Volume 1. Chapter 24: The Road to the Western Temple. Part 5

Ken and Lily finally arrived at the Pur family’s home. It was small and cozy, with simple wooden walls and a roof of red tiles. Lily knocked on the door, and a few moments later it was flung open by an energetic red-haired girl who practically radiated joy. Her hair was a vivid, fiery red - almost crimson - and the moment she spotted Ken, her face lit up with a wide grin.“Oh! Lily, you brought a guest?” the girl asked, turning her bright gaze on him. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief. “And who might this be? A handsome young man with such unusual features!”She immediately stepped closer to Ken, examining him with great interest. Ken barely held back a smile, feeling as though he were under a microscope. He even had to take a step back as the girl nearly pressed up against him.“My name’s Ken,” he said, a bit flustered but smiling. “And you must be Kiki?”“Bingo!” she chirped, tilting her head slightly as she looked him over with obvious fascination. “So, Ken, what brings you to our humble village?”Ken smiled at her straightforwardness. Her eyes were full of pure mischief and lively curiosity, fueling her energetic nature. She seemed to be about fourteen years old, and Ken couldn’t help but admire her charm and genuine interest.“I’m… let’s just say, a traveler from far away,” he replied, keeping things vague but lighthearted.“Oooh!” Kiki’s eyes lit up even more. “A mysterious stranger! Lily, you’ve brought someone really special to us!”Lily sighed, though her face remained calm.“Yeah, special - like anyone from another world,” she said with a soft smile, subtly hinting to Ken that, in her eyes, he truly was worth thinking of that way. “But Kiki, don’t be so nosy.”Kiki still winked at Ken and whispered, making sure Lily didn’t hear:“If you ever get bored, make sure to come back. I’m always happy to meet new friends!”Ken barely stifled a laugh but nodded with a smile, already sensing this girl would be quite the entertaining companion.Soon, they were invited inside. The room was small and a bit cramped, but it had a warm, welcoming feel. In the corner, the father of the family, Rudolf, was working on something, while the mother, Anna, was preparing food in a modest kitchen. The youngest daughter, Julie, peeked out from behind her mother, watching Lily and her unusual companion with shy curiosity.“The Pur family,” Lily began, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, “this is my friend, Ken. He… comes from another world,” she paused briefly, watching their reactions, “and I’ve decided to help him reach the Western Temple.”Silence fell over the room.