The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 72
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
“I’ll give you 30% of the profits. How about that?”
“40%.”
“Agreed.”
Igmeyer, though he’d raised the price out of spite, couldn’t help but be irked by Nicholas’s easy agreement. Still, there was no reason to refuse the offered money.
“Seems you have a bit of a wandering spirit.”
“Yes. Honestly, I grew weary of Shadroch and thought coming here was a good decision. Completing my medical service years here seems more fulfilling. There are many talented doctors here I’d like to teach.”
Quite presumptuous for a freshly minted doctor.
But it was true that the medical standards in the North were inferior to those of a newly qualified doctor from Shadroch, like Nicholas.
Regardless of how Igmeyer felt about Nicholas personally, his skills were undeniable.
“Have you discussed this with Amber?”
“I was about to.”
Nicholas smiled calmly, prompting Igmeyer to grumble a response.
“I’ll give you a pass that will grant you passage. Show it along with the medical practice permit I’ll also provide, and the garrisons in each area will offer you food and lodging. That should significantly reduce your travel expenses.”
“Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”
The idea of Nicholas leaving so soon after his arrival stirred an odd feeling in Igmeyer, but it was not entirely unwelcome.
‘If he could leave tomorrow, that would be perfect.’
Igmeyer thought of that with a smirk.
If Nicholas’s presence had brought Amber joy, then his visit was worthwhile. Even if Amber might feel a bit disappointed.
* * *
Hours later, Nicholas knelt before Amber, pressing his lips to the back of her hand—a gesture of respect to a princess.
“Seeing you happy reassures me. I believe you will continue to be happy.”
“Nick… I’m sad you’re leaving so soon.”
“I’m not leaving the North, though. If you need anything, please write. I’ll be spending at least ten days in each location for my medical service. I’ll write to you as well.”
Amber felt a twinge of sadness but knew she couldn’t keep a guest forever.
That afternoon, Nicholas departed, and the castle returned to its usual quiet.
Nicholas’s departure, along with his young and handsome servants, left more than just Amber feeling sad.
Yet, as the saying goes, when one thing goes, another comes.
Before Nicholas’s room could even be cleared, a messenger arrived with monumental news from the imperial family who was planning a visit.
Though termed a ‘visit,’ no one was fooled—it was essentially a surveillance to monitor Amber’s potential pregnancy.
-
- The Imperial Observer
Fluttering gently, a fan made from peacock feathers moved in a delicate hand, one that clearly had never known hard labor. The owner was draped in pristine white silk. Signifying a status of high reverence among those who served God. A figure so venerated within the order that even speaking his name evoked fear.
God’s servant, the recipient of the divine ‘Oracle,’ was none other than the High Priest Mikael.
He was distinguished by his pale green hair and eyes.
The common brown hair and eyes he had upon entering the priesthood was transformed from the divine power he wielded, a sign of blessing from God.
“When you think of Shadroch, it is most renowned for its fruits, perfumes, and beauties, they say.”
Before Mikael was a somewhat frivolous young man, or rather, a youth, freshly transitioned into adulthood.
The youngest of the current Emperor’s five children, Prince of Asgarden. Loki Asgarden.
His appearance was quite endearing, with downturned eyes and curly hair enhancing his charming image.
Yet, Loki enjoyed pretending to be dignified, imposing upon his servants the duty to endure his frequent ‘pretense’.
These two men were now bound for the North on an important mission.
Given the North’s cold and monster-ridden landscape, it was an unlikely destination for a prince of high standing. Thus, Loki could be considered the farthest from the throne in the line of succession.
Despite his denials.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how beautiful the princess of Shadroch is.”
“Is that so?”
“Surely God wouldn’t task an unattractive woman with a mission, right?”
“God does not judge the servants by appearance…”
Loki’s rudeness was typical of boys his age.
Mikael, fifteen years Loki’s senior, trailed off, maintaining a diplomatic smile.
The imperial family and the church maintained a good relationship. There is no need to provoke fights.
“Ah, I wish we could get there faster. I’m dying of boredom. I can’t even train in swordsmanship.”
Loki yawned and slumped into a sofa.
Dangling on his chest was a teardrop-shaped pendant, radiating a crimson hue—it was not just any necklace, but a magical artifact.
Magic was the antithesis of divine power. It had largely disappeared from the Asgarden Empire as divine power grew stronger. However, a few relics from the age of magic still remained, including the ‘bloodline verification artifact.’
Mikael glanced disapprovingly at the magic tool before opening the holy bible.
It was still a week’s journey to the heart of Niflheim.
