The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

"Uh, how do I look?"

Tiel cautiously asked, scanning the maids' expressions.

However, each of them had their mouths covered or their faces hidden behind their hands, making it impossible to read their reactions.

"Is it weird?"

Just as Tiel couldn't hold back any longer and lowered her head, the maids finally erupted into cheers.

"You look absolutely adorable, my lady! Oh my goodness, so this is what it means to be at a loss for words!"

"You’re unbelievably cute! Absolutely perfect! Truly the best..."

"I feel so lucky to be working at the Asterian estate..."

Voices filled with emotion spilled out from all around her. Surrounded by the maids, some even on the verge of tears, Tiel smiled awkwardly, feeling overwhelmed.

"So... you're saying it suits me, right?"

"There’s nothing that could suit you better! Estella is a genius!"

One of the maids, cheeks flushed with excitement, gently guided Tiel in front of the mirror.

Tiel stood before the enormous mirror and gazed at her reflection.

"Wow..."

A small exclamation escaped her lips.

In the mirror stood a girl in a beautiful light sky-blue dress.

Tiel carefully examined the gown she was wearing.

The voluminous hem was adorned with intricate gold embroidery, and dozens of white, glistening crystals were embedded on top, catching and reflecting the light with every movement.

The deep blue ribbon and the way the fabric rippled softly with each step—everything about it was breathtaking.

‘It’s so, so beautiful...’

It was the most stunning dress she had ever seen. She now understood why the maids had been left speechless and trembling.

Tiel stood before the mirror for a long time, unable to move.

She couldn't believe it.

‘I thought I would never wear something like this in my lifetime.’

Just a few days before coming to Asterian, on the day she realized she had come back to life...

She had looked at her reflection in a shattered mirror, tracing her wounds in its broken surface.

And now, standing here, dressed in something so exquisite, the difference was so stark it felt unreal.

"Hurry, let's show the young masters!"

The maids, as if it were their own joy, eagerly led Tiel outside. Blushing deeply, Tiel let them guide her until she stood before Ferdi and Ludian.

"Oraeboni!"

At Tiel’s call, both Ferdi and Ludian turned to look at her at the same time.

"Tiel...!"

"One birthday celebration and you already look like this... Maybe I should do it again..."

Ludian, like the maids, covered his mouth with the back of his hand, while Ferdi simply stared at her, dazed.

Tiel walked gracefully toward them, the hem of her dress fluttering like a butterfly’s wings with each step.

"Uh, how do I look?"

Her golden eyes sparkled with anticipation as she asked.

Ferdi let out a quiet chuckle. The usual stiffness in his expression melted away.

"You look beautiful. Really beautiful, my little sister."

"Really?"

"Of course."

At Ferdi’s words, Tiel’s face lit up with joy. Tiny bursts of light popped into existence around her like miniature fireworks.

Watching the display, Ferdi laughed, then reached out and clasped Tiel’s hands.

"But before you go to the festival, you need to learn how to control your ability better. You can’t be glowing like this in front of others."

"Yes! Please teach me, oraeboni!"

Tiel nodded eagerly.

It was true—she still lacked control over her ability.

But with Ferdi and Ludian’s help, she was sure she’d learn before the festival. At least, that’s what she believed.

Just then—

"Tiel!"

"Wah!"

Ludian suddenly scooped Tiel up into his arms and spun her around. Startled, Tiel instinctively clung to his neck.

"My little sister, you’re so cute! What if weirdos start staring at you?!"

"But oraeboni, with you holding me like this, who would even dare to look...?"

...No one would, probably.

Tiel wisely swallowed the last part of her sentence.

Ludian quickly set her down, careful not to wrinkle her dress.

Tiel stole one last glance at her reflection before dashing over to Ferdi, her fingers curling as she whispered excitedly.

"When I see Lord Ian, I need to thank him... and ask if he liked my gift!"

"Yes, you’ll see him at the festival. Ian will be attending Luminarie too." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Really?!"

Tiel’s face glowed with anticipation.

She couldn't wait to tell Ian how grateful she was.

And—

‘I have to ask him if he liked my gift...’

Actually, more than anything else, that was what she was most curious about.

Did Ian like her gift?

Ian was kind, so even if he didn't like it, he might still say that he did...

As Tiel reached that thought, her brows furrowed slightly.

At that moment, the door to the dressing room swung open.

Thanks to her growing familiarity with sudden interruptions, Tiel wasn’t startled by the abrupt entrance.

"Tiel!"

"My dear."

As expected, it was Alpheus and Karsus.

Seeing his granddaughter in a dress exquisitely crafted by a master’s hands, Alpheus’ eyes widened in astonishment.

He swiftly approached and scooped her up in his arms. Without hesitation, Tiel wrapped her arms around his neck.

She had been lifted into the air so often by the men of Asterian that being held felt more natural than standing on her own two feet.

Tiel affectionately nuzzled against Alpheus’ face.

"Grandfather! Weren’t you busy?"

Alpheus had been incredibly occupied with preparations for the festival. Lately, he hadn’t even been able to join them for dinner.

Half delighted and half concerned, Tiel looked up at him.

Alpheus let out a hearty laugh and answered warmly.

"My granddaughter received a new dress as a gift! Of course, her grandfather must come see it! Meetings and such are of no importance!"

"Let’s be precise. Tiel, your grandfather postponed an important meeting—but only because you are more important."

Karsus, standing beside them, calmly corrected Alpheus’ words.

Tiel’s eyes crinkled into crescent moons. Still in her grandfather’s embrace, she reached a hand out to Karsus.

"Papa!"

"You look beautiful, Tiel. I swear, in this entire empire, no girl will be more dazzling than you."

Karsus placed a gentle kiss on Tiel’s forehead.

At the same time, the warmest light in the world bubbled up from her palm like a natural spring, glowing softly.

But no one chastised her for it.

Alpheus brushed aside her bangs and spoke with excitement.

"I have secured the finest painter in the empire! We must have your portrait done in this dress and hang it on the walls of Asterian!"

"You’ll give me a copy too, right?"

"Of course, you’ll have one as well."

"And don’t forget about me."

"Yes, you’ll have one too, Ferdi."

Alpheus, Ludian, and Ferdi exchanged words in perfect harmony.

Tiel didn’t fully understand what a ‘portrait’ was, but seeing how pleased her brothers were, she nodded along.

‘As long as my brothers are happy, that’s all that matters!’

For Tiel, that was the most important thing.

"How is Rowen?"

"Don’t even ask. He refuses to leave his room. Father, why did you dismiss his nanny...?"

Cornelia clicked her tongue in frustration.

Since Chender had fired Zaira, Rowen had locked himself in his room and refused to see him.

He had cried, saying he wouldn’t eat unless Zaira returned, and only after Cornelia spent hours coaxing him did he finally eat.

Chender’s face twisted in irritation, his already harsh expression turning even more severe.

"Tsk. A nanny can always be replaced! Stop indulging him too much, or he’ll grow spoiled."

"How can I not? Rowen is going to be the next head of the Nestian family."

A hint of satisfaction colored Cornelia’s voice.

‘He will become the head of Nestian.’

Neither Rowen nor Chender truly grasped how much that meant to Cornelia.

Only she understood its full significance.

Chender, however, quickly picked up on the emotion hidden in his daughter’s words, his brows rising slightly.

"Which is exactly why you shouldn’t coddle him. The more you give in, the more he turns into a pampered brat."

Cornelia blinked in disbelief.

It was absurd.

She had never particularly doted on Rowen.

If anyone had spoiled him, indulging his every whim, it was Chender—not her.

And yet, here he was, telling her not to ruin the boy.

To Cornelia, it was laughable.

But she didn’t argue. She skillfully masked her emotions.

"I’ll be careful."

"Good. Luminarie is approaching. We can’t afford to show any weaknesses. Keep him under control until then."

Cornelia was set to be the next head of Nestian, and when she took that position, Rowen would be the heir to follow.

They could not afford any mistakes at Luminarie.

After all, the festival wasn’t just a celebration for the God of Light, Lucette—it was also an event where the five ruling families of the empire demonstrated their unwavering strength.

"Rowen must be perfect."

Just like his proud sister, Lena.

Chender’s thin lips pressed into a firm line, his sharp eyes filled with rigid determination.

Cornelia averted her gaze from him.