CHAPTER – 165

  Narrator: After lunch, Dav walked slowly toward his room.

  His mind was still occupied with what he’d need to do in the coming days, but for now,

  he just wanted a moment of peace.

  He left Selene in the attentive and caring hands of Iris and Valeria, entrusting the girl to the two women like a small treasure chest to be protected.

  Arriving at his room door, he lifted his hand to grasp the handle

  when he felt a light tug on his uniform.

  Something or rather, someone was gently pulling him from behind.

  He turned around with a theatrical sigh and a slightly exaggerated expression.

  And there, at his feet, he saw Lucrezia.

  She looked up at him with those big, shiny eyes like an abandoned kitten.

  She held her book tightly to her chest, her expression both sad and hopeful.

  “Dav… will you read it to me?”

  she seemed to ask, only with her gaze.

  Dav gave in with a tired half-smile and opened the door, giving her a nod.

  “Come on, get in.”

  Once inside, he let himself fall onto the bed with a satisfied sigh.

  He got comfortable, leaning his back against the wall and stretching his legs along the mattress.

  Lucrezia approached in silence, sitting next to him with the book in her lap, ready to listen.

  “Where were we?

  Ah, yes…”

  he said, flipping through the pages until he found the right one.

  Then he cleared his throat with a theatrical tone, as if preparing to perform a fairy tale in front of a large audience.

  [Chapter 3 – The Gentle Demon and the Funny Warrior]

  The two talked for hours in front of the lit fireplace, the flames dancing in their eyes.

  They laughed, sharing stories that seemed far too absurd to be true.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  The Cheerful Warrior boasted, gesturing enthusiastically.

  >I fought an Orc twice my size, in a forest full of fog! <

  he said, puffing out his chest.

  >I’m amazing, right?! <

  The Gentle Demon laughed, leaning slightly forward, amused by the way his friend told his tales.

  Every gesture was exaggerated, every word filled with childlike energy.

  Night slowly fell, and the two retired.

  Moonlight slipped quietly through the windows, drawing shapes on the floor.

  The Gentle Demon lay down, staring at the ceiling.

  >What a beautiful day...

  I wonder if I’ll ever meet someone to talk to again... <

  he said softly, somewhere between happiness and melancholy.

  The thought of returning to solitude already weighed on him.

  The next morning, the Funny Warrior woke up early and headed to the kitchen.

  There, on the table, he found warm food.

  The Gentle Demon was tending the fire, hands stained with ash and a tired smile on his face.

  >Good morning! < said the Funny Warrior, cheerful as ever.

  The Gentle Demon turned and greeted him with a gentle nod.

  >Thanks again for the food, the bed, everything...

  After breakfast, I’ll be on my way. <

  Simple words, but sincere.

  The Gentle Demon felt a hole open in his chest.

  He hid the sadness behind a neutral expression, but inside, he was crumbling.

  >I’m glad I could help you… <

  he replied with a strained smile too forced to be real.

  After eating, the Funny Warrior shook his hand like equals,

  like men who respected one another.

  Then he left.

  The Gentle Demon remained by the window, gaze fixed on him as he walked away.

  He followed him with his eyes until he became a dot on the horizon.

  Tears fell silently down his cheeks, lips pressed into a pained expression.

  >I hope to see him again… <

  murmured the Funny Warrior, as he made his way through monsters and berry bushes.

  Minutes later, something made him stop.

  He turned. Again and again.

  A voice.

  >Wait-<

  He froze, threw his bag to the ground, grabbed his sword.

  His heart raced.

  Then he heard that voice again.

  >Wait for me! <

  His eyes lit up.

  >I’m here, my friend! Follow my voice! <

  he shouted at the top of his lungs.

  In the distance, a man in a black cloak, with a huge backpack overflowing with items,

  was running toward him, gasping for breath.

  The Funny Warrior sprinted ahead, running like mad.

  When he reached him, he grabbed part of his load to help him.

  >Did something happen? You brought half the world with you, <

  he asked, slightly worried.

  >Take me with you... I don’t want to be alone again.

  I know I’m a demon and I might cause you trouble…

  but I’ll try to hide it. <

  the Gentle Demon shouted, tears in his eyes, fists clenched.

  The Funny Warrior smiled wide and genuine.

  >You’re free, my friend.

  Let’s go on an adventure together. <

  And he hugged him tightly.

  [End of Chapter 3 – The Gentle Demon and the Funny Warrior]

  Narrator: When Dav finished reading, he noticed Lucrezia yawning, her eyes heavy.

  She thanked him in a whisper and curled up beside him, falling asleep within seconds.

  Dav looked at her and smiled, tucking the blanket around her more snugly.

  "Wow. She fell asleep the moment I finished… haha.

  She really cared about this."

  Then he went silent for a moment, staring at the ceiling.

  The book still open on his knees,

  the little one asleep beside him.

  And in that moment, even for him, solitude felt a little further away.

  END OF CHAPTER – 165