The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 136
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Whether it’s a girl or a boy, if they take after Igmeyer, they’ll surely be strong and sturdy.
‘I hope the first child resembles him.’
Regardless of gender, the firstborn would inherit the North, so having a child that looks just like Igmeyer would be incredibly reassuring.
Amber thought this as she gently stroked her belly.
Even when she thought about the child she had lost, it didn’t hurt as much anymore.
She felt a flutter of excitement as she awaited the day they would be reunited.
That alone was a significant change.
* * *
After Amber fell asleep, Igmeyer quietly opened his eyes and turned to gaze at his beloved wife.
Her slender, soft body lay in his arms. She was so beautiful that it was impossible not to worship her.
‘When we have a child, this flat belly will grow round with life.’
He imagined how he would watch over her anxiously, perhaps carrying her everywhere to keep her from stumbling. Or maybe he’d make sure she wouldn’t have to walk at all.
If she allowed it, he would want to carry her wherever she needed to go.
‘They say women experience painful b*****s and severe morning sickness during pregnancy.’
However, Amber couldn’t afford to lose any more weight. She was already thinner than average, and the thought of morning sickness making her nothing but skin and bones worried him greatly.
‘I wish I could take the morning sickness for her.’
Igmeyer had read about husbands experiencing morning sickness on behalf of their wives. Though it wasn’t common, he hoped it would be in his case.
It was something he would pray for fervently.
‘Please, let my beloved wife suffer as little as possible. I would sacrifice anything for her.’
Truthfully, he felt it was best not to sleep with Amber today. Now that the North was secure, it was wise to minimize risks. But he couldn’t bear to do that.
He loved her too much.
Just looking at her made him feel alive, and he couldn’t imagine being away from her for days.
‘What a dilemma.’
Igmeyer clicked his tongue and tucked her shining golden hair behind her ear.
To lift the curse that transformed him into Nidhogg, he needed to ensure the current Grand Duke had no heirs.
If Nidhogg were killed without any heirs, the curse would be lifted with that generation, and the evil dragon would disappear forever.
But if a child with the blood of Niflheim were born, the curse would immediately prepare to transfer to the next generation.
And if a baby were born… the curse would become irrevocable and would activate.
‘Once the curse activates, the speed at which madness consumes me will only increase with each use of the transformed power.’
Whether soon or late, he had to be ready to pass on his position when the next generation came of age. That was the average expectation.
‘It’s not yet time to eliminate Nidhogg, but soon. It can’t be long now.’
Preparations for the ski events were going smoothly. The construction of inns and restaurants beneath Mount Cyprus was already halfway complete.
With everything running steadily, the only thing left was for him to physically distance himself from Amber.
Even if it meant battling monsters, he had to endure being away.
“So lovely…”
He murmured unconsciously, placing soft kisses on Amber’s forehead.
It was beauty that he simply couldn’t help but praise.
How could someone so extraordinary exist and breathe?
Had she fallen from the heavens, forgetting her memories, only to land on Earth? Was she meant to return to the sky someday?
Igmeyer felt a deep unease.
He couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman was his wife, nor could he accept that their feelings were mutual.
What could she possibly see in him?
Even though she wanted a child, he felt unable to give her one.
She had good manners, dressed well, and could offer compliments smoothly.
But all he truly possessed were his hunting skills and a rugged sincerity.
His appearance was passable, but honestly, even that wasn’t something to boast about. It was just enough to stand beside Amber.
‘For her to love someone like me… to express that I can be loved too…’
How could he ever encounter someone like her again?
Igmeyer spent the dawn lost in his admiration for Amber.
Not wanting to waste even a moment, he gently stroked her cheek, tuning into the sound of her heartbeat and matching his breathing to hers.
As he took in the sight of his wife, dawn broke.
‘I really don’t want to leave.’
But he had to move. Everyone would be waiting and preparing.
“I’ll be back.”
“Mm…”
“Take care. If anything happens, just set the castle on fire. I’ll come back when I see the flames.”
Igmeyer casually made a comment that would have startled anyone else as he finally pulled himself away.
In truth, he wanted nothing more than to hold Amber and roll around with her all day. But he feared that would lead to teasing and ultimately her in tears.
“I love you, Amber.”
With that, he stepped out of the room.
Now it was time for monster hunting.
