The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 132
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
“Welcome, Nick!”
The eagerly awaited Nicholas appeared the next morning, as if he knew exactly when to arrive.
As soon as she heard the news, Amber abandoned her breakfast and stood up, greeting Nicholas with a bright smile.
“It’s been a while! How have you been?”
“Very well! How about you?”
“I noticed your familiar carriage and drapes on the way here.”
Today, Nicholas was adorned with rings on all ten fingers and wore a flamboyant blouse.
Igmeyer, standing beside Amber, looked at Nicholas with a rather disapproving gaze, but unlike before, he said nothing.
Since he knew there was no romantic rivalry, he felt no need to act poorly.
This was proof that his relationship with Amber had deepened and strengthened.
“Glad to have you here.”
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace. I’ll enjoy a delicious meal and a cozy bed for the first time in a while.”
“I know you’ve been traveling to remote villages in the North to practice your medicine. I appreciate it. Make sure to rest well at the castle.”
Nicholas smiled broadly at the noticeably softened attitude compared to their first meeting. Amber was visibly pleased as well.
As they entered the castle in this warm atmosphere, they exchanged various stories while heading to the dining hall.
In the afternoon, professional ski players were scheduled to compete, and everyone, including Jason, was planning to go watch.
‘It’s probably unfounded, but why do I feel so hopeful?’
Feeling giddy, Amber clasped her hands over her heart and smiled brightly.
It seemed like everything she had longed for was finally coming together.
The scenery she had always wished for was right in front of her.
‘I’m so happy.’
Though the ski events were just getting started, she felt optimistic that they would thrive, and one day, the entire North would buzz with activity because of the ski games…
Amber imagined this and smiled genuinely as she linked her arm with her husband’s.
“Hmm.”
Igmeyer lowered his voice and looked down at her.
More specifically, at her chest, which was pressed against his solid arm.
Amber, glancing up at her husband, who couldn’t seem to take his eyes away, shyly looked down.
‘Oh my.’
His thigh bulged.
Though he pretended otherwise, it was clear that the area was thicker than usual.
‘So cute.’
Giggling, Amber pressed her chest even closer against him.
It seemed she would be smiling so widely today that her cheeks might hurt.
* * *
The ski competition at Mount Cyprus began at 4 PM.
Just before the sun dipped below the horizon, in that brightest moment.
The athletes stood at the starting line, wearing specially designed equipment to protect their eyes.
Amber and her group decided to stay at the finish line, which was at the very bottom of the path. They had long since cut down several trees and packed the snow more firmly, so their view was unobstructed.
“What’s the ski competition? How does it work?”
Young Jason’s eyes sparkled at the unfamiliar sight.
Amber pointed out the remaining trees and the flags beneath them as she explained.
“Riders earn extra points for pulling out the flags while descending on their boards. If you can’t pull them out, the first person to arrive still gets extra points. It also goes to the one who comes down the smoothest and most artistically… That’s how we score and determine the winner in a points-based competition.”
“Ah, I see.”
“There’s also a speed-based version, where the winner is simply the first to reach the bottom while avoiding obstacles.”
However, here in the North, they were determined to stick with the points-based format.
It suited the local terrain better, and nowadays, the athletes preferred that style.
“Wow, how do the ski athletes get up there?”
“They’ll ride sleds pulled by well-trained reindeer. It’s too steep to walk up.”
“Oh, that’s why there are reindeer!”
It seemed Jason really wanted to try riding a board himself.
Of course, being a descendant of Niflheim, he could try it after he grew a bit older—perhaps when he reached his teens. But for now, he couldn’t be allowed.
The ski competition was incredibly dangerous; a fall could easily lead to a broken neck.
Laws had already been passed prohibiting anyone under 15 from riding a board, so Jason would have to wait a few more years.
“Um….”
At that moment,
Jason, who had been chattering away, suddenly stopped speaking.
Wondering what was wrong, Amber looked down at him and was taken aback.
His eyes were gleaming.
It felt as if tiny lightning bolts were striking within his irises.
Igmeyer was also watching Jason silently, so Amber kept her mouth shut.
‘Could it be… could it be that his powers are manifesting now?’
She silently asked Igmeyer with her gaze, and he subtly nodded.
Although it was quite sudden, Amber had anticipated this moment, so she was able to quickly calm her heart.
“That player is going to win.”
Moments later, Jason pointed at someone and spoke up.
