I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl-Chapter 128 – After the Battle, Comes the Silence

After their sparring match, the atmosphere grew quiet. The sun climbed higher in the sky, shortening the shadows of the trees at the edge of the field. The wind was no longer as cold as it had been that morning, but still cool enough to soothe sweat-covered skin.

Sofia took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a small towel she brought herself. Sylvia stood silently beside her, as usual not sweating in the slightest. Her expression remained calm, eyes fixed on Sofia’s movements quietly admiring her.

"If I didn’t know you were undead, I’d definitely be jealous," Sofia murmured with a smile, acknowledging the stark difference between them.

"You’re still beautiful when you sweat," Sylvia replied flatly.

Sofia pinched Sylvia lightly on the waist. "Stop teasing me."

Sylvia shrugged. "I’m just stating a fact."

They walked side by side, leaving the training field. Their footsteps made no sound on the stone path. A corridor opened through the trees, leading to a small wooden building not far from the arena a traditional-style house used as a resting place and makeshift bath.

As they entered, the scent of pinewood and herbal infusions greeted them. Inside were two adjoining rooms: one for changing, and the other a hot bath large enough for two. The space was warm and serene, with sunlight filtering through slatted windows, casting a gentle glow on the rising steam like a thin mist in the air.

Sofia entered the washing room first to clean herself with warm water. Meanwhile, Sylvia waited outside patiently. She didn’t need to bathe, but still wanted to accompany Sofia in her own way.

A few minutes later, Sofia emerged with damp hair partially dried with a towel. She wore a relaxed outfit: a loose white tunic and linen shorts. Her cheeks and ears were still red from the heat.

"You’re not bathing?" she asked.

"No need. I didn’t sweating." Sylvia replied. "Also, I like the smell of your soap."

Sofia sighed. "You really..."

Before long, they were both seated on the back veranda of the building, overlooking a small garden filled with wildflowers. In front of them sat a wooden tray with two simple meals rice, boiled vegetables, and slices of bacon Sylvia had made a few days earlier. The savory aroma filled the air.

They ate slowly, accompanied by birdsong from the rooftop and the soft rustling of leaves.

Sofia tasted a slice of the bacon and raised her eyebrows. "Hmm... it tastes even better after sitting for a few days." freēnovelkiss.com

"The curing process worked. The smoky flavor gets stronger with time," Sylvia explained.

"When did you learn this?" Sofia asked curiously.

"During my break in that town near the last dungeon. I wanted to know what it was like to make bacon from scratch."

Sofia smiled. "You’re really strange for a zombie."

"I’m not an ordinary zombie."

Silence settled between them for a moment. Not awkward, but peaceful. The air grew steadily warmer as the sun reached its peak. A few flowers in the garden began to bloom, releasing a faint fragrance into the air.

Sofia set her chopsticks down. "Once I’ve fully recovered, what will we do next?"

"We?" Sylvia echoed, turning to her.

"Yes... us. You and me," Sofia said softly, but firmly.

Sylvia looked straight ahead. "I’m not sure yet. I’m waiting for something interesting. And you’ll come with me... if you want to."

"Of course I will," Sofia replied quickly, without hesitation.

"Even if it’s dangerous? Even if we face enemies far beyond just humans?"

Sofia nodded. "I don’t care. I don’t want to sit back while you fight alone. I want to be by your side on the battlefield, in the city, even among the ruins of the world."

Sylvia turned toward her again, locking eyes with the determination blazing in Sofia’s.

"...Then we’ll fight together."

Sofia smiled and leaned gently against Sylvia’s shoulder. "Thank you for waiting for me."

Sylvia turned her head slightly and ran her fingers through Sofia’s damp hair.

"I’ll always wait for you. No matter how long it takes."

The midday sky seemed just a little brighter. That day might have been just another quiet one, but for the two of them it was a vital step. A step toward a future they had chosen together.

And for some reason, Sylvia felt... the world was just a little bit warmer.

Sofia still rested against Sylvia’s shoulder.

Seconds passed in silence, filled only with the sounds of nature and the quiet thrum of their heartbeats. Sylvia let her stay like that, her hand gently stroking Sofia’s damp hair, still cool at the tips.

"I’ve always wondered..." Sofia murmured suddenly.

"Hm?"

"What were you thinking about while you were waiting for me? When I... wasn’t conscious?"

Sylvia didn’t answer right away. She looked up at the blue sky streaked with wisps of clouds, as if searching for her answer there. "I don’t really know. It felt like the world had stopped moving. Every day, I worried about when you’d wake up. And while I was in that other world... I rushed through everything, did everything so fast, just to come back here. To get back to you."

Sofia lifted her head a little, looking at Sylvia from the side.

"I can’t imagine what that kind of loneliness felt like."

"I’m used to being alone," Sylvia said calmly. "But without you... it was different."

Sofia took Sylvia’s hand and held it tightly.

"I’m here now."

"And I hope you stay here, until the end of time."

Sofia let out a small laugh. "In that case, we’ll need to find a way for me to live as long as you... or for you to die like me."

Sylvia quickly turned to her, her gaze sharp. "Don’t joke like that," she said softly but firmly.

Sofia gave a small apologetic smile. "Sorry... I just wanted to lighten the mood. But I meant one thing seriously I want to be with you. Whether under the sun or in the dead of night. I don’t care what your body is, or how the world sees you. To me, you’re still Sylvia."

Sylvia lowered her head slightly, then kissed Sofia’s forehead gently a quiet gesture full of meaning. "And you are my home."

Moments later, the sound of footsteps came from the hallway behind them. A young girl from the bathhouse appeared, carrying a small tray with a teapot and two cups.

"Excuse me, Lady Sylvia, Lady Sofia. This is spring blossom tea... to warm your body after a bath."

"Thank you," Sylvia said with a nod. The maid bowed politely, then left as quickly as she had come.

Sofia took a sip of the tea slowly. Its scent was soft, and its taste light but calming.

"Something this simple... feels special when I enjoy it with you."

"It’s not the tea that makes it special," Sylvia replied. "It’s who you’re drinking it with."

Sofia chuckled, then set her cup down and stretched a little.

"You know? I used to imagine what it would be like to sit like this one day, relaxed, with no burdens or threats looming. I used to think that was just a foolish dream."

"Now that dream has come true," Sylvia said. "Even if we don’t know for how long."

"Exactly. And... because of that, I want to savor it with all my heart."

The wind stirred once more, carrying the scent of flowers and the rustling of leaves. The sun continued its journey westward, casting a warmer, golden hue across the world.

In the middle of a world once shattered, amid ruins, monsters, and battles... there was a moment like this. Quiet. Beautiful. Human.

And in that moment, on that silent veranda, two hearts that had found each other were at peace.

For now, that was enough.