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墨書 Inktalez
In the Magic Castle Hall, flames danced in the fireplace, casting flickering Light and Shadow upon every face, yet failing to dispel the Coldness that lingered in the air.
The Crystal Chandelier refracted a cold light, illuminating the luxurious yet suffocating atmosphere.
On the round table in the center of the hall lay exquisite Silverware and porcelain plates, a lavish dinner untouched, as if a grand feast was about to transform into a stage for judgment.
Luna was tightly embraced by Aelia, her body wrapped in soft silk, yet it could not shield her from the turmoil within.
Her blue eyes, clear as glass beads, now sparkled with an unusual light, reminiscent of a deep sea before a storm.
Her small hand clutched at her Mother’s garment, her Fingertip turning white from the pressure.
She knew that a storm was about to arrive, and she was at the center of it.
Taking a deep breath, Luna whispered in a voice only she could hear, “Everything will change.”
Aelia, the Lady of the Fortress from the Glorious Demon Fortress, had long lost the gentle smile that once adorned her face.
Her complexion was Pale as a marble statue, her Lips trembling slightly as if she might faint at any moment.
Just moments ago, Luna had conveyed Leonard's betrayal through a magic only they understood—a hidden truth behind the glamorous facade etched into her heart word by word.
Each word felt like a sharp dagger, piercing through the happy illusions she had built over the years, leaving gaping wounds that bled profusely.
She struggled to breathe, as if an invisible hand were choking her throat.
How could this be?
The husband she loved dearly, the family she took pride in, was built upon a colossal lie!
She couldn’t believe it, yet she had no choice but to accept it.
Leonard, the Lord of the Glorious Demon Fortress, sat on his throne, maintaining an air of authority and calmness.
He gently swirled the wine in his glass, the crimson liquid spinning like blood, reflecting his seemingly tranquil face.
However, the fingers gripping the glass trembled slightly, betraying his inner turmoil.
The atmosphere in the hall felt inexplicably oppressive, a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart.
He cast a sweeping glance over the crowd but failed to catch any definitive clues.
He believed he was concealing his unease flawlessly, unaware that the blade of truth hung ominously above him.
His elder brother, disabled by a magic backlash and usually quiet, now wore a furrowed brow, with deep-set eyes burning with anger.
He recalled their father's past actions—those seemingly unintentional favoritism and neglect now appeared to be filled with nauseating calculations.
Worry for the family's future consumed him; this sudden upheaval undoubtedly pushed the Magic Castle into a more perilous situation.
He pressed his lips tightly together, remaining silent yet resembling a volcano on the verge of eruption.
The second brother, once full of ambition, had fallen into a magic dilemma due to the betrayal of a close friend.
His fists clenched tightly, knuckles turning white as the muscles in his face twitched with rage.
He felt that their mother’s years of sacrifice were in vain and was filled with indignation over their father's treachery.
He longed to rush forward and tear that hypocritical man to shreds.
Suppressing his fury, he awaited the moment to unleash it.
The hall was deathly silent, save for the crackling wood in the fireplace, which seemed to mock this false tranquility.
Aelia trembled as she parted her lips, finally breaking the silence. “Leonard…” Her voice was hoarse and weak, yet it detonated like a bomb, igniting the long-simmering tension in the hall.
Leonard abruptly lifted his head, nearly dropping the wine glass in his hand.
He gazed at his wife's pale face, a flicker of panic flashing through his mind.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat dry and unable to produce any sound.
“Do you… do you have something to say?” Aelia's voice quivered even more violently.
“I…” Leonard finally spoke, but only managed to utter a single word before he could say no more.
He felt his heart pounding fiercely, as if it were about to leap from his chest.
He sensed that something was about to happen, and yet he felt powerless to stop it.
Luna stirred in Aelia's arms, her small hand gently patting her mother's back, as if offering her strength.
Her gaze was resolute and clear, as if telling her mother not to be afraid; she would handle everything.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier, with everyone holding their breath in anticipation of the impending storm.
“Father…” Second Brother gritted his teeth, squeezing out those two words through clenched jaws, his voice cold as if it came from hell.
Brother San stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning.
He had always viewed Father as a towering hero, a steadfast presence—the symbol of the Glorious Demon Fortress and a benchmark for his life.
Now, that idol had collapsed with a thunderous crash, shattering into powder and choking him with disbelief.
His eyes widened in shock, pupils trembling like an earthquake, unable to believe what he was witnessing in Leonard.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat dry and any sound caught in his throat, like a fishbone lodged painfully, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.
Father… really… betrayed Mother?
Betrayed this family?
This thought spiraled wildly in his mind, leaving him dizzy as if the entire world had tilted.
He felt his faith crumble, his heart hollowed out, as if it had been emptied, leaving only a vague sense of emptiness.
Qin Si stood nearby, her face pale, her hands tightly twisted together.
She stole a glance at Aelia and then at Leonard, her heart racing.
The oppressive atmosphere in the hall made it hard for her to breathe.
She felt like a frightened little bird, huddling her thin shoulders, wishing she could find a rift in the earth to hide in.
This sudden storm filled her with immense fear.
She was afraid of being caught up in this conflict, afraid of losing everything she currently had.
She carefully observed everyone’s expressions, trying to gauge what would happen next, her heart racing like a pendulum swinging in midair, unable to settle down.
Cold sweat trickled down her temples, spreading a damp mark on her collar.
Lucius clutched at Mother’s hem tightly, his small body trembling slightly.
He looked up at Mother’s pale face; though he was young, he could sense the tension hanging in the air.
Instinctively, he felt that something bad was about to happen.
He nestled tightly beside Mother, as if his presence could bring her some comfort and strength.
With his small, tender hands, he gently stroked Mother's hand, silently conveying his love.
His breathing was urgent, his heart racing, and his little face turned pale, resembling a frightened fawn seeking refuge in Mother's embrace.
Aelia suddenly stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the floor, shattering the suffocating silence in the hall.
Her eyes were red, tears swirling in their sockets but stubbornly refusing to fall.
She fixed her gaze on Leonard, her chest heaving violently as if she were about to explode at any moment.
Her voice trembled as she questioned him word by word, “Leonard! Is everything Luna told me true?!” Though her voice shook, it was filled with power, piercing Leonard's heart like a sharp sword.
Each word carried years of suppressed pain and anger, erupting like a volcano.
She clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips digging deep into her palms, nearly drawing blood.
Leonard's face instantly turned pale, looking worse than if he had swallowed a fly.
He averted his gaze, unable to meet Aelia's eyes, like a child caught in wrongdoing.
In a panic, he set down the glass he held; it clattered against the table with a sharp sound that echoed harshly in the quiet hall.
He opened his mouth to say something but found his throat dry, unable to utter a single word.
He licked his lips nervously, trying to ease the tension within him.
“Aelia, you… you have to let me explain…” he stammered. “This… this is all a misunderstanding! Someone… someone is slandering me!” His voice trembled and lacked conviction; anyone could hear his guilt.
He attempted to cover the truth with frantic explanations, only to make it more glaringly obvious.
He was like a prey trapped in a spider web; the more he struggled, the deeper he sank.
“Mistake? Slander?!” Aelia laughed in rage, her laughter sharp and piercing, echoing through the hall like a knife slicing through the facade of calm.
“Leonard, do you dare to look me in the eye and say that again?!” Her voice was filled with despair and anger, like a wounded lioness letting out her final roar.
She pointed at Luna, trembling as she spoke, “My daughter, she witnessed it with her own eyes! What more can you possibly argue?!”
Leonard's face turned pale, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
He opened his mouth but could not utter a word.
He wanted to defend himself but found no justification.
He wanted to escape but had nowhere to run.
He felt like a stripped clown, exposed before everyone, his shame laid bare.
“You… you…” The eldest brother struggled to stand but fell heavily back into his chair due to his weak legs.
He pointed at Leonard and shouted angrily, “You… you beast!”
The Second Brother suddenly stood up and walked over to Leonard, throwing a punch. With a dull thud, Leonard staggered back, nearly falling to the ground.
He covered his face, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
Raising his head, he glared at the Second Brother with resentment, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
“You… you dare hit me?!” Leonard gritted his teeth, his voice trembling with anger and humiliation.
The Second Brother sneered and threw another punch. “I’m hitting you! You hypocrite!”
“Enough!” Aelia suddenly shouted, stopping Second Brother from making any further moves.
She took a deep breath, striving to calm herself.
Her gaze turned icy as she looked at Leonard, devoid of any emotion.
“Leonard,” she began slowly, her voice chillingly calm, “we… are done.”
Leonard abruptly lifted his head to meet Aelia's eyes. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately fell silent.
The hall was enveloped in a heavy silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Everyone held their breath, watching the scene unfold before them.
“Mother…” Lucius gently tugged at Aelia's hem.
Aelia looked down at her son and forced a smile. “It’s alright, my child.” She turned back to Leonard. “Tomorrow… we will go and file for divorce.”
Leonard's face turned pale, his lips trembling. “You… you…”
“What about me?” Aelia shot back coldly. “Do you have anything else to say?”
Leonard opened his mouth but found no words to express himself.
Defeated, he sank into a chair like a soulless shell.
“Someone!” Aelia called out loudly. “Take… take him away!”
Her voice echoed through the hall with an undeniable authority.
Two Knights immediately stepped forward, one on each side of Leonard, and dragged him out.
Leonard lay there like a puddle of mud, utterly powerless, allowing them to manipulate him at will.
He kept his head down, unable to look at anyone. The pride and dignity he once held had vanished, leaving only an endless sense of humiliation and despair.
He was dragged across the smooth Marble Floor, leaving two distinct marks behind, like the Tracks of his life, ultimately leading to destruction.
The hall erupted in a clamor as people began to whisper among themselves, their voices buzzing with speculation.
Their gazes toward Aelia were filled with sympathy and admiration, tinged with a hint of fear.
The Lady of the Fortress from the Glorious Demon Fortress had publicly announced her divorce from the Lord, an explosive revelation that would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the magical realm.
"Oh my! I can't believe this!" exclaimed a maid, covering her mouth in disbelief.
"The Lord... could actually do something like this!" murmured another Knight, his tone laced with shock and disdain.
"The Glorious Demon Fortress... is about to change!" sighed an Old Butler, his eyes filled with concern.
Luna nestled in Aelia's arms, gently patting her mother's arm with her small hand, as if to comfort her and lend her strength.
In her clear blue eyes shone a maturity and wisdom beyond her years.
She understood that this storm was only just beginning; the road ahead would be long, filled with challenges and uncertainties.
But she was not afraid because she knew she was not fighting alone.
She had her Mother, her brothers, and... herself.
Aelia felt her daughter's comforting presence and looked down at Luna, managing a faint smile.
Taking a deep breath, she struggled to maintain her composure.
She knew she could not fall; she had to live strong for her child and for her future.
“Qin Si,” Aelia turned to her Personal Maid, “please go and gather the Children.”
“Yes, my lady.” Qin Si bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
Her footsteps were somewhat hurried, filled with unease.
She knew what was about to happen, but she felt powerless.
All she could do was silently pray that this storm would pass quickly.
The hall gradually fell silent, leaving only the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace and the suppressed breaths of those present.
A tense atmosphere hung in the air, as if it were the calm before a storm.
Aelia held Luna close and walked to the fireplace, quietly watching the dancing flames.
The firelight illuminated her face, making it appear particularly pale yet resolute.
She understood that her life would change from this moment on, but she had no regrets.
She was determined to create a new future for herself and her child.
Luna nestled in her mother's embrace, feeling her warmth and listening to her heartbeat.
Her small hand clutched tightly at her mother’s clothing, as if that alone could provide her with a sense of security.
She knew her mother must be in great pain at that moment, yet she felt helpless.
All she could do was silently stay by her side, offering support and strength.
“Mother…” Luna said softly, “Everything will be alright.”
Aelia looked down at her daughter, her eyes slightly moist.
She gently stroked Luna's hair and replied, “Yes, it will.”
The door to the hall was pushed open, and Qin Si entered with three children.
The eldest brother sat in a wheelchair, his face pale and filled with worry.
Second Brother and Brother San followed closely behind, their expressions serious and silent.
As soon as the three children saw their mother, they rushed over and surrounded her.
“Mother, what happened?” the eldest brother asked anxiously.
“It's nothing, Children,” Aelia said, forcing herself to sound calm. “Just some… family matters.”
“Family matters?” Second Brother frowned. “But… I saw…”
“Don’t ask,” Aelia interrupted him. “It’s not the time yet.”
The three children exchanged glances, their eyes filled with confusion and unease.
They sensed that their mother was hiding something from them, but they didn’t dare to ask further.
Luna blinked her big eyes at the scene before her, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
“Mother,” she suddenly spoke up, “I want… a snack.”
Aelia was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure and smiled. “Alright, I’ll have someone prepare it right away.”
She turned to Qin Si and said, "Qin Si, go..."
"Wait," Luna interrupted her, "I want to eat... strawberry cake."
Aelia frowned slightly. "But... right now..."
"Mother," Luna pouted, "I just want strawberry cake."
Aelia chuckled helplessly. "Alright, alright." She turned to Qin Si and said, "Qin Si, go to the kitchen..."
"Never mind, Mother," Luna interrupted again. "I know... where there’s strawberry cake."
She climbed down from Aelia's arms and walked to a corner, pointing at a cabinet. "It's right... there."
Both Aelia and Qin Si were taken aback; they had no idea that there was strawberry cake hidden there.
Luna approached the cabinet and reached out...
"Wait!" Second Brother suddenly shouted, "That cabinet..."
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