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墨書 Inktalez
Luna woke up, sunlight streaming through the gap in the curtains, dancing on her pink little face like twinkling stars.
She stretched her small body, filled with vitality.
The haunting melody from last night felt like a nightmare, vanishing without a trace upon waking.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she felt refreshed, as if brimming with endless energy.
Qin Si entered the room carrying a basin of steaming water. Seeing that Luna was already awake and sitting on the bed in a daze, she paused for a moment, her face lighting up with surprise and relief.
"Young Miss, you're awake! You look wonderful today," she said, moving to the bedside and placing the basin down. Gently touching Luna's forehead with the back of her hand to check for fever, she finally relaxed.
"How strange! Last night you were crying and refusing to sleep, yet today you seem so peaceful. It seems you must have had a beautiful dream," Qin Si remarked as she dipped a soft towel in warm water and gently began to wipe Luna's face.
Her movements were tender and meticulous, as if she were handling a precious piece of art.
"Sister Qin Si," Luna called sweetly. She loved the warm aura that surrounded Qin Si; it always made her feel safe.
"I slept so soundly last night; I didn't feel anything at all."
Qin Si's expression turned even more astonished at this revelation. She remembered how Luna had tightly covered her ears, looking distressed. Could it be that she had misremembered?
"Thank goodness, thank goodness," she murmured to herself, her tone filled with relief.
Meanwhile, in the Demon Fortress Master's bedroom, Aelia was groggily sitting up in bed.
She rubbed her tired eyes and looked out the window, where the eastern sky was beginning to brighten with the first light of dawn.
Today was the day of the Magic Arena finals, a crucial moment that would determine her brother Destiny's fate.
“Qin Si, what time is it?” Aelia's voice was somewhat hoarse, tinged with a hint of sleepiness.
“Madam, it is already the third hour,” Qin Si quickly approached the bed and draped a silk robe over Aelia's shoulders.
“Today is when the results of the Magic Arena will be announced, right?” Aelia asked, her voice carrying a subtle tension.
Qin Si nodded and softly replied, “Yes, Madam. I’ve heard that your brother has performed exceptionally well and has a strong chance of winning the championship.”
Upon hearing this, a look of anticipation spread across Aelia's face.
Her brother was the closest person to her in this world and her only support.
If he could overcome his disability and become a powerful Mage again, her position in the Magic Castle would be much more secure.
Thinking of this filled Aelia's heart with hope.
“Hurry, help me get dressed. I want to wear that magnificent Magic Robe,” Aelia said eagerly, wanting to present herself in the best possible light for the good news that was about to come.
Qin Si promptly responded and carefully took out the splendid Magic Robe from the wardrobe.
This Magic Robe was made from the finest silk, embroidered with exquisite Magic Runes that emitted a faint magical glow.
It was Aelia's favorite robe, one she only wore on the most important occasions.
Just as Qin Si helped Aelia into the Magic Robe, a dazzling burst of magical light suddenly flickered outside the window.
A cheerful melody echoed throughout the Magic Castle.
This was the magical signal of good news!
Aelia's heart skipped a beat, an indescribable excitement swelling within her.
She didn't bother to tidy herself up, lifting her skirt and hurriedly running towards the hall.
When she arrived at the hall, she found it already filled with people.
Her children, along with the butler and servants of the Magic Castle, stood there with expressions of excitement, seemingly waiting for something.
Aelia quickly spotted her older brother standing in the center of the crowd.
He was dressed in a brand new Magic Robe, his face beaming with a radiant smile.
His eyes were bright and determined, as if he had regained the confidence he once lost.
"Brother!" Aelia called out excitedly, tears streaming down her face.
She rushed up to him and embraced him tightly.
"Aelia, I did it!" Her brother's voice was slightly choked, his hands holding Aelia's thin shoulders as if he wanted to merge her into himself.
"I won three championships in a row and became the champion of this Magic Arena!"
Upon hearing this, Aelia could no longer contain her joy.
She released her brother and carefully examined him, as if she wanted to engrave him back into her memory.
Standing beside Lucius, he watched Aelia's excitement with a smile of appreciation on his face.
He approached the messenger of good news and handed over a crystal that shimmered with magical light.
This was a tradition of the Magic Castle, used to express gratitude for the good news brought by the messenger.
"Thank you for bringing us such wonderful news," Lucius said respectfully.
"Please convey to the Magic Association that the Glorious Demon Fortress will forever remember their kindness."
The messenger accepted the crystal and nodded with a smile.
"This is what we should do. May the Glorious Demon Fortress continue to prosper." With that, he turned and left.
The hall was filled with laughter and joy, as everyone basked in the atmosphere of celebration.
Aelia wiped away the tears from her eyes and suggested, "Today is a good day; we should go to the Family Temple to pray and thank our Ancestors for their blessings."
Everyone agreed, and Aelia instructed Qin Si to prepare the Horse-drawn Carriage, as she wanted to take the Children to the Family Temple to pray.
Upon hearing this, Qin Si hesitated slightly.
"My lady, with the Lord of the Fortress away, it may not be wise for you to take the Children out..."
Aelia smiled gently at his concern.
"It's alright. Leonard is busy with official duties and cannot spare the time. Besides, with me around, nothing will go wrong." Her tone was calm and resolute, as if everything was under her control.
Aelia felt a twinge of displeasure in her heart.
Ever since Leonard took Leonard's Concubine, he had rarely returned to the Magic Castle.
Even when he did come back, he always made excuses about being busy with official matters, leaving her and the Children neglected.
However, she was a woman of understanding and would not quibble over such trivial matters.
After all, maintaining the unity and stability of the Magic Castle was of utmost importance.
Soon, the Horse-drawn Carriage was ready.
Aelia led the Children out of the Magic Castle, preparing to head to the Family Temple.
Qin Si stood at the door, watching their figures disappear into the distance, her heart filled with worry.
"Madam, you must return safely..." she murmured to herself, feeling an unsettling sense of anxiety.
After all, the Magic Castle was currently in a tumultuous period, and no one knew what might happen next.
Moreover, with the Lord of the Fortress absent, she felt somewhat powerless staying behind in the Magic Castle alone.
Just as the Horse-drawn Carriage slowly departed from the Magic Castle, a faint light suddenly flickered in Aelia's bedroom.
Immediately after, a transparent figure began to emerge from the air.
It was a man's silhouette, his face filled with guilt and regret.
He was none other than Leonard, the Lord of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
However, this was not the real Leonard; it was the Phantom of guilt summoned by Luna using her magic.
The Phantom slowly turned around and looked out the window.
He saw the thriving scene of the Magic Castle and the happy smiles of Aelia and the Children.
His heart was filled with guilt as he realized the magnitude of his Error.
"I... I'm sorry for them..." the Phantom murmured, his voice filled with pain and regret.
He reached out his hand, wanting to grasp something, but found that he could hold onto nothing.
He could only watch helplessly as everything unfolded before him.
Luna stood quietly behind the Phantom, observing him.
She knew that Leonard's guilt was gradually awakening.
But that was not enough.
She needed to make Leonard fully realize his actions and pay the price for what he had done.
"This is just the beginning..." Luna whispered to herself, a strange light flickering in her eyes.
She understood that the Destiny of Magic Castle would undergo a tremendous change because of her arrival.
"Sister Qin Si, don’t you think it’s unusually quiet outside today?" Luna suddenly turned her head and spoke to Qin Si, who was standing at the door.
Qin Si gazed at the departing Horse-drawn Carriage, feeling restless, sensing that something was about to happen.
But the castle couldn't be left unattended; if something went wrong, she couldn't bear the responsibility.
She sighed and turned to head back inside, but felt a chill breeze behind her.
"Young Miss, why are you still out here? Hurry back inside, it's windy," Qin Si said, turning around to see Luna standing in the corner, her small figure elongated by the shadows.
Luna blinked her big eyes and said in a baby voice, "Sister Qin Si, I'm not cold. I just want to see the scenery outside."
Little did Qin Si know that Luna wasn't there to admire the view.
She harbored a bold idea in her heart—summoning Leonard's guilty Phantom!
She wanted to see if this man had any conscience and whether it was worth her effort to change the family's Destiny.
Taking advantage of Qin Si's distraction, Luna secretly pulled out a small Magic Array Disk from her pocket.
It was something she had created with her meager magical power; though rudimentary, it should be sufficient to summon a Phantom.
Carefully, she placed the Magic Array Disk on the ground and began to chant an Ancient Spell.
A faint Magical Fluctuation filled the air, and the surrounding Temperature suddenly dropped.
Qin Si felt a wave of Coldness wash over her and couldn't help but shiver.
"How strange, why is it suddenly so cold?" she muttered, unaware of Luna's unusual behavior.
As the Spell reached its conclusion, a transparent figure slowly began Emerging before Luna.
It was the outline of a man, vaguely resembling Leonard.
His face was filled with guilt and regret, his eyes dull and lifeless.
This was the guilt manifested as the Phantom summoned by Luna.
"Who... who are you?" Qin Si asked in terror, her face pale as she stared at the Phantom before her.
It was the first time she had encountered such a supernatural phenomenon.
Luna quickly ran over, hugging Qin Si's legs and reassuring her, "Sister Qin Si, don't be afraid. He isn't a bad person."
The Phantom gently shook his head, indicating that he meant no harm.
He looked at Luna.
Meanwhile, Aelia had traveled a bumpy road with the Children and finally arrived at the Family Temple located on the outskirts.
The temple had seen better days and appeared quite dilapidated.
The red paint had peeled away, revealing the gray stone beneath, and the roof tiles were broken and missing, as if telling tales of the family's former glory and its current decline.
Weeds grew thickly at the entrance of the temple, and moss covered the Stone Steps, giving it a desolate appearance.
The Children curiously examined the ancient temple while Aelia felt a heaviness in her heart.
She used to come here with her Mother to pray when she was young; back then, the temple was bustling with activity and vibrant with life.
But now, it had become so desolate, which truly evoked a sense of nostalgia.
She sighed and led the Children into the temple.
The interior of the temple was dimly lit, with only a few rays of sunlight filtering through the windows, creating a somewhat eerie atmosphere.
A faint Moldy Smell lingered in the air, making one feel quite uncomfortable.
Luna followed Aelia into the temple, stealing glances at Leonard, who stood to the side, filled with guilt as a Phantom.
The Phantom seemed to be in awe of the temple, standing there motionless like a statue.
Suddenly, the Phantom's body began to tremble.
He seemed to recall something, a look of pain crossing his face.
He lowered his head and stared at his transparent hands.
Memories flooded back of everything Aelia had done for their family.
She had sacrificed her own dreams to support his career, quietly managing the household and caring for the Children.
She was always so gentle and virtuous, considerate in every way, bringing him immense warmth and happiness.
But what about him?
He had betrayed her, taking another woman outside their marriage.
He knew he had wronged Aelia and their family.
Yet, he could not control his desires, stepping deeper into the abyss.
Phantom remained silent, unsure of what to say or do. He felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret, wishing he could slap himself a few times.
At that moment, Aelia turned around and addressed the Children, saying, “Children, we are here today to thank the Ancestors for their protection. Remember, it is the Bloodline and glory of the Ancestors that have granted us everything we have today. You must work hard to learn magic and strive to become great Mages like your Ancestors, bringing honor to our family!”
Aelia paused, her gaze softening as she looked at the Children, continuing, “My brother performed excellently in the Magic Arena, earning honor for our family. Lucius has also broken through the Magic Bottle barrier and is making rapid progress. You are all the hope of our family; support each other and grow together.”
Luna watched Phantom standing aside, consumed by guilt, and secretly smirked. She was curious to see how this man would feel upon hearing those words.
“Sister Qin Si, do you feel…” Luna suddenly tugged at Qin Si’s hem, her voice as light as a feather.
Aelia led the Children into the temple, where an ancient and solemn atmosphere enveloped them.
Dappled sunlight streamed through the broken Colored Glass Windows, casting a kaleidoscope of Light and Shadow on the ground, reminiscent of shattered dreams.
The air was thick with a faint Moldy Smell and dust, creating a sense of oppression.
The Children curiously looked around, whispering about the ancient murals and sculptures within the temple.
In the center stood a towering statue of a deity, its features blurred as if eroded by time.
Below the statue was an ancient altar covered in mysterious runes.
Aelia approached the altar, lit several incense candles, and then knelt down in reverence.
“O great Ancestors, thank you for your protection that has allowed our family to prosper,” Aelia's voice was deep and solemn. “My brother has won three championships in the Magic Arena, and my son Lucius has also broken through the Magic Bottle barrier; these are all your blessings.”
She lifted her head, her gaze tenderly resting on her children. "Children, you are the hope of our family. Always remember the glory of our ancestors, study magic diligently, and strive to become great Mages like your forebears."
Her elder brother and Lucius knelt beside Aelia, their faces filled with pride and joy.
Though physically disabled, her elder brother's eyes shone with determination and confidence.
Lucius appeared somewhat shy, yet his eyes sparkled with dreams of the future.
Standing aside, Leonard felt a pang of guilt as he watched this warm scene unfold before him; it was as if his heart was being twisted by a knife.
He felt like a forgotten ghost, able only to watch the happiness he once possessed but could never touch again.
He recalled the moment he first met Aelia, how deeply in love they had been back then.
He remembered how Aelia had borne him children, managed their household, and given everything for him.
Yet, he had betrayed Aelia's love and broken their vows.
Guilt and regret surged within him like a tidal wave, and two transparent tears streamed down Phantom's face.
He reached out his hand to touch Aelia's cheek but found it passing through as if she were nothing but air.
Powerless, he stood there, watching the happy smiles of Aelia and the children, filled with endless regret and unwillingness to accept his fate.
"Leonard, do you see? This is everything you have destroyed with your own hands." Luna's voice suddenly whispered in Phantom's ear, like a devil's murmur. "You once had a happy family, a wife who loved you, and a group of lovely children. Yet you chose betrayal. Now you can only watch them be happy while you have lost them forever."
Phantom closed his eyes in pain; he could no longer bear to look at Aelia and the children.
He knew Luna was right; all of this was his own doing.
He was a sinner, a sinner who could never find redemption.
"I... I..." Phantom's voice trembled, yet he could not utter a single complete sentence.
He wanted to confess, to atone for his sins, but he no longer had the chance.
Aelia stood up and walked in front of her elder brother, gently caressing his face.
"Brother, you have suffered." Her voice was filled with compassion and love. "From now on, I will take good care of you and will never let you suffer again."
The elder brother nodded with emotion. "Aelia, thank you. Thank you for always looking after me."
Aelia then approached Lucius and embraced him tenderly.
"Lucius, you are truly my pride." Her voice was full of affection and reassurance. "I believe you will become a great Mage in the future."
Lucius smiled shyly, his heart warmed by her words.
Watching the interaction between Aelia and the children, Phantom felt an even deeper pain in his heart.
He remembered how he once embraced his own children like that, but now he had lost that right.
He lowered his head, looking at his transparent hands, filled with despair.
He knew he could never go back; he had forever lost his family and his happiness.
Luna stepped in front of Phantom, her eyes glinting with a cold light.
"Leonard, do you regret it?"
Phantom lifted his head and looked at Luna. "I... I regret it..." His voice was hoarse and weak.
"Regret is too late now," Luna's voice pierced Phantom's heart like an ice blade. "You must pay the price for what you have done."
Phantom trembled, unsure of how Luna would punish him.
He could only silently endure it all, knowing that this was the retribution he deserved.
Aelia suddenly turned around, her gaze landing on Phantom.
She seemed to sense something. "I... I think I can feel Leonard's presence..."
Luna's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected Aelia to be able to sense Phantom's existence.
Quickly, she stepped in front of Phantom, blocking Aelia's view of him.
"Lady Aelia, are you... are you sure you aren't mistaken?" Luna's voice was tense. "There’s... there’s only us here..."
Aelia furrowed her brow, feeling certain that her senses were not wrong; she indeed felt Leonard's presence.
However, as she looked around, she saw no sign of Leonard.
"Maybe... maybe I just miss him too much..." Aelia murmured to herself. She turned back to look at the Children, but her heart was filled with doubt and unease.
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