Volume 1. Chapter 37

Sunlight filtered gently through the leaves, bathing the forest path in a golden glow. A light breeze played with the foliage, giving the scenery an almost fairytale-like charm. Ken and Lily walked leisurely, enjoying a moment that felt plucked from time itself.

“This,” Ken said, pausing for a moment to take in the fresh air, “is the best place for a walk. If there were landscapes like this in my world, people would do nothing but stroll around all day.”

Lily smiled and turned to him.

“There’s nothing like this in your world?”

“Well, we have parks, but they’re more like… tamed nature. Everything’s too neat. But here… here it feels free, alive.”

Lily tilted her head thoughtfully.

“Free? I like that description. It’s… poetic.”

“I am something of a poet,” Ken winked. “Want me to compose a poem for you?”

Lily laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Go on, surprise me, Sir Poet.”

Ken took a step back, dramatically waved his arms, and pointed a finger to the sky.

“Ode to Lily, defender of justice” he paused theatrically. “She smites foes with sword in hand, Her gaze - a light in the darkest land. But woe to those who dare offend: One strike, and that’s the end!”

Lily couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.

“That sounds more like a battle hymn!”

“Well, I was inspired by you,” Ken grinned, shrugging. “Maybe you didn’t realize, but you’ve got a bit of a warrior vibe.”

“Maybe,” Lily said softly, a faint blush on her cheeks. “But right now, you sound more like a jester than a poet.”

“And I’m fine with that!” Ken laughed. “Now, a serious question: what kind of dangers lurk around here?”

Lily tilted her head, thinking.

“Well, there are small rodents, birds, sometimes rabbits. Nothing that could harm us.”

“No bears? Wolves? Giant monstrous spiders?” Ken stretched out his arms as if to illustrate the size of some terrifying creature.

“Giant monstrous spiders?” Lily giggled. “No, none of those. Though… wolves do show up now and then, but they won’t attack humans unless provoked.”

“So if I meet a wolf, I should just say, ‘Hey buddy, I come in peace’?”

“That might work,” Lily teased. “Though I think he’d be more interested in your supplies.”

Ken smiled, watching her face. Her laughter was so genuine, so infectious, he couldn’t help but savor every moment.

“You know a lot about nature. Is that because you grew up in a village?”

“Yes,” Lily nodded. “I spent a lot of time outdoors as a child. My father taught me how to track animals, identify plants. It became a part of my life.”

“So you’re not just a warrior, you’re an explorer too,” Ken said with sincere admiration. “Meanwhile, back in my world, I only knew how to use the internet.”

“Internet?” Lily squinted. “Is that like a book?”

“Sort of,” Ken waved a hand. “Imagine a massive, endless book that has everything - from recipes to videos of dancing cats.”

Lily blinked, trying to wrap her head around that.

“Dancing cats? Your world sounds… strange.”

“Trust me, it is,” Ken nodded. “What about cats here? Do they dance too?”

Lily laughed.

“No, but they’re great at climbing trees and stealing fish.”

Ken put on a serious face.

“You know, I think cats are the secret rulers of any world. No one notices, but they’re in control.”

Lily laughed even harder.

“You say such weird things, Ken.”

“But you’re laughing, so it’s working.”

They continued walking, enjoying the conversation. Now and then, Lily pointed out rare flowers or explained which herbs could be used for healing. Ken listened with genuine interest, occasionally cracking jokes, but always paying attention.

“Lily, what if we ran into a magical creature…” he began. “Let’s say… a dragon. What would you do?”

“A dragon?” she slowed her steps, thinking. “If it didn’t attack us, I’d try to talk to it. Dragons are intelligent beings.”

Ken looked at her, impressed.

“You’re saying you could convince a dragon not to eat us?”

“Possibly,” Lily smiled gently. “Would you help me?”

“Of course! I’d start by telling it how amazing we both are,” Ken replied with a grin. “You - a noble knight. Me - a master of compliments.”

Lily looked down shyly, but her smile betrayed that she appreciated his words.

“You say such strange things, Ken… but I like it.”

“See?” he puffed out his chest. “Even dragons wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Lily laughed, her voice echoing through the forest. She looked so vibrant, so real, that Ken caught himself thinking: he wanted to be near her more and more. Their laughter blended with the rustling leaves and birdsong, creating perfect harmony.

They walked on, chatting about small things, observing nature, simply enjoying each other’s company. This day became another beautiful link in the chain of their journey, a reminder that sometimes the most valuable things aren’t battles or discoveries, but simple human warmth.