The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family - Chapter 176

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 176
“I see……”
Tiel nodded. It was true that Eberard still seemed a bit early to present openly to so many Beast Persons at once.
Not long had passed since Eberard’s restoration, and only a little over a decade had elapsed since the land of Arcadia had regained its light and forest.
If Arcadia hadn’t publicly announced its festival, Eberard would likely have controlled the entry of Beast Persons from other territories even more strictly for some time yet.
“Other Beast Persons should be arriving soon. We came a bit early. I hear Wolfgang is also entering Arcadia before long……”
“Is only Olivier coming? Or are Aunt and Uncle coming as well?”
“Just Olivier. Normally they have to tend to their own territories, so not everyone moves. Each house will probably send one or two representatives. Besides, what’s being held this time isn’t a formal festival.”
“But we all came.”
“We came to protect you. They have no one to protect, so it’s fine for each house to send just one representative. And besides, Arcadia is far from the Capital City.”
Tiel nodded at Cassius’s words. The Salamander that had been perched on Tiel’s shoulder tilted its head, then nipped at Cassius’s collar.
Soot was left where it had bitten. Cassius narrowed his brow and brushed the Salamander away.
“And……I’ll have to investigate this again once we return. In all my years creating tens of thousands of Salamanders, never once has this happened.”
“So this one is a very special Salamander?”
“Special? It’s nothing but a flame.”
Tiel shook her head.
“It’s not just a flame—it’s a living, breathing friend. I even gave it a name. Listen: this little one’s new name is Flame. It means ‘flame’……”
Tiel prattled on. Cassius, finding nothing else to say, simply nodded with an attitude of ‘if you’re happy, then I suppose it’s fine.’
“Speaking of which, aren’t you tired? You must be worn out from traveling so long. Why not rest a bit? I’ll wake you when it’s time to eat.”
“I did mean to rest, but I’ve been cooped up inside for so long that I’m too excited to sleep, Father.”
Tiel spoke with her cheeks flushed.
In truth, she’d worried a great deal before coming to Arcadia. The situation had made her particularly anxious, since she couldn’t easily venture outside as things were.
And with the incident where her Ability had nearly vanished, Tiel found it impossible not to worry.
Yet now that she was here, Karl had grown so much taller and was so kind, and all the Beast Persons of Arcadia treated Tiel with such gentleness……
Tiel was so delighted by their kindness and goodwill that during her entire stay in Arcadia, she wanted to hear their gentle voices every single day.
Cassius, understanding his daughter’s feelings completely, stroked her head and nodded.
“Everything will be resolved soon. You’ll be free to come and go as you wish.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I’ll dispose of everything that troubles you. On the name of Asterian……”
Tiel recalled the moment long ago when Cassius, Alpheus, Ludian, and Ferdi had sworn to protect her.
Merely remembering that moment made her feel as if she could overcome anything that lay ahead.
***
“Wow! We’ve arrived!”
Olivier cheered, and Clemens beside her smiled gently. Her pink hair rippled softly in the breeze.
“Indeed, here we are. It’s truly a beautiful land, no matter how many times I see it.”
Clemens spoke. Her voice remained soft as a whisper.
Clemens was one of the few Beast Persons who had witnessed Arcadia’s transformation most closely.
Arne and Eberard were located very near each other, and from the moment Arcadia first regained its light, Arne had not hesitated to lend its aid.
Therefore, Clemens had often traveled to Arcadia to convey the wishes of her mother, Iris, Head of Arne.
Yet despite this, each visit still brought something new and astonishing. Arcadia was recovering its Life Force at a remarkable pace, and even Clemens, who visited frequently alongside Iris, was amazed each time she came.
She was beginning to understand why Arcadia was called the land of honey-flowing abundance and glory. It overflowed with Life Force.
The carriage carrying Clemens and Olivier disappeared somewhere into the Eberard Mansion. The two had decided to meet Karl first. Servants guided Clemens and Olivier to him.
“The Head of Household is in this room.”
The servant who had guided them to his room bowed politely and knocked softly on the door.
“Head of Household, Clemens of Arne and Olivier of Wolfgang have arrived.”
As the servant finished speaking, a voice from within bade them enter. The servant opened the door gently.
Clemens and Olivier stepped through the open doorway. Karl, who had been sitting, stood up abruptly upon seeing them.
“Clemens, Olivier.”
Karl addressed them both with proper courtesy. Clemens and Olivier returned the greeting with equal formality.
They had come as representatives of Arne and Wolfgang, so they needn’t stand on excessive ceremony. Besides, the three were already acquainted.
“Karl, I hope you’ve been well?”
Clemens spoke warmly. Karl gestured to the sofa, indicating they should sit, and replied.
“Thank you for asking. I trust Iris has been well?”
“Indeed, by her grace.”
“I haven’t been here since ‘that day.’ Wow, it’s changed so much! Back then, you couldn’t see even a hand’s breadth ahead, and without Luminous Stones and Tiel, it was hard to take even ten steps.”
At Olivier’s words, Karl smiled and nodded.
“It’s all thanks to all of you. And moreover……”
Karl carefully opened his hand and used his Ability. Transparent water droplets hovered above his palm.
“My Ability has grown stronger too. It cannot compare to Eberard of old, but it rivals the Abilities of the other houses. All the water flowing through this mansion now is produced by my Ability. When my Ability runs dry or my breath stops, so too does the water in this mansion. That’s how it’s been since ancient times, or so I’ve been told. Thus, it’s said that the only day no sound of flowing water was heard in this mansion was the day the previous Head of Eberard died.”
At Karl’s words, Olivier looked around. There were channels of flowing water within the Head’s chamber as well.
The transparent water flowed ceaselessly, and merely by observing this vast mansion’s entire system maintained by such water, one could tell just how much stronger Karl’s Ability had become.
Olivier, Clemens, and Karl continued their conversation for some time after that. The three were of similar age and, as mentioned earlier, already acquainted, so they had much to discuss.
Then Olivier, as if just remembering, opened her eyes narrowly and asked.
“Speaking of which……what about Nestian? Is Nestian coming too? Surely they’re not staying at the Eberard Mansion?”
“Nestian is coming? I haven’t heard anything about that.”
Clemens tilted her head with a puzzled expression. Olivier mirrored her, inclining her head as well.
“Of course, I haven’t heard anything either, but wouldn’t Nestian try to come at all costs if word spread that Tiel would be here?”
“But hasn’t Nestian been isolated from other Beast Persons for several years now……?”
Clemens answered. Karl, who had been listening quietly to their exchange, made a thoughtful sound and added.
“I haven’t heard that Nestian is coming either, but according to Illum, there’s been word that Rowen of Nestian will be participating in this festival. Beyond that, Eberard hasn’t received any separate notice, so I’m not entirely sure.”
“Rowen of Nestian is coming?”
Olivier’s eyes widened in surprise. Karl nodded. Clemens blinked as if confused and asked softly.
“Rowen of Nestian……I haven’t heard that name in so long. I’d almost forgotten it……”
Olivier felt the same way.
And perhaps Tiel would too. Olivier was certain that over the years, Tiel had nearly forgotten the name ‘Rowen of Nestian.’
‘Because news of Rowen had cut off like a lie at some point!’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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