I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl
Chapter 178 – Under the Same Sky

Chapter 178: Chapter 178 – Under the Same Sky

The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting gentle shadows across the courtyard of the ancient castle where Sylvia now lived. The air, which had once felt warm, gradually cooled as a gentle evening breeze blew, carrying the scent of wildflowers flourishing around the castle. Sylvia stood for a moment in the castle courtyard, observing the unfamiliar yet beautiful view before her.

Though this castle was not Nocture, Sylvia felt a tranquility nearly the same as the place she had left far behind. The castle stood proudly atop hilly land, surrounded by tall trees and wildflowers that made it look like a fortress forgotten by time.

"Alicia, Stacia, how about we take a little walk around the castle?" Sylvia gently suggested, turning toward her two sisters standing behind her.

Alicia smiled softly, her expression always graceful and calm. "Of course. Besides, we haven’t really explored this place yet."

Stacia, who had initially looked lazy, finally nodded as well. "Alright, better than being bored inside all day, I guess."

Sylvia smiled gently at their responses. Without waiting longer, she began walking along a small path leading toward a natural-looking garden, followed by Alicia and Stacia strolling slowly behind her.

They walked in comfortable silence, Sylvia glancing around occasionally, enjoying the refreshing natural scenery. Large trees shaded the path, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Brightly colored butterflies fluttered low, sometimes landing on wildflowers nearby, adding to the serene beauty of the quiet afternoon.

"So beautiful," Alicia murmured softly, her gaze following a pale blue butterfly floating nearby.

Sylvia nodded in agreement. "Yes, I never imagined this world had such a beautiful and peaceful side."

Stacia, walking at the back, wore a slight frown. Yet secretly, she too enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. As she walked, she occasionally bent down to pick wildflowers growing by the roadside, twirling them between her fingers with a casual expression.

"What do you think Nocture is like now?" Alicia suddenly asked, breaking the silence with a gentle, curious tone.

Sylvia was silent for a moment. Alicia’s question unconsciously brought her back to distant memories the city now under Sofia’s care. Unnoticed, Sylvia’s expression grew serious, filled with both curiosity and deep longing.

"I don’t know," Sylvia replied softly, her eyes gazing far away. "I trust Sofia can take good care of it. But honestly, I’m very curious about how the city is now."

Alicia gently patted Sylvia’s shoulder, trying to encourage her. "I’m sure Nocture is fine. After all, Sofia is very reliable."

Stacia, who had been silent all this time, suddenly interrupted, "Yeah, yeah, I believe in her too. But if you keep talking about Nocture, we’ll never get to enjoy our relaxing time, right?"

Sylvia chuckled softly and nodded. "You’re right, Stacia. Today, let’s forget that burden for a moment. Let’s just enjoy the rest time we have."

They continued walking through the vast garden, passing tall grass swaying gently in the evening breeze. Eventually, they reached a small hill that gave them a clear view of the entire area around the castle.

Sylvia stood quietly atop the hill, savoring the wide panorama before her eyes. The castle was situated amidst beautiful hilly terrain, surrounded by vast green meadows, occasionally interrupted by small rivers sparkling under the afternoon sun.

Unconsciously, Sylvia slowly sat down on the soft grass, followed by Alicia and Stacia. The three of them enjoyed the moment in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Yet the peace they felt now was truly different from the conflict-filled lives they had always led.

Alicia finally broke the silence, pointing toward a small river in the distance. "See that river? The water looks so clear and refreshing."

Sylvia nodded softly, smiling gently. "Yes, a river like that would be perfect for swimming."

Stacia snorted quietly while hugging her knees, though behind her tough expression, her eyes shone faintly. "If you want to swim, go ahead. But I don’t want my clothes to get wet."

Alicia smiled amusedly at Stacia’s behavior. "Then next time we have to prepare special swimwear. It would be so much fun to play in the water there."

Sylvia chuckled softly hearing the light conversation between her two sisters. She realized that these simple moments were what she had missed most. The burdens of leadership, battles, conflicts between kingdoms, and complicated politics all felt so far away from where they were sitting now.

After relaxing long enough, Sylvia slowly stood up, inviting her two sisters to walk back toward the castle. The way back seemed much shorter, perhaps because their hearts were now filled with calmness and comfort.

Arriving at the castle courtyard, they sat for a moment on a stone bench under a large tree. The slowly dimming afternoon light made the atmosphere even more comfortable, the air cooler, until Alicia let out a long sigh and said, "Today was truly a wonderful day, Sylvia. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this peaceful before."

Sylvia nodded slowly, looking up at the sky turning orange-red. "I feel the same. I wish we could enjoy times like this more often."

Stacia, who had been quiet all along, finally murmured softly, "Hmph, actually, I wouldn’t mind if we did this more often."

Sylvia smiled warmly at Stacia’s shy expression. She then gently took her sisters’ hands. "You know, I’m very grateful to have both of you by my side."

Her two sisters smiled softly, slightly surprised by Sylvia’s sincere words, yet unable to deny they felt the same.

Under the gradually darkening sky, the three of them enjoyed a rare peace. They did not know what was happening in Nocture at that moment, how Sofia was doing, or the new challenges surely coming someday.

But at least for today, the three were free from worries, free from burdens, and simply enjoyed the simple happiness they so desperately needed.

The evening breeze continued to blow gently, carrying the scent of wildflowers, fresh grass, and deep tranquility. And in that comfortable silence, Sylvia understood an important truth that true peace does not depend on place or time, but on the presence of the people she loves.

The afternoon slowly gave way to dusk, and the golden light gradually faded, replaced by a soft orange hue sweeping across the sky above the castle. The air grew cooler but remained comfortable to enjoy. Sylvia, Alicia, and Stacia sat side by side beneath a large tree, letting the calmness of the evening envelop them.

Alicia gazed at the sky as it gradually changed colors, a warm smile lighting up her beautiful face. "It looks like the sun will set soon. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a sunset like this."

Sylvia turned to her with a small smile. "Yes, exactly. At times like this, I almost forget that we’re still in a strange world, far from Nocture."

Stacia, leaning against the tree, lifted her head slightly. "Strange world or not, it still feels like home as long as you two are here."

Sylvia was momentarily stunned she hadn’t expected such a simple, seemingly indifferent statement from Stacia to touch her so deeply. She smiled gently and nodded slowly. "You’re right, Stacia. Home is about who we’re with, not where we are."

Silence settled over them again, but this time it felt more comfortable. The three enjoyed the gentle evening breeze while watching the horizon begin to glow with golden-orange streaks, a sign that the sun was about to disappear behind distant hills.

After a while, Sylvia stood up and stretched with relief. She felt the positive energy she had lost slowly returning to her. "Shall we go inside now? It’ll be dark and colder soon."

Alicia and Stacia exchanged glances briefly before nodding in agreement. The three then walked slowly toward the castle, following the dimming path bathed in the twilight glow.

Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by the warm, fragrant scent of freshly brewed herbal tea. In the main lounge, Celes sat calmly pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups, as if she had been waiting for their return from the evening walk.

"Ah, you’re back right on time," Celes said softly, smiling warmly. "I’ve prepared tea for you."

Sylvia smiled gently, approaching the table and sitting beside Celes. "Thank you, Celes. Today was truly delightful. I think I really needed a day like this."

Celes nodded softly as she handed Sylvia a cup of tea. "Sometimes, rest and peace like this are worth more than any victory in battle."

Stacia took her cup with a light snort, though the sparkle in her eyes showed she was enjoying the moment. "Hmph, today wasn’t bad at all. I wouldn’t mind doing this again sometime."

Alicia laughed lightly, covering her mouth with elegance. "Fufufu, I think Stacia is starting to be honest with herself."

Stacia glared at Alicia, cheeks flushed. "Shut up! Don’t talk nonsense!"

Sylvia and Celes laughed quietly, enjoying the playful exchange. The relaxed atmosphere in the castle lounge felt warm and pleasant, far from the shadows of battles or dangers so familiar to their lives.

Time passed with easy conversation, punctuated by sips of soothing warm tea. Sylvia slowly leaned back on the sofa, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. She felt happy yet a little guilty for not knowing how things were going in Nocture right now.

"Sofia must be working hard to protect Nocture," Sylvia murmured quietly, unaware.

Celes, sitting next to Sylvia, smiled gently, clearly understanding her feelings. "Don’t worry, Sylvia. I’m sure Sofia can take good care of Nocture. Besides, you entrusted the city to her yourself."

Sylvia nodded softly, smiling at Celes’s gentle words. "You’re right. I have to trust her."

Suddenly, Stacia interrupted with a somewhat annoyed yet amusing tone. "Why do we keep talking about Nocture? Didn’t you both say today we’re only supposed to relax?"

Sylvia and Alicia chuckled, acknowledging Stacia’s honest remark. Sylvia raised her hand in surrender and said casually, "Alright, alright, let’s stop talking about it for now."

Alicia glanced out the window, seeing that the sky had fully darkened. She yawned softly, seeming to grow sleepy after the long day filled with calm. "Maybe we should rest now. Tomorrow will be a new day with many things to do."

Sylvia nodded slowly, also feeling sleepy. She stood up and stretched comfortably. "You’re right, Alicia. Let’s rest."

The three finally said goodbye to Celes and headed to their rooms. Before fully entering her room, Sylvia paused to look up at the starry night sky through the large castle corridor window. Under that sky, she knew that somewhere far away called Nocture, Sofia was looking at the same sky.

"I hope you’re alright, Sofia," she whispered softly.

Then she entered her room with light steps, lying down on the large comfortable bed. Sylvia stared at the dark ceiling, feeling peaceful and calm. Today had brought so much tranquility she had longed for.

She took a deep breath, letting herself sink into the comforting feeling that now surrounded her entire body. In her heart, she was grateful for this day a day without battles, without pressure, without the heavy burden of a leader.

Finally, Sylvia closed her eyes slowly, drifting off into a restful sleep in the comfortable silence of the night. That night, for the first time in a very long while, she slept without carrying any burden in her heart.

Meanwhile, far away, the night sky was still adorned with thousands of shining stars, silently witnessing the simple peace they enjoyed today.

And Sylvia slept soundly, her heart peaceful, her body relaxed, fully freed from all burdens at least for this night, under the same sky that also covered the city that once was her home.