Volume 1, Chapter 8: Lily and Her Family

A quiet evening bathed the forest in golden light as Lily and Ken made their way toward her home. Sunbeams slipped through the leafy canopy, dancing across their faces. Lily led the way, carefully navigating the thick greenery ahead.

“Lily,” Ken said after a minute of silence, choosing his words with care, “are you absolutely sure I’m not imposing? I mean… I don’t want to intrude if there are others living with you. I’d hate to be a burden.”

Lily slowed her pace and turned to face him. Her eyes were gentle, but behind them lingered a shadow that instantly caught Ken’s attention.

“No, it’s not a problem,” she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. “Actually…” She paused, glancing off to the side, as if gathering her thoughts. “I live alone. Completely alone.”

Ken felt a pang in his chest. He didn’t know what to say at first, so he simply looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

“It all happened in a single year,” Lily said softly, yet with strength in her voice. “Almost a year ago, my mother, Freya, passed away. She’d been ill for a long time, and even though there’s magic in our world… it couldn’t save her. Some things can’t be fixed, even with healers all around you.”

Ken felt her pain as if it were his own. His world was entirely different, yet the feeling of loss - that, he understood deeply.

“I’m really sorry, Lily,” he said with genuine compassion. “That must have been… incredibly hard.”

Lily looked at him, a faint, grateful smile touching her lips despite the sadness.

“It was unbearable,” she admitted. “I thought nothing worse could ever happen. But a few months later…” She stopped, her lips tightening. “A few months later, Mordreds attacked our village. They came at night, when everyone was asleep, and struck without warning.”

She fell silent, her gaze clouding over as memories took hold.

“My father, Gilbert Bennett, was a brave man. He was willing to do anything to protect me - and everyone he cared about. He…” Lily took a deep breath, and Ken noticed the slight tremble in her hands. “He didn’t hesitate for a second. When one of the monsters broke into our home, he took the hit for me. He knew he’d die, but he didn’t falter.”

Ken was at a loss for words. He knew how hard it was for her to speak about this, and he deeply respected her courage in sharing such painful memories.

“Lily… that’s incredible bravery,” he said softly, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts. “Your father… he was a great man.”

She nodded, the corners of her lips lifting slightly - but her smile barely appeared.

“After he was gone, I was alone. Even my best friend, Martha, left for the city soon after, chasing a different life. Since then…” She sighed, searching for words. “Since then, I’ve had no one.”

Ken, deeply moved by her story, stopped walking and looked directly at her. He wanted to support her, to share in her burden, to make sure she didn’t feel so alone.

“You know,” he said slowly, his voice warm and sincere, “when you talk about your parents, it’s like they’re still with you. I think everything you’re doing now… it’s exactly what they’d be proud of.”

Lily froze for a moment, clearly touched by his words. Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears, but she quickly turned away, trying not to show it.

“My father always believed I had to be strong,” she said quietly, her voice quivering slightly. “He said it was my duty - to myself and to the world. He taught me everything he knew - how to fight, how to protect, how to help others. His final wish was for me to train until my eighteenth birthday, then choose my path - become an adventurer, serve the king, move to the city… or stay here and start a family…” She trailed off, her gaze distant. “But honestly… I still don’t know what I truly want.”

Ken could feel how deeply her words affected not just her - but him as well.

“Lily, you already do so much for others,” he said gently. “You saved me, you’re helping me understand this world and find answers. I know it would mean everything to your father that you care for people the way you do.”

She gave him a small smile, her eyes softening.

“Thank you, Ken. Hearing that… helps. Sometimes it’s hard to remember why I keep going. But maybe you’re right. Maybe this is just part of my journey - even if I don’t fully understand it yet.”

They continued walking, and Ken, feeling a lightness from the trust she’d shown him, allowed himself a small joke.

“So, technically, you’re my protector and my mentor. That means I can totally entrust you with my life, right?”

Lily couldn’t help but blush, laughing softly as she shook her head.

“Yes, I suppose it does,” she admitted, flustered. “But don’t forget, you’re going to have to learn too. You can’t just stand around while I fight for you.”

“Got it, got it,” Ken grinned, clearly pleased that he’d made her smile. “But you know, I’m already enjoying the idea of being under your protection. Gives life a bit of that adventurous flair, don’t you think?”

Lily laughed quietly, and in her eyes, Ken saw that spark again - a warm, glowing light that he couldn’t help but admire.