The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 162
KAAAAAAANG!
The blade clashed against the claw, ringing loudly. However, it was such a fine sword that the shock to his hand wasn’t significant.
Other knights likely experienced far less fatigue as well.
‘This is all thanks to Amber.’
Because of her, the knights had received high-quality swords.
Thanks to her, the knights had filled their bellies this morning, which gave them ample strength.
Moreover, they had enough supplies to endure over a year of fighting.
It was Amber who had stocked the supplies.
‘She’s been working so hard… all alone, to face Nidhogg.’
How much had she struggled in her efforts alone?
As he engaged in a fierce battle with Nidhogg, his thoughts were solely on Amber.
No matter how much he wanted to end the fight quickly, he knew it wouldn’t be resolved in just a day or two.
Nidhogg was testing his limits now, so he could afford to think about Amber.
For example, what was she doing? Had she eaten? Was her morning sickness severe?
‘And was she missing me too much?’
Nidhogg, noticing that he was handling the fight reasonably well, shot flames from its eyes. Even as it hurled a massive foot toward him, Igmeyer smiled.
He couldn’t help but think of Amber.
She would be safe in the castle, protected by Raphael.
That was enough for him.
This time, Raphael would surely keep Amber safe.
‘It’ll be quite a while until the baby is born.’
In the meantime, he just needed to win.
Having delegated all authority to Amber, he could focus on the fight without worry.
Until he won. Until he claimed victory.
What he hoped for was that Amber wouldn’t catch even a common cold until he returned after defeating Nidhogg.
‘I love you.’
With that thought, he concentrated all his energy on the battle.
This was just the beginning.
* * *
After whispering sweet nothings and pledging eternal love until morning, Igmeyer went into battle.
As Amber watched from the castle walls, she hurried into the castle when monsters began to pour down like rain.
Now, it was time for the fight.
What she needed to do was endure as well as she could in the lonely, empty castle.
‘Everyone must have evacuated safely, right? They have to be unharmed.’
That morning, Amber first freed the imprisoned Nicholas and ordered him to get appropriate treatment. Afterward, she gathered all the servants in the castle and instructed them to leave.
She told them to exit the castle with their families and go far, far away. The soldiers would guide them to the nearest village for refuge, so they just had to follow.
“There’s no need to stay in the castle. Make sure to come back after everything is over. It’s more dangerous here than anywhere else right now.”
After saying that, she went to the castle walls to see Igmeyer off.
Even though she had urged him to leave, it was painful for her to watch those departing, and she worried that people might hesitate to move because of her.
‘Anyway… everyone should have left safely.’
Being alone in the castle was familiar to her. She had done it before and could easily do it again.
Right now, she felt no despair, so she could endure for half a year or even a year.
She needed very little food and supplies for herself, so she could send the rest to the army and manage.
‘Still, it might be quite lonely to be left alone in this large castle with all the people I had grown fond of… but will it be okay?’
At that moment,
“Welcome back, Madam.”
As Raphael returned with her to the castle, the butler, Huvern, was waiting at the entrance.
Amber felt like bursting into tears at the sight of him.
“Huvern, why didn’t you leave?”
“It’s my duty to serve you and manage this castle. I will die here if I must.”
“But…”
“I have no regrets. I’ve lived enough already.”
His firm words made it clear that adding anything more would be an insult to his loyalty. Amber grasped Huvern’s gloved hand and simply expressed her gratitude.
Having even one person stay in the castle was a blessing.
Of course, Raphael and the soldiers guarding the castle were on the walls, but they would be in separate spaces from her.
“I’m not the only one.”
“Not the only one?”
“Look, Madam. Everyone said they would stay.”
“What!”
What did that mean?
She had clearly heard it, but it didn’t quite register, so Amber blinked in confusion. Then, she hurried through the opened door, only to stop short in surprise.
The castle servants were lined up, waiting for Amber.
Seeing their faces brought their names to mind, each one familiar to her or she had seen them at least once.
Feeling the presence of everyone still there sent a shiver down Amber’s spine.
“We’ve voluntarily chosen to stay.”
Betty stepped forward and draped a shawl over Amber’s shoulders. Beside her were Nora and Lotty, with Nora’s face especially stained with tears.
“How could you ask us to leave, Madam? Waaaah… How could I possibly go? You’ve been so kind to me!”
With a nose and eyes reddened.
Watching Nora sob like a rabbit made Amber’s heart flutter.
