"The temple seems to want you to come, but as always, if you don't want to, you don't have to go."
Ferdie looked at Tiel, who set down her tea cup that she had been sipping from and looked back at him.
Over the years as Tiel grew up, Ferdie Asterian had outgrown his boyish charm and now fully resembled an adult.
He had been receiving marriage proposals for several years now, but since Ferdie had always declined them, believing it wasn't yet time, he remained unmarried. Had he not declined them, a wedding ring would have been on his finger long ago.
Ferdie had always taken care of and looked after Tiel just like in the old days.
His mentioning this matter in advance was likely out of consideration to give Tiel time to ponder and deliberate.
Ferdie valued even the smallest gestures of kindness.
After a moment of thought, Tiel looked directly into Ferdie's eyes and said, "If my going there helps calm the imperial citizens' unrest, then I will gladly go…"
Karsus, Ferdie, Ludian, and Ian Dross had always told Tiel, "You owe nothing to Crassion."
However, since the days had begun to shorten, Tiel couldn't shake off the feeling that somehow all of this was because of her.
A child of the God of Light with the Light Ability.
The weight of that name was heavier than she thought. Tiel looked at Ferdie with sparkling eyes.
Ferdie suddenly thought that Tiel's pupils seemed less sparkling than before.
"They used to be more like flames."
Now they twinkled like finely shattered moonlight on calm waves. Ferdie was pleased yet worried about his sister's change.
However, he did not show it. Knowing Tiel, if he showed his concern, she would definitely notice and start second-guessing herself.
Ferdie disliked that his sister often censored herself.
"If you want to, then go ahead. But, Tiel, going there won't solve everything immediately. You might even hear some unpleasant things…"
"I'm prepared for that!" Tiel exclaimed, lifting her head, her neatly braided white hair swaying.
"Don't worry, I think it's something I must handle. Who else if not me? I have enjoyed many privileges as a child of light…"
"You enjoyed privileges?"
Ferdie looked at Tiel incredulously.
As far as Ferdie was concerned, Tiel had never enjoyed any privileges due to her name. On the contrary, she had suffered!
At just seven years old, Tiel was nearly taken away to the temple, almost stolen by the imperial family to become the prince's consort, and was expected to bring morning to the Land Without Light.
None of it was something a mere seven-year-old child should experience. But the adults demanded it, just because Tiel was born with the 'Light Ability.'
They imposed and expected too much from her, just because she was different from other children.
To say she had "enjoyed privileges," Ferdie looked at Tiel with a barely suppressed discomfort.
"Let's be clear, you never had any privileges. From beginning to end, everyone only owes you. Others have no right to demand anything from you. So, if you are attending the temple event with that mindset, let's just forget about it," Ferdie spoke softly. Tiel was momentarily speechless and looked at Ferdie, who continued regardless.
"I hate to think that you owe them, Tiel. They are demanding unfair things, and you don't have to comply with everything."
"Yes, brother."
Tiel drew out her words, nodding her head. Finally, Ferdie picked up his tea cup again with a satisfied expression.
"Think about it more, there's still plenty of time. You can declare your attendance on the day itself, and no one can complain."
"Yes, I will think about it more. It might be good to consult with Ian as well."
"That's right, he is your fiancé after all."
"Not just for now... We've been engaged and partners for over ten years, and you're still not used to Ian being my partner?"
Just then, the door burst open with a loud noise, and a handsome man with the same dark black hair and brilliantly shining golden eyes as Ferdie entered the room.
Ferdie and Tiel didn't need to look to know who it was. There were only two people who would wander around the Asterian estate so brazenly.
"Ludian brother!"
"Hello, my sister. And he's not used to it because he doesn't like it! I feel the same, of course."
Ludian approached warmly and ruffled Tiel's hair as if pressing down on her head.
Then, a beautiful lady in a pretty dress walked in lightly. Tiel craned her neck to see who followed Ludian.
The lady had beautiful gray hair decorated with flowers, and she wore a pink dress that matched her pink eyes perfectly.
Tiel immediately recognized her and widened her eyes.
"Olivia sister!"
"Hello, Tiel~ Have you been well? Huh? It's really been a long time! I wanted to come earlier, but your brother wouldn't let me. Did you miss me?"
Olivia walked in lightly, pushed Ludian aside, and gently kissed Tiel's forehead.
Tiel grinned like a little child and hugged Olivia tightly.
"I missed you! Both you, Ludian brother, and you, Olivia sister! How did you both manage to come together?"
Olivia, as the sole heir preparing to take over the leadership of the Wolfgang clan, was very busy.
Thus, their reunion was quite an exceptional event! Of course, Tiel was happy to see her loved ones all at once.
Ferdie, quietly sipping his tea, smiled and said, "I called them here, there's something we need to discuss."
"Something to discuss?"
"Yes, let's sit down first. Put away that fan, Olivia."
"This fan is quite valuable! You ungrateful child!"
"Did you forget I'm your cousin?"
"It's because you're my cousin that I speak to you this way, Ferdie."
As Ferdie and Olivia exchanged familiar banter, Ludian quietly took the seat next to Tiel.
***
"Lord Chender."
At the call, the head of the Nestian clan opened his eyes.
His surroundings were made treacherously sharp with ice spikes, making it difficult to approach.
Chender blinked his blurry eyes as he mulled over the dream he just had.
In his dream, his deceased daughter, Lena, appeared. Lena was holding Tiel and...
Holding her and trying to hand her over to him?
No, it seemed like she was trying to run away with the little girl.
The dream was too vague to remember clearly.
But one thing was certain, neither scenario made for a pleasant dream.
"Damn, that was an unpleasant dream."
Chender cursed, pressing his hand to his forehead. The ice that sharply enveloped his surroundings melted away instantly.
Chender's aide was then able to step into the room.
Entering, the aide bowed before Chender, who gestured for him to report without even looking at him.
"Lord Jae wishes to see you."
At the mention of 'Jae,' Chender's face lit up like he had heard an old friend's name.
"Let him in."
As Chender commanded, the aide hurried out to relay the message to Jae.
Only a single candle flickered as if it would go out at any moment in the room.
Around the room, the ice shards that Chender had just melted began to sharply regrow.