I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl
Chapter 179 – Between the Night, Jerky, and Longing

Chapter 179: Chapter 179 – Between the Night, Jerky, and Longing

Night had finally arrived, bringing a gentle darkness that enveloped the old castle in comforting silence. The night sky appeared exceptionally clear, dotted with countless tiny stars sparkling shyly, like delicate diamonds carefully scattered across a vast black fabric. The soft rustle of leaves carried by the night breeze added a calming yet melancholic touch that soothed the heart.

Inside a small command room that had been deliberately prepared, Sylvia stood tall in front of a large wooden table covered with detailed maps of the surrounding territories. Most of the maps were marked with small symbols indicating the positions of the zombie units she had ordered to patrol strategic points. Her sharp, serious eyes scanned each symbol, ensuring no area was overlooked.

"Unit One, head to the eastern region. Ensure there are no hidden threats," Sylvia commanded firmly to one of the elite zombies standing respectfully before her. The zombie gave a short salute before swiftly turning and leaving to carry out its duty silently.

Sylvia shifted her gaze northward, pointing at another strategic location on the map. "Unit Two, move northward. Keep watch on movements at the forest border. Immediately report if anything suspicious arises."

Without protest or questions, the other zombie unit marched out in orderly silence, disciplined and swift, disappearing into the quiet night.

Several minutes passed, and once the room emptied again, Sylvia drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was acutely aware that the peace she had experienced today was only temporary. Her enemies, especially the gods and their countless armies, were undoubtedly devising plans hidden in the shadows of this seemingly peaceful night.

She gently shook her head, momentarily pushing aside complicated thoughts, then stepped out of the command room, gracefully making her way toward her private quarters located atop the castle.

As soon as she entered her room, Sylvia slipped out of her elegant yet slightly heavy dress, letting the fabric fall onto the bedroom floor. She inhaled deeply, stretching her slightly sore body after an active day. Sylvia walked to an old wooden wardrobe in the corner, pulling out a thin, soft black camisole, and casually slipped into it. She chose to wear nothing else except simple black underwear beneath it, finding this attire far more comfortable.

Having changed into her preferred clothing, Sylvia approached a small table in the room’s corner, filled with simple items like a kettle and several beautiful porcelain cups. She picked up the small metal kettle, gently placing her palm beneath it. Instantly, a tiny purplish-black flame her Nether Flame sprang forth, quickly and perfectly heating the kettle without sound or excessive smoke.

Slowly, the aroma of brewing tea filled the room, infusing the space with the calming scent of herbal leaves. Sylvia carefully placed several dried tea leaves from a small container into the kettle, allowing them to steep perfectly in the freshly heated water.

While waiting for the tea, she opened her system storage, retrieving several pieces of dark-colored jerky whose enticing aroma filled the air as soon as they appeared. The jerky looked fresh, its surface glistening faintly under the soft glow of a small crystal lamp in the room’s corner.

After a few minutes, the herbal tea was ready. Sylvia poured the warm, golden-brown liquid into the prepared cup and carried the entire set tea kettle, cup, and jerky toward her spacious, open balcony.

On the balcony, Sylvia settled comfortably onto a large wooden chair padded with soft cushions. The cool night air gently caressed her skin, providing a comforting sensation that eased her previously restless thoughts.

Sylvia slowly sipped her warm tea, savoring its gentle herbal flavor as her other hand held a piece of jerky, chewing it thoughtfully while embracing the tranquility of the quiet night.

Her gaze drifted toward the distant night horizon, at the stars that never seemed to cease shining above. Gradually, Sylvia’s thoughts wandered back to the place she once called home Nocture, a city that was now surely growing beyond her imagination.

She thought about Sofia, her friend and someone she deeply missed at this moment. She silently wondered how Sofia was doing, whether she was alright, whether she remained strong in the face of countless challenges to protect Nocture.

Deep longing grew within Sylvia’s chest, prompting a heavy sigh filled with emotion. She had no idea when her mission in this foreign world would end, when she could finally return, to once again see Sofia’s reassuring face.

"Sofia," she whispered softly, as if simply speaking that name could provide a measure of comfort to ease her longing. "I hope you’re alright over there. I hope you’re protecting Nocture as I’ve always trusted you to."

Sylvia continued gazing at the night sky, which now seemed more expansive than ever, still savoring her snack of jerky and tea flavors made even more enjoyable by her deepening feelings of nostalgia.

Slowly, the jerky in her hand diminished, and the tea in her cup soon emptied. Sylvia felt her body relax further, the weight on her mind gradually lifted by the peace that now surrounded her on this balcony.

Though fully aware this peace was fleeting, Sylvia resolved to thoroughly enjoy this evening. Just for tonight, she wished to forget all about battles, strategies, enemies, even the foreign world she currently inhabited.

Tonight, she simply wished to be herself Sylvia Hortensia, free from the heavy burdens of a zombie queen, a leader, or a warrior.

Once her tea was completely finished, Sylvia slowly rose from her chair, inhaling deeply once more before smiling faintly toward the starry night sky.

"One day, Sofia," she whispered gently, making a solemn promise to herself, "I will return home, and we’ll meet again beneath the same night sky."

Sylvia turned around, stepping back into her warm, comfortable bedroom. She laid down on the large bed, pulling the thick covers over her body to envelop herself in warmth.

Gradually, her eyes closed, her body becoming increasingly relaxed, carrying her gently into a peaceful slumber. And for tonight, if only temporarily, Sylvia allowed herself to drift into sweet dreams of Nocture, of Sofia, and of the peace she would someday reclaim.

Night had deepened, gently wrapping the old castle in a comforting cloak of darkness. The soft chirping of crickets and the whispering breeze outside added to the silence, creating a serene atmosphere that could lull anyone into peaceful dreams.

Inside her spacious and cozy room, Sylvia lay peacefully asleep on her large, soft bed. The gentle movement of the blanket covering her body rose and fell with the steady rhythm of her breathing. Her usually tense face looked remarkably calm, as if all the burdens of the world had momentarily lifted from her shoulders.

Unbeknownst to Sylvia, her door slowly creaked open in the quiet. The faint moonlight seeped softly through the window, illuminating a silver-haired woman standing at the doorway with a tender, longing gaze. It was Celes, who silently slipped inside the room, her footsteps so light they made no sound.

Celes’s heart raced as she approached Sylvia’s bed with cautious, small steps. Her clear eyes gazed at Sylvia’s sleeping face, seeing peace yet fragility intertwined. Carefully, she climbed onto the bed, sinking into the soft pillows and thick warm blankets. Gently, she lay down beside Sylvia, striving not to disturb her rest.

Taking a deep breath, Celes savored the soft scent of Sylvia’s body so close to her. Her heart pounded fiercely, almost leaping out of her chest. She longed to embrace Sylvia, but fear mixed with reverence held her back; instead, she simply lay there silently, her eyes fixed on Sylvia’s face with deep emotion.

"I know you love Sofia," Celes whispered softly, her voice barely audible. "But I can’t stop hoping... that someday, you’ll see me too. That one day, my love won’t be unrequited anymore."

Slowly, she reached for Sylvia’s hand resting on the blanket, touching it delicately, afraid to wake her. Sylvia’s skin felt warm now after her evolution, soft beneath Celes’s fingers, deepening the feelings within her.

Careful not to move further, Celes simply clasped Sylvia’s hand gently, as if to convey all the feelings she had kept locked inside her heart. She closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself to enjoy the simple warmth she could feel from this closeness.

Silence filled the room once more. Sylvia remained completely unaware of Celes’s presence beside her. She was too exhausted from the day’s activities, her guard lowered especially toward Celes, whom she regarded as close family.

After a while, Celes relaxed more. She opened her eyes, gazing at Sylvia’s peaceful sleeping face. A faint smile touched her lips.

"Hopefully someday, you’ll know how much I love you," she murmured again, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with a gentle mix of hope and sadness. "I won’t ask for more, Sylvia. I just want you to know there’s someone here who always watches over you... who loves you with all her heart."

Celes took another deep breath and slowly closed her eyes. She basked in the warmth of Sylvia’s body so near, letting herself be carried away by the comfort she had rarely felt.

The night breeze continued to blow softly, carrying the fragrance of wildflowers blooming around the castle. The faint moonlight gently illuminated the room, casting a warm, romantic, and somewhat melancholic glow.

In her sleep, Sylvia stirred slightly, unknowingly moving a bit closer to Celes lying beside her. The motion startled Celes a little, but she soon smiled quietly, her heart feeling a precious happiness.

Slowly and silently, Celes dared to move a little closer until her head nearly touched Sylvia’s shoulder. Her heartbeat quickened again, but this time she didn’t mind. She just wanted to savor these rare moments moments when she could feel close to the woman she secretly loved.

Time seemed to freeze on that quiet night, allowing the two of them to sleep side by side undisturbed. Gradually, a comfortable drowsiness wrapped around Celes. Her body relaxed more and more, her eyes growing heavy until she finally fell into a deep, peaceful sleep beside Sylvia.

The night rolled on in silence. Sylvia still slept peacefully, unaware that someone who loved her deeply was sleeping beside her with a heart full of hope and a touch of sadness from unreturned love.

Beneath the tranquil moonlight, the two women slept side by side, each lost in their own dreams Sylvia dreaming of Nocture’s peace and Sofia, and Celes dreaming of a day when her feelings would be returned.

The old castle remained quiet throughout the night, seemingly granting both women the time to enjoy a rare moment of peace. No sound interrupted their restful sleep except for the gentle whisper of the wind.

As the night grew deeper, it gave them both the space to truly rest without the weight of any burdens. And unbeknownst to either of them, an invisible bond quietly began to form a connection born from the simple closeness shared that night.

Perhaps Sylvia had yet to realize it, and maybe Celes still had to wait longer. But tonight had given them both something precious a simple warmth, a closeness slowly building the foundation for something that might grow in the future.

And under the peaceful night sky, they slept soundly, cherishing beautiful dreams while silently hoping that one day, all the feelings tightly held within would find their way to be revealed in the most fitting way.