The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 41
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Since they had no intention of having a child, it was okay for him to personally behead Nidhogg. Although the Emperor might not be pleased… but who cares?
“Your Grace, it’s time for your medicine.”
“Yes.”
The butler, Huvern, called him from outside. He stopped teasing Amber’s hair and got up.
When he opened the door. Huvern stood there holding a small silver tray.
Thud.
Stepping forward, Igmeyer closed the door behind him, taking the glass and the pill from the tray.
“Have you experienced any changes in your mood or any physical discomfort since taking the medicine?”
“Not at all. So far, it seems like there are no side effects.”
“That’s fortunate. However, contraceptive pills can cause side effects at any time, so please always pay attention to your condition.”
“Well, my father, my father’s father, and even my ancestors used to take them. Is there really anything to worry about?”
“Still, this old man worries about you.”
During their brief conversation, the small pill, barely the size of his little finger, quickly disappeared down his throat.
Soon after, Igmeyer, still dressed in his robe, walked to the adjacent room. To the right of the master bedroom was Amber’s dressing room, and to the left was the room where he changed his clothes.
Although his experience as a mercenary had made him not accustomed to having someone dress him, but due to Huvern’s persistence, he was able to bear it.
“Summon the head of the blacksmiths’ guild. Right away.”
“Shall I arrange for the secret passage?”
“Yes. Do it discreetly.”
In the northern region, there were many spies of the Emperor. If they relayed it to the Emperor, it would be a huge nuisance.
Knowing that there were spies in the first place, it was better to leave them be, as managing those they knew was preferable to the hassle of finding new ones if someone else came along. Therefore, everything was conducted secretly.
“Oh, and call for Ulmsburg as well. We need to make the hilt of the sword.”
“How many swords are you considering, Your Grace?”
“Well… for now, enough for the elite knights.”
Huvern, an excellent butler, did not show any particular emotions in most situations.
His job was to faithfully carry out his duties and take care of his master wholeheartedly. He did his best not to deviate from this role.
However, this time, he couldn’t help but show surprise in his eyes.
“Could it be…?”
“Yes. We’re going to take out the iron ingots from underground. But not for the sake of the final war. You know that. We can’t do that.”
“Yes.”
“There is a reason my father had a child with a daughter of a house that specializes in slaughtering monster carcasses.”
Though his tone sounded somewhat light on the surface, the content was far from it.
Huvern remained silent and respectfully nodded. It was a sign of his deep respect for Igmeyer, knowing what duties he had undertaken.
Perhaps those from other noble houses would never understand why a trusted butler, who had served the family for so long, would lower himself like this to a bastard child.
But ever since Huvern first met Igmeyer, he had treated him as if he was a young master cherished from a young age.
He believed that Igmeyer would protect the North, just as the previous Grand Dukes had done, and fulfill his duty faithfully, without wavering.
“Right.”
A little while later, Igmeyer, who had dressed in his clothes, put on the gloves that Amber had given him and paused thoughtfully.
“There seemed to be a flower that bloomed even in winter. I don’t remember its name.”
“Could you be referring to camellias?”
“Oh, yes, that’s it.”
It was called camellia.
A single camellia blooming proudly in the pure white snowfield… Even to his eyes that knew nothing about what was beautiful or pretty, it was beautiful.
He had watched it for a long time without plucking it, but he never knew that this memory would last so long.
“I think I’ll pick one this time. Since there’s someone to give it to.”
“Camellias in the North bloom slightly differently from those in other regions of the Empire, so they continue to bloom throughout the winter. I’m sure they are still in bloom.”
“Is there a colony of them?”
“The middle slopes of Camellia Mountain are the most famous.”
“You’re quite knowledgeable.”
With a light compliment, Igmeyer immediately moved.
Although darkness had fallen outside, it posed no problem for him.
He had to act now to pick the flowers and give them to his wife before she woke up.
“Please take care.”
Taking Huvern’s farewell, Igmeyer walked towards the area where the cold northern wind was blowing.
He wanted to bring a small joy to the one and only spring flower that had sprung up in his boring and tedious life.
Igmeyer returned four hours later.
* * *
The next day was a sunny day with bright sunshine.
In the North, there were very few days with such precious weather, so the maids were all busy washing the bedding.
Amber also woke up early, and for some reason, today felt a little different from usual.
‘A fragrance…?’
She absentmindedly sniffed the air and suddenly realized there was a vase of flowers on her bedside table.
‘Is this camellia flowers?’
In Shadroch, where it was always warm, these flowers didn’t grow.
