The Everard Estate, contrary to Tiel's expectation that it would have been newly built during Karl's era, was constructed in an extremely old architectural style.
Although it was old, it had been carefully renovated, so there was no sense of wear. Instead, it had a very antique and classic feel.
As Tiel marveled at the surroundings, the maid who was guiding her to her room smiled and spoke.
"Actually, this is the very old Everard Estate. It was preserved using a special method, and it was renovated during this generation by Lord Karl."
Another maid continued the explanation.
"Originally, this place was just existing without being used, but Lord Karl decided to refurbish it and use it, so Lord Illem personally oversaw the restoration."
"Lord Illem?"
At the familiar name, Tiel's eyes sparkled. Illem was someone she had met when she came to Arcadia before. At that time, he was the Beastkin leader who oversaw the Beastkin of Arcadia.
"Lord Illem is still working at the Everard Estate, isn't he?"
"Of course! Lord Illem is the chief steward of the Everard Estate. Perhaps you'll meet him during your stay..."
At that moment, Tiel spotted a familiar figure approaching from the distance. Once again, she recognized him instantly.
"Lord Illem!"
"Lady Tiel."
Illem approached and bowed respectfully. The maids stepped back to give them space.
Tiel raised the hem of her dress and hurried toward Illem, greeting him warmly.
"Lord Illem! It's been so long!"
"Lady Tiel, how have you been? I apologize for not coming to greet you. I've been busy with the preparations for the festival..."
"It's alright! I've been doing well. How about you, Lord Illem?"
Illem, though looking a little older than the last time they met, had a much brighter expression now.
Not only his expression, but his posture and attitude also radiated pride in the Everard family. Tiel was deeply pleased with this positive change.
"I've been well. Thanks to the support from Asterian and Arne, the revival of Everard and the reconstruction of Arcadia have gone smoothly."
Illem spoke with clear gratitude, each word full of sincerity.
And then he looked at Tiel.
Tiel Asterian.
The little snow leopard she had first met, just a little taller than Karl, was now standing proudly before Illem as a full-grown adult.
Her curly white hair was even thicker and more beautiful than when Illem had first seen her, and her face shone brightly, just like when she brought light to Arcadia.
But what had changed was...
"Lady Tiel's eyes..."
The eyes are the mirror of the heart.
By looking into someone's eyes, one could tell their state. Illem noticed that the golden shine in Tiel's eyes had slightly dulled.
"Could it be because of that incident?"
Though Arcadia was far from the capital, news still traveled, and Illem had heard about Tiel's situation. From the time the balance of day and night had started to falter, to the fact that the citizens of Crassion were doubting Tiel's abilities.
Illem couldn't understand how anyone could doubt her.
There was only one person with the Light Ability, and what good would come from doubting Tiel? Furthermore, she had already proven her power when she restored the light to Arcadia.
Illem felt a deep sympathy for Tiel in this situation.
And he made a silent vow: No matter what happened, he would always stand by Tiel. Even if all the Beastkin of Crassion turned their backs on her, Arcadia would stand by Tiel.
Sensing Illem's gaze, Tiel awkwardly smiled and asked.
"Is there something on my face?"
"No, Lady Tiel. It's just that you've grown so wonderfully that it moved me, and I lost myself for a moment."
Illem answered politely. After signaling to the other maids with a gesture, he personally escorted Tiel to her room.
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net, it has been stolen.
"This is the best room in the Everard Estate. It was originally meant for the head of the family, but from the time the estate was first built, the head of the family opposed using the best room for themselves, so it remained empty."
When Illem opened the door, a wide and splendid room came into view.
It seemed even larger than the room at the Asterian Estate.
The room had been carefully renovated while keeping the old design, exuding an antique charm.
There was a small waterway along the edge of the room, and Tiel gazed at it curiously.
"Every room in the Everard Estate has a waterway. It's been here since a very long time ago. Through this waterway, letters can be sent to the next room, or... hmm, it's already started."
Illem chuckled. Tiel turned to follow his gaze, and at the end of the waterway, she saw colorful flower petals floating downstream.
"This is how we decorate the rooms with flowers. When distinguished guests visit, Everard welcomes them by sending flowers along the waterway."
"Wow..."
With a smile on her face, Tiel reached out to touch the waterway. The damp petals stuck to her fair fingers.
"Well, normally we don't do this much... You see, if we send flowers like this, they can clog the waterway..."
Illem trailed off awkwardly, and Tiel, still puzzled, looked up. When she saw the flood of flowers coming down the waterway, she finally understood his words.
"Please don't go that far...!"
Tiel seemed to realize who Illem was referring to. Karl Everard, the kind-hearted boy, had collected the most beautiful flowers to send to her room to welcome her.
Moreover, the water, treated specially, shimmered with the same golden glow that the water in Arcadia had when she and Karl once sent it off together.
"Anyway... please rest. I will return to escort you to the meal. Rest for now. I'll have the maids from Asterian sent to your room."
"Thank you, Lord Illem!"
"You're very welcome. Have a good day."
Illem gave one last polite bow before leaving the room.
As soon as he left, Salamander, who had been curled up in Tiel's arms, jumped out and eagerly began inspecting the floating flowers.
"Isn't it interesting?"
"!"
Salamander, intrigued by the waterway, nudged the surface with its nose, only to fall into the water with a splash.
"Ahhh!"
Tiel gasped in surprise, quickly rescuing Salamander from the water, but the flames on its body had already gone out.𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶
With a frown, Tiel rubbed Salamander's body with the hem of her dress and muttered.
"You should have been more careful! Now, what happens when the flames go out? Do you... die? That can't be right, can it? I need to go talk to Dad..."
Tiel frantically wiped Salamander's face, squashing its eyes and cheeks. Salamander, looking somewhat deflated, slumped in Tiel's hands before suddenly leaping out and away.
Then, in a flash...
Whoosh!
Salamander ignited itself, setting its body on fire again, and strutted around the room proudly.
The fish that had been swimming around Tiel, observing the scene with disdain, flicked Salamander with their fins.
Tiel quietly laughed at the sight before carefully reaching for the door.
"I want to see Dad, but I haven't been told where he and Grandfather are staying. Can you help me find them?"
At Tiel's question, Salamander, puffing up proudly, dashed ahead as if saying, "Just follow me."
Tiel followed Salamander slowly down the ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ hallway of the Everard Estate.
***
"Dad!"
Tiel spotted Karsus and hurried over. Her dress fluttered like butterfly wings. Karsus gently embraced his daughter as she ran toward him.
"Tiel, how's the room you were assigned?"
"It's really great! The room is perfect. I don't think I'll have any discomfort staying here."
"Good to hear. Then take a good rest. More Beastkin are arriving in Arcadia. The 'festival' will soon begin."
"Will the other Beastkin be staying at the Everard Estate too?"
"I've heard that's not the case. There's no room to accommodate them, and Karl Everard rejected the idea of hosting other Beastkin here. So, only we, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the Arne family will be staying here."