Chapter 19: Young Love.

The sudden chaos within the Dancing Dragon Inn had gradually quieted, replaced now by a tense, murmuring calm. Lanterns cast their flickering light upon concerned faces, villagers glancing uneasily toward the dramatic scene unfolding in the corner. The warmth of earlier merriment seemed distant now, replaced by cautious curiosity and subtle unease.

Lili sat trembling weakly in Arthur's powerful embrace, her small form shivering softly from exhaustion, confusion, and overwhelming vulnerability. Tears welled uncontrollably in her wide, expressive eyes, trickling silently down her pale cheeks as all pretense of strength vanished. The emotional walls she'd painstakingly built had finally crumbled entirely, leaving her exposed, frightened, and genuinely in need of comfort.

Arthur hesitated briefly, clearly unused to witnessing such open emotional vulnerability, especially from someone who had previously shown such stubborn independence. Yet quickly, his usually commanding demeanor softened visibly. His ice-blue eyes warmed with genuine concern, their piercing intensity now gentle as he gazed down at the delicate, trembling girl in his arms.

Without a word, he gently drew her small, fragile form closer against his broad chest, holding her securely yet tenderly, protecting her from the curious eyes of the villagers gathered around. His strong arms wrapped protectively around her delicate frame, enveloping her carefully in warmth and reassurance.

Gently, Arthur raised one strong hand, hesitating only briefly before softly stroking her platinum-blonde hair with surprising tenderness. His careful touch offered silent comfort and reassurance, each gentle caress filled with quiet strength and compassion, revealing a softer side he rarely displayed openly.

"Shh…," Arthur murmured softly, his deep voice low and gentle, filled with quiet sincerity. "You're safe now, Lili. It's alright—let it out. I've got you."

At his quietly reassuring words, Lili's last remnants of resistance collapsed entirely. A quiet, heartbroken sob broke softly from her lips, followed immediately by another, her small shoulders trembling gently against him. With her face pressed gently into his firm chest, she allowed herself to cry softly, releasing the pent-up fear, loneliness, and exhaustion she'd desperately kept hidden for so long.

Arthur simply held her gently, patiently allowing her to cry freely against him. His strong presence, gentle touch, and quietly reassuring murmurs gradually eased her emotional burden. With each gentle stroke of his fingers through her soft hair, he conveyed an unspoken message of protection, comfort, and quiet affection, holding her securely through this fragile, vulnerable moment.

The villagers watched quietly from a respectful distance, their earlier curiosity now tempered by sympathy and understanding. Even Robin, previously defiant and angry, lowered his gaze, clearly realizing his mistake and misunderstanding. No one dared approach, recognizing implicitly the profound emotional depth and delicate intimacy unfolding between the young nobleman and the fragile, exhausted girl.

Gradually, Lili's sobs quieted into gentle, uneven breaths, her emotional exhaustion finally taking hold. Her tense, trembling form slowly relaxed against Arthur's strong embrace, her breathing softening gently as the overwhelming wave of emotions began fading slowly away.

Arthur felt her relaxation keenly, relief filling him as he carefully adjusted his embrace, ensuring she was secure and comfortable. Her small head rested trustingly upon his chest, her soft breaths slowly deepening, shifting gently into the quiet, peaceful cadence of sleep.

He looked down at her delicate, peaceful features with quiet wonder, astonished that this fiercely independent girl had allowed herself to trust him so openly. A gentle, victorious warmth filled his chest at the realization—yet it was tempered significantly by genuine care, respect, and an unexpected tenderness toward her vulnerable, sleeping form.

Quietly, almost hesitantly, Arthur leaned forward, softly pressing his lips gently against Lili's forehead in a tender, reassuring kiss. His voice, a quiet whisper, carried clearly intended only for her ears, a quiet promise filled with sincerity and warmth:

"Sweet dreams, little one. I'll be right here, watching over you."

Within Arthur's gentle, protective embrace, Lili slowly stirred into a dreamy gentle consciousness, though her surroundings were unfamiliar. Her eyes fluttered open softly, revealing a sight she never expected. Instead of the rough wooden ceiling of the medieval inn, she found herself sitting in the cockpit of a futuristic space shuttle, sleek and illuminated by soft blue lights, quietly gliding through the deep vastness of space.

Her small form was comfortably nestled upon someone's strong, secure lap. Looking down, she noticed her own body clad in a white, streamlined spacesuit, fitting snugly yet comfortably, reminiscent of those she'd once dreamed of wearing in her former life as Bruce. Her gaze traveled curiously upward, toward the individual gently holding her.

A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips.

Sitting there, smiling gently back at her, was Frank—her beloved partner from her past life. Frank appeared older now; his short golden-blonde hair was flecked with silver, a rugged white beard framing a face lined handsomely by age and wisdom. Yet those unmistakable icy-blue eyes were exactly the same as she remembered, filled with warmth, kindness, and strength. Despite his age, Frank's muscular frame remained powerful, clearly evident beneath his own white spacesuit.

Lili felt her heart swell sharply with joy, disbelief, and overwhelming relief, tears suddenly filling her soft blue eyes as she reached out instinctively, grasping tightly onto his sturdy arm.

"Frank...? Is...is it really you?" she stammered softly, her voice trembling emotionally. "I-I thought you were gone… I thought I lost you forever."

Frank chuckled softly, a deep, comforting sound that instantly warmed her heart. He gently held her close, one powerful arm protectively around her slender frame, the other hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder.

"Didn't I tell you, Lili?" Frank said softly, smiling warmly. "I'm always here. I promised you—I'd never leave your side. We're partners, remember? No matter what, I'll always find my way back to you."

Relief flooded Lili's entire being, overwhelming and profound. She rested her head gently against Frank's broad chest, feeling the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat beneath the spacesuit. A sigh of pure contentment escaped her lips. In this perfect moment, all her pain, loneliness, and fear from her new life faded away entirely, replaced by the powerful, comforting presence of the one person she'd always longed to see again.

Her momentary peace was gently interrupted by a tantalizing aroma, drifting through the space shuttle's filtered air. Curious, she raised her head slightly, sniffing gently.

"Wait...do you smell that?" Lili asked softly, confused yet intrigued. "Is...is that pie?"

Frank chuckled again, pointing gently through the shuttle's cockpit window toward a distant object looming steadily closer. To Lili's astonishment, the moon itself appeared as an enormous, golden-brown pie, beautifully baked, its crust golden and flaky, sweet aromas wafting enticingly even through the vacuum of space.

Lili's eyes widened, excitement bubbling warmly within her. Her stomach grumbled sharply, hunger and longing replacing previous anxieties.

"A moon pie? Frank, it smells amazing!" she exclaimed eagerly, extending her small hand instinctively toward the enticing sight.

Frank gently squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "That's right, partner. You've earned this treat."

Suddenly, the shuttle's onboard AI echoed softly around them:"Initiating landing sequence."

The shuttle descended smoothly, gently landing upon the surface of the enormous moon pie. The cockpit doors hissed open softly, revealing the inviting landscape of sweet pastry stretching endlessly before them.

Frank stood carefully, gently holding Lili's hand securely in his powerful grasp. They stepped forward together, father and daughter in spirit, united by deep emotional bonds forged clearly through loyalty, friendship, and genuine affection.

At the edge of the shuttle's exit, Frank looked down at Lili warmly, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

"You ready, partner?" he asked gently.

Lili nodded eagerly, joy radiating from her entire being. Yet before she could react, Frank suddenly tightened his grip affectionately on her small hand and, with gentle laughter, tossed her forward out of the shuttle.

"Time to wake up, Lili!" Frank's voice echoed clearly behind her, warm, encouraging, yet gently firm. "There's real food waiting for you."

A sudden panic surged within her chest as she fell, reaching back desperately toward Frank, who stood smiling warmly within the shuttle, growing steadily smaller behind her.

"No! Frank—please don't leave me!" Lili cried desperately, her voice breaking with heartfelt emotion. "I can't do this without you! Please stay with me!"

Yet Frank's reassuring voice echoed calmly through the distance, filled with warmth and confidence:

"You're much stronger than you think, Lili. I believe in you. And remember—I'm closer than you realize. Just look closely, partner; you'll see I'm right beside you."

Lili shook her head desperately, tears filling her eyes as she plunged into the sweet, comforting darkness of the pie moon below.

"No! Please, Frank, don't go!" she cried desperately once more. But with a gentle, welcoming squish, she landed safely, completely enveloped in sweet, comforting darkness and the warm, delicious scent of freshly baked pie, gently dissolving into the comforting embrace of sleep once more.

In the dark room of the private inn chamber, warmth radiated gently from the crackling fireplace, casting a comforting amber glow across the wooden walls. Lili lay nestled peacefully in Art's powerful embrace, her petite form cradled securely against his bare chest. Her breathing was slow and steady, drifting between sleep and gentle wakefulness, unaware yet deeply comforted by the strength enveloping her.

A soft, playful whisper gradually pierced her quiet rest.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," Art murmured teasingly, his voice warm, gentle, and softly amused. "Wake up. It's time to eat—I brought you pie. Nam nam."

Lili stirred lightly, her long, dark lashes fluttering softly against flushed, delicate cheeks. A delightful scent greeted her senses—rich buttery pastry mingling with savory, succulent meat. Her small button nose twitched curiously, instinctively guiding her toward the tempting aroma.

Still half-submerged in dreamy haze, she felt something soft and warm press gently against her full, inviting lips. Sleepily, she parted them, gently taking hold of the delicious offering. Yet as her teeth closed softly, savoring the taste of pastry and meat, she unexpectedly encountered something muscular and firm—unmistakably a thumb.

"Ahh! Goddammit, Lili," Art grunted softly above her, half-amused, half-pained, gently tugging his thumb from her startled mouth. "That's definitely not something meant for eating."

Confused and still driven by hunger and sleepiness, Lili instinctively explored the mysterious object with her tongue, tasting the odd combination of firm, muscular texture mingled with lingering buttery pie crust. Realization struck swiftly, sending a sharp wave of embarrassment and alarm racing through her.

Her eyes fluttered open instantly, widening dramatically in shocked embarrassment as she stared straight up into Art's gently amused, questioning expression. Her cheeks flushed a vivid scarlet, mortification surging sharply through her veins. She pulled back sharply in panic, only to collide gently with Art's solid, bare chest behind her.

"Iikh! I-I-I'm sorry, Art! I didn't realize it was you!" she squeaked nervously, stuttering and lisping clearly from embarrassment and genuine innocence.

Art's lips curled gently into a playful, teasing smile. Mischievously, he lifted his thumb again, softly brushing it teasingly against her trembling lips. "Don't worry about it, Lili," he whispered warmly, humor dancing gently in his voice. "Feel free to bite it again—I really don't mind. What's mine is yours."

Lili quickly pulled her head back, her cheeks burning even brighter, eyes wide and panicked as she struggled weakly in his gentle but secure embrace. "Iuh no! That's disgusting, Art! I don't want your thumb—I'm not like that! I'm no cannibal! It was just a mistake, I swear! Put it away!"

Yet Art simply chuckled warmly, continuing to tease her gently, lightly poking her lips playfully with his thumb, delighting in her adorable protests. Trapped snugly on his lap, his strong left arm wrapped protectively around her slender exposed waist, Lili squealed and giggled breathlessly, squirming helplessly yet playfully against his gentle embrace.

"No, no, Art—stop it! You're terrible!" she protested, unable to suppress tiny giggles that slipped between her embarrassed squeals.

Their playful struggle continued gently, Art's warm chuckles mingling affectionately with Lili's shy laughter and breathless protests, until suddenly both were interrupted sharply by a deep, hearty laughter echoing gently from the doorway behind them.

Lili instantly froze, her heart skipping rapidly in panic, embarrassment, and confusion. Her wide, startled eyes flickered around the room, finally recognizing she was no longer in the crowded downstairs tavern, but rather securely within the privacy of a luxurious third-floor chamber. The warm, flickering firelight revealed an elegant medieval bedroom—a large king-sized bed draped in thick, soft quilts, a finely carved round table laden generously with plates of delicious food, and two finely crafted wooden chairs set beside it. Art's clothing was neatly folded on a chest by the foot of the bed, and her own cloak rested quietly upon a sturdy wooden hanger near the door.

Her heart quickened sharply as she realized she was seated comfortably on Art's lap, his muscular arms wrapped protectively around her bare waist. The firelight cast a gentle amber glow across Art's bare chest, highlighting his perfectly sculpted pecs and chiseled eight-pack abs—making the entire situation suddenly feel incredibly intimate and embarrassing. Lili's delicate cheeks flushed scarlet, the warmth spreading rapidly across her face as she struggled nervously within his embrace.

Yet her embarrassment was swiftly overshadowed by surprise as she finally noticed the source of the hearty laughter. Standing casually at the doorway, leaning confidently against the sturdy doorframe, was an imposing older man. He had short, grizzled gray hair and a clean-shaven face marked dramatically by five striking scars running across the right side—like the marks of a powerful beast's claws. Three of the scars ran perilously close to his deep, ocean-blue eye, yet the eye itself remained curiously undamaged. Both eyes—a familiar ocean-blue identical to her own—sparkled gently with unmistakable warmth and amusement as he regarded them with a playful, grandfatherly smile.

Lili stared quietly at him, feeling an odd surge of recognition and warmth deep within her chest. An unspoken, mysterious bond stirred quietly within her, as though she were encountering a long-lost relative for the first time. She blinked slowly, confused yet inexplicably comforted by the stranger's gentle, familiar gaze.

The old man chuckled softly again, shaking his head affectionately at the young pair seated closely together.

"Ah, young love," he said warmly, his deep, amused voice resonating gently in the quiet room. "What else can I say?" His voice then deepened gently, carrying playful but clear authority as he fixed his gaze firmly upon Art. "Though I warn you, boy—don't go creating any unwanted bastards. Remember who you are and act accordingly. Besides, as beautiful as she may seem to your young twelve-year-old heart, she's still far too young for more intimate things."

Art's expression immediately turned sheepish and slightly embarrassed, his eyes widening in confusion at the old man's direct warning. His mouth opened slightly, clearly surprised and unsure how to respond to the unexpected scolding.

Before either Art or Lili could speak, the old man laughed again, clearly enjoying their embarrassment and confusion. With a playful shake of his head, he turned gracefully toward the door, opening it gently. "Ah, don't mind me," he added warmly, stepping quietly out of the doorway. "Carry on, young ones—just remember my advice."

The door closed gently behind him, leaving Art and Lili alone once more in the cozy firelit room, surrounded by comfortable intimacy and quiet tension. Lili looked up slowly, her wide blue eyes meeting Art's equally startled gaze. Her expression turned into a questioning frown, confusion clearly visible in her delicate features.

Art, clearly baffled by the older man's cryptic words, furrowed his brows gently and spoke softly, clearly bewildered. "What?"

Lili crossed her arms protectively over her developing chest, trying to project confidence, though internally she felt increasingly nervous. Her soft voice trembled gently as she finally managed to speak, eyes narrowing cautiously at Art. "Don't you get any funny ideas, Art. Or I'll kick you right in the balls again—like I did before, remember? At the lakeside?"

Art immediately lifted his left hand in gentle surrender, his right arm still carefully wrapped around her bare waist. His eyes widened gently in shock and sincerity. "What? No! Never!" He quickly shook his head, clearly flustered. "Lili, I'm not that kind of person—I would never force you into anything like that. I mean—yes, you're cute, and maybe I could see you as a potential partner someday, but only when we're older! Who knows, maybe we could even have kids someday—not that I'm against the idea—but definitely not right now!"

Lili's face flushed even deeper at his words, a sudden heat rising sharply in her chest. Art, sensing her discomfort, placed a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice softening warmly as he spoke sincerely.

"Seriously, Lili, please don't say things like that. I'm not that type of person," he said earnestly. "Everything I spoke of earlier—about you becoming my concubine—that was meant for when you're older. Obviously not right now. The offer to be my sidekick still stands, though. I promise, you're safe with me."

As Art spoke, Lili became sharply aware of his physical presence again—the warmth of his muscular body, the unmistakable firmness pressing gently against her from beneath his leather pants. Her heart quickened anxiously, embarrassment mingling sharply with an unexpected, confusing warmth that caused her breath to hitch slightly.

Despite her confusion, she could sense clearly the sincerity in Art's earnest explanation, though her innocent confusion lingered. Inwardly, she wished desperately Frank were here to explain things clearly to her—especially now, when she felt vulnerable and uncertain of Art's intentions. She was a small, helpless rabbit before Art's powerful, lion-like presence. Would a lion really treat a rabbit kindly?

Art, noticing her confusion turning to quiet distress, quickly grabbed a small wooden plate from the table beside them, placing it gently before her lips. On it was a small slice of savory meat pie, its tempting aroma immediately capturing her attention.

"Look, Lili," Art murmured gently, smiling softly. "It's meat pie. Why don't you try it? It's really delicious—I promise you'll love it."

The sweet scent immediately stirred her hunger, causing her stomach to rumble softly. She looked up at him cautiously, yet Art's gentle, sincere expression softened her apprehension. Tentatively, she leaned forward, taking a small bite of the savory pie he offered.

Warmth flooded her senses as she savored the delicious taste, hunger quickly overshadowing embarrassment. Art smiled warmly, his earlier playfulness returning as he gently offered her more.

The tension between them melted gradually into comfortable companionship as they continued enjoying the meal together. Soon, the innkeeper's daughter brought even more food—fresh bread, hearty soup, and small, crisp apples. Lili's smile widened as she eagerly bit into the apple, relishing its fresh, sweet flavor.

Laughter and warmth filled the room, embarrassment fading entirely as Art fed her gently, and Lili playfully returned the favor. Soon, both enjoyed a bit of medieval ale, their inhibitions gently loosening into laughter, smiles, and a warm, intimate atmosphere.

As their meal concluded, Lili leaned closer, a mischievous smile playing softly upon her lips. "There's still one thing I'd like to taste," she teased playfully.

Art tilted his head curiously. "What is it?"

Without hesitation, Lili pressed herself closer to Art, playfully biting his collar in sweet revenge for earlier. Art laughed warmly, softly wrestling with her playfully. Their gentle struggle ended quickly with affectionate embraces and laughter.

Gently, Art lifted her from the chair, carrying her softly to the king-sized bed. In their playful, slightly drunken state, they engaged in another brief wrestling match upon the soft blankets, one that Lili quickly and willingly lost amid their laughter.

Eventually, they both nestled closely beneath the thick fur blanket, warmth radiating gently between them. Lili curled peacefully against Art's broad, muscular chest, his strong arms wrapping protectively around her delicate form. Their quiet breathing synchronized gently as sleep claimed them both, the comforting crackle of the fireplace gently serenading them to rest.

Within that gentle firelit sanctuary, Lili finally drifted into restful sleep, her small frame securely held by Art's comforting strength—safe, warm, and deeply at peace.