CHAPTER 185: CHAPTER 185 – THE PILLAR THAT STANDS TALL

Morning light slowly swept across Nocture, touching every corner of the city with gentle warmth. A fine dew on the leaves shimmered like tiny crystals falling in the breeze, bringing a sense of peace that gradually pushed away the remnants of the night’s mist. In the grand castle at the heart of the city, tall windows began to open, letting sunlight pour in and greet rooms that had spent the night in silence.

In the spacious royal bedroom, Sofia slowly opened her eyes. She stared at the tall ceiling carved in intricate patterns, adorned with black roses, the emblem of Nocture. The air was laced with the faint scent of lavender and cedarwood, bringing comfort, though tinged with a subtle loneliness.

She let out a breath and rose from bed. Her feet touched the cold marble floor, refreshing her senses and sharpening her thoughts. She slipped into a simple white dress and then reached for her white-and-gold mantle that had been laid out on the chair near the mirror.

Today, like every day before it, she would once again carry out her role as leader, the guardian of a kingdom that continued to grow, even in Sylvia’s absence, whom she missed dearly.

Before the large gold-framed mirror, Sofia stood to check her appearance. She took a slow breath, as though trying to release the emptiness still weighing on her chest. The white-and-gold mantle looked elegant, but the black dragon emblem on her shoulder carried the hidden weight of responsibility.

As she stepped out of her room, undead servants standing in the corridor bowed respectfully, moving aside in silent, synchronized motion. Sofia passed them gracefully, her expression calm, though her eyes held something deeper within.

She made her way toward the main council chamber, where the kingdom’s advisors typically gathered every morning to report on the city’s developments. When she opened the grand ebony doors, all the officers, advisors, and officials stood immediately to offer their respects.

"Good morning, Lady Sofia," said Zark, stepping forward with a slight bow.

"Good morning," Sofia replied gently, then took her seat at the main chair, the one that should have belonged to Sylvia.

The room was filled with a long, polished darkwood table, with chairs lined neatly on both sides. In the center of the table, a large map of Nocture was spread out, marked with colorful pins denoting various construction projects and troop deployments.

"What’s the news today, Zark?" Sofia asked, her gaze shifting to the map.

Zark picked up a brief report from the table and began to speak, his tone firm yet respectful. "The fortress construction on the eastern border has been completed ahead of schedule. The undead laborers were extremely efficient, and all materials arrived on time. Our defenses are now stronger than ever."

Sofia nodded slowly. "Good. Any updates from the scout patrols?"

A young officer stepped forward, his expression firm but enthusiastic. "The northern scout team spotted movements from an independent force near our border. They appeared to be on routine patrols, but we are monitoring them closely."

Sofia thought for a moment before responding, "Maintain a safe distance, but don’t appear too passive. We must make sure they know Nocture is not a kingdom to be trifled with."

The officer bowed. "Understood, Lady Sofia."

The meeting continued for a full hour with reports from various sectors agriculture, trade, construction, security all of which were progressing smoothly.

Once the session ended, the officers and officials slowly filed out, leaving Sofia alone with Zark, who still stood tall at her side.

"Is something troubling you, Zark?" Sofia asked, noticing the slight hesitation in the undead man’s gaze.

Zark inhaled slowly before speaking. "Lady Sofia, are you alright? You’ve seemed quieter than usual lately."

Sofia offered a faint, slightly bitter smile. "I’m alright, Zark. Just a little tired, that’s all."

Zark looked at her deeply, sensing the true weight behind her words. "Her Majesty Sylvia will return soon. I’m sure she misses you just as much as you miss her."

Sofia smiled faintly, this time with a touch of warmth. "I know. Thank you, Zark."

After Zark left, Sofia returned to the same balcony where she had stood the night before. Under the soft morning sun, Nocture looked far more alive. The city had grown from a mere military outpost into a bustling, dynamic nation. The square that was once empty was now filled with citizens trading and going about their daily routines.

Though the city was populated by zombies and undead, the strange form of life they had come to embody now felt more real and powerful than ever. The undead citizens had begun learning new skills, adapting to social and economic life, even slowly rediscovering the meaning of existence despite their unique condition.

Under the clear sky, Sofia smiled faintly at the sight of this progress. Yet still, something remained hollow in her heart. No matter how great Nocture’s achievements, without Sylvia by her side, everything felt incomplete.

She spent the rest of the day finishing administrative documents, communicating with leaders of smaller towns that had started joining Nocture, until evening came. She was so busy she barely noticed the day slipping into dusk.

As the sun began to fade on the horizon, she returned to her private balcony. The evening breeze brushed gently against her face, bringing with it the scent of damp earth, wildflowers, and the smoky aroma of wood burning from citizen homes preparing dinner.

As the sky turned golden-orange, the sound of light footsteps came from behind her. Sofia turned and saw a small undead girl, wearing a simple pale purple dress, standing shyly at the balcony doorway.

"Lady Sofia," the girl said softly, "I made something for you."

The girl slowly stepped forward, holding a beautiful bundle of wildflowers. Though undead, the shy expression and hopeful sparkle in her eyes looked so full of life.

Sofia smiled gently and knelt down to the girl’s level. "Thank you, it’s beautiful. You made this yourself?"

The girl nodded happily. "Yes, I thought it might help you feel better. I heard from the older sisters that you’ve been a little sad lately."

Sofia gently brushed the girl’s hair with affection. "I’m alright, dear. And I’m very happy you care about me."

After the little girl left, Sofia stood once more on the balcony, clutching the bundle of flowers tightly. She looked out at the horizon, where the sun had nearly vanished, and took a deep breath.

"I hope you come back soon, Sylvia. Until that day arrives, I’ll keep watching over Nocture the kingdom you built with all your heart."

Her voice carried on the evening wind, soft but full of resolve.

Dusk slowly faded into night, and one by one, lights began to flicker on throughout the city of Nocture. Sofia remained on the balcony, her gaze drifting far across the city she protected each day. The night air had grown colder, and the breeze began to bite at her skin. Yet Sofia did not move, as though her body had fused with the stone of the balcony itself.

After a long while lost in thought, Sofia finally drew a deep breath. She realized she couldn’t allow herself to be swallowed up by longing and emptiness. This city needed her. The people of Nocture needed a leader who was fully present.

She turned and stepped back into the castle. She walked through the corridor, lit only by the soft glow of small candles along the stone walls. The undead guards who stood along the hallway bowed their heads as she passed silent and expressionless, yet Sofia could feel a kind of emotional bond gradually growing between them.

She entered the royal library located in the eastern wing of the castle. The room was vast, with towering ceilings and enormous shelves filled with books, ranging from ancient tomes to modern works of knowledge Sylvia had gathered from another world. Sofia wandered slowly through the meticulously organized aisles, breathing in the old scent of paper that had endured the passage of time.

After a few moments, she found the book she was searching for: a journal belonging to Sylvia, stored on the highest shelf. She carefully took it down and sat in a plush chair near the lit fireplace. The soft crackling of the flames kept her company, creating an atmosphere both warm and melancholic.

She opened the book gently. Every handwritten word of Sylvia’s appeared so vivid before her eyes, each letter and sentence stirring memories still fresh in her heart.

"Today, Sofia helped handle the city’s administrative matters. She’s grown more mature and wise. I’m grateful to have her by my side, because with her, I feel like I can face anything."

Sofia smiled faintly as she read line by line, her heart warmed ever so slightly. She turned the page and found another passage that made her pause.

"Sometimes I feel guilty for leaving Nocture in her hands. But I know Sofia will become a leader even greater than me. She has a strength of heart I deeply admire."

Tears slowly welled in Sofia’s eyes not from sadness, but from an unspoken pride. She felt a renewed sense of resolve from Sylvia’s words. She knew that Sylvia trusted her deeply a trust that had now become her greatest source of strength.

Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps approached. Sofia turned and saw an undead servant standing a few steps away, bowing respectfully while holding a cup of tea on a silver tray.

"Lady Sofia, here is the tea you requested," the servant said in a flat tone.

Sofia nodded gently, discreetly wiping away her tears. "Thank you."

The servant set the tea down carefully on the small table beside her, then withdrew, leaving her alone once again.

Sofia lifted the cup slowly, savoring the soft jasmine aroma rising from the warm tea. She sipped it gently, then turned her gaze once more to the flickering flames in the hearth. The quiet of the library and the silence of night made her all the more aware of the enormous responsibility she carried.

She remained there until the fire began to dim, and the library grew even more silent. At last, Sofia rose, closed Sylvia’s journal gently, and returned it to the top shelf, exactly where it belonged. She made a silent vow to herself: that she would protect this city until Sylvia returned. She would not betray the trust Sylvia had placed in her.

With steady steps, Sofia left the library and returned to her chambers. She walked through the long, quiet hallway, accompanied only by the sound of her own footsteps. At her door, she paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, then opened it gently.

Inside, the small candles on her bedside table were already glowing softly, creating a warm atmosphere that welcomed her back. She approached her bed and sat on the edge, her gaze once again drawn to the ceiling carved with black roses, the symbol of the kingdom.

She carefully removed her white-gold mantle, folded it slowly, and placed it on the chair beside the bed. Sofia lay down atop the bed, her body tired though her mind remained restless. She pulled the warm blanket up to her chest, then stared once more at the ceiling, which now felt farther away than ever.

Slowly, her thoughts drifted back to Sylvia. In the stillness, she wondered if Sylvia felt the same way she did right now. Was she alright? Was she feeling as lonely as this? Or perhaps she had already found the key to completing her mission in the other world?

With her eyes growing heavy, Sofia whispered softly into the night air of her room, hoping that somehow, her message would reach Sylvia.

"Don’t worry about Nocture, Sylvia. I’ll protect it with everything I have. You just need to come back to me safely."

At last, she closed her eyes, slowly drifting into sleep. In her dreams, she saw a future of peace, a future where she and Sylvia stood side by side once again, this time without war, without threats, only the tranquility they had always longed for.

Outside, the moon shone brightly, as if bearing witness to the silent vow whispered by a steadfast woman now the pillar that stands tall to guard the kingdom of Nocture.