The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

Episode 67

Alpheus stepped out of the carriage.

Soon after, Cassius, Perdi, and Lucian followed one by one.

And finally…

“Thiel, be careful.”

Thiel held Perdi’s hand and carefully descended from the carriage.

All eyes focused on Thiel. She tried her best not to tremble and raised her head.

The first thing that caught Thiel’s eyes was the peculiar platform in the center of the large square.

‘What is that?’

There were six platforms in total. Five were decorated with symbols representing each ability, while one remained empty.

On the other four platforms stood the heads of each family, with their members lined up behind them.

At that moment…

‘Gasp!’

Thiel spotted Zender Nestian standing tall on the Nestian platform.

‘G-Grandfather.’

Thiel bit her lip hard, rounded her shoulders, and shrank back.

It was… a reflexive action. One beyond Thiel’s control.

The so-called discipline disguised as abuse, neglect, and bullying at Nestian had molded her into this.

Though Thiel had changed remarkably during her time with the Asterians, it wasn’t enough to erase the horrific memories of Nestian.

It was only natural.

Thiel had died and come back to life in Nestian.

It would be strange if the wounds of two lifetimes were perfectly healed in such a short time with the Asterians.

Zender stared coldly at Thiel with eyes like ice before turning away sharply.

Behind him stood Cornelia and Lowen, who were also staring intently at Thiel.

Three pairs of eyes filled with clear hostility. Thiel tried her best to avoid looking in Nestian’s direction.

At that moment…

“Thiel-!”

Wolfgang of the Wind.

Olivia, who was standing tall behind the platform, spotted Thiel and waved.

Half of the eyes that had been fixed on Thiel shifted to Olivia, but the girl seemed unfazed.

“Olivia.”

Ethienne quietly warned. Olivia pouted and stood properly again.

‘Sister Olivia.’

Thiel burst into a bashful smile.

Just moments ago, she had been frozen stiff like an ice sculpture because of Nestian.

But Olivia’s voice, Ethienne’s warm gaze, and the warmth she felt from Perdi’s hand melted her tension away.

Alpheus stood tall on the platform.

Cassius, Perdi, Lucian, and Thiel carefully took their places behind him.

Of the six platforms, one remained empty while the other five were now occupied.

The preparations were complete.

At that moment, the knights of each family turned their heads simultaneously.

From afar, a carriage more massive, majestic, and luxurious than the Asterians’ approached slowly.

The citizens of the empire held their breath in silence, watching the grand entrance of the carriage.

The carriage bore the distinct golden lion emblem symbolizing the Krasion imperial family.

‘The imperial emblem!’

It was the carriage carrying Emperor Wilhelm and Crown Prince Iandros of Krasion.

Soon, the carriage door opened, and Emperor Wilhelm and Crown Prince Iandros stepped out together.

The gathered crowd looked at the emperor and crown prince with awe, respect, and fear.

The emperor walked slowly to the golden platform in the center of the six platforms.

Iandros stood right behind him.

‘It’s Ian. It’s really Ian!’

‘Oh my, he’s truly magnificent…’

Compliments about Iandros’ appearance poured out from everywhere. These praises reached the ears of Thiel, Perdi, and Lucian as well.

“Aren’t I more handsome?”

Lucian asked, shrugging his shoulders.

Thiel held Lucian’s hand firmly and said with a determined expression.

“Brother, you are very handsome.”

“Huh? Oh, thanks, Thiel!”

“But not as much as Ian.”

Thiel stated firmly.

Perdi and Lucian had inherited the striking looks of Cassius and Lena, making them arguably the most handsome young men in the empire.

‘But Ian is a bit… different!’

At least, that’s how Thiel saw it.

Thiel’s gaze turned to Iandros.

Ian had an aura that seemed unreachable.

Her two brothers didn’t have that… well, to be precise, Perdi did, but Lucian did not.

Lucian was often described as “unapproachable” when out in public, but he never showed that side to Thiel, which made her judgment of him less flattering.

Iandros, standing wearily, directed his gaze towards the members of the Asterian family.

‘Thiel.’

Ian mouthed the word. Thiel understood that Ian was calling her just by his lip movements.

‘Ian!’

Thiel restrained her urge to greet Ian immediately.

But then.

“Is he crazy?”

Perdi’s mouth twisted oddly. Lucian’s eyes also showed a similar reaction.

“Huh?”

Thiel wanted to check on her brothers’ unusual expressions, but she missed the chance as the emperor began to speak.

“Luminari.”

Everyone fell silent at the emperor’s grand voice.

Thanks to the sacred artifact that amplified his voice, all the citizens and knights gathered in the square could hear him clearly.

“It’s a festival for the god Lysette.”

This was something everyone born and raised in the Krasion Empire knew all too well.

Many people were puzzled by why the emperor was bringing this up now.

Regardless, the emperor continued.

“Thus, there is someone I must call to this place.”

At the emperor’s words, Alpheus’s face hardened immediately. Cassius, Perdi, and Lucian were no different. Perdi instinctively sensed something was wrong and gripped Thiel’s hand tightly.

Thiel was the only one who didn’t grasp the situation.

‘What’s going on?’

Thiel looked up at the anxious Perdi, who was glaring at Iandros.

” Asterian.”

It was then that the emperor called Thiel’s name.

“…Yes?”

Thiel’s eyes widened in surprise. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on her.

Startled, Thiel let go of Perdi’s hand. Perdi, sensing that she needed to step forward, also released his hold gently.

“Me?”

“Come forward.”

The emperor spoke softly.

Thiel glanced at Cassius and Alpheus for guidance.

When she had previously heard about the event, there had been no mention of this…

Cassius’s large, warm hand touched Thiel’s back. He whispered gently so as not to scare her.

“They are calling you. Go on.”

“Okay, yes.”

Nodding, Thiel took small steps towards the emperor.

She could feel all eyes on her every step.

She was so nervous that it felt like her pounding heart would leap out of her mouth if she opened it. Trying her best to stay calm, she stood before the emperor.

“I heard you have manifested the power of light.”

The emperor looked at Thiel. To meet his gaze, Thiel tilted her head back as far as she could and nodded.

“Yes, I… I have the power of light.”

The square fell silent at Thiel’s words.

Most were somewhat aware that a child with the power of light had emerged from the Asterian family.

Not too long ago, rumors about “another legend of the power of light” had been circulating.

However, despite this, many still believed the power of light to be nothing but a myth, making Thiel’s admission quite shocking for them.

“Then you should rightfully be at the opening ceremony of Luminari. The little snow leopard of Asterian.”

At the mention of “little snow leopard,” Zender Nestian and the knights of Nestian flinched.

A small snow leopard born among the black panthers. They knew all too well the significance of this for the leopard clan…

In contrast, the knights of Asterian stood proud, and those with the Asterian name were composed and unruffled.

A snow leopard born among black panthers. Even though she was an imperfect hybrid, to them, her being a “snow leopard” bore no blemish.

Thiel looked up at Emperor Wilhelm.

“Show us your power, show it to us all. Let us know that light has returned to Krasion.”

The emperor’s voice echoed through the square. He spoke clearly and firmly, as if sealing a declaration.

“Luminari will bloom with the light you possess.”