The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 164
This life has completely changed, and where could there be a more certain proof than this?
So many people standing by her side—what could be more grateful than this?
The evil dragon’s cry is terrifying in itself. In her previous life, everyone had undoubtedly quaked in fear and succumbed.
The reason they don’t do so now is probably that everyone has united with one heart and one purpose.
“Thank you all…”
Instead of crying, Amber smiled. Tears were not what was needed at the moment.
Instead, she thought of what she had to do in the future with dignity.
These were things that everyone needed to do together for victory.
* * *
The continuous battle stretched into a week, showing no signs of ending. During this time, Amber led the maids within the castle to create the bandages needed for combat. She also issued separate instructions to the servants, asking them to carve wooden spears that could be sent to nearby villages.
While a pointed wooden spear might not have great destructive power, it would certainly be helpful. If it broke, it could at least be used as firewood, making it quite versatile.
“Madam, please have some warm tea.”
“Thank you, Nora.”
The monsters that had been falling madly for six days had quieted since yesterday.
Although Amber didn’t know where Nidhogg was bringing the monsters from, it was certain that a brief rest had arrived.
She stood atop the castle wall, looking up at the dark whirlpool of the sky.
The clouds were thick, and oddly enough, fog had settled in, dimming her view. Yet occasionally, flashes like lightning caught her eye.
Amber knew it was Igmeyer.
The red or lightning-like flashes revealed a figure between them.
He had been battling the dragon for a week without resting for even a moment.
Though she worried about whether he would be alright, her concern wouldn’t change anything.
Even if she prayed, there was no god to listen.
All she wanted was to stand here… in case he looked back even for a moment, she wanted to tell him, ‘I’m safe.’
She wanted him to know that there was no need to worry and that he should do what he had to do.
‘Me and our baby are okay.’
Amber knew that this fact would allow Igmeyer to endure.
‘When this is all over, there will be no more monsters.’
After butchering the fallen monsters and selling their remains, it would all come to an end.
Afterward… afterward, she would need to ensure that the children of the monster butchers could pursue different careers.
It was likely that the imperial family would pressure her to reduce the number of soldiers, so she would have to accept applications for retirement.
After that, they would have no other job options, so support must be provided for them to transition to different careers. Ah, and a school should be established too. Not only a school for children but also a vocational school for adults was necessary.
‘Nidhogg’s disappearance means so many issues are intertwined. But despite that, it must happen.’
No further curses should continue. Amber was resolute; she had no intention of allowing any curse to pass on to her child.
‘Please come back to us soon, Igmeyer.’
With her hands clasped over her belly, Amber quietly gazed at the distant, shimmering horizon.
She missed Igmeyer so much.
* * *
Though the final war erupted suddenly, the people of the North were holding up remarkably well.
After all, everyone had known since childhood that they would eventually fight Nidhogg. It was almost comical to think that the evil dragon would arrive with a warning.
The towns that suddenly welcomed those living near the main castle willingly offered empty houses and shared their food, all thanks to Amber’s earlier efforts. She had visited each village multiple times, conversing with the village chiefs and getting to know the people, so when she commanded them, they chose to welcome outsiders rather than reject them.
Well, they were all Northerners anyway.
“The number of monsters has clearly decreased.”
“That’s because the Grand Duke is fighting to keep it from howling.”
People murmured as they looked up at the dark sky.
They hadn’t seen a clear sky for a week. Although it seemed the sun was rising, the distinction between day and night was practically nonexistent, making it difficult for the children.
Still, they managed to endure because the number of monsters was rapidly declining day by day.
There were injuries in every village, but the number of deaths was minimal, and while they mourned those who had died, it wasn’t desperate.
Moreover, no one thought the Grand Duke, Igmeyer, would lose. No one at all.
There was no disagreement regarding victory.
Once a seed of anxiety takes root, it sprouts easily, but since no one believed they would be defeated, how could it grow?
“Still, everyone should stay on alert, as we don’t know how the situation will change.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Everyone had heard Nidhogg’s cry. It was hard not to remember the same words being shouted daily.
However, people scoffed, and the dragon’s power seemed to diminish with each passing day.
— Offer up the Mistress of the North and the heir to me. In return, I will grant you spring.
Sure enough, today too, Nidhogg’s cry thundered like a storm.
Though the sound still sent chills down their spines, those who had grown accustomed to it snorted and covered their ears.
