Volume 1. Chapter 39

The campfire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over Ken and Lily’s faces. The flames were slowly dying down, but they still kept the air around them cozy. Dinner had long since been eaten, and the rich, eventful day was giving way to the gentle hush of evening.

Ken turned to Lily, who was busy rummaging through her magic bag.

“So, Lily, how are we handling the night watch?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. “Taking shifts? Or are there any special local customs I should know about?”

Lily glanced at him, then smiled, shrugging lightly.

“There’s no need for a night watch,” she replied calmly. “I have a protective artifact.”

She pulled a small, oval-shaped stone from her bag, glowing with a soft bluish light. It looked ancient, yet a powerful and calm energy radiated from it.

Ken let out a low whistle.

“Is that like a magical security system?” he asked, leaning in closer for a better look.

“Not quite,” Lily shook her head. “This artifact creates a protective barrier. It keeps us safe from minor threats. If anything truly dangerous approaches, it’ll wake us up.”

“Handy,” Ken said with respect, leaning back toward the fire. “You keep surprising me, Lily. A protective artifact, a bottomless bag… What else do you have in there? A time machine?”

Lily chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“A time machine? No, sadly. But I’m sure it would be fun to use one with you.”

Ken smirked.

“Are you sure that thing works? What if it decides we’re not important enough to wake up?” he asked, keeping a mock-serious expression.

Lily couldn’t help but snort with laughter.

“Trust me, it’s reliable. We’ve used these since childhood. It’ll protect us. You can sleep peacefully.”

“Alright, alright, I believe you,” Ken said, smiling as he leaned back. “But just know, if we get attacked by a horde of aggressive squirrels, I’m counting on you to personally protect me.”

Lily giggled, shaking her head.

“Squirrels? You think too much about wild animals, Ken.”

“Just trying to be prepared!” he answered seriously. “You never know what’s lurking in this mysterious world. Maybe even sneaky ninja squirrels.”

“Ninja squirrels?” Lily laughed harder, covering her mouth. “You’re impossible, Ken.”

Once the artifact was set up, Lily sat by the fire and pulled out a small pouch from her bag. Inside were herbs for tea, which she carefully brewed in a small kettle. The air filled with a soothing scent, gentle and sweet, with hints of honey and wild herbs.

“This is a special sleep tea,” she explained, pouring the drink into cups. “It helps you relax and fall asleep faster.”

“You always have exactly what we need,” Ken noted, accepting his cup. “Be honest - are you the most prepared adventurer in the entire world?”

Lily blushed faintly, her cheeks turning pink.

“I just have experience,” she replied quietly. “When you travel, it’s important to be ready for anything.”

“Well, all I can say,” Ken took a sip and nodded approvingly, “this is delicious. You’re not just a warrior, you’re also a chef and an herbalist. I hope I can reach your level someday.”

Lily smiled but said nothing, simply watching him quietly.

Once the tea was finished, Ken lay down on his mat, gazing up at the stars. The forest gradually fell into nighttime silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of small creatures and the faint crackling of the dying fire. Lily, settled nearby under a light blanket, turned to him before closing her eyes.

“Good night, Ken,” she said softly.

“Good night, Lily,” he replied with a smile in the dim light.

Lily closed her eyes, and Ken lingered a few more minutes, staring at the stars. Thoughts swirled in his mind, but one in particular glowed warmly in his chest. He thought about Lily - her kindness, her laughter, the way she handled everything with calm confidence. She wasn’t just a companion to him - she was something more, though he wasn’t ready to say it aloud.

Lily, lying on her mat, was thinking about Ken too. Her thoughts were soft and warm. His jokes, though sometimes strange, always made her smile. She realized that being with him made her feel safe and at ease.

Soon, sleep wrapped them both in its embrace, lulled by the soft light of the protective artifact and the gentle sounds of the nighttime forest.