The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 121
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Why did Mikael send Iona up here?
There is still no answer to that question
So, let’s change the question.
Is Mikael’s movement part of the church’s agenda?
‘It doesn’t seem so.’
He only expressed regret when the priests were expelled.
So why is Mikael acting on his own? What is he trying to accomplish here?
Revenge is the most common motive. Or perhaps he’s committed these acts out of a personal affection for her, like the charges against Loki.
But Amber was certain that Mikael’s motives couldn’t be that simple.
“His upbringing was excessively narcissistic. His nature forces him to hide his arrogance. His eyes show a lack of love. And there’s a compulsive cleanliness about his attitude, as if he pretends not to know about anything that happens…”
Muttering to herself, Amber pressed her forehead in thought.
He must have some hidden agenda. There’s a grand scheme here that neither she nor Igmeyer had anticipated.
The problem was not knowing what it was.
‘Madame Etoile sends a woman when she gets paid. That’s it. She obviously doesn’t know anything more.’
Mikael might have a gentle demeanor, but he was the type who never revealed his true thoughts.
Such a person doesn’t leave traces. He trusts no one and depends on no one.
‘The only clue I have is Iona.’
In fact, if Iona were a noble lady from another domain, Amber would have already punished her or had her killed from behind.
The only reason Amber hadn’t done so was not just sympathy.
It was the intuition of someone who had dominated high society for a long time.
It was hard to explain, but her intuition suggested that Iona might be a key to something and had inflicted her attitude towards Iona.
“Have Iona brought to me.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The new personal maid, Lotty, who had been watching Amber, quickly moved to comply.
As time passed steadily amidst various events, and the butler had completed his tasks, Amber was able to bring on the new personal maid.
“Ah, hello, Madam…”
Eventually, Iona timidly entered and, after seeing Amber sitting on the sofa, bowed her head deeply and fidgeted with her fingers.
Amber looked down at Iona with a cold expression and immediately asked,
“Who is the father of the child?”
“!”
“I know it’s not my husband’s child. I also know it’s a fake pregnancy. You were taking medicine to make your belly swell, weren’t you?”
“Th-that’s…!”
“Don’t lie to me anymore.”
Iona’s large eyes trembled uncontrollably. Amber waited calmly for Iona to collect herself and confess.
But Iona merely mumbled without giving any clear answer.
‘Should I be more harsh?’
Amber, deep in thought, spoke firmly and decisively.
“I believe I’ve been patient enough. Leave now.”
Of course, Amber had no intention of actually driving Iona away. Iona had witnessed Mikael’s green eyes. In fact, Amber needed to protect her to prevent Mikael from killing her.
But that was something Iona didn’t need to know.
“I’ll be going hunting soon.”
Iona’s greatest fear was losing this stable environment.
Amber had noticed this fear and, without hesitation, wielded her metaphorical blade.
“If you’re still here when I return, I’ll make sure to drive you out thoroughly.”
With Amber’s final declaration, Iona collapsed like a tragic heroine.
“Oh, no! Madam… Madam…!”
“Throw her out.”
At Amber’s command, Lotty dragged Iona out with rough force. Iona clung to the carpet, trying to resist, but there was no way she could overcome Lotty’s size and strength.
“Madam…! No, no…!”
Lotty, having thrown Iona into the hallway like a flipped spider, panted and dusted off her hands. As a newly appointed personal maid, Lotty had been looking at Iona with considerable disdain.
“Hmph!”
With a snort, Lotty shut the door behind her and left the space.
On the floor, Iona, having braced herself on the ground, clenched her teeth and her eyes gleamed with determination.
“I need to offer something to Madam… If I give something important, she won’t drive me away.”
Her muttering carried a chilling undertone.
“Something to offer… Something to offer…”
As Iona staggered to her feet, yesterday’s events came to mind.
She couldn’t speak about Mikael. She must not.
It was also impossible to put the vaporizing poison into the perfume bottle. She had already been expelled from his side.
So… so…
‘What should I offer? What would make her happy? Oh, but I have to kill…’
The conflict between her intentions and the brainwashing caused a headache.
Overwhelmed by the pain, Iona jumped around like a madwoman.
She was completely unaware that everyone watching her was shaking their heads in shock.
