memory. Now, seeing Aelia betrayed by someone she trusted most made her wish she could tear Leonard apart!
Gently wrapping her arms around Aelia, she offered warmth to this wounded woman with her own body heat.
She gently stroked Aelia's back over and over, softly reassuring her, "My lady, don't be afraid. We are here for you. We will always support you." Aelia clutched Qin Si's hand tightly, as if holding onto a lifeline.
Hot tears soaked Qin Si's collar, also piercing her heart.
Luna looked at the chaotic hall but felt an unusual calm within herself. She knew that everything was going according to her plan.
Turning her head, she glanced at Lucius, who stood nearby with a curious expression. Lucius was Leonard's illegitimate son and an important piece in Luna's scheme.
Luna waved him over, signaling him to come closer. Lucius hesitated for a moment but eventually approached.
"How... how do you know so much?" he whispered, his tone filled with confusion and curiosity.
Luna smiled mysteriously and leaned closer to his ear, whispering, "It's a secret." Then she began to analyze the current situation with Lucius and discuss their next steps.
Lucius listened in astonishment; this seemingly innocent little girl had such a meticulous mind and bold plans that both impressed and frightened him.
He looked at Luna as Aelia's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by a cold fury. She wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and her gaze became resolute.
No longer was she the fragile noblewoman; she had transformed into a vengeful goddess awakened by betrayal. She looked at Leonard and said coldly, "Leonard, this is over between us." Then she turned to Qin Si and decisively commanded, "Qin Si, go collect evidence of his betrayal. I want him ruined!"
Qin Si met Aelia's determined gaze, filled with admiration. She knew that her lady had completely transformed.
Nodding vigorously, she turned to leave.
Leonard watched Aelia's icy stare with a sudden surge of panic. He tried to salvage the situation—he explained, apologized, even knelt down begging for Aelia's forgiveness.
But Aelia's heart had already turned to stone; she no longer believed any of his words. She looked at him coldly and said in a calm tone, "Leonard, just go. I don't want to see you again." Leonard opened his mouth to say something but was silenced by Aelia's frigid gaze.
He slumped down on the floor like a deflated balloon, his eyes hollow and devoid of all fighting spirit.
Luna observed Leonard's pitiful state with a barely perceptible smirk. She knew this was just the beginning.
Standing up, she walked over to Aelia and gently tugged at her hand, speaking in a baby voice, "Mother, we..." Before she could finish her sentence, the hall doors were suddenly flung open, and a figure rushed in...
The crackling flames in the fireplace cast flickering light across everyone's faces, creating a play of light and shadow.
In the grand hall of the Glorious Demon Fortress, which had once witnessed countless family feasts and laughter, a heavy atmosphere now enveloped the space. Aelia sat in the main seat, her expression solemn, with traces of tears still lingering at the corners of her eyes, yet unable to conceal the resolute light radiating from her brow.
Her elder brother sat beside her, gently resting a hand on her shoulder, silently conveying strength and support. The Second Brother and Brother San occupied either side, each wearing different expressions. The Second Brother furrowed his brow, seemingly still troubled by the betrayal of a close friend; Brother San, on the other hand, was unusually silent, his eyes flickering with contemplation as if engaged in a fierce internal struggle.
Qin Si stood behind Aelia, his gaze firm and ready to heed any command. Even young Luna had set aside her usual vivacity, quietly nestled in Aelia's embrace, her small hand tightly gripping their mother's clothing, feeling her warmth and the resilience that emanated from her very being.
"The Magic Castle cannot continue like this," Aelia broke the silence, her tone low yet resolute. "Leonard's betrayal has made me see reality clearly. We can no longer rely on anyone else; we must depend on ourselves."
Her elder brother nodded in agreement. "Mother is right. The three of us must unite and restore the prestige of the Magic Castle!"
The Second Brother echoed his sentiment. "I will handle my affairs swiftly and then fully support you, Brother." He lifted his head, looking firmly at Aelia. "Mother, please rest assured; I will not let you down again."
Brother San hesitated for a moment but finally spoke up. "I... I will do my best too." His voice trembled slightly but carried an unprecedented determination.
Aelia looked at her three sons and nodded with appreciation. She reached out and pulled them tightly into her embrace, feeling their warmth and support. A wave of warmth surged within her heart, granting her an unprecedented sense of strength.
Luna quietly snuggled against her mother, listening to their conversation with a subtle smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Everything was proceeding according to her plan.
She lifted her head to look at Lucius, who sat curiously in the corner. "Lucius," she called softly, "come here."
Lucius hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over. Luna leaned close to his ear and whispered something. His eyes widened in shock as he processed what she said.
After finishing, Luna patted his thin shoulders and smiled. "Think it over well."
Lucius stood there in a daze, looking at Luna with a complex expression as he fell into deep thought. Luna then turned to Aelia and said in a baby voice, "Mother, I'm tired; I want to go back to my room to rest."
Aelia lovingly stroked Luna's head and replied, "Alright, Qin Si, take Luna back to her room."
Qin Si picked up Luna and turned to leave the hall. Luna rested on Qin Si's shoulder as she glanced back at everyone in the hall. Her little mind raced as she recalled the original plot, silently plotting her next steps...
The doors of the hall slowly closed, shutting out the noise from outside.
Luna gently patted Qin Si's thin shoulders. "Sister Qin Si, let me down."
Qin Si carefully placed Luna on the soft carpet. As soon as the little one's feet touched the ground, she darted across the room like a nimble kitten, heading straight for the small table in the center. She climbed onto the matching little chair, resting her chin on her small hands, her azure blue eyes sparkling with wisdom beyond her years.
The room was quiet, with only the occasional chirping of birds outside, accentuating Xiao Luna's focus at that moment. Her little mind was like a high-speed machine, rapidly sifting through the memories of the Great Mage, trying to find a way to break the stalemate at the Glorious Demon Fortress from the vast sea of magical knowledge and original plots.
Her brows furrowed and relaxed alternately, while her pink lips moved slightly as if silently reciting some spell. Despite her small stature, she radiated a powerful aura—confidence and determination that belonged to a Great Mage, starkly contrasting with her youthful appearance. Her tiny fists were clenched tightly, brimming with immense energy, as if ready to explode and change the world.
Meanwhile, in Aelia's room, the atmosphere was entirely different. The lavish space felt like a vine cage, trapping Aelia's heart filled with pain and anger. She paced back and forth like a caged lioness, each step sinking into the thick carpet felt like stepping on her own heart—each step a piercing pain.
"Qin Si," Aelia's voice was hoarse, tinged with an almost imperceptible tremor. "Do you really think he… really betrayed me?"
Qin Si stood by, watching her mistress whom she had served since childhood looking so haggard; her heart ached for her. She sighed softly and comforted her, "My lady, you must take care of yourself. The Third Young Lady still needs you."
Aelia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, striving to suppress her emotions. When she opened them again, there was no longer confusion in her gaze; instead, it shone with resolute determination.
"I cannot falter," she declared firmly. "For my children, I must protect our position in Magic Castle!" She approached the grooming table and looked at her slightly haggard reflection in the mirror; an unprecedented resolve shone in her eyes.
At that moment, Leonard had just returned from his concubine's residence and appeared somewhat restless. He feigned calmness as he walked through the corridors of Magic Castle, but his steps felt heavier than usual. He glanced back occasionally, worried about Aelia's potential actions yet too afraid to confront her directly.
He could only act nonchalant while secretly observing every move within the fortress, trying to decipher Aelia's thoughts from subtle hints. In the Cultivation Room, his elder brother was sweating profusely practicing magic. Luna had lifted the curse of Magic Backlash from him, allowing him to reclaim his former glory.
He recalled that day when Luna stood before him in her tiny form, reciting profound ancient spells in her innocent voice while radiating confidence. In that moment, he felt as if he saw a glimmer of hope—the hope for their family's resurgence.
He was filled with gratitude, working harder in his training, eager to contribute more to his family. He waved his magic wand in hand, and Luna finally lifted her head from her thoughts, a sly smile spreading across her small face as if she had come up with a clever plan. She jumped down from her chair and ran to the bookshelf, searching for something. Suddenly, she stopped, her gaze landing on an ancient grimoire.
Meanwhile, in the room of the Second Brother, he stood before the mirror, gazing at his slightly haggard reflection, his heart a mix of emotions. He recalled how Luna had leapt from her chair like a delicate butterfly and fluttered to the bookshelf. Her small hands brushed gently over the ancient grimoire, her fingertips seemingly able to sense the magic embedded within its yellowed pages.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she pulled out a thick sheepskin scroll. The scroll was intricately adorned with complex magic circles, emanating a faint golden radiance that hinted at ancient and powerful magic. At the same time, a faint bitter herbal scent filled the Second Brother's room, mirroring the bitterness in his heart.
He sat helplessly by the window, staring at the overcast sky outside, lost in thought. Once a genius youth, he now felt like a bird with broken wings, unable to soar in the realm of magic any longer. He remembered how a once-close friend had gradually led him into a trap, stealing away his proud magical talent and pushing him into despair.
The taste of betrayal was like a sharp knife repeatedly cutting into his heart, leaving wounds that were hard to heal. Regret, anger, and unwillingness intertwined within him, bringing him close to the brink of collapse. He clenched his fists tightly, Ailya's white nails digging deep into his palm without him feeling any pain; the anguish within far outweighed any physical discomfort.
He needed redemption—a chance to rise again. He thought of Luna, the sister who had changed their eldest brother's destiny; she was a baby with clear blue eyes and incredible magical power. He knew Luna was their family's last hope and his only chance.
Struggling to stand up, he dragged his heavy steps toward Luna's room. When he reached her door, he took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and gently knocked on the door. "Come in, Second Brother," Luna's clear voice rang out from inside, like a refreshing spring flowing through his heart and washing away the gloom within.
He pushed open the door and saw Luna sitting at a small table with an ancient scroll in her hands, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. He approached her and bowed deeply, his tone laced with desperation: "Luna, I know you possess great magical power. I hope you can help me regain my magical talent."
Luna looked up at her once vibrant Second Brother now filled with despair and felt a pang of sympathy in her heart.
She set down the scroll in her hand and said in a tender voice, "Second Brother, I know you have suffered a great blow, but you cannot let yourself sink into despair. Your magical talent has not disappeared; it has merely been sealed. As long as you are willing to put in the effort..." She reached out her small hand and gently patted Second Brother's back, offering him encouragement and strength.
At almost the same time, in Brother San's room, he stood before the mirror, gazing at his increasingly disheveled face, filled with regret. He had once been the most talented child in the family, but due to youthful arrogance and being swept away by false praise, he had neglected his training. Now, watching his elder brother rise again with Luna's help, he felt a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach.
He recalled how his elder brother had patiently guided him in his training when they were younger, while he had always been distracted and half-hearted. Now that his elder brother had regained his strength, he felt like a failure for having achieved nothing. He believed he had let down his brother's expectations and wasted the family's nurturing.
Clenching his fists, he resolved that he could no longer continue to languish; he needed to change. He would restart his training and strive to catch up with his elder brother's pace to contribute to the family.
He quickly left his room and headed toward Luna's room. Standing at her door, he took a deep breath and knocked.
"Brother San, is there something you need?" Luna opened the door and noticed the rare seriousness on Brother San's face, looking somewhat puzzled.
"Luna," Brother San bowed deeply and spoke sincerely, "I would like to ask you to supervise my training. I want to start over and make up for the time I wasted."
Luna looked at Brother San, who had suddenly realized his mistakes, feeling a sense of relief in her heart.
She nodded and said, "Brother San, as long as you are willing to work hard, I will definitely help you."
Meanwhile, Lucius strolled through the garden of Magic Castle, appearing leisurely but actually calculating carefully in his mind. He had heard whispers of a rift between Father Leonard and Mother Aelia, and it seemed that this was all somehow related to that seemingly harmless Sister Luna.
Narrowing his eyes at the butterflies playing in the distance, he pondered quietly. This upheaval within the family might be an opportunity for him—a chance to gain more power and status within Magic Castle.
A subtle smile crept onto his lips as a glint of calculation sparkled in his eyes. He decided to observe patiently and wait for the right moment to secure the greatest benefit for himself.
Luna looked at Second Brother and Brother San before her, filled with hope. She knew that as long as they worked together as brothers, they could overcome the difficulties ahead and protect their family's honor. The ancient scroll in her hand emitted a faint golden radiance, as if signaling that the future was filled with hope...
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