Volume 1. Chapter 65

The soft grass was pleasantly cool against Ken’s skin as he lay on his back, feeling all the tension slowly leaving his body. Above him, still on top, Lily looked down at him with a smile. Her golden hair gently cascaded over his chest in soft waves, and her emerald eyes glowed with joy and relief.

— Ken, you’re just incredible, — she said, her voice trembling with emotion. — Everything was planned down to the smallest detail. If it weren’t for you, I don’t even know what would’ve happened.

Ken smiled, his gaze warm and slightly mischievous.

— Lily, it was teamwork. But your acting… it was top-notch, — he remarked with a light chuckle.

Lily looked away shyly, feeling her cheeks flush crimson.

— Oh, stop it, — she mumbled. — I almost lost it. I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it. My parents… their words… it was horrible.

Ken nodded, his expression softening.

— But you did handle it, — he said confidently. — And you did it brilliantly. Your tears, your trembling voice, your resolve… It all looked so real, I actually thought for a second you were really going to stab me, — he added with a smirk.

Lily flushed even deeper, her eyes widening.

— Ken! Of course I’d never do that! — she exclaimed, lightly hitting his shoulder. Then her voice wavered. — But I was scared. I was afraid I’d fail...

— And yet you didn’t, — Ken interrupted, raising a hand to gently touch her shoulder. — You were amazing. Even the demon believed you.

Lily laughed, nervously running a hand through her hair.

— You really know how to make me flustered, — she said, partially covering her face with her hand. — Still… thank you.

— For what? — Ken asked in surprise.

— For being there. For believing in me, — Lily replied, her voice quiet but sincere.

Ken looked at her, his smile widening.

— Anytime. But now that you’re praising me so much, let me remind you — you did promise me something, — he said, narrowing his eyes playfully.

— Promise? — Lily repeated, her eyes widening in realization. — Oh, dinner… I totally forgot.

— Forgetting is only half the trouble, — Ken teased. — The main thing is, you’re still lying on me. Planning to spend the whole day like this?

Lily giggled softly, shaking her head.

— Honestly, it’s quite comfortable, — she said, her cheeks coloring again. — I could stay like this forever.

Ken smirked, raising one eyebrow.

— Well, if you insist, I won’t complain, — he said. — But something tells me dinner’s not going to cook itself.

Lily let out a dramatic sigh, her face showing both embarrassment and amusement.

— Alright, alright, — she said, carefully sitting up and brushing a strand of hair from her face. — But you’re right. I did make a promise. And I think you’ve earned it.

With that, she reached for the bracelets still linking their wrists. After a few moments of fumbling, she unlatched them.

— There, you’re free, — Lily said with a smile, offering him her hand to help him up.

Ken took her hand, stood up, and stretched, rubbing his wrist lightly.

— Thanks, partner, — he said. — So, shall we see what we’ve got for dinner?

Lily nodded, her smile growing wider.

— On my way! — she replied, heading toward the spot where they planned to set up camp.

She stopped by the crystal, picked it up, and carefully placed it in her bag.

— This will be a nice reward for all our efforts, — she said, eyeing the crystal.

— Definitely, — Ken agreed, following her. — But the real reward is the dinner you’re about to cook.

Lily laughed again, her laughter ringing through the clearing like a melody.

As Lily prepared the meal, Ken sat nearby, watching her movements. He felt the tension of the past hours dissolve completely, leaving only lightness and joy. This moment was filled with peace — their first victory, and one they celebrated together.