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墨書 Inktalez
"Madam, this child... seems to have been tainted by some traces of Dark Magic," the Old Mage said, stroking his beard. His tone was heavy, like a lead weight that slowly fell upon the hearts of everyone present.
"Even if we can cleanse it now, there is no guarantee it won't be tainted again in the future. Right now... while it is still developing, is actually the best time to suppress it."
Aelia's eyes instantly turned red, like two rubies stained with blood, shimmering with fear and despair.
She clutched the Old Mage's sleeve tightly, her voice trembling as she asked, "Mage, please... please tell me, is there still... a chance for survival?" Her voice was hoarse, tinged with an uncontainable sob, each word seeming to be squeezed out from the depths of her soul.
The Old Mage's gaze fell upon Luna, a hint of barely perceptible comfort in his eyes.
"The chance for survival... lies within this young lady." He paused for a moment, his tone becoming somewhat cryptic. "Madam, your future holds great blessings."
Aelia was taken aback. She looked down at Luna, who was gazing up at her with wide, clear eyes that blinked not once.
A flicker of inexplicable hope rose within Aelia's heart but was quickly replaced by worry.
"Then... what about Lord..." She wanted to ask about Leonard's condition but hesitated to voice her question, fearing the answer she dreaded most.
The Old Mage did not respond directly but sighed meaningfully. The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew heavy, as if the air itself had solidified.
Aelia's heart sank to the bottom. An ominous premonition surged within her.
After thanking the Old Mage, the group helped each other and slowly made their way toward the Magic Castle.
Qin Si supported Aelia and asked anxiously, "Madam, do you think... the young lady can really purify that Dark Magic? She... she is still so small..."
The Old Mage merely smiled without speaking, his eyes holding a hint of mystery.
Luna's small hand tightly grasped Aelia's hand. Her soft voice was surprisingly firm: "Mommy, I will use my magic and my love to help my brother!"
Aelia stroked Luna's hair, forcing a smile to reassure herself: "It's alright, Luna, it's alright..." However, deep inside Luna understood that only truly powerful Light Magic would be the key.
This was no trivial matter; one misstep could put both her brother and mother in danger!
She clenched her small fists tightly.
Upon reaching the entrance of the Magic Castle, Lucius carefully helped Aelia into the Horse-drawn Carriage, not forgetting to praise Luna: "Mother, my little sister is truly amazing! At such a young age, she can already use magic—what a gifted child!"
Aelia smiled with satisfaction, her gaze sweeping over her three sons standing nearby as she introduced them one by one: "Luna, this is your eldest brother, Second Brother, and Brother San."
The eldest brother, disabled from the Magic Backlash, wore a pale expression but still made an effort to show a gentle smile. "Luna, welcome home."
Second Brother had been deceived by a close friend and fell into a Magic Dilemma. Now, his eyes held a hint of melancholy, yet he tried to muster some cheer. "Luna, I will protect you from now on."
Brother San had neglected his training due to Talent Misguidance and appeared somewhat dispirited, but he also forced a smile. "Luna, if you have any questions in the future, you can ask Brother San."
Luna looked at her three brothers, who had weathered many storms, and a warm current surged within her.
She knew they had all endured great hardships, yet they still maintained their kindness and strength.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Brother San," Luna called sweetly, "from now on we are family!"
The wheels rolled on as they headed deeper into the Magic Castle.
Inside the Horse-drawn Carriage, Aelia watched Luna snuggled beside her, filled with both hope and concern.
She understood that the road ahead was long and fraught with unknown challenges.
Suddenly, Luna sensed an unusual Magical Fluctuation. She abruptly lifted her head and looked toward the direction of the Magic Castle.
"Mom, look..." Luna pointed at the highest tower of the Magic Castle where a small figure stood by the window, seemingly holding something in hand... facing them...
The wheels of the Horse-drawn Carriage creaked over the cobblestone path, accompanied by cheerful chatter within that matched the rhythmic sound.
As their journey came to an end, the air was rich with the scent of pine trees and humid earth, brushing against their skin and leaving them feeling refreshed and clean.
Aelia felt a sense of relief wash over her, filled with determination as she smiled at those around her.
"My dears," she announced warmly, "we have been through so much. Tonight, let’s have a feast! I will make my signature Honey Roasted Game Hen, along with those delightful Cheese Puffs you all love."
Luna sat among her brothers, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Oh, and we must have lots and lots of those magical Rainbow Candy Wrapper cupcakes! I could eat a hundred of them!" she declared playfully, winking.
Her brothers laughed, the tension of the past few weeks clearly dissipating.
Even their eldest brother, usually pale, had a hint of color rising to his cheeks.
It felt… wonderful.
Like a real family.
The Horse-drawn Carriage slowly approached the towering gates of Glory Fortress, the iron doors creaking as if awakening from slumber.
Suddenly, the Horse-drawn Carriage came to a jarring halt, causing everyone inside to lurch forward.
Before anyone could express concern, a gruff voice shouted from outside, "Halt! State your business!"
A fully armed guard peered into the Horse-drawn Carriage, his face partially obscured by his helmet.
His eyes widened when he saw Luna.
"Ah, is that not the Little Sorceress? We have all heard of your prowess, Young Miss. There is a celebration banquet at the fortress tonight to commemorate our recent victory against the Shadow Beast. You must attend."
The clever little girl blinked innocently.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly intrude…" she began, but then pulled out a gleaming Magic Fruit from a hidden pocket in her dress, glistening in the sunlight.
"However, since you insist so much..." She smiled slyly and handed the fruit to the astonished guards.
The guards gratefully accepted the gift, and excited whispers spread among them, their serious expressions transforming into smiles.
Soon, the Horse-drawn Carriage was surrounded by a group of Blessing bearers, their voices intertwining in a cacophony of praise and gratitude.
The scene was quite lively.
As the Horse-drawn Carriage finally continued toward the Main City fortress, Luna sensed her Mother’s unease. She placed her small hand on Aelia’s rounded belly and softly recited a soothing Spell.
A warm breath emanated from her tiny In Hand, enveloping Aelia.
"The Little One seems particularly quiet now," Aelia murmured, one hand protectively resting on her belly.
Luna's lips curled into a slight smile, though the joy did not reach her eyes.
"Oh, he’s just resting," she said sweetly. "Don’t worry, Mama. I will take good care of my little brother."
Lucius watched this scene and couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle.
He wasn't sure whom he should feel more sympathy for.
Finally, the Horse-drawn Carriage stopped in front of the imposing Golden Oak Door of the main fortress.
Leonard appeared unusually Pale and haggard as he hurried down the steps to greet them.
As Luna jumped down from the Horse-drawn Carriage, a strange metallic scent pierced her nostrils, sharp and unsettling.
She was all too familiar with this smell—it was the scent of Dark Magic, mixed with... the smell of blood.
Aelia froze, immediately covering her mouth with her hand.
"The smell..." She gasped, her face turning pale.
"I... I can't take it..." Fear flickered in her eyes, palpable and intense.
Luna followed the source of the scent, gazing at the massive Golden Oak Door.
Intricate patterns of Dark Magic Vortex were etched onto the door, barely visible to the naked eye.
At the bottom of the door... a twisted, horrific corpse of a Little Monster, eroded by shadows, lay in a heap.
"Oh, that," Leonard waved his hand dismissively. "Just another lost Shadow Beast. This happens all the time. Qin Si will clean it up."
Qin Si, just emerging from the castle, nodded seriously, a look of disgust on his face.
But Luna did not flinch; she knelt beside the creature, her eyes glinting with a strange fascination.
"Don't touch it, dear," Aelia said softly, her voice filled with anxiety. "It's... not clean."
Luna ignored her mother's plea and cautiously poked at the monster with her finger.
"Don't be silly, Mom," she said cheerfully, an unsettling delight in her tone. "This is a gift! A welcome home present from my dear little brother. We'll keep it. I want to... study it." Her small fingers traced the black Dark Magic patterns etched into the creature's flesh.
A barely perceptible smile crept onto her lips.
"Leonard," she suddenly whispered, almost conspiratorially, "tell me... how often do these... gifts... come around?" An unspoken tension hung in the air, thick and suffocating.
Leonard's gaze met Luna's, and in that brief and chilling exchange, a silent contest began.
The Mage, with his bushy beard, spoke as if singing a lullaby, slowly telling Aelia, "Madam, your child is... how should I put it... a bit... delicate."
Upon hearing this, Aelia felt her heart leap into her throat.
Delicate?
That was not a good word, especially in the world of magic. A delicate Mage was like a toothless tiger—impressive in appearance but utterly useless!
“Mage, please speak freely. I... I can handle it,” she said, gripping Luna's small hand tightly, her palm slick with sweat.
Luna blinked her big eyes; she already knew what was going on, having seen the Original.
This girl was born with weak magical power and would need to rely on nurturing it later—a significant hassle.
She secretly squeezed Aelia's hand, offering silent comfort.
The Old Mage stroked his beard and continued slowly, “The fetus's Innate Magic Power is somewhat lacking, but... it is not without vitality.” He paused, squinting his eyes as if to appear profound. “Madam, your magical energy is rich. If properly guided and with diligent practice of specific Pregnancy Nurturing Magic during your term, the child can grow up safely and even... have a promising future!”
Aelia seemed to grasp onto a lifeline, her eyes glistening with tears of excitement. “Really? Mage, I am willing to give everything!”
“Of course,” the Old Mage said, stroking his beard, quite pleased with the effect he had created.
On the way back to the Magic Castle, the atmosphere in the Horse-drawn Carriage was subtle.
Aelia was immersed in the joy of soon having new life, while her elder brother, Second Brother, and Brother San each had their own thoughts.
The elder brother considered that this child had weak magical power and would need careful guidance—he didn't want them to end up like himself, half crippled by Magic Backlash.
Second Brother calculated that this Little One would likely have no competitive edge in the future; his own little troubles probably wouldn’t affect him.
Brother San secretly felt relieved that he wasn’t the worst off—at least he wouldn’t be at the bottom.
And Luna?
She was busy teasing the butterflies outside the Horse-drawn Carriage window but couldn’t help thinking: Aelia’s practice during pregnancy would be a long and arduous process. If Leonard caused any more trouble, she would have her hands full.
Returning to the Magic Castle, they were greeted by an unexpected "surprise."
Lucius, usually as obedient as a Porcelain Doll, stood at the door with a serious expression, holding… a small wooden sword!
Upon seeing Luna, his little face turned stern as he "threatened" in a baby voice, "This is my territory, you… you have to listen to me from now on!"
Luna nearly burst out laughing. This little one must have read too many knight novels!
She pretended to be scared and hid behind Aelia. "Mommy, brother is so fierce!"
Aelia couldn't help but laugh; these two little treasures truly made her worry endlessly.
However, watching them in their "standoff," a warm current surged within her.
Perhaps this was what home felt like—lively, noisy, yet filled with love.
Meanwhile, hiding in the shadows, Leonard observed the scene with a complicated expression.
He recalled the frail son of Leonard's Concubine and suddenly felt an inexplicable irritation rise within him.
This home was becoming increasingly unfamiliar to him, and it made him feel… uneasy.
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