The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse – Chapter 103

The Reception Room of House Tereed.

It was nothing more than a rustic log cabin’s living room to be called a Ducal reception room, but nonetheless, it was the largest room in this settlement, so who could complain if the Duke decided to use it as a reception room?

Anyway, with the Duke, the Head Butler, Lanit, Esmela, Helinante, and Arit gathered in that reception room, it already felt quite crowded.

However, for some reason, the gathered individuals were silently exchanging glances and saying nothing.

Finally, the Duke, sitting at the top with a serious look while glaring at Lanit, opened his mouth.

“First, Helinante.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Please explain what on earth is going on.”

“Explanation or not…”

Helinante glanced furtively at Lanit and Esmela.

“Simply put, Lanit was such a bumbling fool that he couldn’t even touch the woman he’d been living with in isolation for the past three years. Thus, it’s no problem that my prediction of their relationship developing into something more has turned out to be completely off. That’s all.”

“…I will let that slide for now. Next, Head Butler.”

“Yes.”

“What do you think is the reason for the lack of progress in their relationship?”

“It’s hard to pinpoint just one reason.”

The Head Butler, Zikhaim, adjusted his glasses as he replied.

“The biggest factor is obviously their difference in social status. For a mere commoner like Lanit, even approaching Esmela, the only heir of the Ducal family, must have seemed impossible. Moreover, the personalities of the two would also pose as obstacles for the development of their relationship.”

“Go on.”

“Having worked as a Hunter since childhood and then becoming a Butler for House Herta, Lanit likely hasn’t had any experience with normal romantic relationships unlike his peers. As for Esmela’s romantic history…”

At this point, the Duke’s expression turned stiff.

“…It’s something we all know without needing to speak of it, so let’s move on. Besides that issue, as the Duchess’s Young Lady, Esmela has always been pampered while growing up, so while she’s not inherently mean, she may be unaccustomed to giving affection or actively trying to improve her relationships. Therefore, I anticipate that their unsuitable personalities might have led to the current situation.”

“I see… Understood. As expected of the Head Butler. Sharp analysis.”

“Thank you.”

The Head Butler placed his hand on his chest and slightly bowed to the Duke in respect.

“…Um…”

At that moment, Arit, who had been quietly listening from a corner, cautiously raised her hand.

“Yes, Arit?”

“I have a general understanding of what this meeting is for, but why was I summoned?”

She asked while gauging the Duke’s reaction.

“Don’t be so downcast, Arit. You are the very person we need here.”

“Me…?”

“Absolutely. You’ve known Esmela since childhood, and from the time the incident broke out in the Royal Capital until the capital was sealed off, and during the nearly two months it took for the two to travel from Pedina City to here, who else but you would have such insight into them and their relationship?”

“That’s true… but…”

“That’s why I invited you to this meeting, hoping for your assistance… However, I can’t force you. If you’re unwilling, it’s perfectly alright to decline.”

At the Duke’s suggestion, Arit fell into a moment of contemplation.

After a brief while,

“…No! I will do it! In the name of the Goddess of Fate, Mitri, I will give it my all to meet everyone’s expectations!”

At Arit’s passionate response, the Duke nodded with a pleased expression.

“Thank you for saying that. Now, please honestly share your thoughts on the questions I will ask.”

“Yes!”

“First, from your observations, how would you describe the relationship between the two?”

“I see…”

Arit responded solemnly, as if speaking at a strategy meeting ahead of a battle that could determine the fate of their nation.

“I believe that the two do have feelings for each other.”

“Oh…!”

A glow appeared on the Duke’s face.

“At the very least, there is plenty of potential for their relationship to develop beyond that of a mere servant and master or comrades who’ve survived the Zombie Incident…”

“However, as Mr. Zikhaim mentioned, their personalities seem to be barriers preventing them from progressing further.”

“Thank you for your insight. Now, I’d like to hear your thoughts on their future.”

“Regarding Lanit’s concerns over social status, I believe there’s no need to care about that in this situation. A few years ago, the relationship might have been misunderstood by societal norms, but… post-incident, one should worry about their immediate survival rather than social standings. So I’d actually hope for the two to actively approach each other. If tomorrow is uncertain, then it’s better to spend time with someone precious today.”

“An excellent perspective…”

“And one more thing.”

“Please go on.”

“This is a bit delicate, but… ironically, the engagement announcement between Prince Robertze and Commoner Yuria has, in a way, provided a sort of legitimacy to the relationship between Esmela and Lanit. People’s perceptions of romances across class lines have begun to change… And if royalty can marry commoners, then what’s to stop a Duke from marrying a commoner?”

“Exactly! That’s precisely what I wanted to say!”

The Duke chimed in enthusiastically, applauding Arit’s words.

“That lazy Prince is marrying a commoner, so why can’t our Esmela?!”

“Right. You are completely right, my Lord.”

Helinante interjected smoothly.

“Therefore, Esmela and Lanit…”

Suddenly, the Duke grew serious and turned towards the two of them.

“We believe this. We wish to hear how you both see each other and how you plan to develop your relationship.”

The Duke’s face, as he said this, resembled that of a benevolent father.

“Although it would be out of the question to make you my successor, I would be willing to accept you as a son-in-law. You are a special commoner recognized by both me and Esmela.”

“…”

“…”

“……….”

“……….”

Having listened to that entire conversation, Lanit’s face turned as red as a ripe tomato from anger and shame, while Esmela bowed her head so low that her expression was indiscernible.

“My Lady.”

“Yeah.”

“May I have your permission to go wild here?”

“With permission, of course?”

“Yes.”

“Everyone is strong enough not to die, so let loose. Just, avoid my father.”

When Esmela raised her head again, her eyes were filled with a black flame.

“I will talk to Papa directly.”

That day, a small commotion erupted in the settlement of House Herta.

Suddenly, a massive flame burst from the building that served as the Duke’s reception room.

The firepower was so intense that the mansion quickly reduced to ashes.

The startled servants who had gathered to extinguish the unexpected fire witnessed a half-human, half-dragon creature with red scales rampaging and spewing flames in all directions, while the Head Butler, Helinante, and Arit fought it to subdue it.

Amidst this chaos, the flame-engulfed Esmela unleashed a barrage of flame spells at her father, and the Duke dodged skillfully while sprinting out of the town.

Had this incident occurred anywhere other than the Northern Territory, the surrounding area would have been turned to ashes in an instant.

While none of the servants dared to intervene, fidgeting anxiously, the commotion was settled temporarily when Prince Robertze, who had been bedridden and rushed out upon hearing the chaos, stepped in.

“…”

“…”

The two walked silently across the snowy expanse.

Even after the incident had ended, the turmoil in their hearts showed no sign of abating, prompting them to take a stroll to cool off in the winter breeze.

Their agitation was not only due to the rude remarks made earlier by the Duke in front of everyone but also stemmed from something much closer—each other.

“…”

Esmela’s gaze skimmed shyly over the snow, while

“…”

Lanit stared off into the distant mountains unnecessarily.

“…About what happened earlier.”

Esmela was the first to speak up.

“…Yes.”

“Um… First of all… I don’t think Father or anyone else meant harm. You know that. Father and the Head Butler are clumsy outside of their official duties, and Arit is likely ignorant in that regard… Helinante is… Oh gosh.”

“I understand. I hold no grudges.”

“Right… well.”

Then, the two fell silent for a while once more.

After what felt like dozens of footsteps could be traced in the snow, finally,

“…Hey!”

Esmela dashed forward to stand in front of Lanit, blocking his path.

“What?”

“Things got a bit out of hand, but… I think…”

Esmela fidgeted, unable to find the words to next speak.

Lanit, watching her anxiously, waited for her to continue.

“…I think it’s about time we have a serious conversation.”

At last, Esmela shook off her hesitation, lifted her chin, and gazed directly at Lanit.

There was a peculiar color in her eyes that Lanit had never seen before.

“About our… relationship.”