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墨書 Inktalez
In the room, the air that once always carried the sweet Cedar Fragrance now felt as if it had solidified into a tangible weight, making it hard to breathe.
Sunlight streamed through the exquisite Carved Window Lattice, casting patches of light and shadow on the soft carpet, yet it could not dispel the heavy atmosphere.
Aelia reclined on the chaise lounge adorned with a velvet Soft Cushion. Her usually meticulously styled chestnut hair was now casually draped over her shoulders, appearing somewhat disheveled.
Her Fingertip gently traced the tea cup In Hand, but her gaze was vacant, fixed on the blooming white Black Rose outside the window, as if she were admiring it yet seeing nothing at all.
Qin Si stood cautiously to the side, her head bowed submissively, resembling a delicate Porcelain Doll, afraid to move.
She secretly lifted her eyes to glance at Aelia's expression, her heart growing increasingly anxious.
The lady's mood was clearly off today; ever since she had seen those unfamiliar flowers at the banquet, she had remained silent, as if her soul had been lost.
“Qin Si,” Aelia's voice was soft and calm, like a tranquil lake, “how long have you been by my side?”
At this, Qin Si quickly set down the silver teapot In Hand and respectfully replied, “In response to the lady’s question, I have served by your side since childhood; it has been Twenty Years now.”
“Twenty Years…” Aelia murmured to herself, a barely perceptible sigh lacing her tone.
Twenty Years—how many Twenty Years can one have in life?
She had devoted her most beautiful years to this Glory Fortress, to her husband, Leonard.
“The lady has treated Qin Si with kindness beyond measure; I will never forget it,” Qin Si quickly expressed her loyalty, fearing she had fallen short in some way and might displease her mistress.
Aelia lifted her head and fixed her gaze on Qin Si. Her eyes were like two sharp blades, seemingly capable of piercing through one’s heart.
“Qin Si, have you ever concealed anything from me?”
Qin Si trembled all over and quickly knelt on the ground, her voice shaking as she said, “My lady, please see clearly. Qin Si is wholeheartedly loyal to you and has no secrets at all!”
Aelia remained silent, simply gazing at her with deep and complex eyes, as if she could see through all the secrets hidden deep within her heart.
The room was enveloped in silence, with only their breaths clearly audible, creating an atmosphere so oppressive it was suffocating.
Finally, Aelia slowly spoke, breaking the suffocating silence.
“Qin Si, get up. I know you are a loyal and good child.”
Qin Si felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders and quickly stood up, lowering her head, afraid to meet Aelia's gaze.
“There are some things that cannot be hidden,” Aelia's voice was soft yet carried a chilling power.
“Tell me, what do you know?”
Qin Si's body trembled again as she took a deep breath and summoned her courage to say, “My lady… actually… actually…”
She hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, as if there was something difficult to say.
Aelia's brow furrowed slightly. “Speak up, Qin Si. I can handle it.”
Qin Si gritted her teeth and finally mustered the courage to say, “My lady, the master… the master has… has a Leonard's Concubine out there…”
With a thunderous crash, it felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck Aelia's head.
The teacup in her hand slipped away weakly and fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
The crisp sound of shattering echoed in the silent room, piercing the stillness.
Aelia's face instantly turned pale as paper, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Qin Si, as if trying to confirm whether she had misheard.
"What did you say? Say it again!"
Qin Si knelt on the ground, his voice choked with emotion. "Madam, Qin Si would never deceive you. This matter has already spread throughout the fortress. That woman... that woman lives in Outskirts Manor, and the master often goes to see her..."
Aelia sat frozen in her chair, like a statue stripped of its soul.
Her mind was blank, unable to think of anything.
Twenty years of love, twenty years of mutual support—was it all a lie?
Those vows and sweet words—were they all just deceptions?
Her heart felt as if it had been brutally sliced open by a sharp knife, bleeding profusely, unbearable pain coursing through her.
She could not accept this cruel reality; she would rather believe she was trapped in a nightmare, hoping that when she awoke, everything would return to normal.
Tears fell like pearls from a broken string, one by one rolling down from her eye sockets, soaking her chest.
She pressed her mouth tightly shut to stifle any sound, not wanting anyone to witness her vulnerability and sorrow.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly to one of deep grief and sadness. Qin Si knelt on the ground, repeatedly bowing his head in remorse.
Just then, a soft child's voice broke the suffocating silence.
Luna, the infant girl hailed as the jewel of Glory Fortress, was waddling towards Aelia.
Her small face was filled with anxiety, and her big, watery eyes were brimming with concern.
She reached out her chubby little hand, trying to grasp Aelia's hem, while making soft "ah ah" sounds, as if to comfort her mother.
Aelia looked at Luna's innocent face and felt a deeper pain in her heart.
She could not imagine how heartbroken Luna would be if she knew that her father had betrayed her mother.
She did not want her daughter to endure the same suffering she had experienced.
Struggling to muster a smile, she attempted to lift Luna into her arms but found her body too weak to even raise her arm.
Luna seemed to sense Aelia's pain; her little face was filled with confusion and distress.
She extended her small hand and gently stroked Aelia's cheek, trying to wipe away the tears on her face.
"Ah... ah..." Luna's voice was filled with comfort and encouragement, as if telling Aelia not to be sad, that she would always be by her side.
Aelia's heart was deeply touched by Luna's gesture.
Unable to hold back any longer, she broke down in tears.
The sound of her crying echoed in the room, filled with despair and sorrow.
Qin Si knelt on the floor, silently shedding tears.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out from outside the room. "Mother, may I come in?"
It was Lucius, Aelia's Third Son.
His voice sounded hesitant, as if he was concerned about something.
Aelia wiped her tears and tried to calm herself. "Come in, Lucius."
The door slowly creaked open, and Lucius stepped inside.
His gaze swept between Aelia and Qin Si, as if he sensed something.
"Mother, are you alright?" he asked with concern.
Aelia shook her head, forcing a smile.
"I'm fine, Lucius. Do you need something?"
Lucius moved closer to Aelia and whispered, "Mother, I've heard some things about Father..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Aelia interrupted him.
"Lucius, don't say any more. I already know."
Lucius fell silent.
"Mother, what do you plan to do?" he asked softly.
Aelia lifted her head, her gaze steady as she looked at Lucius.
"I have my own plans. You don't need to worry."
She paused for a moment and then said, "Lucius, remember, no matter what happens, you must protect Luna."
Lucius nodded and replied earnestly, "Mother, rest assured, I will protect Luna."
Aelia looked at Lucius, her heart filled with gratitude.
Her sons, though each had their flaws, were kind and responsible individuals.
She believed they would help her through this difficult time.
"Alright, you can go now. I want to be alone for a while," Aelia said softly.
Lucius nodded again and turned to leave the room.
Silence returned to the room.
Aelia sat quietly in her chair, her gaze deep and resolute.
"Leonard," she murmured, her voice cold and determined, "you betrayed me, and I will not let you go unpunished!"
She slowly stood up and walked to the window, looking at the blooming white Black Rose outside.
"Qin Si," she suddenly said, "go fetch the family ledger and all the details of Glory Fortress's assets. I need to examine them closely."
Upon hearing Aelia's command, Qin Si quickly wiped away the tears from her eyes and replied eagerly, "Yes, my lady, I will take care of it right away."
Qin Si understood that the lady was about to launch her counterattack.
She believed that with the lady's wisdom and capability, she would surely make that man who betrayed her pay the price he deserved.
A storm was about to erupt at Glory Fortress.
Aelia turned and walked over to Luna, holding her in her arms as she softly said, "Luna, my little treasure, Mommy will protect you. I will never let you come to any harm."
Luna seemed to understand Aelia's words. She reached out her tiny hands and tightly hugged Aelia's neck, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Laughter..." Luna let out a clear giggle, as if to tell Aelia that she would always support her and be by her side.
Aelia looked at Luna's innocent smile, feeling a surge of strength within her.
She knew that for Luna's sake, she had to be strong and overcome all difficulties.
Holding Luna close, she walked to the desk, picked up a Feather Pen, and wrote on the Parchment:
"Remove Leonard Von Elmero from the position of Lord of Glory Fortress."
After finishing the line, Aelia set down the Feather Pen and raised her head to gaze at the overcast sky outside.
Qin Si was holding the account book, preparing to push the door open when he heard the lady's firm and cold voice from inside: "Qin Si, relay my orders: seal off the entire fortress. No one is allowed in or out!"
The air in the Cultivation Room was usually filled with the buzzing sound of mysterious energy, but at this moment it was permeated with a different kind of tense atmosphere.
Dust particles danced in the shards of moonlight streaming through the tall arched windows, illuminating the deep furrows of worry etched on his brow.
He sat hunched over in front of a worn leather-bound book, yet his gaze did not linger on the intricate patterns of Magic Runes. Instead, he stared blankly at the Yellowed Pages, his eyes reflecting the turmoil brewing within him.
His hands, usually steady as a rock when manipulating Magical Energy, trembled slightly now, gripping the armrests of the chair tightly. The smooth wood creaked softly under the pressure.
Just moments ago, a trusted servant had quietly delivered news that hung heavily in the air, thick and suffocating like the smoke of Xunxiang.
His Father, the head of the Liang Zhu family, that resolute Lord, had betrayed his Mother, their family, and the very foundation of their lives.
Rumors had circulated for some time, but he had dismissed them as malicious gossip—nonsense born from the jealousy of lesser nobles.
Now, the confirmed news struck him like a heavy blow, leaving him breathless and dizzy.
The burden of the family's future, once shared among all, now felt like a collapsing mountain pressing down on him.
A Coldness crawled up his spine as he sensed a storm about to engulf their family, one that could potentially destroy everything they held dear.
His knuckles turned white against the wood.
He had to take action.
He had to protect his family, his Mother, and his Sister Luna.
But how?
That question lingered unanswered, like a heavy fog shrouding his troubled thoughts.
In Second Brother's Magic Laboratory, which was usually filled with the buzzing sounds of mysterious experiments, an unmistakable atmosphere of unease now permeated the air.
On the workbench lay several bubbling potions, untouched and seemingly mocking the gloom that enveloped the room with their vibrant colors.
Second Brother stood motionless before a complex array of lenses and mirrors, his usually bright eyes now clouded with worry.
The rhythmic dripping of the magical condenser, once a reassuring background noise, echoed in the silence like a mournful metronome, counting down to an unknown disaster.
The news of Father’s betrayal struck him like a Poison Arrow, swift and silent, leaving behind a wound as deep as Zhuo Tong.
He felt a strange detachment, as if observing everything from a distance.
The meticulously crafted instruments around him seemed to blur, losing their sharp outlines and reflecting his inner confusion.
He ran his hand through his hair, the gesture urgent and restless.
He had always prided himself on his logical thinking, his ability to dissect complex problems and find clever solutions.
But this… this was a knot woven from emotions and betrayal, and he couldn’t even find a suitable angle to begin unraveling it.
He thought of his Mother, her gentle strength and unwavering loyalty.
The image of her heartbroken face pierced through him.
Then he thought of Luna, their Sister, the bright spark in their sometimes discordant family.
What impact would this have on her?
The weight of the impending crisis pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.
He closed his eyes, trying to regain his composure and find a path through the approaching darkness.
He had to take action.
He needed to find a way to protect his family, to shield them from the consequences of Father’s reckless actions.
But what could he, a Mage, do against the storm that threatened to engulf their family?
In the training room, where the crackling sound of controllable Magical Energy usually filled the air, an uncontrolled Ailya's Roar echoed instead.
Brother San stood amidst the shattered remains of a crystal ball, sparkling quartz fragments scattered across the smooth floor like fallen stars.
His hands still flickered with residual energy, clenching and unclenching, his knuckles stark white against his dark skin.
Anger radiated from him like waves, hot and fierce.
The news of Father’s betrayal ignited a fire within him, consuming all reason and restraint.
He felt betrayed, not only by Father’s actions but also by the illusion of their carefully constructed perfect family. Despite the long-standing rumors and gossip surrounding their family, he had clung tightly to that illusion.
He paced around the room restlessly, movements agitated like a beast trapped in a cage.
He wanted to vent, to destroy something, to unleash the storm raging within him.
He kicked at a training dummy, sending it tumbling across the floor, but this act did nothing to quell the anger that consumed him.
He thought of his Mother, the gentle strength she always displayed, a surge of protectiveness rising within him, intertwined with anger.
He had to do something, anything, to shield her from the inevitable pain and humiliation that would come.
He grabbed a practice sword, the metal hilt cool against his Palm, providing him with a sense of reassurance.
He swung the sword fiercely through the air, imagining Father’s face right before him.
He was panting, his chest heaving violently.
He felt a dangerous energy building inside him, an impulse to confront Father, to demand answers, to make him pay for the suffering he had brought upon their family.
In the nursery, which was usually filled with Luna’s gentle coos and the soft rustling of silk toys, there was now an unusual atmosphere of seriousness.
Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the colorful murals on the walls, but the playful ambiance had been replaced by a quiet gravity.
Luna sat on an oversized plush mushroom stool, listening intently as her brother Lucius spoke softly.
His usual carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by a serious expression that reflected the gravity of their situation.
He knelt before her, his gaze steady as he met hers.
He had always been Luna’s favorite brother, indulging her little tantrums and telling her fantastical stories.
Now, he no longer spoke to her as a playful sibling but as a confidant, a partner in their shared struggle.
He carefully chose his words to explain the rumors surrounding their Father, those tales of betrayal that had now become undeniable truths.
He observed her closely, gauging her reaction.
To his surprise, despite Luna's young age, she seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.
Her large, expressive eyes, which usually sparkled with mischief, now revealed a hint of understanding and a trace of sadness that mirrored his own.
He took her small hand in his, holding it gently yet firmly.
"We must be strong, Luna," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion.
"We need to protect Mom," Luna replied, gripping his hand tightly and nodding seriously, her small face filled with determination.
A silent agreement formed between them, a bond forged in adversity.
Lucius looked at his sister, a surge of hope rising within him.
Perhaps, just perhaps, they could weather this storm.
He had a plan, a daring plan, but it was their only chance.
Leaning closer to her, he spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, "I need you to do something for me, Luna..."
As night fell, the Glorious Demon Fortress was shrouded in a faint Magic Halo, appearing both mysterious and solemn.
Yet beneath this calm facade, dark currents swirled; a storm capable of overturning the very foundations of the Magic Castle was brewing.
Inside Aelia's chamber, the atmosphere was stiflingly oppressive.
On the exquisite Dressing Table lay several pieces of overturned jewelry, scattered like her currently tumultuous emotions.
Qin Si stood trembling to the side, not daring to breathe, fearing to provoke this usually elegant and noble lady.
“Madam…” Qin Si's voice was as faint as a whisper, laced with a hint of tremor.
Aelia suddenly turned around, her eye sockets reddened, tears streaming down her face like pearls that had slipped from their string.
“Why? Why is this happening? Leonard… how could he do this to me!”
Qin Si quickly handed her a handkerchief, watching Aelia with a pained expression.
She understood that for this woman who had devoted her life to the Magic Castle and her husband, Leonard's betrayal was undoubtedly a devastating blow.
At that moment, a faint sound of footsteps broke the silence in the chamber.
Luna appeared at the doorway, walking with unsteady steps.
Her clear eyes were filled with worry and concern.
“Mother…” Luna's voice was tender and soft, like a ray of sunshine trying to dispel the gloom in Aelia's heart.
Seeing Luna, Aelia's expression softened slightly. She hurriedly wiped away her tears and forced a smile.
“Luna, why are you here? It's late; you should go back to sleep.”
Luna shook her head, walked over to Aelia, and gently wrapped her small arms around her leg.
“Mother is sad; Luna will stay with Mother.”
Aelia's heart warmed as she picked up Luna, holding her tightly in her arms.
"My dear Xiao Luna, you are the most understanding of them all."
Meanwhile, in another part of the Magic Castle, the eldest brother, Second Brother, and Brother San gathered together, their faces etched with worry.
"Father has gone too far this time, brazenly bringing Leonard's Concubine back to the Magic Castle. It's as if he disregards Mother entirely!" Brother San exclaimed angrily. The young and impetuous man could not tolerate Father’s actions.
"This is not the time for rash decisions," the eldest brother said solemnly. Although the Magic Backlash had rendered him immobile, his mind remained sharp.
"Father's actions are undoubtedly a challenge to Mother's authority. There will likely be turmoil within the Magic Castle."
"What should we do?" Second Brother asked anxiously. Deceived by a close friend and trapped in a Magic Dilemma, he felt lost about the future.
The eldest brother replied, "We must unite to support Mother and protect the future of the Magic Castle. We cannot allow Father's schemes to succeed!"
As night deepened, the atmosphere within the Magic Castle grew increasingly tense.
A storm surrounding power, love, and family honor was about to sweep through.
And what role will Luna, this seemingly fragile infant, play in this impending storm?
Let us wait and see!
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