Aelia staggered out of the room, holding Luna tightly in her arms.
The lingering ambiguity felt like an inescapable shadow, wrapping around her tightly.
Her mind was blank, and her steps felt unsteady.
“Madam, are you alright?” Qin Si asked with concern, steadying her as she noticed Aelia's pale face, filled with confusion.
Aelia shook her head, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.
“I’m fine, Qin Si. Let’s go back.”
Once they returned to the room, Aelia gently placed Luna on the bed and sat weakly at its edge, staring blankly out the window.
“Yi Ya…ya…” Luna reached out her chubby little hand, tugging at Aelia’s hem and calling her in a baby voice.
Aelia snapped back to reality, looking at Luna’s innocent face, a warm current surged within her.
She knew this wasn’t the time for sadness; she had children to care for, including three unruly sons who needed her attention.
“Luna, you truly are a little angel,” Aelia said softly as she stroked Luna’s hair.
Luna giggled, waving her little hands in the air as if responding to Aelia's praise.
“Madam, you look so much better when you smile. Don’t let that kind of person upset you; it’s not worth it. You still have Young Miss!” Qin Si comforted from the side, her tone laced with indignation.
She had never liked Leonard and was shocked that he had actually betrayed Madam!
Aelia took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions.
“Qin Si, you’re right. I shouldn’t let him get to me. I have more important things to focus on.”
She lowered her head and looked at Luna. “Luna, were you trying to tell me something just now?”
Luna blinked her big eyes and spoke in a vague manner, "Big brother... magic... backlash..."
Aelia paused for a moment before realizing what Luna meant.
She was talking about her elder brother!
The Magic Backlash had been troubling him for a long time, leaving her at a loss.
Could it be that Luna had a way to solve this problem?
"Luna, are you saying you know how to help your brother break the curse of Magic Backlash?" Aelia asked eagerly.
Luna nodded and began to babble excitedly.
Although Aelia couldn't understand much, she listened patiently, trying to grasp what Luna was saying.
"Second brother... friend... trick..." Luna continued.
Aelia's heart skipped a beat again.
Second Brother had been deceived by a close friend and fell into a Magic Dilemma, which worried her greatly.
Could it be that Luna had a way to resolve this too?
"Three kingdoms... talent... mistake..." Luna finished and yawned, seeming a bit sleepy.
But Aelia's mood soared with excitement.
If Luna could truly help her three sons out of their predicaments, that would be wonderful!
She looked at Luna and said, "Luna, you are truly my savior! Quickly tell me, what exactly do you have in mind?"
Luna stretched out her little hand, pointing in the direction of her elder brother, then pointed to her own head.
Aelia understood that Luna wanted her to go to her elder brother first, and then she would tell her how to resolve the issue.
"Alright, let's go see your brother now!" Aelia said as she picked up Luna and hurriedly headed outside.
At that moment, Qin Si rushed over, looking flustered.
"Madam, something terrible has happened! This is the message I just received; please take a look!"
Qin Si handed a letter to Aelia.
Aelia took the letter and opened it, only to feel as if she had been struck by lightning.
The letter detailed the correspondence between Leonard and his Concubine, even including photos of their secret meetings!
Aelia's hands trembled as the letter slipped from her grasp.
She had thought that Leonard had only made occasional mistakes, and that if she gave him another chance, he would return to her.
But now it seemed that everything had been a fantasy!
He had long since betrayed her and this family!
Years of love and trust crumbled in that moment.
She closed her eyes in anguish, tears streaming down her face.
"Madam, are you alright?" Qin Si asked with concern.
Aelia shook her head, forcing herself to suppress the pain in her heart.
"I'm fine, Qin Si. Let's go."
Despite the heavy blow she had suffered, Aelia steeled herself to carry on.
She knew that this was not the time for sorrow; she had more important matters to attend to.
She needed to help her three sons, and she had to protect the crumbling Glorious Demon Fortress!
Aelia held Luna close and slowly walked out of the room.
Her silhouette appeared somewhat frail, yet it was filled with determination.
“Luna, thank you,” Aelia said softly. “I will do as you suggested.”
Luna laughed lightly, as if responding to Aelia's gratitude.
Aelia looked at Luna, her heart brimming with hope.
Perhaps this little infant could truly bring miracles to their family.
As she reached the door, Qin Si hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Madam, what do you plan to do about this matter?”
Aelia paused her steps, not turning back but calmly replied, “Once I help the children through this crisis, I will personally ask him.”
Qin Si wanted to say more, but seeing Aelia's resolute back, she ultimately chose silence.
She understood that the Madam had made her decision.
Aelia cradled Luna and vanished at the end of the corridor.
“Where is Mother going?” a somewhat effeminate voice called out from nearby.
It was Lucius, the Third Young Master of Glorious Demon Fortress, standing behind a half-closed door, his gaze deeply fixed on the direction Aelia had taken.
A knowing smile crept onto his lips as he murmured softly, “This play is becoming more and more interesting…”
The night wind swept through the hall, carrying a hint of coldness.
Aelia carried Luna back to her room, and Qin Si immediately approached her, concern etched on her face. "My lady, are you alright? Lord... he..."
Aelia shook her head, signaling that she was fine.
She gently placed Luna on the soft bed, and the little one seemed to sense her mother's emotions, reaching out with tiny hands to grasp Aelia's hem tightly.
"My lady, do you really want to pursue this? After all, Lord is your husband," Qin Si's voice trembled. Having served Aelia for many years, she naturally did not wish to see her mistress in pain.
"Aelia, some things won't just disappear because I choose not to face them. My children are my bottom line; I cannot tolerate anyone harming them."
She walked over to the grooming table and opened an exquisite wooden box containing some jewelry and a letter.
These were gifts from Leonard, once a testament to her love, but now they felt filled with irony.
"Please help me put these away," Aelia said hoarsely. "Also, send someone to investigate who Leonard has been meeting and what he has been doing lately."
Qin Si's heart sank; she realized Aelia had made up her mind. Not daring to dissuade her further, she quickly replied, "Yes, my lady. I will take care of it right away."
Luna lay on the bed, watching her mother's determined expression and sighed inwardly.
She knew that the road ahead would not be smooth.
But she also believed that as long as she was there, everything would turn out alright.
"Laughter..." Luna let out a clear giggle, seemingly cheering her mother on.
Aelia turned around and looked at Luna's innocent smile, feeling a surge of strength within her.
She walked to the bedside and gently stroked Luna's little face, softly saying, "Luna, don't worry. Mother will protect you all."
Meanwhile, in another part of the Magic Castle.
In a dimly lit room, the elder brother sat cross-legged on the floor. His face was pale, beads of sweat dotting his forehead.
Dark currents of energy swirled around him, the power of Magic Backlash.
“Ha…” The elder brother exhaled deeply, struggling to open his eyes.
He attempted to summon the magic within him, but found it to be like wild horses running free, completely beyond his control.
“Useless, you’re finished.” A cold voice echoed in the room.
The elder brother lifted his head and saw Lucius standing at the door.
Lucius looked at him with a cold gaze, a smirk of mockery playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Lucius, what are you doing here?” The elder brother's voice was weak.
“I came to see this worthless piece of trash,” Lucius said leisurely as he walked into the room, his eyes scanning the elder brother as if admiring a tattered object.
“Once a Genius Mage, now reduced to a mere waste lying in bed waiting for death—how pathetic.”
“Get out!” the elder brother shouted with all his might, attempting to lunge at Lucius.
However, as soon as he moved, a powerful force pinned him down.
He collapsed helplessly to the ground, gasping for breath.
“Don’t waste your energy; you’re no match for me now,” Lucius said disdainfully. “But since you were once a Genius Mage, I can offer you a chance.”
“What chance?” the elder brother asked warily.
“As long as you’re willing to serve me, I can help lift the curse of Magic Backlash,” Lucius said slowly.
“Why would you help me?” the elder brother inquired.
“I simply don’t want to see a genius fall like this,” Lucius shrugged casually, his tone light.
"Have you made up your mind?"
The elder brother fell silent.
He knew that Lucius had ulterior motives.
However, in order to stand up again and protect his family, he was willing to take the risk.
"Alright, I agree," the elder brother said with difficulty.
A satisfied smile appeared on Lucius's face.
"Excellent, you've made a wise choice. From today onward, you are mine."
Just then, the door to the room was suddenly pushed open.
Luna walked in and looked at the two people in the room.
"Luna? What are you doing here?" Lucius asked with a frown.
Luna ignored Lucius and walked over to her brother, asking with concern, "Brother, are you alright?"
The elder brother shook his head, signaling that he was fine. He looked at Luna and asked, "Luna, why are you here?"
"I came to see you," Luna replied with a smile. "Brother, I have something I want to discuss with you."
Seeing this, Lucius realized it was inappropriate for him to stay any longer. He snorted coldly and turned to leave the room.
Luna watched Lucius's departing figure and then turned to her brother.
"Brother, what did you just discuss with Lucius?" she asked.
Elder Brother hesitated for a moment before telling Luna about what had just happened.
After listening, Luna's expression grew serious. "Elder Brother, you can't trust him."
"I know," Elder Brother replied, "but I have no other choice now."
Luna fell silent.
She understood that Elder Brother was speaking the truth.
Given his current condition, he simply lacked the ability to resist the power of the Magic Backlash.
"Elder Brother, let me help you," Luna said.
"You?" Elder Brother looked at her in surprise. "What can you do to help me?"
Luna smiled mysteriously and said, "I have my ways."
She extended her small hand and gently placed it on Elder Brother's wrist.
A warm energy slowly flowed into his body.
Elder Brother felt this energy and immediately experienced a sense of comfort.
To his astonishment, the once raging magical power began to calm down.
"What... what is happening?" Elder Brother asked in surprise.
"This is my secret," Luna replied with a smile. "Elder Brother, you just need to trust me."
She began to guide the magical power within Elder Brother, directing it along a special track.
The process was incredibly difficult; Elder Brother felt as if his meridians were about to be torn apart.
But he gritted his teeth and remained silent. He knew this was his only chance.
Time passed slowly, and his elder brother's face grew increasingly pale, his body beginning to tremble violently.
Luna's forehead was also beaded with sweat, and her expression was equally grim.
She realized she was exhausting her own strength.
However, she could not stop. She had to help her elder brother break the curse of the Magic Backlash.
Finally, at a certain moment, her elder brother's body jolted violently.
He felt the magic within him regain its calm.
He opened his eyes; he had succeeded! He had truly succeeded!
"Thank you, Luna," his elder brother said excitedly.
"No need to thank me," Luna replied weakly with a smile. "Elder Brother, you should rest well. I'll handle the rest."
With that, she turned and left the room.
The night grew even darker.
Second Brother sat alone in the study, a thick Grimoire laid out before him.
His expression was somber as he recalled the betrayal by his closest friend, filled with anger and resentment.
He had once trusted him so much, only to find that he would push him into a Magic Dilemma for his own gain.
"Why... why do this to me?" Second Brother whispered in pain.
Luna walked in and saw the pained expression on Second Brother's face, filling her heart with compassion.
"Second Brother, what are you doing?" Luna asked.
Second Brother looked up and met Luna's gaze.
He forced a smile and replied, "It's nothing, I'm just reading."
"Second Brother, you don't have to lie to me," Luna said. "I know you're hurting inside."
Second Brother fell silent. He knew he couldn't hide anything from Luna.
"Second Brother, let the past be the past," Luna said as she walked over to him and gently embraced him. "Don't let hatred blind your eyes."
Second Brother's body trembled slightly as he held Luna tightly.
He felt a warm current surge within his heart.
"Thank you, Luna," Second Brother choked out.
"Second Brother, you have to believe in yourself," Luna encouraged. "You can definitely overcome the Magic Dilemma."
Second Brother looked up at Luna's determined eyes, feeling a surge of strength within him.
He knew he could no longer remain in despair.
"Luna, you're right," Second Brother said. "I can't let those who hurt me see me fall."
He wiped away his tears.
"I want to start anew," Second Brother declared. "I want them to know that I'm not so easily defeated."
"That's the spirit," Luna smiled and said. "Second Brother."
She reached out her small hand and gently grasped Second Brother's hand.
"Second Brother, I will face this with you," Luna said.
Second Brother looked at Luna, his heart filled with emotion. He tightened his grip on her hand.
"Alright, we'll face it together," Second Brother replied.
He took a deep breath, picked up the Grimoire in front of him, and began to study it earnestly.
Luna watched Second Brother's focused expression, feeling a sense of comfort in her heart.
She knew that Second Brother had stepped out of the shadows and found his way forward again.
She quietly stood by his side, accompanying him.
In the room, only the sound of Yellowed Pages turning could be heard.
Time passed without her noticing how long it had been; the night had grown deep.
Second Brother set down the book in hand and rubbed his slightly swollen eyes.
"Luna, you should go to sleep," Second Brother said. "I'm fine now."
Luna shook her head and replied, "Second Brother, I'm not tired. I'll stay here and read with you."
Second Brother smiled and said, "Alright then, do as you wish."
He picked up the book again and continued reading.
Luna also took a Grimoire and began to read quietly.
The two of them spent a peaceful night in the study like this.
At dawn, the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room.
Second Brother set down the book in his hand and stretched lazily.
He felt invigorated, as if filled with strength.
Turning his head, he glanced at Luna beside him.
To his surprise, Luna had already fallen asleep in her chair.
Her face bore a hint of fatigue, yet a slight smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.
Second Brother looked at Luna, his heart swelling with affection.
Gently, he picked her up and carried her toward the bedroom.
He laid her down on the bed, tucked her in, and quietly watched her.
“Luna, thank you,” Second Brother whispered softly.
He turned and left the room.
Meanwhile, Brother San stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky.
His eyes were filled with confusion.
“Could it be that I was truly wrong?” he murmured to himself.
It seemed he had become aware of something, his expression growing complex…
The morning's first rays of sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting light upon Lucius's face.
He stretched lazily, feeling a faint trace of Magic Element in the air, and an unexpected surge of vitality welled up within him.
Since Luna's arrival, the Magic Castle seemed to be undergoing a quiet transformation.
He walked to the window and gazed into the distance.
In his memories, ever since the Magic Backlash, his elder brother had been gloomy, shutting himself away in his room and refusing to communicate with anyone.
As for the Second Brother, he had fallen into deep self-doubt after being betrayed by his closest friend, drowning his sorrows in alcohol day after day.
And Brother San... Lucius sighed. Although Brother San had great talent, he was overly arrogant and often neglected his training, indulging instead in pleasure.
But now, everything was different.
His elder brother seemed to have reignited his fighting spirit, the Second Brother was starting to face the Magic Dilemma with determination, and even Brother San had shed his former lethargy and begun to train seriously.
All of this was thanks to Luna's influence.
"What a remarkable Little One," Lucius murmured to himself, a genuine smile forming on his lips.
At that moment, a faint sound of footsteps approached.
Lucius turned around to see Brother San standing at the door, looking somewhat hesitant.
"Brother San, is there something you need?" Lucius asked.
Brother San nodded and stepped inside.
He looked at Lucius, a hint of apology in his eyes.
"Lucius, I was too willful before, always seeking pleasure and neglecting my training. I'm sorry."
Lucius was taken aback; he hadn't expected Brother San to apologize to him so openly.
Brother San had always been proud and rarely admitted his mistakes.
"Brother San, you don't need to say that," Lucius quickly replied. "I know you have always been talented; you just lacked some motivation. It's great that you're able to pick yourself up now."
Brother San took a deep breath, his gaze becoming resolute.
"I've thought it through. I can't go on like this. I want to start over, work hard on my training, and become a true Mage."
Lucius patted Brother San's thin shoulders with encouragement. "Good! I believe you can do it!"
"By the way, where's Luna?" Brother San asked. "I want to thank her in person."
"Luna is still sleeping," Lucius said. "She used a lot of energy yesterday helping Big Brother and Second Brother, so let her rest a bit longer."
Brother San nodded. "Alright then, when she wakes up, please convey my gratitude to her."
With that, Brother San turned and left.
Lucius watched Brother San's departing figure, filled with emotion.
Luna's arrival had not only changed the family's destiny but also filled the entire Magic Castle with hope.
Meanwhile, in the training grounds of the Magic Castle, Brother San was practicing magic diligently, sweating profusely.
He had shed his previous laziness; every movement was precise and full of power.
Luna stood by, quietly observing Brother San.
"Brother San, your movements aren't standard enough; pay attention to the details," Luna said in her baby voice. "Magic training allows for no carelessness."
Brother San nodded and listened carefully to Luna's guidance.
He knew that although Luna was young, she possessed extraordinary wisdom and insight beyond her years.
Every word she spoke was imbued with profound wisdom.
“Luna, thank you,” Brother San said gratefully. “If it weren't for you, I might never have awakened.”
Luna smiled and replied, “Brother San, there's no need to thank me. As long as you can persevere, you will surely succeed.”
Under Luna's encouragement, Brother San's enthusiasm for training grew increasingly fervent.
He practiced magic diligently every day, continuously enhancing his abilities.
Meanwhile, Lucius also began to actively assist Luna with various tasks.
He utilized his connections and resources to provide Luna with numerous conveniences.
He understood that in order for Luna to change the Destiny of Magic Castle, she needed the support of more people.
“Luna, here is some information I've gathered about Magic Castle. It might be helpful to you,” Lucius said as he handed her a thick stack of documents.
Luna took the materials and began to read through them carefully.
She discovered that the information was very detailed, covering various aspects of Magic Castle, including its history, culture, economy, and military.
“Thank you, Lucius,” Luna said appreciatively. “This information is very important to me.”
“Don't mention it,” Lucius replied. “It’s my honor to help you.”
Seeing the changes in their home, Lucius grew even more respectful of Luna.
He began to actively participate in her plans, contributing his strength to the future of Magic Castle.
However, just as Magic Castle was gradually regaining its vitality, a dark current was quietly surging beneath the surface.
Lord Leonard of Magic Castle had recently been coming and going at odd hours, his movements shrouded in mystery.
He seemed to sense the unusual activity at home, but he didn’t take it to heart.
"Hmph, a bunch of fools thinking they can change anything like this," Leonard scoffed disdainfully.
He remained engrossed in his tryst with Leonard's Concubine, relishing the fleeting pleasure.
He believed that as long as he held the power of the Magic Castle, he could control everything.
In a secluded manor, Leonard was entwined with a seductive woman.
"My dear, you are becoming more enchanting by the day," Leonard said flirtatiously, his hand wandering over her body.
The woman playfully rolled her eyes at him and replied, "Lord of the Fortress, you certainly know how to flatter. However, you seem a bit distracted lately. Is something happening at home?"
Leonard furrowed his brow and said, "It's nothing, just some minor issues. No need to worry."
"Really?" The woman smiled alluringly and said, "I heard that your wife seems to be investigating some matters concerning you."
Leonard's expression darkened instantly. "Who told you that?"
The woman laughed lightly and said, "Lord of the Fortress, it doesn’t matter who told me. Just be careful; you wouldn’t want to trip in a gutter."
Leonard grabbed her chin firmly. "You’d better shut your mouth! Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!"
Feeling Leonard's fury, the woman quickly fell silent.
She knew that Leonard was a ruthless man; once provoked, the consequences would be dire.
Leonard released her chin and coldly stated, "Remember, don’t meddle in others’ affairs! Otherwise, I will make you regret ever coming into this world!"
With that, Leonard stood up and left the manor.
His heart was filled with unease; he needed to act quickly to secure his position.
In the bedroom of the Magic Castle, Luna lay in her Cradle, humming a tune softly.
Her little face was filled with anticipation and schemes.
"Aelia's Mother should be able to uncover Leonard's crimes soon, right? Brother, Second Brother, and Brother San are all working hard to change their Destiny. It seems that the crisis in the Magic Castle will soon be resolved," Luna thought to herself.
However, she also knew that things were not that simple.
Leonard was not an easy opponent; he would surely take action to thwart her plans.
"What should I do next?" Luna began to ponder her next steps.
She intended to use her knowledge of the storyline to gradually guide the development of events, ultimately resolving the crisis in the Magic Castle once and for all.
The afternoon sun was just right as Luna continued to hum in her Cradle, signaling Qin Si to come closer...
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