The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 171
Although the gates no longer opened with monsters raining down, the risk to daily life had significantly decreased, yet hunting parties were still formed occasionally to eliminate the breeding creatures.
These hunting parties would traverse the paths between villages, dealing with monsters that occupied them and destroying their nests.
Years had passed since Nidhogg’s death.
Though the overall number of knights and soldiers had decreased compared to before, the demand for their roles remained, and the North was gradually adapting and easing the impact of those changes.
What changes had taken place in the Grand Duke’s estate, the center of the North?
* * *
In a garden where large pine trees had been planted, the melody of a violin resonated.
A woman with dazzling golden hair gracefully moved the bow across the strings.
Before her sat a strong man, eyes gently closed, listening intently to the music.
At a glance, they appeared to be the epitome of a perfect couple.
However, a slight widening of the view revealed a child sitting on the man’s lap.
Now five years old, he was no longer a baby, but still not quite a grown child.
His lovely golden hair danced in the wind, resembling his mother, while his striking red eyes, inherited from his father, marked him as a little angel named Camelot.
He was the rightful heir of Niflheim.
“Mom’s performance is wonderful again today.”
“Wow!”
As Amber took her bow from the strings, Igmeyer spoke softly. Little Camelot clapped his hands excitedly, his feet dancing in delight.
Such an adorable scene brought smiles to the faces of the servants and maids standing nearby.
Camelot was exceptionally bright for his age, yet he wasn’t cunning. He possessed a childlike innocence while also being quite intelligent.
He understood words well and quickly kept up with his lessons in writing, making him a true pride of the North.
“Mom! I want to try, too!”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
Moreover, Camelot had inherited Amber’s artistic talent.
His eagerness to learn and interest in music were so endearing that she had taught him to play, and now he could perform on his own.
The violin was nearly as big as he was, yet he handled it effortlessly, a trait he shared with Igmeyer.
Born with strong bones and the bloodline of Niflheim, Camelot, at five years old, exhibited remarkable strength and vigor compared to typical children his age.
With a handsome and strong husband, a beautiful and wise wife, and a son to be proud of.
How could life be any happier?
After Nidhogg’s death and all the stories shared, Amber was living each day as if wrapped in a dream.
There were still many responsibilities to shoulder, but having Igmeyer around made everything much easier. When she saw the baby smiling, the exhaustion of the day melted away.
Thus, five blissful years passed, where time flowed unnoticed in their happiness.
“Darling.”
“Yes, my love.”
The two of them had unified their way of addressing each other with terms of endearment. This became their habit, holding hands and exchanging bright smiles.
Igmeyer now resembled the memories Amber held from her past life.
A strong and solid presence, a quintessential male figure.
However, unlike before, he no longer appeared to be in pain. He was neither cold nor rigid in demeanor, nor did he display a blunt attitude.
Now, he was a victor adorned with a golden laurel crown.
He was a ruler enjoying his prime, the leader of the pack.
Yet, more importantly, he was a child’s ‘father.’
To Amber’s surprise, she had never expected Igmeyer to be so enthusiastic about parenting.
She hadn’t anticipated this at all…
“Uncle!”
Just then, Camelot, having paused his playing, opened his eyes wide and waved his hands in excitement toward someone.
Turning her gaze in that direction, Amber saw Jason.
Now a handsome young boy, it was hard to remember when he had been referred to as ‘little pea.’
Having shed his childish appearance, he was on the cusp of adulthood, resembling a budding flower. This seemed to impress Camelot, who called him ‘Uncle’ and followed him eagerly.
“Welcome, Jason.”
“I’m back.”
Jason smiled brightly and bowed to Amber first.
Then he plopped down onto an empty chair, giving Igmeyer a disapproving glance.
It was quite a cheeky action, but on the flip side, it indicated that the two had become close enough for that level of familiarity.
Though they had different mothers, they were still siblings.
“Now that you’re here, why don’t you take a look? You cheeky little mouse.”
“Hmph. Is that all you have to say to your younger brother while you enjoy a happy time here with Sister-in-law?”
Jason’s voice, entering his teenage years, had grown quite deep.
Igmeyer raised an eyebrow in disbelief but refrained from commenting since it was true that Jason had taken on many responsibilities outside the castle in his absence.
“Well, I suppose there won’t be any major issues this time either. Just leave a few behind to breed, as usual.”
“Right.”
The otherworldly power.
It hadn’t vanished even after Nidhogg’s death.
