Let's Train Heroine

Lucan exited Archpriest Kerum's office, his mind filled with thoughts of their conversation. The hallways of the Grand Temple were bustling with priests and acolytes, many of whom acknowledged him with polite nods and smiles. However, Lucan could also sense the some of them with envy and resentment, but Lucan brushed it off, not caring about this priests.

As he continued down the long, echoing corridors, a particular priest caught his eye. The man was dressed in the elaborate robes of a high-ranking member of the temple, his posture exuding arrogance. Lucan recognized him from the game—this was Erili, the son of one of the Archpriests, and a figure who had caused trouble in several routes.

Erili approached Lucan with an air of superiority, speaking in a tone laced with false camaraderie. Lucan listened politely at first, nodding along as Erili droned on about the temple's hierarchy and his own esteemed position. However, Lucan quickly grew tired of the empty words and decided he had heard enough.

Without a word, Lucan turned and continued walking toward his guest room, leaving Erili mid-sentence. The young priest's eyes widened in shock at being so blatantly ignored.

"Oye, how dare you ignore me, you lucky priest... You're only here because you found the Saint by chance—"

The sound of a sharp slap echoed through the corridor as Lucan's hand met Erili's cheek with swift precision. The force of the blow was enough to silence the young priest, who stumbled back, clutching his reddening face in disbelief.

Lucan didn't even bother to look back. He simply whistled a light tune and continued on his way, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Erili stood frozen, his face a mix of shock, embarrassment, and fury. His breathing grew heavy as the reality of what had just happened sank in. For someone who was used to being revered and respected, being humiliated in such a public manner was a bitter pill to swallow.

"He will pay," Erili muttered under his breath, his hand still pressed against his burning cheek. "He will pay for this."

The thought of Lucan being elevated to the rank of Holy Priest simply because he had found the Saint gnawed at Erili. The idea that Maris, the Saint, showed Lucan affection only deepened his resentment. Lucan had to be brought down, and Erili was determined to be the one to do it.

"First, I'll destroy his reputation," Erili whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing with malicious intent. "Then, I'll break his body and soul."

---

Later that day, Lucan was in his room, thinking ways to kill Erili when he heard a soft knock on the door. He opened it to find Maris standing there, dressed in her immaculate white Saint's robes, her presence radiant and serene.

"Lucan-sama, would you like me to show you around the temple?" she asked, her voice gentle and inviting.

Lucan took a moment to appreciate Maris's appearance. She looked every bit the holy figure she was, her robes elegantly tailored to emphasize her grace and beauty. The sight of her brought a smile to his face, though he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He knew that walking around the temple with Maris would undoubtedly stir up more jealousy among the priests.

But Lucan quickly pushed the thought aside. What did it matter if they were jealous? In time, he planned to marry Maris, and when that day came, the priests would have to vomit blood from envy.

"Let's go," Lucan agreed, returning Maris's smile.

Maris's eyes sparkled with happiness as she led him through the Grand Temple. Although Lucan had spent years studying there and knew the temple well, he allowed Maris to guide him, listening as she enthusiastically shared stories and details about the temple's history and significance.

The tour lasted for hours, with Maris showing Lucan every corner of the temple, from the vast prayer halls to the secluded gardens where she often meditated and he listened attentively, enjoying the sound of her voice and the way she lit up when she spoke about the things she loved.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light across the temple grounds, Lucan and Maris returned to his room. Maris had prepared a simple but delicious dinner, which they shared while chatting about their day.

After dinner, Maris lingered, clearly reluctant to leave. Lucan could see the longing in her eyes. However, he can't let her stay at night. Scandal was the last thing he needed to deal.

Gently, but firmly, Lucan escorted Maris to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Maris," he said softly, his hand resting on the doorknob.

Maris gave a small, disappointed nod, her eyes downcast. "Goodnight, Lucan-sama."

"Goodnight, Maris."

With a final, wistful glance, Maris left, leaving Lucan alone in the dimly lit room. He closed the door.

As Maris walked back to her room, the cool night air brushing against her cheeks, she couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that had settled in her chest. She had wanted to stay with Lucan, to be close to him, but she understood his reasons for sending her away.

She puffed her cheeks, decided that soon she would get Lucan in honest way, marry him and live rest of her life with him.

At that time, if someone have problem or try to interfere with her happiness, then she would destroy those obstacles.

For now, she would wait, patiently.

---

Julia, Rina, Hima, and Olive were gathered at their usual spot in the bustling tavern when the news reached them. A passing adventurer mentioned it casually, but the words hit them like a lightning bolt.

"Lucan's at the capital? And he's receiving the Holy Priest title?" Julia's voice was sharp with disbelief, her grip tightening on her glass.

Rina leaned back, her brows furrowed. "Holy Priest? Since when was he getting that?"

Hima's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and curiosity flashing across her face. "Lucan, a Holy Priest… Who would've thought?"

Olive, usually the quietest, smiled.

Julia, Rina, Olive and Hima were happy, and decided to meet him soon.