Xiao Luna was not just a little girl who nibbled on cookies.
In her big, watery eyes, there was wisdom far beyond her years.
She knew that to make Aelia truly realize the situation, mere ambiguous hints would not suffice; she needed to provide some solid evidence.
So, on a sunny afternoon, Luna began to call out to Qin Si in a sing-song voice, her small hand occasionally pointing toward the study, mumbling a few broken syllables: “Dad… Dad… bad…”
At first, Qin Si didn’t understand and thought the Young Miss was just being playful.
But Luna persisted, repeating herself over and over while trying to mimic Leonard's tone; her expression was strikingly accurate.
Having served Aelia for many years, Qin Si was keenly observant.
Suddenly, she became aware that the Young Miss was hinting that something was wrong with the master!
Recalling the recent rumors circulating in the castle and the increasingly haggard appearance of the lady, a wave of intense unease surged within Qin Si.
“Young Miss, are you saying… that the master has done something to betray the lady?” Qin Si asked cautiously in a lowered voice.
Luna nodded vigorously, her big eyes filled with pleading.
She understood that Qin Si was Aelia's most trusted confidante; if she could persuade her, they would be halfway to success.
Qin Si looked at the delicate little girl before her, feeling a mix of emotions.
She could hardly imagine that a child who had only recently been born could be so perceptive about the adults' schemes.
“Don’t worry, Young Miss. I will get to the bottom of this,” Qin Si said firmly.
In the following days, Qin Si acted like a trained agent, discreetly gathering information about Leonard's suspicious activities.
She used her position as Personal Maid to enter Leonard's study, keeping a close eye on his letters and conversations.
She also secretly investigated Leonard's daily schedule and discovered that he often took advantage of official business to visit a hidden estate outside the city.
Finally, on a moonless and windy night, Qin Si infiltrated that estate.
She witnessed Leonard in an intimate embrace with a seductive woman, their behavior affectionate.
She also found love letters that Leonard had written to the woman, filled with expressions of love that were almost unbearable to read.
Qin Si's heart turned cold.
She never imagined that the master she had always respected was such a deceitful hypocrite.
The next day, Qin Si presented all the evidence she had gathered, including the love letters, photographs, and testimonies from the estate's servants, to Aelia.
Aelia stared at the undeniable evidence before her as if struck by lightning.
With trembling hands, she picked up the love letters and read them line by line.
The sweet words that once made her heart flutter now felt like sharp knives, piercing her heart deeply.
She had known Leonard since their youth; they had weathered countless storms together to reach this point.
She had always believed their relationship was unbreakable, the most beautiful existence in the world.
But now, all of it had become a joke.
“No… this is impossible… it can’t be true…” Aelia murmured, tears blurring her vision.
Qin Si looked at Aelia with concern but didn’t know how to comfort her.
She could only stand silently by, accompanying her.
Aelia suddenly raised her head; she could not tolerate being deceived and betrayed.
She had to ask Leonard herself what was going on!
Fuming with anger, Aelia stormed into Leonard's study and threw the evidence in front of him.
"Leonard, you need to explain this to me! What is going on?!" Aelia's voice trembled, filled with suppressed rage.
Leonard looked at the evidence before him, his face instantly turning pale.
He never expected that his secret would be discovered.
"Aelia, let me explain; things are not what you think..." Leonard tried to argue, but his voice sounded weak and powerless.
"Not what I think? Then what do you want to say? Do you want to tell me this is all fake? Do you want to tell me there’s nothing between you and that woman?!" Aelia roared, her voice nearly tearing her throat.
Leonard knew he could no longer deny it.
He simply tore off the facade, revealing his sinister nature.
"Yes, I do like her! She's young, beautiful, gentle—much better than you, you old hag!" Leonard spat viciously.
Aelia listened to Leonard's vile words, her heart aching like it was being sliced apart.
She never expected that the husband she loved so deeply could be so cruel.
"You... how could you do this to me..." Aelia said tremulously, her voice filled with despair.
"I've been good enough to you! If it weren't for your family's influence, would I be where I am today? Do you really think I love you? I only love your power!" Leonard said smugly.
Aelia could no longer endure it; she raised her hand and slapped Leonard hard.
"You bastard! I must have been blind to fall in love with someone like you!" Aelia scolded angrily.
Leonard, stunned by Aelia's blow, saw stars. He was furious and wanted to retaliate, but he hesitated, mindful of Aelia's Magical Power.
As the two continued their heated argument, a figure quietly approached outside the study.
It was the eldest brother, leaning on his cane, listening intently to the sounds of their argument from within.
Ever since Luna unintentionally triggered the Magic Element within him last time, he had felt his Magical Power gradually returning.
He knew that Luna was secretly helping him.
Today, he sensed that his Magical Power had reached a critical point, as if something was about to break free from its cocoon.
Unable to resist the urge, he stepped outside the study to see what was happening.
Suddenly, he felt a powerful Magical Fluctuation emanating from within the study.
He quickly focused his mind and summoned his Magical Power, trying to suppress this wave of energy.
At that moment, he felt a violent change occurring within his body.
The Magic Element inside him surged wildly, as if it were trying to break free from all restraints.
"Ah—" the eldest brother groaned in pain as his body trembled uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, in Luna's room, Xiao Luna sat with her eyes closed, silently praying.
With her faint Magical Power, she guided the Magic Element within the eldest brother, helping him break the curse.
Finally, after a difficult struggle, the Magic Element within the eldest brother calmed down.
He felt his Magical Power returning under his control.
Slowly, he opened his eyes, knowing that he had completely freed himself from the curse of Magic Backlash!
"My magic... my magic is back!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy.
He was eager to share this good news with Aelia, but when he heard the sounds of an Argument coming from the study, his heart sank again.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned on his cane and walked into the study.
The Argument sounds abruptly ceased, and all eyes turned to him.
"Eldest Brother, what are you doing here? This is none of your business!" Leonard said impatiently.
Ignoring Leonard, he approached Aelia and asked with concern, "Mother, are you alright?"
Aelia shook her head.
Turning around, he coldly glared at Leonard and said, "Father, you have gone too far!"
Leonard was intimidated by the eldest brother's presence and involuntarily took a few steps back.
"What... what do you want?" Leonard stammered nervously.
"I want to tell you that I see everything you do. Do you think we brothers are fools? You betray Mother and our family; one day you will pay the price for it!" the eldest brother declared sternly.
Leonard was left speechless by his words.
"Hmph, even if you know, so what? I am still the master of this fortress; I am still your Father! What can you do to me?!" Leonard retorted defensively.
“Is that so?” A chilling voice suddenly echoed.
Everyone turned to see Second Brother standing at the door, a strange smile on his face.
“Second Brother, you…” Leonard looked at Second Brother, a wave of intense unease washing over him.
Second Brother slowly walked into the study, his cold gaze sweeping over Leonard before finally settling on Aelia.
“Mother, there are some things I think you should know…” Second Brother said meaningfully.
A gust of Cold Wind swept through the grand halls of Glory Castle, carrying whispers of betrayal and deceit.
The truth of Leonard's disloyalty tore through the castle's tranquil facade like lightning, leaving behind shattered trust and simmering resentment.
The air was thick with tension, so dense it was hard to breathe.
Second Brother broke free from the Magic Trap that had bound him for so long, bathing in the moonlight that streamed through the tall arched windows.
The cool air kissed his skin, starkly contrasting with the burning shame that had tormented him for so long.
His fists clenched and then relaxed, feeling the surge of primal power flowing within him.
The betrayal of so-called friends, the intricate web of lies that had ensnared him, still stung like fresh wounds.
But now, under Xiao Luna's incredible wisdom, he saw everything clearly.
The illusions had been shattered, replaced by a steadfast determination to reclaim his life and magic.
He could almost taste the sweet flavor of revenge.
A low, deep chuckle resonated within his chest.
It was time to settle this score.
He started with small tasks, honing his skills and rebuilding the foundation of his magic.
The familiar power, the Hum of the Crystal, echoed within him, stronger and more controllable than ever before.
With each successful casting of a Spell and every surge of energy, his determination grew.
He not only aimed to reclaim everything he had lost but also to surpass his former self.
He would become a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, Brother San, once blinded by the dazzling illusion of his so-called talent, was now training diligently in the castle's Training Ground.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, stinging his eyes, but he did not back down.
Luna's simple yet profound words pierced through his arrogance, revealing the harsh reality of his wasted potential.
Shame burned within him like a fierce fire, becoming a powerful motivator.
He pushed himself harder, his movements becoming smoother and his Spells more precise.
With each incantation of a Spell, the Ground beneath him trembled, proving that his power was steadily increasing.
He felt a primal, untamed force awakening within him—an awareness of strength he had never realized he possessed.
This was not magic effortlessly wielded by a genius; it was the hard-earned power of a warrior.
The sensation was exhilarating.
Whispers filled the castle, servants exchanging anxious glances, their voices barely audible.
The news of Leonard's betrayal spread like wildfire, igniting a wave of speculation and fear.
What would become of Glory Castle?
What would Lady Aria do?
Aurea's face was pale, yet her expression remained resolute as she stood in her private chamber, tightly gripping an old box containing a Lucius Darkmoon Pendant.
The cold metal pressed against her skin, sharply reminding her of happier times and promises made and broken.
The betrayal pierced her deeply, like a jagged wound in her heart.
Yet beneath the pain, another flame flickered—one of defiance.
She would not crumble.
She would not allow Leonard's actions to define her.
She would rise from the ashes, stronger and more determined than ever.
She lifted her head, her eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight.
The air was filled with the faint scent of lavender and cedar, offering a small comfort amid the storm.
She looked down at the Lucius Darkmoon Pendant box, gently tracing the exquisite carvings with her fingertip.
A tear slipped down her cheek, but her lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.
It was time to take control.
Leonard tore off his disguise and paced the study like a caged beast.
Anger churned within him, hot and bitter.
How dare Aurea challenge him?
How dare those meddlesome little brats interfere?
He had built this empire brick by brick.
He would not allow it to be destroyed by a betrayed wife and a group of ungrateful children.
He slammed his fist down on the table, splintering the wood with the force of his blow.
His eyes narrowed into slits, exuding an air of danger as he scanned the room, searching for a solution, a way to reclaim his power.
He would crush them all.
He would make them understand who the true master was.
In the quiet nursery, Luna lay in her cradle, her small fingers tightly gripping a wooden toy.
Her bright and intelligent eyes watched the dancing shadows on the wall, her mind racing.
Everything gradually became clear; the plots of the novels she had once read unfolded before her eyes.
But this was no longer just a story; it was her life, and she intended to rewrite it.
Thinking of the chaos she had caused, a faint smile emerged at the corners of her mouth.
This was just the beginning.
“Qin Si,” Luna said softly, her voice barely audible, but the sharp-eared maid caught it.
“What is it, Young Mistress?” Qin Si replied, moving closer to the Cradle.
Luna pointed with her chubby little finger at a dusty, forgotten chest in the corner of the room.
“Open it,” she commanded, her voice surprisingly firm for an infant.
Qin Si hesitated. “But, Miss…”
“Open it,” Luna repeated, her gaze unwavering.
There was something in the baby’s eyes that sent a chill down Qin Si’s spine.
Her heart raced as she slowly approached the chest…
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