The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 16
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Amber, holding the cane, remained calm. The atmosphere emanating from her was so cold that one would freeze upon contact, and at the same time, it evoked fear.
Those who had felt the nobility ingrained in her from the moment she was born unknowingly swallowed dry saliva.
“W-Why? What did I do wrong? Isn’t it? Someone, please say something!”
Realizing that the situation was unusual, Mariam, now lost in thought, looked around and sought help.
However, those who understood that this was a way for the new Madam to establish her authority quickly avoided her gaze. Even those who didn’t quite understand dared not step forward. With their future livelihoods depending on staying in the castle, nobody wanted to incur the Madam’s displeasure.
And honestly, Mariam was in the wrong.
It’s a world where social status is clearly defined.
Of course, the Madam was young, and even if she were of royal blood, she didn’t seem particularly remarkable.
So, while Mariam’s spirited behavior might be understandable, there was a line that should not be crossed.
“Judging by your insolent attitude, I can well imagine how you usually treat the Grand Duke.”
Amber scanned each of the employees with a cool, penetrating gaze.
This was directed at Mariam, but it was also a message for everyone to hear.
“Since I came here, I will strictly enforce discipline from now on. If you do well, you will be rewarded, but if you act insolent like Mariam, you will be punished. If that’s unacceptable, speak up now. If you leave now, I won’t penalize you and will even provide you with severance pay.”
“….”
“What Mariam just did tarnished the Grand Duke’s reputation. For now, punishment will suffice to teach a lesson. However, if such an attitude surfaces in front of guests… what will become of the Grand Duke’s prestige? We’ll hear mockery about a lord who can’t even manage the lower ranks within the castle.”
Amber clarified that her intervention was for Igmeyer, not for herself, whether it was true or not. That was the perception she wanted to create.
Meanwhile, the butler grabbed Mariam and forcibly brought her in front of Amber. Mariam resisted, twisting her body, resembling a caught fish on an ice fishing line.
However, in the next moment, the butler’s words forced Mariam to stiffen.
“I failed in educating Mariam as the butler. I’ll share the punishment.”
If things proceeded this way, not only Mariam would face consequences, but the butler would also be affected. Since Mariam had defied the Madam’s orders, the butler would bear the brunt.
The eyes of the servants, who genuinely respected Butler Huvern, turned unfavorably.
‘Quick-witted, faithful. Huvern is a good person.’
Amber stared at the butler while stroking the cane with her thumb.
At first, Huvern tried to protect Mariam to some extent, but Mariam’s attitude had changed the butler’s stance.
‘Honestly, she’s foolish. If she had just lowered her head, she could have created an image of a victim who only bowed to the bad Madam throwing a tantrum.’
Failing to understand the place until the end and behaving like that, the Madam’s dignity ended up in the dirt.
To revive it, he must have judged that he also had to receive punishment.
The butler had to show perfect obedience to the Madam to establish her authority.
“I don’t like dealing with people emotionally.”
Amber intended to apply the standards she used to discipline the lower ranks in the Shadroch royal family here as well.
“One strike for not reflecting after a reprimand. Two strikes for a speaking back. Three strikes for daring to raise your voice in front of the master. So…”
“Immediate dismissal for disobedience of orders.”
At that moment, a bold male voice followed her words.
Amber was genuinely surprised, but she didn’t look flustered enough to reveal it in front of the people.
If that were the case, even as a princess, she wouldn’t have been able to raise the victory flag in the fierce competition among the ruthless birds of prey of Shadroch.
“Igmeyer.”
Amber turned her unshaken face to look at her husband. He didn’t wear a cloak, yet he didn’t seem cold.
“I caught the big one among the one-horned wolf pack, and Fenrir will come down around tomorrow. Just dropping by the castle for a while…”
The burning red eyes, seemingly indifferent, briefly brushed past Mariam before settling on Huvern.
Huvern, swallowing the disappointment contained in that gaze, lowered his head. The current situation, with the Madam even taking out a cane, was undignified.
“Seems like I’ve become a hindrance. Please don’t mind me and continue what you were doing.”
Mariam’s expression brightened at first, as if meeting a savior. However, her face turned ashen at Igmeyer’s next words.
“I would have torn out that insolent tongue if it were me. Surprisingly merciful, aren’t you? So, living in this squalid place must be challenging for the Princess.”
“…I don’t have such intentions.”
“Well, whatever. That’s the way of a commoner, and a noble princess should only focus on refined things.”
