The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 32
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Raphael.
He was an elite knight of the Frost Giant Knights, possessing the only swordsmanship skill in the North that could rival Igmeyer’s. Silver hair resembling the frosty mountains and azure eyes as deep as a dark blue lake. A cold appearance matched by an equally rough and solemn personality.
And… an ambiguous origin.
These factors made Raphael stand out.
Given his noble appearance, many speculated that he must be a noble’s illegitimate child.
‘Regardless, it’s a shame for such a remarkable man to die so young.’
Igmeyer mourned his close friend’s death for a long time.
It must have been disheartening to lose a comrade he could entrust his back to so suddenly.
Amber also recalled Raphael several times during the final battle against Nidhogg.
She wondered if having Raphael, his childhood friend and known as the ‘Left Arm,’alive could have prevented them from being cornered to that extent.
“….”
Amber glanced briefly at Raphael outside as he adjusted the carriage’s harness.
He was truly like an iceberg, his face devoid of any expression.
Simply indifferent.
‘He probably wouldn’t even flinch if Nidhogg appeared right in front of him.’
With that in mind, Amber closed the curtain and nestled back into the uncomfortable sofa.
Despite being called the best carriage in Niflheim, there was little difference between it and a bed made of straw.
But that doesn’t mean she can ride a horse.
Even if her whole body ached and in pain, Amber sighed deeply.
How could she explore all the villages in this vast North like this?
‘If I get sick while on the way, it’s truly going to be a burden.’
While finding the Tannery Guild and the Blacksmith Guild was as easy as following Nora’s guidance within the castle, things were different in the villages. Fortunately, the closest village was just a 20-minute carriage ride away.
Before getting off, Amber looked at herself in the mirror, checking if her complexion was not too pale and if she wasn’t displaying an overly severe expression.
The purpose of this tour was solely to leave a good impression on the residents, so she had to keep her expression and attitude gentle. Amber didn’t want to receive any more resentment.
“Welcome!”
“Greetings!”
Everyone had come out and was waiting. As soon as the carriage stopped, the voices of the residents echoed.
Amber intended to wait quietly while Igmeyer conversed with them….. Or so she thought.
Until he delivered an embarrassingly awkward introduction.
“Greet her. She is the mistress of the North and a princess from a distant land.”
Oh my goodness. Amber buried her face in her hands.
Could it be that this man planned to repeat this explanation in every village?
‘That’s not at all important.’
In fact, such an introduction might breed more resentment. Amber doubted the necessity of emphasizing her status.
The door opened, and with a playful expression, Igmeyer extended his hand towards her.
“Please get off.”
“….”
Thud.
The moment her shoe touched the ground, the enthusiasm among the Northern residents, who had been so lively, suddenly fell silent.
Although she anticipated it, it still hurt a bit.
Was it really necessary to openly show their dislike?
“Cough, please come in, Madam.”
The person who seemed to be the village chief tried to break the frozen atmosphere with a forced cough. In the past, Amber might have responded with a cold remark, but the current Amber was different.
Previously, she would have given a chilly reply, but now, she did not. At least, they addressed her as ‘Madam’ instead of a princess.
Of course, commoners shouldn’t look at royalty, raise their heads, or initiate conversation; such actions could lead to severe punishment, but that was in Shardroch. Here, it was Niflheim, and she was no longer a princess but the mistress of this land.
‘If only I had resolved to be like this in the past.’
Looking back, regret filled her heart. Fortunately, she could at least behave differently now.
Amber smiled at the people who were timidly watching her, making eye contact with each one.
It was as if she were a spring flower, blooming gracefully.
“Is this the village with the most children in Niflheim? I was curious and wanted to come and see for myself.”
* * *
In the first village, Amber held the hands of the children and hugged each one without missing anyone.
There was an incident where a child, fascinated by her golden hair, unwittingly grabbed a lock, shocking the adults. However, Amber did not get angry.
Still, her easy going demeanor did not necessarily make her look approachable to the residents of Niflheim.
Even without a hint of arrogance, her fair and delicate face, coupled with a graceful demeanor, made it clear that she belonged to a different world. Moreover, not only the Grand Duke but also the knights had courteous behavior.
For them, the first impression of Amber was that of someone ‘unapproachable.’
However, her willingness to interact with the children suggested a ‘kind-hearted person,’ and her act of giving away chickens conveyed a sense of ‘someone making an effort to care for the people here.’
In short, unintentionally, the residents of Niflheim had fallen for this beautiful princess.
The one who noticed this most keenly was Igmeyer.
