The Countess Lives Twice in the Apocalypse-Chapter 72: Seventy-one

"Jannah?"

"Sis?"

Jannah blinks her eyes, slowly coming to her senses, hearing familiar voices around her had brought her out of her daze.

She must have been lost in thought or engrossed in a deep sleep before being shaken out of her stupor by the two person in front of her.

"You good, sis?"

"Are you still hungry? You could have my share if you’re still hungry, Jannah."

As she comes to her senses, she takes in her surroundings once more, her brain processing the information and making sense of the details that she took in without realizing it.

Her mind starts working as things begin to click into place, the disorientation she have experienced starts to disappear.

She scanned her surroundings, her eyes taking in the sight before her.

Monlen? Jannah blinks, her eyes going wide when she realized that she’s back in her previous base in her past life.

Monlen is still under construction.

However, even if it’s still not yet done, the interior of the base is taking shape, the rough framing of the building making up for the lack of walls that currently exists.

The sound of hammer hitting nails fill the area as the workers toil diligently in constructing the base in which they will make into their new home.

The ground is hard, the dirt packed down from the footsteps of the workers and other people, the scent of wood shavings is the only scent that hangs in the air.

With the structure beginning to take form, it’s clear that when the base is completed it will be a strong and formidable place to call home.

But this place is no better than Philipia. Jannah thought to herself, eyeing the workers who walked past her and give her a glance as they carry planks, nails, and logs to the construction site.

She looked away from them, her focus now shifting to the two people standing in front of her.

The Countess’s focus slowly shifted, her eyes locking onto their figure.

In that moment, all other distractions faded into the background, her eyes landing on her little sister and the Duke.

She could see the fear and uncertainty etched on her sister’s face with the Duke having worried and anxious expression on his face while holding a loaf of bread.

Seeing them, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Her eyes roamed over them, taking in their familiar features, showing signs that she’s back in her old base in her past life.

She should be panicking right now, but despite the current circumstances, their presence brought a sense of ease and calmness, like a safe haven in a chaotic world.

She felt herself relaxing, a small smile playing on her lips as she let out a soft sigh.

The sound of the crackling flames and hammering of nails seemed to fade into the background as the situation sunk in.

"What’s wrong? Earlier, you were staring into nothing, and now you’re smiling. Are you okay, sis?" Jeriel asked, her eyebrows furrowed in both confusion and worry.

"Here." Duke Eulicies held out the loaf of bread towards Jannah, "You’re probably hungry. I saw you giving your share to the children so eat this."

Jannah wordlessly accepted the bread, nodding her head at him. She noticed the state of the bread, the slight curve to its shape, and the scent of its freshness.

Her eyes drifted up to his face, noticing the small details that made him familiar: his black hair that fell in soft waves over his forehead, framing his handsome face.

His eyes were a deep purple, like the fading light of the sun as it sets on a summer’s day, his sharp jawline, the soft curve of his nose, and his expression was serious, yet there was a hint of kindness in his gaze. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

His clothing was simple, but sturdy, a testament to his previous background. He wore a loose linen shirt, tucked into a pair of breeches that ended just above his boots.

He’s beautiful. Jannah mused to herself, looking away from him.

She pulled a small piece from the loaf and puts that piece inside her mouth, chewing on it lightly as she glanced around.

Somehow, she doesn’t feel like everything is real, like she’s just another part of inanimate things around the base. Even though Jeriel and Duke Eulicies are exchanging looks of worry for her well being, she can’t make herself feel like she cares.

It was.. Unique.

Normally, she would be happy to see her little sister, fussing over her little sister’s state, asking her if she’s feeling alright or doing great, but the Jeriel in front of her doesn’t trigger any of those feeling.

Though, thinking about Jeriel made Jannah look at her, her eyes roaming her little sister’s figure.

The light leather trousers, now stained and frayed at the edges, clung to her little sister’s legs, held up by a worn leather belt. Her riding boots, once shined and polished, were now scuffed and scratched from extensive use from scavenging for resources.

The heavy cotton shirt, once white, was now faded and stained with dirt and sweat, clearly not bothering the once noble lady.

Despite the hardships since the outbreak, her little sister’s white hair still shone in the light.

Though, her white hair was now matted and tangled from days of travel and no access to proper care, it was still beautiful for Jannah’s eyes.

The ocean blue eyes that Jeriel got from their father, were still a deep blue, like the depths of the ocean on a clear day, but they were also tinged with weariness, exhaustion, and stress.

Bags had formed under Jeriel’s eyes and there was a tired droop to her eyelids. Seeing that, Jannah couldn’t help, but scoot over to the side, patting the space beside her.

Duke Eulicies and Jeriel blinked owlishly, exchanging another glance at each other before the nobleman urged Jeriel to go to Jannah by nudging her with his right elbow.

Oh, yeah. This is what I was telling Jeriel. She’s quite fond of Duke Zacharias in this life, but she doesn’t believe it. Jannah smiled softly, a feeling of longing and yearning rising from deep in her heart as she watch the interaction between the two.

Jeriel grumbled under her breath, sitting beside Jannah and crossed her arms, like how a child would when they get scolded and was told to put themselves on the corner to reflect on their actions.

"I’m not the one who needs a rest." Jeriel mumbled and scoots closer to Jannah, "She needs rest. Why am I the one trying to make her take a break?"

Though, her words might mislead someone, Duke Eulicies and Jannah are used to it so they could only laugh.

"You’re her sister." Duke Eulicies said in a matter-of-fact tone, "I’m sure she will listen more to you than me."

"Correct." Jannah chimed in playfully, making her little sister roll her eyes and Duke Eulicies to smile.

Considering that Duke Eulicies is still alive means that this was before Baron Pangasikan’s sudden arrival, announcing that a horde was heading their way.

The laughter died down and Jannah leaned her head on Jeriel’s shoulder. She didn’t eat the bread, but held it instead. She doesn’t feel hungry nor the need to consume something so she let it be.

However, not everyone thinks the same.

"Jannah." Duke Eulicies stared at her with a serious expression, "Eat. You haven’t eaten anything since yesterday, you need to stop giving away your share to the kids. We need you to be alive and kicking."

"I will." Jannah agreed, taking them aback. They blinked in surprise, turning their head to look at her, and see if she’s kidding around.

She understands why their reactions are like that. In the last, despite being hungry or thirsty, she would still give away her share so the children will have enough to fill their stomachs.

She can’t stand seeing them starve and hear their stomachs growl because their food wasn’t enough. So, she would give them her food, cut it into pieces and give it to others, fair and square.

At the same time, Jeriel and the Duke will share their food with her, not trusting anyone else in Monlen to share their food to the oldest Rafelon.

"Say, do you guys feel safe around me?" Jannah’s sudden question made the two frown.

"What kind of question is that?" Jeriel asked back, hissing the words out, "Did someone say something that makes you doubt yourself and make you feel like that?"

Jannah shook her head and kept her gaze on the ground, "No, but I probably did something, right?"

"I believe that you did everything in your power to give everyone here the security they deserve." Duke Eulicies said, his voice gruff with a hint of annoyance, "You’re always leading the scavenging group and wouldn’t force anyone who doesn’t want to do it. What more can they ask for?"

"I knew it." Jeriel’s frown deepens, "Someone did say something."

Jannah could only smile and bury her face further into her little sister’s shoulder, "It’s okay. I’m building a better place than this one anyways."

"Building?"

"Yeah." Jannah hummed, "Eulicies was right. Juan did betray me after I built this place."

"What?! He—"

"I died after, but I’m surrounded with people I trust." Jannah had cut off Jeriel, a relieved and thankful smile emerging in her face.

Somehow, she felt like she could finally have a peaceful and relaxing sleep, and she did. Her eyes fluttered close, letting the darkness consume her consciousness.