The Snow Leopard Baby of the Black Leopard Family

The day of the festival had arrived.

Though it was called a "festival," it was not an official celebration, but more of a ritual offering to the Ruuset God. Naturally, no pre-festival events were held.

However, the beastkin of Arcadia gathered in front of the fountain, designed after Tiel and Karl’s likeness, and quietly held their own pre-festival celebration.

Karl had asked Tiel if she wanted to go with him, but she had declined. This “festival” was a highly tense event for Tiel as well.

Thus, Tiel soaked in warm bathwater filled with spring flowers, then went to bed early and woke up early.

The maids Tiel had brought from Asterian and the Everard maids gathered in Tiel’s room early in the morning to do her hair.

"Now, let me help you get dressed."

Ria gently spoke as she tied a soft silk ribbon around Tiel's slim waist.

Tiel wore the white dress that Ian Dross had gifted her. The dress was adorned with finely crafted opal pieces and diamonds that sparkled beautifully when touched by sunlight.

"My lady, you are truly beautiful!"

Ria exclaimed while fixing Tiel’s hair.

Ria carefully combed through Tiel’s curly hair, then styled it into round donut-shaped buns on each side, securing them with ribbons.

This was a style Tiel used to wear when she was younger, but had stopped doing after she grew up.

After fixing the donuts with jewel-studded ribbons, Ria sprinkled pearl powder throughout Tiel’s curls as decoration.

Tiel looked at herself in the mirror.

"It really feels like when I was younger..."

Tiel said, blushing. Just as Tiel had said, she looked exactly the same as when she was younger.