The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 61
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
Igmeyer’s voice shook slightly, taken aback by the unexpected suggestion.
However, Huvern stood firm. He had kept quiet about romantic advice due to his position as a butler, but he had hoped for the couple to grow closer.
If their relationship wasn’t too strained, it wasn’t too late to start building it gradually from now on.
Moreover, to Huvern, it seemed that both of their goals aligned. To protect the North.
Having that in common meant they had plenty to talk about.
All they needed was the right environment and time to deepen their relationship.
“The ice on Lake Freyja is melting, making it quite beautiful now. You haven’t taken her there yet.”
“That’s…. true.”
“Lake Freyja is a jewel of Niflheim. She’ll surely love it. Plus, it doesn’t make sense for the Mistress of the North to have never visited Lake Freyja, a place everyone talks about.”
“Hmm… you have a point.”
Convinced by the argument, Igmeyer felt persuaded.
Even he had visited Lake Freyja before.
‘Indeed, Amber has been busy with war preparations. A trip to Lake Freyja would fit the purpose of taking a break.’
The area was also known for its bustling market, so there was plenty to see.
Especially impressive was the horse market, where there might be suitable ones to give Amber.
And most appealingly, if it was officially a ‘date,’ he could legitimately keep that guy away from her.
‘She’ll be too tired to stay up late after we return.’
Even if she wasn’t tired, he planned to ensure she would be for the next few days.
Igmeyer smirked and cracked his knuckles.
He resolved to prepare some nourishing food before proposing the date.
* * *
Lake Freyja was a gem of Niflheim.
Well-maintained walking paths made it a favorite spot for couples and also families and the elderly to enjoy strolls.
Near the lake, there was a square where stalls opened up whenever it didn’t snow. Following the enticing smells of skewered chicken or spiced stew would lead to the bustling market. At the heart of which was the largest horse market in the North.
“Every knight of Niflheim buys their horse here. Parents even bring their children dreaming of knighthood to buy them ponies.”
“Wow. I had no idea this place existed.”
“Look around as much as you want, and if your legs get tired, just tell me. I’ll carry you.”
The cool air and the warmth of the sun. The sprouting buds, and the children running around on a rare good weather day all contributed to the pleasant atmosphere.
It was a day of peace.
Arriving at Lake Freyja with Igmeyer, Amber felt a touch of emotion as she looked around.
‘I had no idea. That there was a place where families come to spend time together.’
Someday, when the baby is born and can walk, she must bring them here.
Springtime here is precious because Niflheim has springs and autumns, winters and more winters, but no summer.
How valuable spring is in a land without summer!
“But Igmeyer, what brought you to bring me here?”
Amber was genuinely curious. She wondered why Igmeyer, who hadn’t done such things before her return, decided to act this way.
“Is it strange for a husband to enjoy a date with his wife?”
“Not really.”
“I just wanted to try what other people do. I was curious why knights look so foolishly happy on dates, what’s so good about dating.”
Igmeyer’s sudden proposal for a date was the night before.
Nicholas had been staying at the castle for five days. After returning from lecturing Nicholas about the importance of exercise, Igmeyer presented her with a flower.
It was a small, white blossom.
‘Would you go on a date with me tomorrow? I know a great place.’
He looked incredibly awkward saying it.
She couldn’t refuse — not that there was any reason to — his embarrassingly adorable demeanor made Amber smile.
Why was he so nervous?
They had slept together several times; why would a date be difficult?
“Have you been on many dates?”
“Hmm.”
“You must have. It was wrong of me to ask.”
Grumbling, Igmeyer nonetheless pulled her closer within the crowd, trying to protect her. The people were already giving them space as they recognized them.
“I haven’t been on many. I preferred attending debates over dating.”
“…..Seems like you would have had many suitors.”
“Not that there weren’t any, but well, I wasn’t interested in dating.”
“Really?”
For a moment, Igmeyer’s lips twitched visibly. Amber, catching this, raised an eyebrow.
“And you?”
“Me? What do you think… about me?”
“How would I know?”
Amber grumbled softly.
Given his character, it seemed unlikely he had many encounters. But she couldn’t be sure. After all, considering his bedroom skills, he was surprisingly skilled.
