“Benedict, can you take us through the hole that appears at the top of that magic barrier?”

At my question, Benedict, who had been speaking with the spirits in the language of spirits, nodded.

“I can.”

“Then please!”

Jacqueline fixed her gaze on us, repeatedly pointing her finger above as if pricking the air.

‘Now’s the time.’

Looking at the top of the magic barrier, a hole gradually opened.

“Rus, Benedict!”

Both of them sent an OK sign with their hands.

“Wind, take us inside.”

“Spirits of the wind, assist us.”

Soon, we floated like soap bubbles and one by one entered the hole at the top of the barrier.

All seventeen members safely set foot on Duke Celeste’s lawn.

“Phew, thankfully.”

“It was nerve-wracking…”

“Even though they don’t know we exist, seeing zombies up close… they’re really scary.”

As Daymon Duke’s servants soothed their shocked hearts, Jacqueline ran and hugged Sherry.

“Sherry! I really… I really missed you.”

“…Me too. Jackie.”

Since Jacqueline is taller than Sherry by about two heads, she was the one embracing Sherry, but neither cared about such trivialities as they shared their joy of reunion.

“I thought we’d never meet again…”

“Mm, I thought so too, but it wasn’t the case. They say even if the sky falls, there’ll be a hole to rise through. An old saying that has never been wrong.”

While the two women were eager to talk face-to-face after a long time, I turned away and cleared my throat.

“Ahem.”

“Oh, look at me.”

Jacqueline introduced her family to me.

“It’s been a while, Duchess Elizabeth Keaton. This is the first time I’m seeing you as a Duchess.”

“Nice to see you.”

“The people standing behind me are my family.”

She introduced her family members, each greeting me formally.

“This is my father, Duke Nigel Celeste.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, the new Keaton Duchess.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

We exchanged formal handshakes.

“This is my mother, Duchess Vanessa Celeste.”

“Thank you for coming to our rescue despite the risks, Duchess Keaton. I admire your bravery.”

Duchess Vanessa Celeste firmly grasped my hand and thanked me multiple times.

‘Her mental state seems to have deteriorated a lot, so she’s more grateful.’

Well, being isolated and unable to go outside like livestock wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.

“It’s what I should have done.”
Smiling kindly, Duchess Vanessa seemed to take a liking to me.

“Imagine that. You’re modest as well. The rumors circulating in high society must have been all wrong.”

No… they were probably true. Just not anymore.

I gave an awkward smile and was introduced to the last family member.

“This is my sister, Jessica. Jessica? Say hello to Duke Keaton.”

“Ah, hello… I, I’m Jessica.”

She looked a lot like Jacqueline, but was the complete opposite in personality. They were twin sisters, and the only thing that set them apart were their eye colors. Jacqueline had red eyes, whereas Jessica had green.

“Th-thank you for coming to rescue us.”

Leaving just that statement behind, Jessica quickly hid behind Jacqueline.

Jacqueline lovingly pulled her twin sister into an embrace.

“Jessica is a bit shy around strangers. My sister’s timid, so I hope you understand.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

At my words, Jacqueline’s eyes lit up.

“…It’s the first time, aside from Siena and Sherry, that someone has treated Jessica so normally. Most nobles would look down on her stuttering after meeting her.”

“I would have chased you out immediately with magic if you had ridiculed my sister’s speech. I deeply care for her. Well done.”

‘Ah… I was just trying to quickly go back to Duke Keaton’s territory.’

“If luck were a visible stat, yours would be at least A-tier.”

If I had that much luck, shouldn’t I not have fallen into this zombie apocalypse fantasy setting?

Anyway, I decided to be grateful for the good fortune that had come my way.

“Have you gathered all the necessary supplies? I hope you’ve brought only food, water, and essential items for survival. The rest is just baggage.”

It was foolish to bring luxury goods like jewelry while evacuating. It would just add unnecessary weight.

Nobody seemed to drop anything at my words.

“Don’t worry about that aspect. I’ve already strongly advised the household staff.”

The House of Duchess Celeste was as historically deep-rooted as the House of Duke Damon.

Leaving behind the enormous legacy that their family had built would not have been easy, yet they willingly gave up all unnecessary items for survival.

“Our ancestors came from a foreign land and settled in the empire. ‘As long as we survive, there’s nothing we can’t do.’ That is also the motto of our family.”

There was no sign of fear in Jacqueline, who spoke steadfastly and ambitiously.

“Very impressive. Whether it’s because she’s the actual leader of this household, she’s working hard not to show any insecurity. I find it commendable.”

Even Jerome sent a round of applause toward Jacqueline in admiration.

“Let’s depart, then. Rus!”

The moment Rus was about to cast magic, I locked eyes with someone.

A man with black hair, just like the members of the Celeste Duchy, but with cold, dark red eyes.