The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 13
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
‘We can’t prevent the gates from opening, but we can evacuate the people in the territory in advance. We might also be able to get support from the imperial palace knights in the capital, not just the Niflheim Knights.’
But would they believe her?
Talking about a disaster three months in the future when she is just a newlywed… wouldn’t it sound like she had lost her mind? Amber bit her lower lip and made a conscious effort to muster determination.
‘No, it’s not that difficult. It’s just like establishing a position in society. I have to make them trust me.’
They didn’t know much about her, but Amber knew a little about the people here. She had gained a more advantageous position.
‘Let’s do it step by step. First, I’ll enhance my reputation within the castle while he’s away. The first few days are the most crucial.’
Her chest tingled—not with pain, but with hope.
It can change.
It will change.
She didn’t want to leave to fate the land where the child would eventually live.
Amber decided to start this journey by recruiting Nora, who had carefully attended her.
“Nora, bring that comb from earlier.”
“Oh, yes! Is this what you meant?”
“Yes. Will you have it?”
Amber looked at Nora and smiled brightly.
Nora, who had been captivated by the smile of the once known as Shadroch’s spring, widened her eyes.
As Nora, she had never seen such a beautiful person. It was someone she wanted to listen to no matter what they said.
‘Honestly, even Mariam, who boasted about being the prettiest among the maids, can’t compare to her.’
Mariam once loudly claimed that she would soon be warming the lonely Grand Duke’s bed.
Even after learning that the Grand Duke had married the princess of Shadroch, her confidence remained unshaken.
‘Sure, she’s just a young lady. If he really wants a woman, he should come to me.’
Mariam flaunted herself in front of the maids, extending her ample bosom.
At that time, even Nora believed Mariam’s words to be true.
‘But…’
Nora glanced at the Princess.
The glimpses Nora caught of the Princess’ body during her bath were as pure and white as jade.
The Princess’s skin seemed delicate and soft, requiring Nora to handle her with even more care than a baby in fear of hurting her.
Moreover, the Princess’s golden hair flowed down richly and thickly, like honey. Her subtly sparkling pink eyes were extraordinary.
She shimmered with vitality that seemed impossible to find in this barren land.
‘Mariam’s hair is even mud-colored. She insists hers is the color of chocolate, but it’s a bit amusing. Claiming it’s chocolate without ever having tasted it.’
Lost in these thoughts, Nora stared at the Princess, seemingly forgetting what she said.
On the other hand, Amber’s eyes, observing Nora, had a chill akin to frost on a flower’s petal.
It was the gaze of arrogance that those born to rule from the top could possess. The eyes of royalty who judge the usefulness and value of those beneath them.
After the bath, when Amber entered the bedroom, the fireplace was already lit. Nora had clearly added a considerable amount of firewood, ensuring it would burn throughout the night.
‘The past maids weren’t this meticulous.’
Nora was exceptionally favorable towards her.
In the North, where there was a strong tendency to reject outsiders, especially someone like her, she needed people to spread various positive rumors. Nora’s personality was perfect for that role.
“Do you not like it? I wanted to give you a gift to commemorate our first meeting.”
“Oh! No, no. It’s too precious for someone like me to have. You brought it all the way from a distant land. Wow, it’s a precious item that suits the Princess. It’s too much for me!”
Nora, suddenly coming to her senses, hastily nodded. Nora was sincere.
What was a country bumpkin like her to do with such a precious thing? Such items should be used by someone as elegant as a flower. In her hands, it would be like a pearl necklace on a monster’s neck.
“Accept it as a symbol of my people. I hope you’ll continue to assist me tomorrow.”
“Me? Really?!”
“Yes. Will you be my resident maid?”
Amber gently patted Nora’s hand as she held it.
Amber never used any item without significant value. Even this silver comb had artistic value. For her, every beautiful item was precious.
Nora was moved and teary-eyed by the gesture.
‘To those who will be loyal to me. To those who won’t. To those blinded by money. To those who can’t be swayed by money. I will be able to discern them all.’
Anyone attempting to take Nora’s received gifts would be driven away. Those who sneered and cursed at Nora from behind would be driven away as well.
Such individuals were not needed in this castle.
