I Got Reincarnated as a Zombie Girl-Chapter 397 - 393 – The Small Bonfire at the Clear River

The fishing rod twitched harder for the umpteenth time. A larger fish drew closer, its shadow dark and agile beneath the clear water that reflected the faint twilight. Sylvia smiled thinly, bitter, as if the bite were nothing more than a small metaphor for her current life waiting for something that would never truly satisfy. With a swift but controlled motion, she yanked the rod. The line curved, the water rippled violently, and a large silver fish leaped out of the river, its scales glittering like freshly minted coins. It landed on the damp grass with a desperate flap of its tail. Sylvia stared at it for a moment, her red eyes cold yet holding a strange, faint satisfaction. At least today she had caught something with her own hands.

She pulled in a few more fish in quick succession. Four decent-sized ones, their scales shimmering under the fading twilight. The afternoon breeze had now turned into a colder night wind, carrying the thicker scent of damp earth and black roses. Sylvia stood up slowly, her black cloak sweeping across the lush green grass. She didn’t want to return to the castle empty-handed. Not because her immortal body ever truly felt hunger, but because a small urge pushed her to do something simple, something that didn’t involve documents, reports, or the suffocating weight of queenly duty.

With nimble, practiced movements, she cleaned the fish right there by the riverbank. A small knife appeared from her system storage, its blade cold and sharp. She scaled the silver bodies quickly; the scales fluttered away like a sparkling little rain before falling into the water. She carefully discarded the organs into the river, the thin pinkish blood mixing with the clear water and vanishing instantly into the current. The fresh, fishy smell blended with the scent of wet grass, making the air feel alive. Sylvia’s cold hands never trembled as she worked, as if this simple task were the only thing that still felt real amid the boredom gnawing at her soul.

Once finished, she gathered twigs and dry branches from around the little park. Fallen tree limbs, scattered dry leaves, and a few thick twigs she snapped easily. She piled them on a flat rock somewhat sheltered from the wind, then lit the fire with a small spark from her fingertip. The flames caught quickly, the dry wood crackling softly, thin smoke rising and mingling with the thickening black mist.

The day grew dark. The sky above Nocture turned a deep purple-black, faint stars slipping through thin clouds. The small bonfire became the only bright spot in the riverside park, its flames dancing across the clear water and casting long shadows from Sylvia’s body. The smell of grilling fish spread gently, the aroma of fresh meat slowly roasting mixed with the simple salt and pepper she had sprinkled from her system storage. She skewered the fish on sharp twigs, turning them slowly over the fire, the oil dripping onto the embers with soft, soothing hisses.

Sylvia sat cross-legged in front of the fire, her black cloak spread like resting wings of darkness. Her red eyes gazed at the dancing flames, orange light flickering across her pale face. For a moment, the boredom that had been gnawing at her chest eased a little. Just a little. She waited for the fish to cook, the night wind sweeping through her long black hair, bringing the cold she loved.

Suddenly, from the darkness, came the light sound of familiar footsteps. Noir appeared first, its jet-black scales faintly gleaming in the firelight. The zombie dragon sniffed the air, letting out a pleased low growl at the smell of grilled fish, then leaped to Sylvia’s side and curled up in her lap as if it had never been lazy all day. Its tail swished slowly, red eyes half-closed as it stared at the fire.

"You finally showed up too," Sylvia murmured, stroking its scales. "The smell of fish is stronger than your laziness, huh?"

Noir only gave a soft growl, as if agreeing.

Not long after, lighter and more energetic footsteps approached. Sofia emerged from the mist, her ten golden wings neatly folded behind her, her extremely long golden hair flowing in the night wind. Her golden eyes lit up with happiness the moment she saw the small bonfire and Sylvia sitting in front of it. "Sylvia... I smelled your smoke all the way from the castle. What are you doing out here alone?" she asked gently, her voice like a warm crystal bell. She sat beside Sylvia without waiting for an answer, leaning her shoulder lightly against the queen’s, one wing slightly unfurling to shield them from the cold wind.

"Fishing," Sylvia answered shortly, though her tone was softer than usual. "And grilling. Want some?"

Sofia smiled widely, her cheeks faintly flushed in the firelight. "Of course. The smell... It reminds me of the old days."

Before they could continue the conversation, heavier and more decisive footsteps sounded. Alicia stepped out of the darkness, her silver hair gleaming in the firelight. Her sharp eyes quickly scanned the area, then she smiled faintly at the scene. "Sylvia... I sensed this fire from afar. I thought there was an intruder, but this... is much better than a night report." She sat across from the fire, stretching her legs casually, and picked up a small twig to turn one of the fish. "The fish smells good. May I join?"

Sylvia nodded slowly. "Sit down. Tonight... nothing is urgent."

And finally, with her signature soft laugh, Stacia arrived with a casual stride. Her ash-gray hair was messy, a thick novel still in her left hand, but a small blood-red flame flickered at her right fingertips when she saw the bonfire. "Whoa, a little party without inviting me? Sylvia, you’re really starting to act like a proper queen now fishing and grilling fish by the riverbank. So cute." She sat beside Alicia, immediately snatching a fish skewer and dramatically flipping it. "But I like it. It feels like camping in the middle of our own dark city."

The once quiet and frustrated atmosphere at the clear riverbank now turned lively and warm. The small bonfire grew bigger, its flames dancing more cheerfully, illuminating their faces with a golden-orange glow that contrasted beautifully against the surrounding black mist. The scent of grilled fish grew stronger, simple salt and pepper blending with wood smoke, making everyone’s stomach rumble with nostalgia even though they weren’t truly hungry. Noir sniffed at the nearly done fish, growling contentedly. Sofia laughed softly while holding Sylvia’s hand tighter, her ten wings slightly spreading to keep them warm. Alicia turned the fish carefully, occasionally sharing stories about the calm night patrol. Stacia read aloud a funny paragraph from her novel in a dramatic voice, making everyone chuckle.

Sylvia sat in the middle of them, the fire burning before her, the night wind brushing her face. For the first time since that afternoon, the irritation in her chest eased little by little. She was no longer alone with her restless thoughts. Here, by this clear riverbank, under Nocture’s dark sky, they had gathered like an unexpected little family not because the queen had ordered it, but because the smell of grilled fish and a simple bonfire had drawn them here.

The fish finally finished cooking. Their skins were golden-brown, the meat tender and fragrant. They shared it with their hands, without plates or palace etiquette. Noir received the largest portion and chewed greedily. Sofia offered the best piece to Sylvia’s mouth, her golden eyes full of love. Stacia complained while laughing that her fish was too salty, yet still finished it. Alicia ate calmly, occasionally scanning the surroundings out of habit as a guard.

The night grew late. The bonfire kept burning, the wood crackling like soft music. The black mist around them felt warmer, as if joining the celebration. In the distance, the small treant branches plop-plop cheerfully, as if singing along. The river flowed gently behind them, its clear water reflecting the firelight like thousands of tiny stars.

Sylvia bit into her fish slowly, the savory taste of salt and pepper spreading across her tongue. She looked at each face around the fire Sofia smiling, Alicia calm, Stacia chatty, Noir content. The tightness in her chest felt lighter. Maybe this wasn’t the grand battle she longed for. Maybe this wasn’t leveling up or crushing monsters. But for tonight... It was enough.

"Thank you for coming," she said softly, her voice nearly lost among the crackling flames.

Sofia leaned closer against her shoulder. "We’ll always come, Sylvia. Always."

Stacia chuckled. "Besides, who could refuse a grilled-fish invitation from the Queen of Death herself?"

They laughed together. The bonfire burned brighter, lighting their faces amid the peaceful darkness of Nocture. That night, by the clear riverbank, there were no documents, no threats, no boredom gnawing away. Only a small fire, simple grilled fish, and an unexpected togetherness like camping in the middle of the dark city they themselves had built.