The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

Episode 87

“Miss, have a safe trip!”

Leah cheerfully placed a bonnet adorned with delicate white lace on Thiel’s head.

“Yes, I will! See you later!”

“Hehe, I’ll be waiting for you.”

After securing the bonnet and smoothing Thiel’s hair one last time, Leah gently held the little girl’s hand.

Thiel clutched Leah’s hand and trotted along the corridor, her steps light. Waiting for her were Perdi and Ludian, who stepped forward as soon as they saw her.

“Brother!”

Leah tactfully stepped back, giving space for Perdi and Ludian to approach. The two brothers bent down to meet their sister’s gaze.

“Have a safe trip, Thiel,” Perdi said, placing a soft kiss on one of her cheeks. Not to be outdone, Ludian leaned in and kissed her other cheek.

“Take care, alright?”

“Yes, don’t worry!”

Thiel replied confidently, turning and dashing toward Cassius and Alpheus.

“Let’s go, sweetheart,” Cassius said as he effortlessly scooped Thiel up in his arms.

Having been carried daily by her grandfather, father, and brothers, Thiel settled into Cassius’s embrace without hesitation.

Cassius and Alpheus joined her in the carriage, a large and luxuriously outfitted vehicle designed for comfort. Cushions and pillows were scattered everywhere to ensure Thiel would have the coziest ride possible.

But instead of burying herself in the cushions, Thiel chose to snuggle into Cassius’s lap. Cassius, showing no intention of putting her down, kept her perched on his knees.

“Thiel, there’s nothing to worry about,” he reassured her gently.

“Father and Grandfather will handle everything. You just need to stand by our side.”

“Will there be other people besides His Majesty?”

“Most likely, the heads of the major families will attend. Stefano will be there, as will Iker… Arne and Nestrian, I’m not sure about.”

By now, the rumor that House Asterian was appointing its seven-year-old youngest as head had undoubtedly spread.

It was clear that at least the five major family heads would show up, determined to prevent Thiel from becoming the leader of House Asterian.

From their perspective, it was better for her to remain in the Imperial Palace as the Crown Princess, rather than living safely as Asterian’s head.

‘But that won’t happen.’

Cassius’s hand moved to gently ruffle his beloved daughter’s round head.

Thiel, who had been deprived of care for so long, was now the center of his world—a child he would nurture with boundless love and devotion.

No one would take her away. Not a single person, not even the Emperor, would be allowed to take Thiel from his arms.

‘Don’t worry, Thiel.’

Cassius whispered softly, his voice so low it didn’t reach her ears. Thiel turned to him, blinking her bright eyes.

“Adorable little one,” Cassius murmured, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Today, Cassius and Alpheus planned to officially declare the change in leadership of House Asterian.

There was nothing to fear.

Not a single thing.

* * *

“It’s absurd for a seven-year-old child to take on the headship of House Asterian!”

Cloud, the head of House Iker, exclaimed as he looked toward the Asterians. Cassius merely returned his gaze with a calm, detached expression.

“The authority to appoint the head of House Asterian belongs solely to Asterian. Why is the head of another family meddling in our affairs?”

“Of course we have to meddle. Thiel is destined to become the Crown Princess.”

Crown Princess.

Everyone present understood the weight of that title in the Krasion Empire.

The Crown Princess wasn’t just a consort; she would serve as the vessel to stabilize the Crown Prince’s abilities, sacrificing her life force to contain his power and ensure his survival.

“…What do you mean by that?”

“I heard Thiel bonded with the Crown Prince. If she is bonded, she is no longer merely a daughter of Asterian but the Crown Prince’s future partner…”

“I don’t recall mentioning any such thing. Where did you hear this?”

The Emperor’s deliberate interruption silenced Cloud. Slowly, Wilhelm turned his gaze toward the man.

“Rumors are widespread, Your Majesty.”

“Rumors spread quickly, it seems. So quickly that others know before the parties involved do.”

At Wilhelm’s reproach, Cloud retreated a step, his lips tightening in frustration. The Emperor cast him a dissatisfied glance before turning his attention to the Asterians.

“Cassius is correct. The authority to appoint Asterian’s head lies solely with Asterian. I acknowledge this.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“However, Asterian isn’t just any house; it is the leader of all beastkin families. A seven-year-old child cannot take on such a burden.”

Wilhelm wanted to support the Asterians.

After all, Ian, his son and heir, had survived thanks to Thiel. Moreover, Alpheus was one of Wilhelm’s closest friends.

But Asterian wasn’t an ordinary house. It bore the responsibility of leading all beastkin families, a responsibility heavier than most could fathom.

The Emperor sighed as he addressed them.

“You should reconsider this decision.”

“Your Majesty, Thiel may only be seven, but she has manifested the ability of light.”

Alpheus spoke slowly, his voice calm but firm.

“Everyone present understands the significance of the ability of light in the Krasion Empire.”

Indeed, it was no small matter. The ability of light was a legendary power, said to one day save the empire.

Its mere manifestation carried immense meaning.

“As Your Majesty knows, House Asterian leads all beastkin families. I see no one more qualified to inherit its headship than my granddaughter, who has manifested this ability of light.”

“Hm…”

“That’s preposterous.”

The objection came from Zender Nestrian, his tone cold and sharp. Alpheus and Cassius both turned their gazes toward him.

“It’s unreasonable,” Zender continued. “Regardless of her abilities, she is still only seven years old. You can’t expect a child to lead. And furthermore…”

Zender fixed Alpheus with a piercing stare. Their eyes locked for a moment before Zender pressed on.

“She may have manifested the ability, but what has she accomplished with it?”

“She’s seven years old,” Cassius replied evenly.

Zender shrugged, dismissing the point as though it were irrelevant.

“Exactly. She’s only seven. How can you place a child of that age as the head of such a distinguished house? If you claim her ability of light qualifies her, then she must prove herself. If she cannot, she should wait until she is older and can demonstrate her worth.”

Zender’s words sparked a silent exchange of glances among the other family heads. Though they kept their opinions to themselves, it was clear that many agreed with him.

The weight of Asterian’s name was unlike any other. Anyone who bore it had to shoulder its full responsibility.

Alpheus narrowed his eyes at Zender, his measured stare unwavering as he finally spoke.

“Duke Buchanan, you seem to have much to say.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean that your emphasis on ‘proof’ suggests you want Thiel to demonstrate something. Is that not the case?”

Zender smiled faintly, tilting his head toward the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, one of the many legends surrounding the ability of light says this: ‘In the land where morning never comes, a child with the ability of light will summon the dawn.’”

“And?”

“If Thiel Asterian truly is the child of legend, and if she is indeed worthy of inheriting the headship of House Asterian…”

Zender’s words carried a calculated weight.

“…then she must prove it by turning legend into reality. Let her summon the dawn to the land where morning never comes. If she can, House Nestrian will acknowledge her as the rightful head of House Asterian.”