The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 53
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
If only she could pick up a sword and join the fight. But she couldn’t, so Amber’s heart felt heavy.
“If you stay outside any longer, you’ll fall ill. You’ve been out here for two hours already.”
“Has it been that long?”
Betty’s tone sounded worried. Not wanting to worry her subordinates, Amber decided to return to her room.
“Ah, Madam. Look, Sir Raphael is there. He must have finished his patrol. It seems there were no issues today.”
“Haa, that’s right. Thankfully.”
Raphael’s silver hair, reminiscent of snow-capped mountains, glistened in the sunlight. His cool blue eyes like the deep blue lake glanced up momentarily.
Amber felt reassured as his gaze was confirming her safety. Not because he was there to protect her, but because she could see with her own eyes that he was alive.
In truth, I never imagined Igmeyer would leave Raphael here… It turned out to be a good decision.
Raphael was safe because he hadn’t gone to the battlefield.
He would surely be a great help in the final battle.
With that thought, Amber repeatedly calmed her fluttering heart.
It’s okay, it’s okay.
But still, I wish he would come.
She didn’t know when she had started leaning on him so easily. She couldn’t comprehend what had changed.
But one thing was certain after her return… Every time her emotions swelled unbearably, Igmeyer was there.
His presence, without asking anything, just being there, was what she needed.
That’s why Amber instinctively sought him out now.
“Madam, look over there!”
At that moment, Betty’s voice was tinged with surprise.
Amber, who was about to head inside, instinctively turned at the sound of hooves.
A dark blue flag was visible from afar.
The flag with the clear Frost Giant insignia was waving vigorously against the blue sky.
“Igmeyer!”
Amber leaned over the castle wall, her upper body stretched out as she cried out.
If she could, she would jump down from here and go to him.
Are you alright? Did we win? Is everything okay? She wanted to ask all these questions.
One can worry about a friend like that, right?
“Let’s hurry downstairs. Tell everyone to come to the courtyard to welcome the Grand Duke and the knights.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Betty quickly moved to carry out the order.
Amber clutched her heavy skirt in hand and walked briskly. Judging by the approaching speed, they would soon reach the castle.
“Wow!”
“The knights have returned!”
The mixture of hooves and cheers was thunderous.
Her heart raced, and her pulse quickened.
As she stood there motionless, it wasn’t long before Igmeyer appeared.
His face was tired and pale, but he had returned with his spirit unbroken.
“Amber.”
Whispering in a rough voice, he dismounted from his horse and strode towards her. Seeing his intent to hug her, Amber removed her hands from her fur gloves and opened her arms first.
But Igmeyer hesitated when he came close and paused abruptly.
“I…I want to hug you too, but I’m too filthy.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
He had just returned from a fierce battle. What is there for her to mind?
Honestly, I used to hate it, but not now.
She could almost visualize the hardships he had gone through. While her hands remained unstained, he must have walked through a shower of blood.
It might sound strange to feel proud and commendable about the storm he endured, but that was how Amber felt at the moment.
She was grateful for his return. And amazed.
“I did miss you. But how did you know to come back today?”
“Somehow, I just felt the urge to return quickly.”
The delicate arms tightly embraced Igmeyer and did not let go. The tender scene brought tears to the eyes of some onlookers.
“Darling!”
“Honey!”
“Dad!”
Soon, the knights also reunited with their families, embracing and sharing tears and laughter.
As the commotion subsided, Igmeyer raised his hand.
Squires brought forth a cart, on which lay a beautiful silver fur.
“This is…”
“A gift. I found another Fenrir.”
“Ah!”
“Don’t make gloves this time, make sure to use it as a cloak. Look at what you’re wearing. It’s too thin for this cold weather.”
Igmeyer grumbled.
It was always too ticklish to be fussed over. She felt awkward but not displeased. She wished he’d take care of himself more than worry about her.
Amber responded with a bright smile which contained a spring-like warmth that could melt glaciers.
No royal would usually hug a knight so covered in grime.
It was slightly embarrassing for her to give such special treatment to her husband.
To dispel this awkwardness, Igmeyer looked closely at Amber.
Her cheeks seemed a bit more hollow, her complexion was pale as if she lacked blood, and she looked a bit listless, probably from not eating well.
Moreover, her fingertips, which peeked out from the fur gloves, were reddened. It was likely from tirelessly weaving cloth. She was always so stubborn, hardly ever resting even when he told her to.
