The Countess Lives Twice in the Apocalypse-Chapter 83: Eighty-two

The town was slowly awakening as the sun began to rise over the horizon. Golden beams of light illuminated the buildings, illuminating the sleepy town in a warm glow.

The sky was a beautiful array of pale pinks and blues, painting the clouds in hues of pleasing pastels.

As the sun rose higher, birds awoke and began to chirp in the forest outside of the rock wall of the town, joining in a melodic chorus of morning song.

The air was crisp and cool as the town began to come to life, people leaving their homes to begin the day’s work.

Jannah looked out of the window, her eyes watching as the sunlight peeked through the blinds, her hand enclosed with the Duke’s as she ran her hand through the hair of the women on her lap.

The meeting last night was peaceful as it can be, with the Duke collapsing after reassuring him that he’ll be fine.

Prince Hanzo was kind enough to tell her that he wants to be included in the confidant bond so the meeting will end after his turn.

Fortunately, the prince didn’t suffer any side effects and was fine.

Unfortunately, even though an hour had passed since the Duke fell unconscious, he still didn’t show any sign of waking up, so she had no choice, but to keep an eye on him until he woke up.

She picked him off the couch, refusing to let anyone else take him to her room, saying that she’ll be able to keep an eye on him if he’s going to sleep on her bed.

Since she was too stubborn for her own good, Princess Huenazia and Kirie were also stubborn in not letting her be left alone with the purple eyed man.

Those who were around them didn’t do much to object with the idea of letting the young women sleep in Jannah’s room, except for Prince Hanzo who looked bewildered when Princess Huenazia glared at him for telling Jannah that her plan was ridiculous.

Thankfully, Jeriel stepped up and assured him that she’ll keep an eye out on the princess just in case anything happens.

Which leads to her situation right now.

She’s sitting on the left side of the bed, the Duke was sleeping behind her while the two women on her flower bond are sleeping on either side of her, their bodies curled up and making themselves fit on the queen size bed.

Princess Huenazia has her head laid on her left thigh while Kirie has her head on her right thigh, using her lap as a pillow.

The two of them were sleepy after four hours of trying to stay awake, they were adamant on staying up with Jannah, but when she offered her lap to them, they had fallen asleep almost immediately.

With them occupying her lap, the Duke holds her right hand in his sleep while Jeriel has her hand clutching Jannah’s coat’s hem.

Eira and the leopard cubs are sleeping by her feet, purring and nuzzling their faces on each other as they push themselves closer to her.

Jeriel refused to leave her alone with Princess Huenazia, Duke Eulicies, and Kirie even though they wouldn’t be able to do much.

Her little sister refused to tell her why she was stubborn about it and went to sleep on the chair which was positioned in front of her.

Now, she’s not clueless or dense.

She knows full well that the three people in her flower bond have feelings for her, one way or another, but that doesn’t mean that she’ll outright acknowledge it to their faces.

She knows that Kirie probably started to pursue her because of what happened back in Rye when she comforted her when the green haired young woman saw Eira for the first time.

The princess on the other hand might still be unaware about her feelings, but she acts out on it unconsciously— like what happened in the meeting.

Although, she wasn’t sure about the princess’s feelings at first because she thought that she was acting like that due to the upcoming outbreak, but last night’s incident had proven her thoughts correctly.

Then, there’s the Duke of east who actively acts on his feelings and doesn’t hide it, but at least he was quite polite about it.

The three of them are adamant on their own way,

Jannah lets out a sigh, feeling her eyes droop from slight drowsiness. She hasn’t slept since she woke up last night, but even though she feels drowsy, she doesn’t feel that tired.

Due to her using her skill, Salvation, on almost everyone last night, she’s brimming with energy and she feels like she needs to do something draining to fall asleep, but how would she do that?

She let out another sigh, her eyes glancing on the floating map on her left peripheral vision.

The small colored dots have been her only source of entertainment throughout the night. She watched everyone move around the town, doing their own thing, and walk around to go to different directions.

Now, all she could do is watch them again.

However, instead of watching the people inside the town, she experienced an odd sensation bubbling in the back of her mind, as if someone was trying to communicate with her through her thoughts.

Oh, someone’s trying to use the link. Jannah thought, a feeling of confusion and uncertainty washing over her entire being, unsure of what was happening.

She focused on the sensation, she felt a connection being established and a sense of awareness of someone else’s presence within her mind, making her hum, proud of the person who had successfully connected the link.

My lady? The familiar comforting and soft voice of the head butler came through, sounding unsure and confused which made her smile, the swirling pride in her chest getting stronger.

I’m here. Jannah answered after a short pause.

Thank goodness, it worked. Came a reply, Marco sounds like he felt relieved and thankful, earning himself a hearty chuckle from Jannah.

What’s wrong? Why did you contact me? Jannah asked, her eyes going straight to the gates where Marco, Polo, and Hanzo are currently stationed.

Lucienta and Arthur went back to their chambers, calling it a day first before the others. They needed to split the shift during day and night starting today because they were the only ones who had formed a bond with Jannah, for now. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Her eyes narrowed when she noticed an unfamiliar dot outside of the gate.

It’s color blue, indicating that the dot belongs to a person and not an undead, but who would it be? Jannah already knows why Marco contacted her.

Someone wants to get inside the town, my lady. The head butler informed her, telling her that the dot indeed belongs to a person.

Do you know who it is? Jannah inquired, her hold on Duke Eulicies’s hand tightening ever so slightly.

Marco didn’t reply for a few seconds, just pure silence and stillness on the head butler’s side, but she kept her eyes on the map so she could see that he made his way to the watchtower.

He stood there for a moment, his blue dot form moving slightly, from left to right, then he stood still once again before Jannah felt the familiar sensation of someone contacting her through the mental link.

My lady. Marco called out to her, his voice dripping with uncertainty and light disdain.

Yes? Did you see who it is? Jannah asked, urging for the head butler to continue what he wants to say, not liking the suspense.

Although, her concentration on the link got cut off when she felt a slight movement behind her. Her head snapped up and she looked at the Duke over her shoulder, not wanting to wake him up if he wasn’t awake.

Fortunately, he’s still asleep and still holding her hand like his life depends on it. Though, he had rolled over to his side and is now pressing Jannah’s hand against his cheek.

It’s Count Nige, my lady. Marco spoke up, getting Jannah’s attention almost immediately at the mention of the corrupted noble’s name, making her body grow stiff.

What is he doing here? Did you ask him? If not, ask him for his purpose. The Countess was quick to respond, frowning at the thought of such a noble with a reputation of trash inside the town.

He had brought a lot of gunpowder, guns, swords, and food, my lady. He wishes to speak with you. The head butler responded almost immediately, as if he had asked the Count’s purpose in advance.

Jannah sighed heavily, juggling her rational thinking on the choices she has.

Count Nige had a terrible reputation among the socialites with his actions backing up his reputation and was often the topic among the nobles’ social gatherings.

The socialites have discussed among themselves that if there’s any noble that should be alienated then it would be Count Nige.

However, he hasn’t really done anything to her or Jeriel for her to consider him as a threat. What’s more is that he brought weapons and food— something that she was thinking about and worrying over every now and then.

Sooner or later, she would need to gather a group to scavenge sources in other towns so why would she turn away a man who brought supplies?

If things turned to the worst outcome then she would apprehend him herself.

Let him in and bring him to the town hall’s office. Jannah said, voice dripping with authority.