The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 50
In the midst of this intense situation, the knights were almost in a trance.
Battling the Phantom Breed was no easy task. Despite the laughter and chatter, many soldiers had fallen.
They laughed and yelled to maintain their sanity in the face of such terror.
Thankfully, their extensive preparations in advance allowed for immediate response.
‘If we hadn’t prepared for this…’
The dreadful thought made the knights shudder every night. They were repeatedly thankful to the Grand Duchess.
Her first act upon arriving was to ensure their safety, providing them with gloves made of precious leather to protect their hands.
The more they thought about it, the more praises they had for her.
If they could go back alive and well, they would tell the Madam how grateful they were. How the Litten iron swords had saved their lives.
The knights swung their swords with these thoughts in mind.
The fire-lit swords melted the snow and cut through ice. Had they held these blazing weapons with bare hands, they would have been severely injured.
“Long live the Madam!”
“Long live! Long live! Long live!”
They didn’t want to die in vain, even if they had to die. If they have to fall, they resolve to fall in battle with sword in hand. They could never show their backs to the enemy.
Shouting praises instead of battle cries, they gritted their teeth and fought fiercely.
If they endured this battle, they could return to their families waiting for them.
The Princess had promised to gather and protect their wives, children, and parents within the castle, and they trusted her word.
Their families would surely be alive when they returned.
So, they too must return.
“Fenrir! Fenrir is joining the fight!”
“Make way.”
When the lookout guard shouted in alarm, the squires quickly stepped back. The knights smartly lured the monster and created space.
Through the cleared path, Igmeyer dashed with an invisible speed. It seemed that he vaporized the snow in his path.
The knights marveled at their Master’s prowess but soon refocused on their own survival. They knew that their newlywed Master was probably the most eager to return home.
“Finally, the Madam will wear the cloak.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s a good thing. We’ve come so far, and it’s been worth it.”
“Now, all that’s left is for us to return home in one piece.”
The second group of knights who had been on standby, sighed and picked up their swords again.
It was time to change with the first group.
* * *
While the knights were fighting, Niflheim’s main castle was also bustling non-stop.
No matter how much food, medicine, and bandages were produced, it was never enough.
Supplies from the castle were transported under the protection of a group of knights, following a predetermined route.
While there were instances of attacks en route resulting in some supplies not reaching their destination, over 70% made it to the intended locations. Amber calculated the loss rate and encouraged the people to produce even more.
‘Please… though there are reports of victory, we still can’t be at ease.’
Before dawn, before sitting in front of the loom, Amber knelt and prayed beside the bed.
She had never sought God before, because she was busy with her resentments.
But now, it is different. Amber clung to her faith desperately.
She prayed for Igmeyer’s safe return and the survival of the other knights. She hoped that they all returned unharmed.
Her mind was only filled with this single plea. May just one more person, one more…
‘Please, God… ensure the safety of the people as well. They are too precious to die bewitched by mere illusions. Let them be like flowers that bloom long and bright, not buds that wilt prematurely.’
After her prayer, Amber slowly opened her eyelids.
The first light of the rising sun infused her pale pink eyes.
If it weren’t for the dangerous creatures outside, it was the kind of serene and beautiful sunlight that made her want to stroll along the riverside.
“Madam, did you have a good rest?”
“Yes.”
Soon, Nora energetically knocked and entered. After washing up with clean water, Amber asked Nora to tie her hair up tightly.
“Ah, Madam, your hair is like a golden waterfall, it looks prettiest when it’s down…”
“Being pretty is of no use in our current situation.”
“But still, it’s a shame.”
“There’s no one to appreciate it anyway.”
Amber dismissed the comment nonchalantly and looked in the mirror.
Truthfully, she looked haggard, but her eyes sparkled like stars.
‘To have a purpose and people who seek me out is such a joy.’
The workers brought in from nearby villages were all friendly towards her.
Perhaps being inside the castle guarded by knights gave them a sense of security and gratitude.
‘I could only admit those who could assist in making supplies due to limited space…’
But people in each village should also be safe in their shelters.
