The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 123
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
And so the night deepened, each with their own hidden agendas.
As time rolled on like a massive snowball, morning finally arrived.
Igmeyer mounted his horse and issued orders for the knights to prepare for battle.
Mikael had anticipated that something might happen to him here.
Yet he was a firm believer in the power granted to him by God. This immense divine power was not only capable of manipulating others’ consciousness but could also act as a shield, blocking physical attacks.
Even if the Grand Duke tried to kill him directly, Mikael believed he could withstand the initial assaults. If he was truly an apostle of God, he trusted that salvation would come from the heavens.
Mikael believed this wholeheartedly.
—Kyaaaah!
So even as he stood at the entrance of the Yolkie Forest, where the roar of monsters could be heard, Mikael remained unafraid. He calmly drew up the pale green divine power around him.
‘Even if I die here, it doesn’t matter. The trap is already set.’
Iona would act according to his wishes. The only regret would be not being able to witness it first hand if he was to die.
‘I’ll try my best to avoid death.’
As Mikael pondered this, he scanned his surroundings. The knights were all preparing to hunt the monsters.
The Grand Duke had shown no particular reaction, which made Mikael curious.
Was the rumor about Igmeyer’s power in Niflheim true or exaggerated?
While it was known that the Grand Duke possessed abnormal abilities, no one truly knew how formidable they were since no one had witnessed him using them in the north.
Mikael always harbored doubts. Rumors were often inflated.
Just then.
“From novels, it seems that villains always have plausible plans.”
“……?”
“I never understood why they are allowed to wait until their plans come to fruition.”
The Grand Duke swiftly drew his sword while muttering these words. Instantly, the previously somewhat relaxed atmosphere shifted dramatically.
A red aura seemed to blaze from the Grand Duke.
A chill ran up Mikael’s spine, causing him to flinch.
“Why do they always wait for the plan to be accomplished? I’ve always wondered.”
“I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying.”
A troubling sensation began to creep up the back of Mikael’s neck.
So, not even deep in the forest, but right here? He’s attacking so suddenly?
Mikael wanted to believe otherwise, but the gleaming sword held by the Grand Duke made it clear.
Swallowing nervously under the tense atmosphere, Mikael increased his divine power to build up a thick defensive barrier. It felt like there was no other option.
“I can’t understand why you’re indulging this delusion.”
Igmeyer looked down at Mikael and casually swung his sword once.
It seemed like a mere flick of the wrist, but the force behind it was immense.
“If you lose, you’ll confess everything, and if I take your head, everything will be forgotten.”
“What!”
Mikael clenched his teeth and expanded his barrier.
“Ugh…!”
The rumors he had heard were not just rumors.
What stung his pride even more was the complete lack of tension in the Grand Duke’s demeanor.
As Mikael was pushed back, he finally broke into a cold sweat.
Igmeyer swung his sword several more times toward Mikael.
With no hint of seriousness, it was almost as if he was toying with him, pushing Mikael further back with each swing.
“It seems villains usually reveal their trump cards in situations like this. Is it not time for you to use your last resort?”
The red eyes looking down at Mikael were filled with mockery.
Igmeyer wasn’t taking this seriously from the start; his attitude was akin to a large predator playing with its prey, catching and releasing it at will.
“Gah…!”
Soon, the knights formed a wide circle around them.
In the center stood Igmeyer, gripping his sword more firmly and striking with a more serious intent.
Clang, clang!
As the pale green barrier shattered layer by layer, the other knights stood still, merely observing.
The added humiliation made Mikael clench his fists.
“What is this madness? Are you out of your mind?”
“Well… I’m not sure what your scheme is, but this is a plan to force a confession.”
In reality, Igmeyer could have easily snapped Mikael’s neck at any time.
To him, brutality was familiar and effortless. Born into humble beginnings, he had always had to be wary of his own savagery. Thus, he had merely respected societal norms, civility, and the unspoken agreements of status as much as possible.
At first, he had to wear such a mask to protect the North.
But now, it was for Amber. He had only endured this charade to prevent her from being embarrassed by her husband.
‘But… if you were trying to separate Amber and me, then you are no longer a guest.’
Mikael deserved to die now.
Igmeyer felt a deep desire to tear him apart, then dip the body in boiling oil and fry it.
What did Mikael hope to achieve with Iona’s fake pregnancy, and what was he really planning by ensnaring even the Crown Prince in a trap?…..Igmeyer was determined to find out today.
