The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 52
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
“Even if Amber gathered the doctors for her own survival, what’s the problem with that?”
“That, that’s true.”
Gallard muttered to himself, labeling Igmeyer as ‘boasting’. He also didn’t forget to add ‘biased.’
Of course, he never voiced these thoughts out loud. He knew better than to provoke a man who wouldn’t even crack a smile at such comments.
“But this really seems endless.”
“They know. They know they have to take me down.”
“That’s true, but… it’s a spectacle.”
Igmeyer and the knights were atop a high cliff.
The vast lands of Hayim were spread out below, a place that usually boasted a pristine snowscape but was now marred with the spinal fluid of monsters and the tracks of military boots.
If there was any consolation, it was that the multitude of cursed creatures blocked the sunlight, sparing them the sight of the dirty ground.
“Why aren’t they attacking?”
“They probably have some thoughts about humans stealing their kind’s brains.”
Igmeyer casually responded to Gallard’s anxious question and brushed his hair back.
It had been a long time since he’d smoked, but today he felt the urge.
Soon, one of them would make a move, and the final battle with the Phantom Breeds would commence.
They were both biding their time, but ‘something’ would start soon.
Igmeyer was certain those creatures were up to something nasty.
‘Ah… since we lured them here, Amber’s side should be safe. Even if this is a diversion, with so many of them here, the enemy’s numbers must be fewer there.’
His plan was simple from the start.
Leave the castle’s defenses to Raphael while he and Gallard would mercilessly cut down the creatures while making their way to Hayim.
It was a strategy possible only because they knew the creatures had brains.
If they were capable of thought, they would get angry, and anger would draw them here.
The more danger he was in, the safer Amber would be. That’s why Igmeyer welcomed the current situation.
“Cigarette.”
“Oh, are you going to smoke? Nothing beats a puff before the final battle, right?”
Ludwig, a gruff knight who was also a former mercenary, offered his cigarette.
Cigars weren’t exactly Igmeyer’s taste, but he inhaled the smoke deeply into his lungs.
“When I finish smoking this, I’ll go first. You guys provide support.”
The knights raised their heads at the command that was delivered in a quiet yet firm tone.
Their eyes gleamed fiercely.
They knew their options were either to fall on the ice in death or return alive. Nobody wanted to die.
“Everyone, watch your backs!”
“Yes!”
“Even if we die, let’s not die in a disgraceful way!”
Gallard shouted loudly, and the knights stood up with force in their legs, responding just as loudly.
Originally, for knights, dying with one’s back sliced was a disgrace that would shame their family for generations. But for the Frost Giant Knights, it held an even more special significance.
What they bore on their backs was something that must never be lost.
Thus, no one desired to die with their backs cut. It was an affirmation of their unwillingness to retreat or flee.
“Let’s go.”
Thump.
The cigarette Igmeyer had been holding in his mouth fell to the ground. Simultaneously, he leaped high, manifesting his powers.
The initial clash stirred up a massive snowstorm. The knights below fiercely swung their swords at the advancing Phantom Breeds even amidst the storm.
Their muscles felt like they might tear. Arms, legs, and feet ached. Their heads spun, breaths were short, and they were too consumed to even glance around.
Yet they were alive. And as long as they lived, they fought.
Red blood and green fluids splattered everywhere.
The victor of this mad battle would only be known…..three days later.
* * *
On a cloudless day at the main castle.
It’s strangely quiet. Why?
Standing atop the castle wall, Amber shivered and pulled her coat closer.
It had been a week since Raphael and the archers confronted the three Phantom Breeds.
Since then, she had been extremely tense, anticipating another appearance of the creatures. But strangely, the castle remained safe.
It almost felt like the war had ended.
She had worried that a gate might open above the castle, but nothing of the sort had happened.
“Madam, I’ve brought you some warm tea.”
“Thank you, Betty.”
As Amber took the warm cup of tea, she realized for the first time that her hands were frozen.
‘I was too engrossed in my thoughts. I didn’t even notice the cold…’
Amber was lost in her hazy memories, pondering the past.
In the past, when did Igmeyer return? Did it take this long?
Or was it simply because her heart had changed….? Now, time seemed to pass more slowly as she waited for Igmeyer.
