Chapter 155 – A Bit of Tension
The atmosphere in Vivi’s Table remained warm and calm, even though the night sky had begun to darken with an odd stillness. There was no wind. No sound of crickets. The air felt as if it was holding its breath. At one table in the corner, Sofia was enjoying her dinner with Rina. In front of them, a bowl of hot mushroom and meat soup released gentle steam, freshly baked flatbread sat neatly on a plate, and a glass of lightly fermented fruit juice shimmered under the hanging crystal lamp.
Sofia took a piece of bread, dipped it slowly into the soup, then brought it to her mouth with calm movements. For a moment, she felt peace. Just for a moment.
The restaurant door opened slowly, and a large figure in a dark cloak stepped in, their movements heavy yet measured. Everyone in the room instinctively turned to look and gave way. The cold, authoritative aura emanating from the figure was impossible to ignore Zark, the highest-ranking commander of the undead forces, now guarding Nocture by direct order of the Queen.
Sofia turned the moment she recognized that aura. Her gaze sharpened, and she slowly put down her spoon.
"Zark?" she asked, half-worried, half-surprised.
Zark approached without a sound and respectfully bowed beside the table.
"Lady Sofia," he said, his voice deep and gravelly. "A number of intruders have been detected around Nocture’s outer perimeter. They haven’t attacked openly, but their movements are highly trained. Judging from their formation and movement techniques, they are most likely personnel from the Central Military."
The words hit Sofia like a stone. She immediately tensed, her hand holding the spoon trembling slightly. The soup that once tasted so warm now felt bland in her mouth.
"...Military," she whispered. Her chest tightened.
Rina immediately glanced at Sofia, seeing the change in her expression. The face that was calm just moments ago now looked unsettled.
Sofia looked deep into Zark’s eyes. "Are you sure it’s them?"