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墨書 Inktalez
Luna tilted her head, resembling a cunning little fox. Aelia hummed a tune as she brushed Luna's flowing golden hair, sunlight streaming through the Colored Glass Window, filling the air with the sweet scent of Honey Cake. It was a perfect moment.
“Mommy,” Luna began in her baby voice, sweet as honey, “why is Daddy always not at home?”
Aelia's hands paused mid-stroke, her smile freezing on her face.
“He's busy with things at the castle, sweetheart.”
Luna blinked her big innocent eyes.
“But he's with another lady.”
Those words detonated like a bomb in the room. The Combing Mirror in Aelia's hand fell to the ground with a sharp clatter, shattering the beautiful illusion in her heart.
“What did you say?” Her voice trembled, her face turning pale in an instant.
Luna feigned fear, shrinking her neck. “I saw Daddy hugging a lady, and he bought her pretty flowers…” She embellished the story, each word like a small knife stabbing at Aelia's heart.
Almost simultaneously, Leonard pushed the door open, his face still carrying an unrestrained smile. Upon seeing Aelia's pale complexion and the shattered Combing Mirror on the floor, his smile froze, an ominous premonition washing over him.
“Aurea, let me explain…” Leonard began frantically, but before he could concoct a reasonable lie, Aelia erupted.
“Explain? What is there to explain!” She stood up abruptly, pointing at Leonard with a voice sharp enough to pierce eardrums. “You dare to betray me with another woman…” She choked on her words, unable to finish a single sentence.
Leonard's face turned ashen with anger and shame. “You’re listening to a child’s nonsense! She doesn’t understand anything!”
“I understand!” Luna shouted, her little face flushed red. “Daddy is bad! Daddy is lying!”
Three older brothers rushed in at the sound of commotion and froze at the chaotic scene before them. The eldest leaned on his cane, brows furrowed; the Second Brother wore a dark expression, anger flickering in his eyes; Brother San looked bewildered and at a loss.
“Father, what’s going on?” the eldest asked in a deep voice.
Leonard opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. He looked to his sons for help but only saw disappointment and indifference reflected in their eyes.
The air was thick and suffocating, like a taut string ready to snap at any moment.
"Enough!" Leonard finally erupted, "This is my family matter; it's none of your business!"
"Family matter?" Second Brother scoffed, "You've torn the family apart, and you still have the nerve to call it a family matter!"
As the tension escalated, Lucius quickly stepped in to mediate, "Alright, alright, let's all calm down. How about we take a stroll through the market to clear our minds?"
After a moment of silence, everyone eventually agreed to the suggestion.
The market was bustling with people, the sounds of vendors calling out their wares filled the air, and various food aromas wafted around.
Colorful goods were displayed everywhere, overwhelming the senses.
The lively atmosphere eased the previous gloom, and everyone's spirits began to lift.
Although Aelia still bore a hint of sadness on her face, she had started to chat and laugh with the children.
Suddenly, Qin Si picked up a beautifully crafted Scent Pouch and excitedly showed it to Aelia, "Madam, look! What a beautiful Scent Pouch!"
Aelia took it and examined it closely. Just as she was about to compliment it, the Scent Pouch suddenly exploded with a loud pop, releasing a burst of colorful smoke that splattered Qin Si's face with vibrant colors.
Everyone paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.
Even the usually silent elder brother couldn't help but smile.
"Cough cough cough..." Qin Si coughed while wiping the paint off his face, bemused, "What on earth is this..."
Luna laughed so hard she nearly doubled over, "It's a prank spell! Aunt Cessy, you're so adorable!"
Qin Si shook his head helplessly but joined in the laughter.
The sound of laughter echoed over the market, dispelling all shadows and adding a touch of joy for the upcoming Exorcism Festival.
As the sun set, the sky was painted with a golden hue.
"Let's head back," Aelia gently stroked Luna's hair, "It's time to prepare for the Exorcism Festival."
"Okay!" Luna exclaimed excitedly as she jumped up, "I want to make the prettiest pumpkin lantern!"
Everyone began to gather their things in preparation to return to Magic Castle.
Just then, a shadow darted past... "Who?" The elder brother called out warily.
Upon returning to Glorious Demon Fortress, the warm crackling of the fireplace dispelled the coldness of the night.
The air was filled with the sweet aroma of roasted pumpkin and cinnamon, mingled with the crisp scent of Pine Branch, a unique fragrance of the Exorcism Festival. Aelia directed the servants to hang colorful ribbons throughout the hall, while golden pumpkin lanterns were stacked in a corner, waiting for the nimble hands of Children to carve out whimsical designs.
She even hummed a cheerful tune, temporarily forgetting the shadow cast by Leonard. Luna flitted through the crowd like a Little Sprite, her golden curls bouncing with her steps, occasionally letting out laughter reminiscent of Yin Ling. She instructed Brother San to lift a large pumpkin onto the table, her small hands gesturing as she envisioned carving a frightening face.
Second Brother stood nearby, using magic to illuminate Colorful Lanterns, bathing the entire hall in a glow akin to Daylight. Even the usually taciturn eldest brother leaned on his cane, carefully selecting decorative ribbons, a rare smile gracing his lips.
Only Leonard sat alone in a corner chair, a glass of red wine in hand, his expression dark enough to seem as if it could drip water. He watched the bustling crowd, and when Aelia's gaze unintentionally swept over him, her smile instantly froze, her eyes turning cold and sharp.
She set down the ribbon she held and walked straight toward Leonard, tension thickening the air between them. “Leonard,” Aelia's voice was as cold as a winter's Cold Wind, “we…” Her words trailed off as her gaze fell upon the wine glass in Leonard's hand, her expression growing more complex.
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