The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

Episode 15

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Knock, knock.

Thiel cautiously knocked on the door. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Upon doing so, the servants standing on either side of the door announced loudly, read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

 “Lord Cassius, Miss has arrived.”

Shortly after, the servants opened the massive door. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel hesitated for a moment before sticking her head through the open door.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

In front of a large table at the end of the room, there sat a man with neatly combed hair and sharp eyes that matched Thiel’s own golden irises. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He was Cassius Celeste Asterian., the owner of the room and Thiel’s own father.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Thiel glanced at Cassius for a moment, then knocked on the door once again and asked cautiously, “Um, may I come in?”

“Ah, come in, Thiel.”

Cassius carefully set down the pen he was holding and spoke. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel tilted her head slightly and walked into the study with hesitant steps.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The servants closed the door behind her.

“Have a seat there, baby.”

Cassius lowered the gold-framed glasses that were resting on the bridge of his nose and pointed to the sofa in the center of the study.

Thiel obediently took a seat at the end of the sofa, as Cassius had instructed.

However, Cassius’s expression showed a hint of dissatisfaction, as if something didn’t please him. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He swiftly approached Thiel.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Don’t sit like that.”

Cassius approached Thiel with a slight smile and lifted her up in a gentle hug. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Startled, Thiel’s eyes widened in surprise.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Ca, Mr. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Cassius!”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius paid no attention to Thiel’s squirming or protests and swiftly sat down on the sofa, placing the child comfortably inside.

Thanks to that, Thiel, who had been sitting on the edge of the sofa with only her bottom on it, could now sit comfortably, sinking into the depths of the couch.

Finally satisfied, Cassius smiled and plopped down on the opposite side of the sofa, facing Thiel.

Thiel blinked her eyes as she gazed at Cassius, who was sitting on the huge, plush sofa.

‘That was a surprise…’

She had been taken aback when he suddenly approached and hugged her, but it was all to make her sit comfortably on the sofa.

It was something she had never imagined happening in Nestian, of course.

In Nestian, the touch of an adult to Thiel had always been something scary and cruel.

That’s why it was fascinating and delightful. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She had never experienced this kind of care before. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She had never even imagined receiving it…read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Thiel’s wariness towards Cassius slightly diminished. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The child, without realizing it, looked at Cassius with eyes full of curiosity, setting aside her fear.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

And Cassius’s mouth curled up at the sight, which he had been watching the whole time.

“It seems like she’s adapting quickly. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.That’s fortunate.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He had been worried that she wouldn’t let go of her guard, but the child quickly let her guard down, to the point where his worries seemed irrelevant.

Cassius felt relieved about that aspect, but at the same time, it saddened him deeply.

After enduring such prolonged abuse, how could she easily let her guard down with just a few gentle touches?

What kind of treatment had she received all this time?

‘How she was treated and what kind of life she lived without knowing…’

Cassius’s golden eyes, filled with energy directed towards Nestian, simmered down and gradually settled. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He easily contained his anger.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He was worried that Thiel might notice the emotions reflected on his face and become frightened.

Fortunately, Thiel didn’t notice.

Soon, the maids entered with trays piled high with snacks and set them down in front of the two, along with tea.

Since Thiel was still young, orange juice was provided instead.

“You’ve worked hard. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.You may leave now.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, Lord Cassius.”

The maids lightly bowed their heads in greeting and left the study with hesitant steps.

“Thiel, I called you because I have something to say.”

Cassius picked up the most appetizing-looking cookie from the ones placed in front of Thiel and handed it to her as he spoke.

Thiel accepted the cookie and cautiously gauged Cassius’ reaction. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He said he had something to tell her… What could it be? Is he planning to change his mind and send me away again…?read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Just as Thiel’s thoughts were starting to take a negative turn, Cassius’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“That day, you seemed to remember something from the basement.”

“Yes? Yes, I did.”

Thiel nodded her head. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She couldn’t remember vividly, but she had a vague recollection.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius had come down to the basement himself to find her, and at that moment, an unidentifiable light had burst from the palm of Thiel’s own hand.

“I can’t remember it clearly, but I slightly remember it.”

How could I forget?

Even now, when I close my eyes, it feels like the situation from back then flashes before me. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The desperation I felt, thinking that Asterian was going to kill me. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The shimmering lights within my hands responded to that desperation.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

But what the hell was that? It was definitely not a freezing ability. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The moment, a question popped into Thiel’s mind.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“That was your ability, baby.”

“… My ability?”

 Yes, a very special ability.”

Cassius’s gentle voice gently settled in Thiel’s ears. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel blinked as if she couldn’t believe it.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

A special ability?

The child tilted her head in confusion.

Thiel did not have the ability to freeze or fire. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.At that time, it was clear that the superpowers she used would be nothing more than insignificant abilities. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.But, what a special ability…read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Could there be a misunderstanding?

‘… It can’t be that small light is a special ability.’

Thiel had never heard of the “Light Ability” that was passed down in the Krasion Empire. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was natural since she had never received a proper education.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

So it wasn’t unreasonable for Thiel to think of her own ability as “insignificant.”

Cassius slowly began to tell Thiel the legends surrounding the Light Ability that descended in the Krasion Empire.

The legends about the Light Ability that descended in the Krasion Empire, and the nature of the Light Ability.

And even what the fish-shaped light emitted from Thiel’s palm symbolized in Krasion.

However, Cassius didn’t mention another legend that was only passed down in Asterian and Nestian to Thiel. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He did so out of concern that the child might feel burdened. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was a small consideration from Cassius.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

After listening to everything, Thiel’s eyes widened. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.She carefully clasped and unfolded her own palm, then asked a question.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Th-then, what should I…?”

“That’s right, Thiel. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.You’re a special child who has manifested a special ability from the legends.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius’s words were unbelievable. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It felt like listening to a story from another world. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Just a while ago, she was being ridiculed and treated as a useless mixed blood, and now she was being called a special child…read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

She wondered if something was wrong, but the Cassius in front of her didn’t seem like someone who would lie.

Thiel clenched her palms together. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.A small pool of light flickered within. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.And cautiously, she attempted to use her ability.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

A faint light briefly appeared within her hands before quickly fading away. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Disappointment flickered across Thiel’s face.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Thiel had never properly learned how to use her ability, so it was natural that she couldn’t control it. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.However, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Thiel cautiously lifted her head to face Cassius.

“Um,… Then, what can I…?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Well… then… Can I be of help to the Asterian family?”

Thiel muttered with her small mouth. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The office fell silent at Thiel’s question.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius inwardly let out a short sigh.

Cassius’ kind of terrible things did they do to this child in Nestian that she would ask such a question?

Cassius brushed away the awkward expression and shifted his gaze toward the young child.

“Thiel, you don’t have to be of help to the Asterian family. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Even without that, you are my daughter and a rightful member of the Asterian family.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The results of a bloodline test didn’t matter.

Thiel was Cassius’s daughter.

The golden eyes, the symbol of the black leopard, the white fur, the symbol of the snow leopard, and Lena’s locket proved that fact.

The bloodline test was only meant to announce Thiel as the successor of Asterian. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Nothing more, nothing less. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel was definitely his daughter.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He could tell from the moment he first saw her.

There are no parents in the world who wouldn’t recognize their own child.

Upon hearing the words “my daughter,” Thiel’s face turned red, and her eyes widened. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The child, in a flustered tone, hastily added more words.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“But Grandfather always said that if you’re a child, you should be a support to the family…”

“If things that rely on a child’s help for their existence need to disappear, then it’s only right. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel, young children don’t need to worry about such things. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.All you have to do is eat well and play well.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Cassius’s voice as he spoke was very firm. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Thiel nodded her head as if entranced.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes.”

“The reason I told you about your ability is not because I expect something from you or because I want something from you. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It’s because you have the right to know about your ability.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Thiel nodded once again. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Despite Cassius looking quite uncomfortable… it didn’t seem to be because of Thiel herself.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

After wiping his face with an awkward expression, Cassius took the cookie that Thiel still hadn’t eaten from her hand and placed it in her mouth.

“Uh, uh?”

“That’s why, remember, Thiel. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Children… don’t need to do anything. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.At least, in the Asterian family, that’s how it is. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Just eat well and play well.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

It was the first time she had heard such words.

Just eat well and play well. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was an unimaginable concept in Nestian. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.But Cassius simply said that’s all she needed to do.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes… Mr. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Cassius.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

As Thiel took a small bite of the cookie given by Cassius, her cheeks reddened with a kindness she had never experienced before, and she nodded her head.

A faint light flickered once again from Thiel’s hand.