Volume 1. Chapter 29

In the small side room, Lily, Rudolf, and Anna had wrapped up their discussion. They talked a bit more about Martha and how she was settling into city life, about daily village matters, and their usual routines. Lily shared her plans for the journey and assured them she would be careful. But she was eager to return to Ken and continue on their way.“I think it’s time for us to go,” Lily finally said, sensing the conversation had run its course. “Thank you for your support. We won’t be gone too long, but… it’ll probably be about a month.”Rudolf nodded, smiling warmly as he said goodbye.“We’re glad you stopped by. It’s good to know you’ve found a friend and someone to rely on,” he replied.When they returned to the main room, Lily and her companions walked into a heartwarming scene: Ken was sitting surrounded by the girls, who were giggling and chatting excitedly, listening to his stories and reacting to the videos on his phone. Ken was animatedly sharing something funny, his eyes full of energy, while the girls watched the screen with fascination, laughing and gasping in delight.Lily and Rudolf paused in the doorway to take in the moment, smiling as they watched. Even the usually shy and reserved Julie was laughing freely now, completely at ease. It was as if all her timidity had vanished.“I’ve never seen Julie so… open and cheerful,” Rudolf whispered, looking at his younger daughter with surprise and joy.Anna smirked and nodded.“He’s even charmed Julie. Yes, he really must be something special,” she agreed. “A man like that would make a wonderful father.”Lily flinched at those words, her cheeks instantly flushing red. She did her best to act like she hadn’t heard them, but a strange, unsettling feeling stirred in her chest. Ken, as a father? Her imagination immediately conjured an image of Ken surrounded by children, and her embarrassment only deepened.Rudolf, noticing her reaction, smiled subtly.“His wife is going to be a lucky woman,” he added casually, casting Lily a knowing look.Lily looked away quickly, her heart suddenly beating faster.