I Reincarnated Into a Healing Game… and It’s a Zombie Apocalypse?! - Chapter 76

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 76

Beyond the window, a fierce blizzard raged.

The window frame rattled in the wind, and the white snowflakes swirling about made the view hazy.

“The wind is quite cold. Please come inside.”

At Ishanka’s words, Nana nodded and quietly turned around.

As she entered the warm interior, she let out a long sigh inwardly.

‘Haah… How did things end up like this.’

To explain the current situation, she would have to turn back time a few days.

* * *

“Now, this one is well-dried, so pick it from the roots.”

Grandma Rosha’s voice echoed through the kitchen.

Nana was preparing the pile of herbs stacked on the dining table one by one.

Her hands were busy, but her mood was strangely peaceful.

The distinctive grassy scent of herbs gently brushed past her nose.

“In the old days, every household used to set up gers.”

At Rosha’s casual remark, Nana looked up.

“Gers?”

“That’s right. There was nothing better for living a nomadic life. They blocked the wind well and were quick to take down and fold up.”

Rosha cut the herbs in her hand and casually added.

“We had to change our living grounds frequently, so homes like gers were perfect. Nowadays everyone has settled down and built houses to live in, but when I was young, I couldn’t imagine life without a ger.”

Nana listened to those words and quietly fell into thought.

‘Gers… I think I’ve seen them in a Mongolian documentary.’

A video she had seen somewhere naturally flashed through her mind.

White tents built in circles on endlessly spread grasslands.

A scene where people sat around a campfire in the center, drinking warm tea.

Back then, I also thought vaguely that I wanted to go there.

Rosha glanced at Nana’s expression and asked with a slight smile.

“Why? Did you become curious about gers?”

“Yes. It seems like it would be cooler than I thought.”

Then Rosha nodded and spoke toward outside the kitchen.

“That’s right, Ishanka. You heard, didn’t you?”

“…Yes?”

Nana turned her head in surprise.

Ishanka was standing by the kitchen entrance with a somewhat awkward expression.

“On the outskirts of the capital… there’s a place similar to a village where people live in gers. I happen to have business to attend to there, so if it’s alright with you, would you like to go together?”

“Great, I’d like to go!”

When Nana smiled brightly and readily agreed, a smile also appeared on Ishanka’s face.

On that face, a weighty determination of ‘I must show her the most magnificent ger’ had subtly settled.

* * *

The journey to the ger village went more smoothly than expected. The cold winter air was bitter yet refreshing.

Only the sound of hoofbeats echoed steadily over the snow-covered path that followed the mountain ridge.

Nana sat tensely on the unfamiliar horse.

Her shoulders and thighs ached from using muscles she normally didn’t use.

‘This is what winter travel is all about.’

That excitement alone made it all bearable.

Then, Ishanka, who had been loosely holding the reins beside her, quietly asked.

“Are you alright? Riding for too long might strain your muscles.”

“I’m fine. It’s a bit tiring, but it’s fun.”

Nana smiled and nodded.

“Though I’ll probably have to lie in bed all day tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t worry. If necessary, I’ll even give you a massage.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

Nana chuckled and turned her head.

“What will you do if I actually ask you to?”

“I would gladly comply.”

“…”

Nana suddenly closed her mouth.

Ishanka’s gaze was serious and his tone was as quiet as usual.

That was more of a problem.

‘Ah, let me calm down. It’s probably just consideration. Consideration… consideration, right?’

Nana unnecessarily pulled her coat collar tight and slightly bit her lower lip inward.

The sound of her heart beating loudly seemed like it would be audible even on horseback, making her almost want to cough.

Meanwhile, the three guards who had heard their entire conversation quietly exchanged glances from behind.

“…Hey, did you hear that?”

“I heard it. It’s the first time I’ve seen our lord use the word ‘gladly’ like that.”

“I still can’t believe it. To say such things with that expression…”

“I didn’t hear anything. If I admit to hearing it, I think my mind will become complicated.”

Sighs were mixed in at the end of each sentence.

The soldiers looked at the two people walking side by side on the snowy path and simultaneously thought the same thing.

‘That expression… we’ll never see it until we die.’

Upon arriving at the ger village, Ishanka immediately began his inspection.

He greeted the villagers and moved around checking the facilities.

Meanwhile, Nana was guided into the largest and most splendid ger.

“Wow…”

An exclamation burst out naturally.

The circular interior was carefully crafted from floor to ceiling, and in the center, a warm fire burned like a campfire, spreading gentle warmth.

Intricate patterns were carved into the wooden beams of the ceiling, and the walls decorated with leather and cloth were antique and cozy.

‘This is really what I saw in the documentary… No, it’s even more magnificent!’

Nana didn’t hide her admiration as she looked around, taking everything in.

The carpet laid on the floor, the decorations hanging on the walls, even the savory scent of tea wafting through the air.

Everything was unfamiliar yet strangely heartwarming.

After thoroughly exploring the inside of the ger, Nana stepped outside and slowly strolled around the village.

As she walked, leaving footprints on the white snow, she spotted Ishanka conversing with villagers not far away.

He was familiarly making eye contact with people and having serious conversations.

Nana stopped and quietly gazed at his profile.

‘He really is handsome.’

A pleased smile unconsciously spread across Nana’s face.

The midday ger village was quiet and peaceful.

Nana slowly walked around various parts of the village by herself.

She stopped by the kiln where the cozy smell of smoke spread, watching bread being baked with curious eyes, and bought a freshly baked loaf that was still steaming and took a bite.

“Oh, it’s quite nice – light and chewy?”

I’ve thought this before, but the food here really seems delicious.

As she moved along chewing the bread, countless gazes followed behind Nana as if by appointment.

People whispering from a distance, children hiding behind their mothers with only their eyes peeking out to watch. Among them were some who pointed fingers quite openly.

‘She’s a woman from the Kingdom.’

‘That woman is the one from the rumors….’

It would be a lie to say the stares piercing her back didn’t sting. But Nana gulped down a piece of bread and chuckled it off.

‘Yeah, look all you want. It’s not like it costs money.’

The attention that had been burdensome at first was now quite familiar. No, it would be more accurate to say she had decided to enjoy it instead.

‘At this rate, won’t they be lining up for autographs later? Should I practice in advance?’

Lost in such idle thoughts as she walked, the sun was already setting low. Nana brushed the bread crumbs off her hands and turned her steps toward the ger.

* * *

Ger Village, shrouded in thick darkness, was quiet as if holding its breath.

Nana also lay down to sleep, but far from falling asleep, her mind only became more alert. Even when she forced her eyes shut, random thoughts just kept chaining together.

‘Sleep is hopeless. Should I go get some fresh air for a bit?’

As Nana pulled her outer garment tight and carefully lifted the tent flap, the night air rushed in.

Cold but refreshingly clear, the winter air that washed her mind clean lightened Nana’s mood considerably as she paced around the yard, then suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Next to the stable. Under the cold moonlight, she caught sight of Ishanka alone, scattering white snow as he swung his sword.

White breath flowed over his shoulders, and the sword’s trajectory sharply cut through the quiet night air. His solitary figure seemed somehow unfamiliar and lonely, yet beautiful at the same time.

Nana found herself captivated by his silhouette as if enchanted, then turned to leave, thinking she might be disturbing him.

Then, as if by magic, Ishanka’s sword stopped mid-air with a thud.

“Taking a walk at this hour?”

“Ah, you startled me. Yeah, I couldn’t sleep at all. What about you, what are you doing instead of sleeping?”

Ishanka sheathed his sword and approached Nana.

“I kept hearing you tossing and turning in your tent. I wondered if you had some worry on your mind.”

“You could hear that from here?”

“No. It’s just that my ears are unnecessarily sensitive.”

He spoke matter-of-factly, but in truth, hearing even the sound of bedding rustling from that distance was beyond the scope of an ordinary human.

“Then why didn’t you come in and ask if something was wrong?”

“If I said I was listening to even small breathing sounds while everyone was asleep at night, you might feel uncomfortable.”

Nana’s heart fluttered at Ishanka’s consideration. She smiled playfully and took a step closer to him.

“Isha, if you said it, far from being uncomfortable, it would actually make me feel good.”

“Then next time I’ll ask right away. ‘Do you have something troubling you?'”

“Then I’ll say ‘Yeah, but seeing your face made me feel better.'”

His eyes widened slightly at Nana’s bold response.

“…That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair?”

“When you suddenly say things like that without giving me time to defend myself, I can’t manage my expressions.”

“Then I’ll give you advance notice. I’m going to do it again next time too.”

“Advance notice is dangerous too.”

Nana couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

At the sound of her laughter, the tips of Ishanka’s ears turned red.

The wind stopped for a moment.

The two stood facing each other, feeling their white breaths intertwining.

In that quiet moment, Nana suddenly thought.

‘Ah, so this is what it means to be in love.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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