Volume 1. Chapter 22: The Road to the Western Temple. Part 3

They finally left the house, and the moment Ken stepped over the threshold, he felt the freshness of the morning air fill him with energy. Beside him walked Lily, seemingly lost in thought. Yet her gaze was calm and bright, with a clear sense of determination in her eyes. She led him at a relaxed pace along a road lined with green fields and small cottages, and suddenly she spoke:

“You know, besides Martha, the Pur family has two more daughters,” Lily said warmly. “The middle one is Kiki. She’s playful and full of energy - always teasing us, but in a good-natured way.” Lily smiled at the memory. “She keeps the whole village on its toes.”

“Sounds like she’d have a blast with my classmates,” Ken chuckled. “And the youngest?”

“Julie,” Lily replied, her voice softening. “The youngest - quiet, even shy. But she’s incredibly kind. I don’t know if you’ve met people like that, but Julie has this amazing compassion. She always helps anyone in need, even when she’s scared herself.”

Ken could feel how much Lily truly cared about her neighbors and saw them as close, almost like family. Her stories were filled with sincerity and warmth, and that made him hang on her every word.

“So, how should I introduce myself?” he asked at last, suddenly remembering that he was about to meet them. “What should I say?”

Lily paused for a moment, then shrugged.

“I think it’s best to just tell the truth. They’re not blood relatives, but they trust me. I don’t want to lie.”

Ken stopped in his tracks for a second, surprised by her words.

“Seriously? What if they think I’m… you know, some scammer or something like that? It’s a wild story - a guy from another world,” he laughed, trying to imagine how he’d look in their eyes. “I doubt they’ll believe it just like that.”

Lily looked at him, her gaze full of unwavering confidence.

“But it’s the truth, Ken. And I’m not going to say anything else. For me, lying isn’t an option.”

Ken hadn’t expected that response. He stared at her, feeling his respect for her grow. Her honesty and integrity caught him off guard, making him rethink everything he thought he knew about people. Quietly, he repeated to himself: “Lying isn’t an option…”