The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

That day, Estella arrived quietly at the Asterian estate.

Per her own request—and Ian’s strict instructions—the estate had kept her visit entirely under wraps.

As a result, an unusually large number of maids were loitering around the hallways, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive designer.

"What are you all doing here? Go back to work."

Of course, they were swiftly scattered by Head Maid Sophia.

Estella arrived alone.

It was an unusual sight. Typically, dressmakers who visited noble households brought at least five attendants to assist them.

But Estella was already an exceptional person in many ways, so no one found it particularly strange that she had come alone.

"Greetings, my lady. My name is Estella, and I will be making your dress."

The elderly woman bowed respectfully. Tiel, without hesitation, bowed in return.

"Hello, Estella. I'm Tiel."

Tiel greeted her with a bright smile.

Estella’s kind and gentle demeanor, coupled with the fact that she was Ian’s guest, quickly melted away any lingering tension in Tiel’s expression.

The woman nodded.

"I have been informed of the details, young lady. Do you have a particular dress in mind?"

Estella’s voice was clear and deliberate, her tone unrushed.

Tiel hesitated.

A dress I want?

She had never thought about such a thing before.

In high society, there was no noblewoman—regardless of age—who didn't know Estella's name. But Tiel was the exception.

She had lived a life far removed from dresses.

So instead of answering immediately, Tiel carefully observed Estella’s expression.

This woman had come all this way because of Ian’s request. Would it seem too ungrateful to say she had no preference at all?

At that moment—

"My little sister is still too young to know much about these things. It would be best if you decided for her."

Ferdy stepped in. A familiar hand landed gently on her shoulder, its warmth softening the tension she hadn't even realized she was holding.

"Tiel, don't be afraid. She’s your guest."

His voice dropped slightly as he whispered reassuringly to her.

Only then did Tiel nod.

"Um, I don’t have a specific design in mind, but... I do have a favorite color. May I share that instead?"

"Of course, my lady. Please, tell me freely."

Estella responded warmly.

Tiel hesitated for a brief moment before speaking. Her voice was so small it almost slipped through the cracks of the air—

"I like yellow."

—But her words were clear and unwavering. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

When she had first arrived at the Asterian estate, the maids had asked her what her favorite color was.

But she hadn’t been able to answer.

She had never once considered such a thing.

Ria had reassured her, saying it was okay to take her time thinking about it.

But now, I can think about it.

She had the luxury of considering her favorite foods, her favorite colors.

All of it was something the Asterian family had given her.

"Yellow?"

Ludian and Olivia, who had been lounging on the sofa, suddenly shot upright.

Their eyes sparkled with intrigue.

"Why do you like yellow?"

"Yellow is the color of gold! Tiel, you'll never have money troubles!"

Ludian and Olivia’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Tiel let out an awkward chuckle.

What does yellow being the color of gold have to do with money...?

Fortunately, she didn't have to dwell on the strangeness of their logic for long.

Ferdy, the eldest brother, swiftly shut them down with his signature bluntness.

"Olivia, what nonsense are you spouting to a child? If you don’t shut up, I’ll throw you out."

A bit extreme—but effective.

Tiel squinted slightly at Ferdy.

For some reason, his way of speaking felt a little different from usual.

He hadn't been this sharp before Olivia arrived...

What changed him?

It was a child's simple curiosity.

Had she voiced the thought aloud, however, it would have likely left Ferdy deeply wounded.

Luckily, she kept it to herself.

"So, Tiel," Ferdy said, pushing aside unnecessary distractions, his voice gentle once more. "Why do you like yellow?"

Tiel hesitated, glancing past his shoulder.

Estella had stepped back, signaling that it was fine for them to continue their conversation.

Receiving her silent approval, Tiel carefully answered.

"Yellow is..."

"Yellow is?"

"The color of Asterian..."

"But Asterian’s color is gold."

Ludian interjected thoughtlessly.

Olivia immediately kicked him off the sofa.

"From today onward, it’s yellow."

She declared boldly.

"Hey! You’re not even an Asterian!"

"What? I do have Asterian blood in me, you know?"

Ludian and Olivia bickered.

Tiel listened to them and quietly pondered.

Oh... is that true?

Now that she thought about it, maybe Asterian’s color was gold.

The emblematic color of the Asterian family, when not directly touched by sunlight, shimmered in a deep, radiant yellow.

That was why Tiel liked yellow.

And...

"Yellow is the color of warm light."

The very first color she had ever illuminated.

That was why she liked yellow. It was warm, kind, and embraced everyone equally.

From behind, Estella, who had been silently observing, stepped forward.

"Yellow, is it? Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll remember it well."

She spoke gently, then hesitated before continuing.

"Would it be alright if I measured you again? I did receive your measurements beforehand, but it’s best to be precise."

"Oh, yes!"

Tiel shot up from her seat.

At that moment, Estella’s gaze landed on the brooch fastened to Tiel’s chest.

"Th-this is...?"

She murmured.

Ferdy, Ludian, and Olivia all snapped their heads toward her in unison.

Tiel, unfazed, pointed at her chest.

"This?"

"It’s such... such a beautiful brooch..."

Estella’s face drew closer.

Tiel wasn’t frightened, but she did feel that the woman was coming a little too close.

"Um..."

Then—

"I just thought of it! The perfect dress for you, my lady! I must take your measurements immediately and return at once. The dress will be completed and delivered to the estate!"

Estella’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, more animated than even the young people around her.

"Wait... don’t you need anything else? A jeweler, an assistant...?"

Ferdy asked cautiously, ready to provide whatever was necessary on behalf of the Asterian household.

"The Crown Prince has already arranged for a jeweler. His Highness has also provided other necessary materials."

Estella replied firmly.

"Now then, young lady!"

With astonishing speed, the elderly woman meticulously took Tiel’s measurements and, without giving anyone the chance to object, rushed out of the estate.

She had to return before the inspiration left her.

"Couldn’t she just write it down?"

The thought hovered at the tip of everyone’s tongues, but Estella was already in a state beyond reason.

"Two dresses for the festival, three indoor dresses, and three spring outing dresses—correct?"

Of course, she still made sure to double-check the order before leaving.

Watching her retreating figure, Ludian murmured under his breath.

"There’s a thin line between genius and madness..."

Everyone silently agreed.

***

Asterian Training Grounds.

"Tiel! Want to see something cool?"

Ludian approached Tiel with a mischievous grin.

Immediately, Olivia and Ferdy stepped between them, shielding their sister as if protecting her from some villain.

"Oh, come on! I really do have something fun to show her!"

"Every time you say that, you always cause trouble. Idiotic Ludian. I wish you’d go play by yourself instead of bothering Tiel."

Ferdy’s words were soft-spoken, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.

Even Olivia, for once, nodded in agreement.

"No, really! This time it’s different!"

Ludian’s voice carried a hint of injustice.

Curious, Tiel peeked between Olivia’s arm and side.

"What is it, brother?"

"Watch closely, Tiel. I worked really hard on this just for you..."

Ludian chuckled mischievously. Ferdy and Olivia still looked deeply uneasy.

Then, something flickered in Ludian’s hands.

A flame—

But it was different from his usual fire.

"...!!"

Tiel’s eyes widened in shock.

The flames taking shape in Ludian’s hands—

Looked exactly like her fish.

Except, of course, it was burning.

"Well? Pretty cool, right?"

Ludian grinned triumphantly.