Chapter 74: Heroine Going on Boat
The morning sun had already begun its ascent into the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the hotel room where Lucan and Maris had enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. The tranquility of the morning was only interrupted by the soft murmur of their plans for the day.
After finishing their meal, Lucan and Maris returned to their room to discuss how they would spend their day. Lucan looked over at Maris, noticing her change of attire. Instead of the elegant black dress she had worn earlier, she was now dressed in a casual outfit that suited their day's adventure.
Maris had opted for a crisp white blouse that contrasted strikingly with her delicate pink hair. The blouse was made of light, airy fabric that allowed for ease of movement and kept her cool in the morning sun. The shirt was tailored to fit her figure perfectly, with short sleeves that revealed her slender arms and a slightly loose fit around her waist that allowed her freedom of movement.
The low neckline of the blouse dipped modestly, just enough to hint at the gentle curve of her collarbone without revealing too much. She paired the blouse with a pair of fitted, dark blue trousers that accentuated her slim legs and gave her a casual yet refined appearance.
Maris had always had a fondness for shirts, a preference that began in her childhood when she often wore Lucan's shirts. As she grew, her breast grew, and the Lucan's shirts no longer fit her comfortably around chest area. This prompted her to find shirts that were designed to fit her growing figure better, while still retaining the same sense of ease she had always enjoyed.
However today the shirt she wore was Lucan's. Since shirt button were open, she didn't feel uncomfortable, and underneath she wore blouse.
Lucan's gaze lingered for a moment longer on her attire before he focused on their plans. He didn't care much why she changed her clothes.
"So, what should we do today?" Maris asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"Well… let's take a boat ride today," Lucan suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Maris's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds wonderful! What do you have in mind?"
"There's a place nearby called the 'Fairy's Cave.' It's a popular tourist spot, and I thought it might be fun to visit," Lucan explained.
"The Fairy Cave… sounds interesting. I'd love to go," Maris responded with a smile, clearly enthusiastic about the plan.
The 'Fairy's Cave' was a renowned tourist attraction, famous for its stunning natural beauty and the enchanting glow of bioluminescent lanterns that decorated its interior. To visit, they needed to take a boat from a nearby port, which required an entrance fee for the tour.
"Let's head out right away," Lucan decided, eager to make the most of their day.
The port was located a short distance from their hotel, and as they made their way there, Lucan and Maris enjoyed the refreshing sea breeze and the sights of the bustling port. The area was alive with activity, with several fishing boats and sightseeing boats docked along the piers. The sound of seagulls cawing and the scent of saltwater filled the air, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
As they approached one of the boats designated for the Fairy Cave tour, Lucan spoke with a woman who appeared to be the guide for the excursion. She stood with a professional demeanor, waving a flag with a bright smile.
"Is this the tour boat to the Fairy Cave?" Lucan asked.
"Yes, that's correct. This is the boat you'll be taking," the guide confirmed, her smile unwavering.
"It will be one gold coin per person. Is that alright?" she inquired.
Lucan, unbothered by the cost, agreed readily. "Yes, that's fine."
Though one gold coin was quite a sum for a two or three-hour tour, Lucan's wealth made the amount insignificant in comparison.
"Please board the boat. We'll be departing in about thirty minutes, so please wait a moment. The boat may sway, so please watch your step," the guide advised.
"Understood," Lucan replied, taking Maris's hand as they boarded the boat.
The moment they stepped onto the boat, it rocked slightly, causing Maris to lose her balance. Lucan quickly reached out and caught her in his arms. The contact was intimate; Maris's soft form pressed against him, her ample chest meeting his upper arms. The sensation was unexpected but pleasant.
"Are you alright?" Lucan asked.
"Yes, sorry. Lucan-sama," Maris responded, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.
"It's fine. Just be careful with your footing," Lucan reassured her, though he found her reaction endearing.
Lucan knew that as a saint and Kingdom Class Power, Maris was more than capable of maintaining her balance even if the world were to tilt. Her unsteady act was likely just a playful gesture to enjoy the closeness and perhaps a subtle way to press against him.
The boat's deck was already occupied by various passengers. Couples, families, and groups of friends were seated on the benches, their voices filled with excitement for the upcoming tour. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as the boat prepared to depart.
"Lucan-sama, I'm really looking forward to this," Maris said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Yes, me too," Lucan replied, sharing her enthusiasm.
They found an available bench and settled in, their anticipation growing as they awaited the departure. The sky above was a clear expanse of blue, with a few fluffy white clouds drifting lazily. The wind was gentle, and seabirds glided gracefully through the sky, their chirping adding to the serene atmosphere.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the boat will soon be departing. Please be seated on the benches as there will be some swaying during departure," announced the guide with a cheerful smile.
The boat began to move away from the port, and Lucan and Maris settled in for the ride. The gentle sway of the boat was soothing, and as they glided over the water.