The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

Tiel’s room was adorned with a carpet that covered more than half of the floor, embroidered with intricate patterns. In the middle of the carpet were a small sofa and a tea table, perfectly sized for a child.

As Tiel moved toward the tea table, she stopped and knelt to closely examine the embroidery on the carpet.

Golden laurel leaves, symbols of victory, were stitched into the design, and in the center was the image of a predator’s fang.

Squatting down, she ran her fingertips over the textured embroidery, feeling its slightly raised surface.

I’ve seen this somewhere before...

The design looked familiar. While narrowing her eyes and trying to recall where she’d seen it, Parden approached and stood beside her.

At that moment, Tiel realized where she had seen it.

It’s the emblem from Mom’s locket!

It was the same design embossed on Lena’s locket, the one she had clutched tightly during her entire journey to the Asterian estate. Its texture was deeply ingrained in her memory.

Noticing how intently Tiel was studying the embroidery, Parden crouched down beside her to meet her eye level and began to explain.

“This emblem represents the Asterian family. The golden laurel leaves around the edges symbolize victory, while the fang at the center represents the Black Leopards. The flames around the border signify the family’s ability—‘fire.’”

Tiel nodded as she listened to Parden’s gentle explanation.

“Fire… that’s so amazing.”

In the Nestian estate, the word “fire” was nearly taboo. It was the ability associated with the Asterians.@@novelbin@@

But now, she could say it freely. Fire, which could melt away even the coldest ice, seemed far more magnificent than the chilling ice that froze everything.

Tiel stood up with a little effort, brushing off her dress, and resumed exploring the room.

She loved everything, from the soft blankets to the adorable furniture. But what captivated her the most was the suncatcher hanging in front of the window, scattering sunlight in all directions.

It’s so beautiful.

Tiel stood in front of the suncatcher, her gaze transfixed on the light reflecting across the room. Seeing her so engrossed, Parden once again moved to stand beside her.

Since Tiel was too small to reach the suncatcher, Parden gently tapped it, causing it to sway and scatter light in a dazzling display.

“It seems you like the suncatcher, Miss. You have good taste.”

“Yes, it’s so beautiful,” Tiel said, her voice filled with awe as she stared at the light.

The blue light, refracted through a sapphire-like gem, cast a soft glow on Tiel’s clear, innocent face.

Parden watched her fondly before clearing his throat and speaking again.

“This suncatcher is a masterpiece crafted by the renowned artisan, Mr. Lynat. He used only the finest diamonds, sourced exclusively from Desmond, to create it. It’s one of a kind. It was a gift from Karsus-nim, who thought it would look perfect in your room.”

“...Diamonds?”

Tiel might have been only seven years old, but she knew enough to understand that diamonds were incredibly valuable.

Hearing the words “the finest” and “one of a kind” made it clear that this suncatcher was worth far more than an ordinary diamond.

Parden nodded proudly.

Tiel stared at the sparkling suncatcher above her head, her small fists clenching as if she had come to a resolution. She looked up at Parden with determination.

“Um, Head Butler.”

“Yes, Miss? What is it?”

“I… I’d like to thank Karsus-nim and Alpheus-nim for giving me such a nice room and such a beautiful suncatcher. May I see them?”

Though she still found Alpheus a little intimidating, she felt it was only proper to thank them for what she had received.

Hearing her words, Parden’s expression brightened, and he nodded warmly.

“Of course. However, the Duke is currently away on urgent business, so I will guide you to Karsus-nim instead.”

With that, Parden extended his hand to Tiel. She lightly took his warm hand in hers.

Adjusting his stride to match the small steps of the young miss, Parden walked at half his usual pace.

Thanks to this, Tiel was able to walk comfortably alongside him without having to scurry or catch her breath.

***

The Asterian mansion was truly vast, so much so that one could easily lose their way within its walls.

Parden held Tiel's hand as they walked to Karsus's room, warning her, "The mansion is so large that you might get lost, so always take a maid with you whenever you go somewhere."

He also mentioned that the basement was particularly expansive and labyrinth-like, so much so that even long-serving staff occasionally lost their way there.

As Tiel walked with Parden, she decided she would never wander around on her own.

"I don’t want to get lost and end up worrying everyone…."

Not wanting to burden the kind people of the Asterian household, Tiel listened to Parden’s advice with more attention than usual.

After walking for a while, just when it felt like they had gone too far from her room, Parden stopped in front of a massive door.

"This is Karsus’s room."

A gigantic door.

It was so tall and wide that even an enormous beast could pass through with ease. Tiel couldn’t even imagine opening it on her own.

As Tiel stared up at the door, overwhelmed by its size, her small mouth slightly agape, Parden chuckled softly and knocked lightly.

"Karsus-nim, Tiel has arrived."

After Parden’s words, it didn’t take long for the heavy door to slowly creak open.

And then—

"Tiel."

Karsus appeared in person. Tiel, momentarily startled by his sudden presence, didn’t retreat or try to hide.

After all, she had already met Karsus privately once before.

Moreover, that memory was one of warmth and reassurance for her.

"Come in, child," Karsus said as he stepped aside from the doorway. Tiel hesitated briefly, then cautiously stepped into his room.

"I’ll take my leave now," Parden said, bowing respectfully after ensuring Tiel had entered the room. Karsus glanced at Tiel, then at Parden, and gave a small nod.

"Very well."

The sound of the massive door closing echoed behind her. Karsus, who had already walked over to sit on the sofa, gestured toward Tiel.

"Tiel, come here."

His voice was gentle and reassuring, making her feel inexplicably at ease.

Just like the day he had rescued her from the basement when she was crying.

Just like the day he had told her she was special and possessed extraordinary abilities.

The tension in her tightly clenched hands began to loosen. Tiel blinked a few times, then slowly made her way to Karsus, standing in front of him with her hands clasped together.

"Not like that," Karsus said, smiling softly as if something wasn’t to his liking. He reached out toward her.

Seeing that she no longer flinched away from his touch, Karsus carefully lifted Tiel and placed her on his lap.

"…!"

Tiel’s eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly found herself sitting on Karsus’s lap. Her body instinctively wriggled in confusion.

"Careful, Tiel. You might fall."

"B-but!"

At the mention of falling, Tiel’s expression crumpled into one of near tears. She stopped squirming and sat quietly, placing her small hands on Karsus’s knees, blinking up at him.

"Why am I even here…?!"

All she had intended was to thank him for the wonderful room he had given her.

Back at the Nestian estate, she had never once sat on an adult’s lap. Even holding hands had been a rare occurrence, so this was completely foreign to her.

Yet here at the Asterian mansion, how many times had she already ended up sitting on someone’s lap?

And unlike Ria’s soft and comforting lap, Karsus’s was hard and a bit uncomfortable.

It was probably because he had little to no experience holding a child, but of course, Tiel couldn’t have known that.

While she squirmed slightly, trying to adjust her position, Karsus rang the bell on the side table.

The door opened, and a servant entered, bowing politely. Karsus leaned his head lightly against Tiel’s small head and spoke.

"Bring some snacks suitable for the child. And a warm drink."

Karsus briefly examined Tiel’s tiny hands with curiosity before speaking again.

"Actually, since she’s young, juice or warm cocoa would be better. Like last time."

"Understood, Karsus-nim," the servant replied before hurriedly leaving the room.

Tiel, still perched on Karsus’s lap, blinked and finally remembered why she had come to his room in the first place. Turning her head, she called out hesitantly.

"Um, Karsus-nim!"

"Yes, Tiel. What is it?"

"Well…"