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The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse – Chapter 105

“-This is the plan moving forward.”

After Prince Robertze’s briefing was done,

“Any questions?”

He began taking additional questions from those attending the meeting.

The first to raise a hand was Lanit.

“Sure.”

“I’ll review the movement plan once more: we depart in two days, visit the House of Larson to replenish supplies needed for the journey, then head straight down to Pedina City, where we’ll stay for a bit to gather information before moving to the territory of the Terelud family as previously arranged. We’ll then regroup with the reinforcements and march to the Royal Palace to reclaim the royal family. Is that correct?”

“Exactly. Any other questions about the plan?”

“How do you plan to secure transportation?”

“We’ll be traveling on foot from here to the House of Larson. I hear there aren’t any horses around here. Apologies, but you’ll have to manage for a few days. Once we get to the House of Larson, we should be able to acquire some horses for a more comfortable journey. During our trip to Pedina City, we’ll stop at various towns to change horses along the way.”

‘… I feel like we’re just pretending to have a grand justification in reclaiming the royal family, when in reality, we’re just begging for supplies wherever we can find them.’

After hearing Prince Robertze’s plan, Lanit felt such dissatisfaction, but he didn’t voice it out loud.

It was hard not to understand Robertze’s position. Finding himself tossed out of the palace empty-handed by the princess he had trusted overnight, what else could a prince without any resources do?

Once Lanit finished speaking, Esmela stepped forward next.

“You mentioned receiving reinforcements from the Terelud family, but what exactly is the scale of that?”

“An elite force of 80 men. Additionally, they’re providing a trusted officer to lead them.”

“How many of them are proficient in magic?”

“…”

“Tell me you at least checked that?”

Robertze was taken aback and started to stutter in defense at Esmela’s incredulous expression.

“Uh, I’m sure Lopez would have properly selected the magicians. He’s smart and capable…”

“While Mr. Lopez is indeed wise, not confirming such a core part of the operation is a problem, Prince Robertze. Be more aware of your position.”

“…Alright.”

Before he could respond further, Arit jumped in with a sharp remark, leaving Robertze sulking.

“And Prince Robertze, have you thought of a counterstrategy against that mysterious dark magic supposedly used by Yuria? Is there any information we might not know about?”

“Of course, you don’t need to worry.”

“That’s a relief…”

“With a saintess around, I doubt dark magic would pose any real threat.”

“””…”””

‘This isn’t what my Robertze is like…’

In the end, Lanit found himself drooping his head.

Anyway, the three of them managed to whip Prince Robertze into shape, guiding him with both carrot and stick to somewhat reinforce the plan.

They squeezed all the supplies they could from the territory of the House of Herta, which had been barely hanging on, to provide food and clothing for the four of them.

Then, the day came for the four to leave the settlement once more.

“…”

Usually, Lanit would walk alongside Esmela, but today he kept a little behind her.

Since the Duke Herta was walking next to her.

On his way to join Arit and Robertze, who were waiting after finishing their preparations, the father and daughter took a longer route rather than heading straight, wanting to be with each other a bit longer.

Lanit noticed that but chose not to point it out.

Instead, he simply walked a bit slower, allowing them to converse without worrying about him.

As a result, their conversation didn’t reach Lanit, but sometimes when they turned their heads towards each other, he caught a glimpse of the happiness on their faces along with the sadness of parting behind it.

Then the Duke turned back and waved at Lanit.

Lanit hurried over to them.

“I wanted to speak to you before you leave.”

“Of course.”

Lanit began walking side by side with Esmela, now flanked by the Duke.

“…”

For a moment there was silence.

“Lanit.”

Finally, the Duke called out to him again.

“Yes.”

“Please take good care of Esmela.”

He had heard those words dozens of times over the past few days.

But this time, Lanit nodded again because the weight behind that statement felt different.

“And I have one more thing… I want to ask you.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“What do you find good about Esmela?”

“Uh…”

When such a casual question leaped out of the Duke’s serious expression, it left Lanit momentarily speechless.

Swish!

Esmela glared at him, her eyes poking into his cheek.

‘Gotta answer well.’

“Well, first of all, she’s beautiful.”

Twitched.

The Duke’s crimson eyebrows twitched, indicating displeasure with that answer.

However, Lanit pressed on without caring.

“And during the past five years living with Esmela, I’ve come to realize she’s more caring and reasonable than one would think. While she appears very domineering, that’s mostly because she struggles to express herself. If you observe closely, you can catch the nuances of her kindness towards me every now and then.”

“You have keen insight.”

“Haha. Of course, you really have to pay close attention to notice it.”

“Father!”

They could only laugh at Esmela’s sulky demeanor.

“…so, before I knew it, my gaze was always following Esmela. Just like how a rose doesn’t lose its beauty even with thorns, her thorny attitude can’t take away from Esmela’s beauty, both inside and out.”

This was a sentiment shared between Lanit and Park Tae-han from his previous life.

Even when living as Park Tae-han, Esmela was Aldis’ favorite for exactly the same reasons he just shared with the Duke.

While attending the academy, he would occasionally look after the leading female character Yuria, but also ponder how to appeal to Robertze, showcasing her youthful side.

A classic tsundere. That’s why Park Tae-han liked Esmela.

…Of course, that explanation only covered up to the mid-point of the scenario.

‘The latter half gets way too serious… they developed Esmela’s character way too much to elevate Yuria and Robertze.’

“…Hahaha.”

Hearing Lanit’s words, the Duke broke into a satisfied chuckle.

“Indeed. Listening to you, I can sense your sincerity. I feel reassured. Plus, it seems Esmela is pleased with your answer too.”

Confirming the Duke’s words by checking Esmela’s expression, Lanit noticed her face was as red as a tomato.

“Then, I have no further questions. Just two simple requests before you leave.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Make sure both of you come back safe.”

The Duke’s earnest gaze fell upon Lanit.

“Now that you’re not just Esmela’s personal butler but her formally betrothed fiancé, I won’t say anything about you protecting her with your life. Just ensure that neither of you gets hurt. You should consider that the only option.”

“I’ll keep it in mind. What’s the second request?”

“The second is that once the royal palace retaking or whatever is done, come back as quickly as possible and settle here.”

“Hahaha. I see you want to spend time with Esmela.”

“Well, that’s part of it…”

“? Is there another reason?”

“As you know, you’re 20, and Esmela is seven years older than you.”

“Yes.”

“So it’s best to have an heir before it’s too late…”

Whoosh!

“Whoa! Hey now! Esmela, throwing a high kick like that is dangerous! If I were even a bit older, I might not have dodged that in time.”

…That’s how the trio’s warming conversation came to an end.

“It’s gotten quite late, hasn’t it? What on earth—”

As Lanit tried to question, Arit pushed Prince Robertze aside, cutting into the conversation.

‘Arit has been growing increasingly merciless towards Robertze. Well, considering his usual words and actions, that’s understandable.’

“Were you all able to enjoy your chat?”

“Thanks to you. And thank you for waiting, Arit.”

“It’s fine. It’s a final family time to spend together, after all.”

Now it truly was time to set off.

All the servants were waiting in the cold to see off the departing group.

Even Robertze, no matter how oblivious he was, couldn’t stay here any longer and had already moved away from the village.

“Alright.”

Lanit adjusted the bag filled with the provisions the servants had prepared for them.

“Lanit.”

At that moment, Helinante approached him.

“Senior.”

“Be careful out there. Don’t end up getting bitten by a zombie and having to chop off your arm like I did.”

“Haha…”

Lanit skillfully masked his discomfort at the joke with a wry smile.

“And if possible, please gather more about the Head Maid as well. I’d appreciate it.”

“Ah… of course. I plan to ask around during our journey.”

“Great…”

“Hey!”

Suddenly, a woman’s voice interrupted.

“Ah… Tina.”

“This!”

She stiffly handed over something wrapped in paper.

“…Hahaha! Another sandwich?”

“This time I added meat and made it properly! Make sure to share it with Esmela and Arit! … Just don’t give any to the prince.”

“Got it. Thanks!”

With that exchange, Lanit finally set his sights outside the village.

The destination for the four of them was the House of Larson.

As they left, Lanit prayed that nothing would go wrong along the way.

The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse

The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse

Score 8.5
Status: Ongoing Released: 2024
In a zombie apocalypse setting, the protagonist races to protect their favorite character—a former villainess noblewoman—from the clutches of the undead.

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