The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse – Chapter 42

I stand facing the Prince across the prison bars.

“This guy really causes a lot of trouble, doesn’t he? No wonder Esmela has been struggling.”

“…”

I silently watch as Robertze shakes his head with an annoying smile, resigned to the situation.

“Well, Esmela specifically came to ask for my help, and given the circumstances, you’ve actually prevented another crisis from brewing within the palace, so it wouldn’t be fair to punish you… I’ll let you go. However,”

However, what?

“Just know this: regardless of what actually happened and your intentions behind your actions, this situation could have easily provided our enemies with good material to attack your head and Esmela. You know how nobles twist even the most trivial things to oppress those they dislike.”

“…I understand.”

“Good. That’s all I wanted to say. There’s no point in being around you too long; it would only lead to misunderstandings with Esmela. Guard!”

“Yes!”

A soldier standing outside the hallway rushes in at Robertze’s call.

“Release this one immediately.”

“Yes, sir!”

Click! Squeak-

I step outside the prison through the door the soldier opened. It’s my first time out in a day.

“Ugh…”

As I emerge into the bright sunlight, I instinctively squint.

It’s early morning; the sun has just risen.

Birds chirp from the trees by the roadside.

“Haah…”

Under normal circumstances, I would have enjoyed this refreshing morning view, but I just can’t muster the mood for it now.

“What should I do now?”

While I was trapped in prison, the operation to escape the capital was already set for tomorrow.

…

I know. I definitely have to go to Esmela right this moment.

I need to apologize for what happened yesterday, and before that, as a butler, I have the duty to inform my master of my situation.

But I really don’t want to.

I find it surprising that I even feel this way.

Throughout the last two years serving as the Butler of House Herta, even when I was overwhelmed with work, I always drew strength from thinking that no matter what unreasonable demands she made or ridiculous accusations she threw at me, I could forget it all by the next day and see her again.

But now, in this state, I can’t even say she’s my favorite anymore.

Hmm… Maybe I should just go check on Helinante. He must be finished with his treatment by now, right?

“Lanit.”

No, before that, I’m too hungry. I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday. But where should I go for a meal? Will they bring food to my room like before?

“Lanit.”

Oh, I wonder what the other servants are doing right now—

“Lanit!”

“?”

Lost in thought while looking at the floor, I suddenly raise my head to find the owner of the familiar sharp voice.

“…Ah.”

I hadn’t even noticed that Esmela had quietly approached me while I was deep in thought.

“…Young Lady.”

I turned my body to face her directly.

Esmela wore her usual striking red dress, which she had somehow managed to find again.

And behind her, where I should have been standing, the Head Maid stood instead.

She still showed no emotions, merely closing her eyes and silently keeping watch over Esmela.

“Feeling bold, are we? Have you decided to completely ignore me now?”

Esmela smirks with one corner of her mouth raised.

“No, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought and didn’t notice my surroundings.”

“Really? That’s surprising. So you do think sometimes.”

Her jabs seemed particularly sharp today.

“…”

“…”

In silence, we could only gaze at each other without maintaining eye contact.

“…Hmph.”

Then she turned her back first.

“…Where’s the Prince?”

“Oh, yes… He released me and left right away.”

“Hmph. Still, it seems you have some minimal conscience left if you’re willing to help me.”

“…”

“The servants are dividing up their roles and preparing for tomorrow’s escape plan. You should join them.”

“If so, then I won’t be at your service…”

“No, it’s unnecessary. I’ll be returning to my room, so do as you wish.”

After finishing her words, she tries to walk away quickly.

“Young Lady!”

I hurriedly call out to stop her.

“…”

She doesn’t respond, nor does she turn around; she simply stands there, frozen.

“…I’m sorry.”

After a long pause, I finally manage to utter my apology.

“I don’t even know what you’re apologizing for. Didn’t I say you didn’t do anything wrong? …Hmph.”

She snaps back at my apology and resumes walking.

“…”

I can only watch her retreat in a daze.

“…”

But why on earth is the Head Maid standing beside me instead of following Esmela?

“…Excuse me, Head Maid. Is it alright that you’re not following the Young Lady?”

“The Young Lady instructed you to join the other servants.”

“Ah, I see…”

“Let’s move.”

After her matter-of-fact reply, she starts walking without hesitation, and I hurriedly chase after her.

“…”

“…”

This time, there’s over ten minutes of long, uncomfortable silence.

“Um, how’s Helinante?”

Finally unable to endure it, I speak first.

“He’s resting at the quarters. He’s recovered enough to resume normal activities, but he won’t be participating in tomorrow’s combat. Thus, he will be moving with the non-combat personnel.”

“Then, where are we headed now?”

“To the quarters where the House of Herta’s servants are gathered. The royal family has provided an empty building that was used by the palace’s servants.”

“Oh, I see…”

“…”

And again, there’s more silence.

After walking around impressive buildings for about ten minutes, we finally reach the building where the servants are staying.

Unlike the lavish palaces in the royal palace, it’s a fairly large, simple wooden building of about four stories.

“Thank you for guiding me this far. Well then, I…”

I say my farewells and turn to leave when—

“Lanit.”

The Head Maid calls me to a halt.

“Yes?”

“This time, I won’t blame you.”

“?”

What is she suddenly on about? Is she talking about the incident with the infected person yesterday?

“I am aware. From now on, I will always prioritize the family’s honor so that I won’t bring shame to House Herta.”

“What do you mean?”

“Excuse me? Are you referring to the incident where I was detained…”

“No. I am talking about the conversation that happened between you and Esmela yesterday.”

“Oh, I see.”

Since the Head Maid knows about the incident between them, it seems Esmela must have consulted her about it.

“What you did in raising your voice to Esmela is indeed a rude and arrogant display that should be reported to the head of the house and punished…”

That’s too much. It wasn’t that bad, right? Surely not?

“However, I believe you didn’t do it without reason. You were likely under a lot of psychological pressure.”

This is surprising. The Head Maid seems to have more faith in me than I expected.

“Therefore, I will give you one piece of advice.”

Her pitch-black eyes seem to pierce right into my heart.

“Make sure to apologize to Esmela. Ensure your sincerity reaches her.”

“…Understood.”

I nod deeply.

“…That’s all I needed to say. So, I will head back to the Young Lady now.”

“Wait!”

This time, I stop her.

“? What is it?”

“Um, at times like this… how should I apologize?”

“…”

Is it just my imagination, or do I see a hint of surprise flicker across her expressionless face?

“…I see. How about bringing a bouquet of red roses as a peace offering to Esmela?”

“Roses?”

“Yes. Just like the red roses that seem to burn like her.”

After finishing her sentence, she turns her head again.

However, this time I definitely catch a faint smile edging her lips.

I briefly watch her retreating figure before turning to the large doorknob of the wooden entrance to the building—

Thwack!

“Ow!”

“Finally here?!”

A sharp pain hits my nose and forehead, and tears well up in my eyes.

Just as I was about to open the door, it suddenly swings open from the inside, causing me to collide face-first into it.

“Ouch… Senior!”

“Oh gosh, sorry…”

I glare at the person who opened the door while rubbing my stinging injury.

“What, I was just so happy you were coming that I opened the door too fast. My bad.”

Helinante says this with a lazy grin that contradicts the apology.

“Wow… You look completely fine. I wasted my worry.”

“Haha. Who told you to worry? Come on in. Let’s chat as we go.”

He acts as if nothing is wrong, but I notice the thick bandages wrapped around his right hand.

“…”

I divert my gaze and follow his lead inside the building.

Walking down the hallway, it’s a simple wooden floor without any decorations, unlike the annex of House Herta.

“Where are we going?”

“To the restaurant.”

“The restaurant? Everyone’s busy preparing for tomorrow’s operation…”

“You probably haven’t eaten anything. Even if you’re working, you’ve got to eat first, right?”

“True…”

I’m starving, so I willingly follow him.

“And someone’s been wanting to see you.”

“Who…?”

“You’ll find out when you see. Ah, we’re here.”

He doesn’t answer my question, stopping in front of a door and barging in.

“Tina! I brought him.”

Tina?

The restaurant with several large round tables is empty except for one little maid who quickly stands up from one of the tables when she sees us, dashing over.

“Um… hello.”

The small girl stands in front of me, assessing my face with a worried expression.

She has straw-colored hair, oversized glasses, and a white apron; she’s a maid training who can’t be more than fifteen.

-And I killed Gilrot.

The girl, who just a few days ago had given me a tear-filled glare full of resentment and hatred in the garden, now stands before me with a shy expression.