I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl-Chapter 180 – Between Routine and Secrets

The morning sunlight returned to greet, gently filtering through the large window curtains of Sylvia’s room, bringing a trace of warmth that slowly chased away the lingering cold of the night. Outside, the soft chirping of birds seemed to add new spirit, enlivening the morning atmosphere with natural gentleness.

On the large, soft bed, Sylvia still slept soundly, her breathing light and steady, her beautiful face peaceful in slumber. Not far from her, a silver-haired woman carefully opened her eyes Celes, who had slipped into Sylvia’s room unnoticed the night before. She immediately realized morning had come and time was short.

Celes slowly rose from the bed, moving carefully so as not to wake the deeply sleeping Sylvia beside her. She glanced briefly at Sylvia, a small affectionate smile appearing on her delicate lips. Her heart still beat fast from their closeness during the night, but she knew she had to leave before Sylvia woke up.

With very quiet steps, Celes climbed down from the large bed, tidied the blanket to keep it as neat as before, then slipped out of the room as silently as a shadow. After making sure the door was securely closed, she exhaled in relief and hurried back to her own room.

An hour later, Sylvia finally opened her eyes slowly. She stretched her body and yawned softly while sitting on the edge of the bed. Her long black hair cascaded beautifully down her smooth back; her face looked fresh though she had no idea that someone had secretly accompanied her through the night.

Taking a deep breath, Sylvia walked to her private bathroom. She washed her face with fresh water, feeling the coldness awaken her fully. After refreshing herself, Sylvia headed to the large wardrobe in the corner of her room and chose a simple yet elegant black gown that still conveyed her charisma as a leader.

She put on the gown with calm and assured movements, tidying her hair until she looked perfect in her simple morning attire. Once ready, Sylvia stepped out of her room toward her study, where duties and reports had piled up since yesterday.

As she opened the door to her study, Sylvia was greeted by the scent of old wood and paper filling the room. Her large desk was already covered with documents and reports from several reconnaissance teams, marked with seals and ribbons indicating the urgency of each report.

Sylvia sat slowly in her chair, picking up the first report with a serious expression. Her sharp eyes began reading line by line carefully. The first document came from the northern scouting unit reporting suspicious activity at the forest border several small groups were moving stealthily, as if observing the castle from a distance.

Frowning, Sylvia jotted down key points on a blank sheet beside her. She then opened the next report, coming from the eastern unit, which stated the area around the castle was calm, though they remained alert to all possibilities.

While Sylvia was busy in the study, Alicia had been outside the castle since morning. The graceful silver-haired woman walked calmly around the grounds of the majestic old castle, inspecting every corner of the structure. Her keen eyes observed the stone walls, large pillars supporting balconies, and the small garden behind the castle.

Alicia carried a small notebook and pen, noting parts that needed repairs or cleaning. Occasionally, she shook her head when spotting small cracks or overgrown weeds. She immediately called some loyal zombie workers and gave gentle yet firm orders for all deficiencies to be fixed promptly.

On the other side of the castle, in a room filled with towering bookshelves, Stacia was still engrossed in the large castle library. The young gray-haired girl sat on a comfortable old chair, surrounded by stacks of thick books, most of which she had read since last night.

Her face showed fatigue, but her eyes still shone with high enthusiasm. She hadn’t slept since the previous night, fully immersed in her knowledge of this world and the various secrets hidden within the pages she turned. Her hands deftly flipped through ancient book pages, occasionally jotting down important notes in a small notebook she always carried.

Occasionally, Stacia yawned softly, rubbing her eyes that had started to ache from lack of sleep. Yet she remained stubborn, wanting to finish what she was reading. Around her, small candles nearly burned out cast a dim light to accompany her activity since last night.

After several hours passed, Sylvia finally finished reading all the important reports in her study. She leaned back in her chair, took a deep breath, and felt a slight relief because her pile of duties had finally been cleared for the morning.

Slowly rising from her chair, she walked to the large window behind her desk, gazing out toward the castle grounds that looked peaceful. From her vantage point, she saw Alicia giving instructions to several zombie workers in the courtyard, while the gentle morning breeze gracefully blew through her silver hair.

Sylvia smiled softly at the scene, feeling very grateful to have sisters like Alicia and Stacia who faithfully accompanied her in this foreign world.

However, when her thoughts drifted to Stacia, she felt a little worried because her sister hadn’t been seen since last night. Sylvia finally decided to go to the library to check on Stacia.

A few minutes later, Sylvia entered the large castle library. She found Stacia still sitting in the same spot as last night, surrounded by piles of books with a tired but still enthusiastic face.

"Stacia, you haven’t slept all night?" Sylvia asked gently as she approached.

Stacia lifted her head, yawned softly, then nodded slowly. "I’m almost finished reading this book, I want to finish it before resting."

Sylvia shook her head with a slight smile, gently stroking Stacia’s hair. "You’re too stubborn. Come on, take a break for a while. These books won’t go anywhere."

Stacia sighed deeply and finally nodded in agreement. She knew Sylvia was right; her body was starting to demand rest after staying up all night. Her body was fine, but her mind needed rest.

They left the library together, their footsteps echoing softly through the quiet castle corridors. Sylvia returned to her study while Stacia headed to her room to sleep.

Noon approached, and the castle began to buzz with the various activities each of them undertook. Despite the busyness, they still looked out for each other, ensuring everything ran smoothly within the castle.

The day passed with quiet busyness, and gradually, the old castle once again felt like home, a place where they could find fleeting peace before a new battle awaited at the door. But at least for today, they all enjoyed the simple routines that filled their time with meaning and warm companionship.

Sylvia’s footsteps echoed softly through the long corridor, bathed in the golden hue of the afternoon sun streaming through the stained glass windows of the castle. The once-cold stone walls now seemed more alive, warmed by the gentle light reflected off the polished marble floor. She had just returned from the library after making sure Stacia was resting, and now her mind was once again occupied with the plans ahead.

Upon arriving at her study, Sylvia opened the large window that faced the castle’s central courtyard. The gentle afternoon breeze touched her cheek, carrying with it the scent of wild plants and old moss an aroma unique to this world. Though this place was not Nocture, little by little, the old castle was beginning to feel like a place she could call her temporary home.

In the distance, Sylvia saw Alicia still active outside, now speaking with one of the elite zombies assigned to patrol the western perimeter. From the calm movements of her lips and the firm gestures of her hands, Alicia truly looked like a commander, her natural charisma undiminished, even though her body was no longer human.

Sylvia offered a faint smile, letting her thoughts drift. She didn’t know what the current state of Nocture was. Sofia was the one leading there now, and for the past few weeks, Sylvia hadn’t received any direct news. The reports from the system only indicated that there were no emergencies, but she knew that in a world like this, such peace wouldn’t last long.

"Maybe... I should send a direct message," she murmured softly.

But before she could write anything, a soft knock came at the door.

"Come in," Sylvia called, turning toward the sound.

Celes stepped in calmly, her silver hair catching the afternoon light with a grace unique to her. In her hands was a wooden tray holding a teapot and three teacups.

"I made some tea for you. Also for Alicia and Stacia later," she said gently as she approached.

Sylvia smiled softly. "Thank you, Celes. You’re always thoughtful."

"I just want to make sure you don’t miss your moments of rest," Celes replied, setting a cup down on Sylvia’s desk. Her hands moved swiftly, pouring warm golden tea that instantly filled the room with the scent of dried flowers and subtle spices. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Sylvia sat back in her chair, took the cup, and sipped slowly. The warmth of the tea flowed gently through her body, gradually easing the tension in her shoulders.

"How are the perimeter preparations today?" she asked.

"Mostly completed. Several emergency escape routes have been rechecked as well," Celes replied. "Even so, I still feel this world... is hiding something we don’t fully understand."

Sylvia nodded slowly. "I feel it too. This peace... feels like a thin blanket before the storm arrives."

Celes lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked at Sylvia with a gentle expression not often seen from her.

"And when that storm comes, I want to be at your side."

Their eyes met for a moment. Sylvia could see the sincerity in Celes’s gaze, but she didn’t respond to the statement with words. Instead, she turned her gaze back toward the window, allowing the silence to serve as an answer that wouldn’t hurt.

A few minutes later, Alicia entered the room, her face slightly sweaty but satisfied.

"All done outside," she said as she pulled up a chair near Sylvia. "I’ve also arranged for scouts on the eastern side. We should be safe for the night."

"Thank you, Alicia. Sit down, have some tea," Sylvia said, offering her a cup.

The three of them sat together in peaceful silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Outside, the sky gradually shifted into a golden-orange hue. That evening felt incredibly calm, yet a subtle tension lingered in the air, as if the world was holding its breath before unleashing a scream.

Eventually, Celes stood up. "I’ll go check the logistics stock in the lower kitchens. You two can stay here."

After Celes left, Alicia glanced at Sylvia with a questioning look.

"Something’s changed, hasn’t it? You’ve been... more pensive lately."

Sylvia gave a faint smile. "I just feel like we’re getting closer to something big. Perhaps the end of this journey... or the beginning of something even larger."

Alicia nodded slowly. "You’re right. And we’ll face it all together. Just like back in Nocture, even when we were still in the same body."

Night slowly arrived, bringing a soothing coolness and a light mist descending from the distant mountains. Sylvia closed the last document and rose from her chair. She looked out at the castle now cloaked in darkness, then up at the night sky that was gradually filling with stars.

"Tomorrow might be different," she whispered.

"But tonight... let’s rest first."

And with that, they left the study and headed to their own rooms, welcoming the night with tired bodies but hearts that remained vigilant.