The Camellia Tattoo - Chapter 79
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
this book is completely translated on luna kofi (advanced chapters for the website will follow)
He was wheezing and yelling like a cheap villain, then he kicked the sturdy table leg and ended up hopping around in pain.
After throwing a fit, what came to mind was the gentle face of that woman. Her expressionless face, reminiscent of his mother, further fueled Loki’s anger.
“Seems innocent but then shows her claws, huh? Do I look that foolish?”
If it had been his eldest brother, the one destined for the throne, such humiliation would never have occurred.
Loki gasped for breath, leaning against the window sill.
His mother’s disappointed looks, teachers questioning his capabilities, and brothers occasionally checking on his progress in swordsmanship…
He had no allies within the palace. That’s why he was thrown into this barren North.
A life deemed expendable!
“Damn it! I will earn their recognition this time. Then, His Majesty will surely notice me.”
As he was calming his rage, there was a knock on the door, and it opened without his permission.
It was the High Priest Mikael who entered uninvited.
Mikael immediately began speaking upon seeing him.
“You did well. Very annoying indeed.”
“…Hmph.”
“Just keep it up. A couple growing closer over a common enemy is a tale as old as time. Just play your role as the villain well.”
That’s right. The role assigned to Loki was none other than the villain. A character deserving of hatred.
By using him as a sacrifice, the Grand Duke and Duchess of Niflheim would grow even closer and hopefully have a child.
It was a role perfectly suited for Loki.
Being accustomed to being hated, he could easily spit out words carelessly, and it seemed to work quite effectively today.
Upon leaving, the Grand Duke and Duchess appeared as content heroes who had just defeated their villain.
While it irked him, it had gone according to plan, so Loki commended himself.
“His Majesty wishes for the Grand Duke and Duchess to produce an heir as soon as possible. We must defeat Nidhogg.”
“…Yeah, I know. As long as that beast looms over us, the empire’s peace is threatened.”
“It’s true. There’s a lot riding on you, Your Highness.”
Even though it was just a casual remark, Loki hated the fact that he felt a sense of expectation from it.
Ruffling his curly hair, he slumped down on the sofa.
It was a night that called for strong liquor.
* * *
In the cool evening breeze, Igmeyer and Amber were strolling along a path within the castle.
Though not surrounded by abundant flowers or grass, this place had its own serene charm.
Amber had grown to prefer this atmosphere.
Somewhat desolate yet quiet, where only the sound of footsteps softly echoed.
What she once found eerie and tear-inducing as a child now…held no fear at all. What’s so terrifying about darkness? The real horrors lay elsewhere.
“That look on the prince’s face was quite something to see.”
“His pride must have been hurt. No one in the palace would have criticized him like that.”
“That’s why he turned out that way.”
Igmeyer seemed to find the situation thoroughly satisfying. Amber, however, was still quite angry.
“Thanks for trying to protect your husband.”
“Don’t thank me. It was only natural.”
“Is that so?”
Igmeyer chuckled and gently took Amber’s hand, intertwining their fingers one by one.
Feeling an indescribable emotion from this gesture, Amber looked up at Igmeyer.
The faint light from the lanterns softly illuminated his profile. It was filled with awkwardness, gratitude, and a touch of emotion, stirring something deep within Amber.
“Having a wife who stands so firmly by my side, I never knew it could be this reassuring. Your spirit back there seemed like it wouldn’t falter even if Nidhogg itself appeared.”
“I just… didn’t really understand why the prince acted that way. It almost seemed like he was asking to be angered.”
“Whatever he’s thinking, it’s clear he’s not in his right mind.”
Agreeing silently, Amber leaned her head against Igmeyer’s shoulder.
“The imperial family is pressuring us to have a child.”
“Yes.”
“But, if we’re being honest, I… look forward to having a child with you. Not right away, but someday.”
One day, when all threats have disappeared, that’s when she would want to start a family.
Having both a daughter and a son that are half from Shadroch and half from Niflheim would be nice.
Lost in thought, Igmeyer suddenly pulled Amber close by the waist.
“You’re saying not right now.”
“Huh? Yes. The threat of Nidhogg hasn’t disappeared. I don’t want our child to grow up in danger.”
Amber stated firmly.
And Igmeyer, observing her determination… felt his lower body tightening.
‘It’s so sexy I’m going to die.’
This must be what it feels like to have your heart race.
