The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 45
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
None of the Frost Giant Knights showed any sign of fear or hesitation. Instead, their faces were filled with a sense of competitive spirit.
“Ah, I forgot to mention something. Something even more important than what I’ve said before.”
After the commotion died down, Igmeyer once again spoke seriously.
Amber listened intently, curious about what could be more important than what had already been discussed.
“In my dream, the brains of the Illusion Breed were being sold at a very high price. Considered a delicacy, apparently.”
“!”
“The one who detaches the brain keeps it.”
Wow!
A roar of excitement erupted from the knights, when money was mentioned.
Igmeyer, with a slight smile, extended his hand to Amber.
“Let’s have dinner now. Aren’t you hungry?”
“I haven’t eaten anything, but I feel full.”
Her heart was pounding.
To her, the way they casually treated the fearsome Illusion Breed as mere prey was honestly impressive.
Relieved that she might not have to face her fears alone…
“Raphael briefly served as an escort once.”
In front of the laughing, talking, and drinking crowd, Igmeyer introduced Raphael casually.
However, the meaning behind his words was far from casual.
“If I die, I want you to lead the North. Raphael will assist you, so don’t worry about the military command.”
“….Why would you say something like that?”
“Just in case. If I die and you can’t return to Shadroch, or if the Emperor has other intentions, you must defend yourself.”
Amber understood what he meant.
Igmeyer was genuinely concerned.
What would happen if the Duke died without an heir? The Emperor’s response was uncertain.
As a princess from a small, insignificant country compared to the Empire, Amber knew her fate. She is a vessel to bear a child who could kill the evil dragon.
Surely she would be used as a ‘vessel’ until broken.
Igmeyer’s intention was to encourage her to either defend the North with Raphael or even rebel before such a disgusting event occurred.
‘I understand. I know.’
She didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to think about what would happen after his death.
“Amber?”
Concerned by her expression, Igmeyer looked puzzled. Reluctantly, Amber turned her gaze to Raphael.
“I understand your meaning. I appreciate your trust.”
“I just follow my heart.”
The future was unpredictable.
This time, it wouldn’t be Raphael dying and Igmeyer dying early, would it?
As one fear was allayed, another anxiety emerged.
But it was beyond her control.
A mere human, she could only let things flow as they would.
Amber, resisting the temptation to throw him onto the bed and wrap her arms around his neck, reached for a glass of wine.
The wine tasted sweet, but its aftertaste was bitter.
* * *
From the next day, the castle became incredibly busy and lively.
The maids fluttered around the young blacksmiths, handing out snacks without much reason, while the blacksmiths, aware of their attention, casually took off their shirts.
As for Amber, she spent most of her time in her bedroom.
Perhaps due to the tension she had been under, she felt a sense of relief and was slightly unwell.
“Madam, Madam!”
One day, after her cough had subsided and her fever had dropped, Nora burst in with eyes as wide as a startled rabbit.
“A visitor…? A guest? Uh, what should I say. Jean! Mister Jean has requested a brief meeting with you!”
“Jean?”
“Yes!”
Lying in bed, covered with a blanket and reading a book, Amber found the situation extremely peculiar.
‘Jean is requesting a private meeting with me.’
It was hard to believe, but Nora had no reason to lie about such a thing.
Trying to hide her astonishment, Amber asked.
“When does he wish to meet?”
“Anytime when Madam is feeling better!”
“Alright. Then… tell him to meet me in the drawing-room in an hour.”
There was no significant reason for Amber to get overly dressed up to meet Jean.
After all, Jean still disliked her, so why bother?
Of course, she couldn’t meet him in her slip, so with Betty’s help, Amber changed into a leisurely oatmeal-colored indoor dress.
Meanwhile, she pondered why Jean would specifically want to meet her, but couldn’t guess the reason at all.
They had no common ground to begin with. Jean was always by Igmeyer’s side, and when not, he was invariably in the office handling paperwork.
There seemed to be no reason for the Duke’s aide to have a private meeting with her, the Mistress.
Igmeyer hadn’t given any hints either.
“Ah, Madam!”
Arriving at the drawing-room with a somewhat ambiguous feeling, Amber saw Jean, who appeared nervous, trembling his legs. He quickly stood up from the sofa and brightened up upon seeing her, seemingly bored from waiting.
“You requested a private meeting with me?”
“Yes.”
“Speak then. Is there something you need to discuss?”
Amber felt quite uncomfortable with Jean. Being alone with him made her even more uneasy.
