Volume 1. Chapter 32

After saying their goodbyes to the Pur family, Ken and Lily set off on their journey. Lily looked deep in thought, her usually bright eyes a little dim, and her expression held a trace of gloom. She walked silently beside him, her gaze seemingly fixed on the ground.

Ken walked next to her, occasionally glancing her way, trying to figure out her mood. Her reaction to Kiki and Julie’s antics still lingered in his mind. While Ken had found the moment amusing, Lily had clearly taken it to heart. He wondered if her response was about more than just embarrassment.

After a while of silent walking, he noticed Lily biting her lip and absentmindedly twirling a lock of her blonde hair. Clearly, her thoughts wouldn’t let her rest. Suddenly, she took a deep breath, clearly preparing to say something.

“You…” Lily began, a little uncertain, but continued with quiet resolve, looking off to the side. “You’re really good at talking to people… especially girls.”

Her words were soft, but Ken caught a faint note of something that almost sounded like jealousy. A smile tugged at his lips, and he realized this was the perfect chance to lighten the mood - and pull Lily out of her gloomy state. He decided to make her laugh.

He stopped walking, took a deep breath as if preparing to reveal something profound, and spoke with playful seriousness.

“Ah, Lily, you’re right,” he began dramatically. “I’m so good with people, it’s almost scary. I mean, I’m absolutely incredible!”

Lily blinked in surprise, but her eyes softened, and her lips twitched in anticipation.

Ken wasn’t done. Like a true performer, he raised his hand as if addressing an invisible audience and, with exaggerated pride, declared:

“Every step I take is a masterpiece! Every glance, every move - and hearts melt! Oh, how irresistible I am! Even my hair…” - he adjusted his hair with flair - “Even my hair shines with a magical glow. I am the embodiment of perfection!”

Lily couldn’t take it anymore. A smile broke across her face, and she burst into genuine, ringing laughter.

Pleased to see her smiling again, Ken felt a wave of inspiration and decided to keep going. He straightened up and began speaking with even more theatrical flair.

“Lily, you can’t imagine what happens when I face enemies,” he said, sweeping his hand dramatically through the air. “Dragons see me and fall to their knees! They just can’t handle my greatness!” His eyes briefly took on the serious look of a mighty warrior - but he quickly returned to his usual grin.

Lily laughed, unable to contain herself. Her joyful laughter echoed through the air around them.

Ken continued as if narrating a tale he was making up on the spot.

“And kings,” he said, pausing and raising an eyebrow, gazing into the distance as if envisioning a king kneeling before him. “Kings, Lily, fall to their knees the moment they see me. They beg for mercy, plead for advice, and I…” - he sighed dramatically - “I simply let them bask in my glorious presence.”

Lily doubled over with laughter, barely able to stay on her feet.

“Stop, Ken! I’m going to die laughing!” she cried, clutching her stomach. “If you keep this up, I’ll never make it to the temple!”

Ken gave her a sly look, suppressing a grin.

“Well, that’s just not an option, Lily. Who else would walk with me and protect me?” he asked with mock seriousness. “And besides, who would remind me how amazing I am?”

Lily laughed again, this time softer, and shook her head, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Ken watched her with a gentle smile and, deciding to push her embarrassment just a little further, added:

“You know, Lily, if you hadn’t laughed, I would’ve had to use even more of my irresistible charm. And that might have been dangerous… even for you.”

Lily shook her head, her expression soft and kind again, her eyes still sparkling from the laughter.

“You’re such an idiot, Ken,” she said affectionately, with all the warmth she could muster.

He only smiled, happy he’d brought her back to joy.

“Thank you,” Lily said at last, looking at him with genuine gratitude. “You really cheered me up.”

Ken gave a mock bow, like a knight before a princess.

“Well, who else if not me? Always at your service!”