The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 161
“Why do you have to say that? It makes me feel like a scared puppy!”
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s okay to be afraid just because it’s Nidhogg, the evil dragon. It’s no different from the monsters we’ve dealt with before.”
Igmeyer and Gallard’s conversation was heard by the knights standing behind them.
The morale of the army is influenced by the commander’s demeanor.
When Igmeyer displayed a calm demeanor, almost dismissing Nidhogg, several knights chuckled. Their laughter helped ease the tension among the soldiers.
Igmeyer recognized that the atmosphere in the army had softened and smiled slightly.
Yes, the war is just beginning; there’s no need to be fatigued so early. Even if it costs them their lives, they must remain bold.
That’s what being a knight of the North is all about.
“The great evil dragon battle devices designed by Madam have all been installed—nineteen in total!”
“The oil-soaked cloths are ready!”
“The evacuation of the local people has begun. At this rate, the nearby areas will be completely emptied within a day!”
“All soldiers have covered their ears!”
Considering Nidhogg appeared without warning, their response was remarkably quick.
After receiving the reports, Igmeyer nodded and drew his sword.
With a swift motion, the blade glinted fiercely in the air.
“It won’t attack immediately. Once its body is fully revealed, monsters will pour out, so handle that.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll deal with the evil dragon alone. Don’t worry about me, and don’t step in.”
Who else could face such a fearsome creature but Igmeyer? It was an obvious point, so no one voiced any objections.
They would simply follow orders.
‘Swift and decisive.’
As Igmeyer tightened his grip on the sword hilt, he gazed up at the monstrous form of the evil dragon, which was now fully emerging from the hole.
He had taken all possible measures.
The local people, residing near the castle, had been sent to safety in nearby villages, and those who chose to stay would arm themselves with axes to fight.
The castle gates were firmly locked, and on the walls, Raphael stood with soldiers to defend.
Now, all that remained was for him to eliminate the evil dragon as quickly as possible to minimize the North’s suffering.
‘The fact that spring will come if I sacrifice Amber and the baby is something I alone know.’
Therefore, no one would blame him for not letting Amber die.
If Nidhogg ‘spoke’ again this time, as Amber suggested, would he really allow it to happen?
‘I won’t let Amber go through such a horrific experience again.’
As a husband, there were things he could do. As a father, there were things only he could do.
He wanted to take on both roles willingly and joyfully.
“So, please die. I won’t apologize since we’re not that close.”
With that quiet murmur, Nidhogg, having fully emerged, raised its head and let out a powerful roar.
The indescribably horrific sound felt like it was tearing at his eardrums, like nails scraping against metal.
However, the creature’s roar had little effect.
Those who might have fallen over in shock had already covered their ears with wet cloths.
The knights frowned at the noise, but that was all.
With hope for victory soaring high, there was no reason to be frightened by such a pathetic display.
Weaklings were not among the Frost Giant Knights.
“A new gate is opening!”
“Leave the monsters to us. Just focus on running; we’ll handle everything behind you!”
Thanks to Amber’s efforts, the ‘not dead’ knights supported Igmeyer’s back.
They had fought together for so long that there was no discord among them.
They could sense their comrades’ conditions through a mere breath, the way a sword was swung, or even how one walked, compensating for each other in battle.
‘In my previous life, the Frost Giant Knights were incomplete, which delayed everything. This time, it will be different.’
Igmeyer tightened his grip on his sword and pulled on the reins.
As he activated his unique powers, all information about Nidhogg flooded into his perception.
He could tell what the creature would do before it even moved.
‘Ah, so I’ve found the answer.’
The reason he couldn’t locate Amber was that she possessed another unique power known as the ‘Blessing of Regret.’
If Amber had left the North, finding her would have been nearly impossible.
That thought suddenly made his chest tighten.
Losing her would be like death. She was his breath, his life, his existence.
But now… he would have one more to protect.
“I have a family now.”
A vibrant energy, resembling the color of his eyes, flickered along the blade of his sword. At the same time, a powerful aura, equal to Nidhogg’s, radiated from Igmeyer’s entire body.
“I will protect them both, and I do not expect your understanding.”
As he whispered this, Nidhogg whipped its tail and roared again. In response, Igmeyer leaped into the air, swinging his sword down with great force.
