Let's Train Heroine

"Well then, I'll take my leave."

"Yes... thank you."

After leaving the headmaster's office, Lucan parted ways with the other teachers and began walking down the corridor of the academy with Maris.

Maris, on the other hand, seemed unusually cheerful. Her steps were light, almost as if she were skipping down the hallway with an excited energy that couldn't be contained. It was clear that something about Lucan's presence brought her a kind of joy that was hard to hide.

"Lucan-sama, this way! Please follow me! Let's go!" she urged, her voice full of enthusiasm.

"Uh, okay," Lucan replied, somewhat amused by her enthusiasm. "Maris... you don't have to hold my hand, you know? I can walk on my own."

Lucan offered her a wry smile, gently trying to pull his hand away. But Maris, with a radiant smile of her own, held his hand tightly, her grip firm.

Lucan was an alumnus of this academy. He had walked these very corridors countless times before, especially when he was a student. He already knew which way temple is, but Maris seemed to think otherwise.

"No way. I'm not letting go,"

Lucan raised an eyebrow at her in mild surprise. "What do you mean, 'no way'!?"

"Yes, no way," Maris reiterated with a playful tone. She stuck out her tongue at him, tightening her grip on his hand as if daring him to try and pull away. They continued walking, and as they did, Lucan noticed the curious stares of other students in the corridor. Their eyes were wide with astonishment, clearly taken aback by the sight of Maris holding hands with a man so openly.

"Ah... Maris," Lucan began, his voice gentle but firm. "We're family, but here, you're a teacher and I'm a student, okay?"

Lucan knew that maintaining proper boundaries was crucial, especially in a setting like this. No matter how close they were as family, it was important to avoid any appearance of favoritism or inappropriate behavior. While Lucan himself didn't care much for societal norms, he was well aware of the expectations placed upon him as a teacher and Maris as a saint. Moreover, they were also heroes now.

If Lucan didn't need society approval for his plan, he wouldn't care about much but he need, that's why he have to do everything accordingly to role he have.

"I see," Maris replied thoughtfully. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, "So, it means we're just a man and a woman."

Lucan blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her words. "Exactly, about that..." he trailed off, unsure of how to respond. He noticed that Maris's face was still beaming with joy, her energy undiminished. She seemed particularly pleased with his acknowledgment that they were, indeed, just a man and a woman. Though the words didn't carry any meaning, they made her happy nonetheless.

"Don't worry," Maris continued with a reassuring smile. "I'm just guiding the new teacher. There's nothing inappropriate about it."

"I know Maris has no strange intentions," Lucan replied, trying to sound as understanding as possible. "However, other students might misunderstand..."

Before Lucan could finish his sentence, a sharp voice cut through the air, interrupting their conversation.

"Maris! What are you doing!?"

Lucan and Maris both turned toward the source of the voice. Standing before them was a tall man with striking black hair and piercing red eyes. His expression was one of shock, his gaze fixed on their joined hands.

"Prince Kai..." Lucan murmured, recognizing the man immediately. It was none other than Prince Kai Tempest, the crown prince. Lucan hadn't seen Kai in person since he started at academy. Not only Prince Kai but other male leads as well.

Kai's eyes narrowed as he looked at Lucan. "Walking hand in hand with a man on school grounds... who is this man!?"

Lucan met Kai's gaze evenly, his expression calm. "I'm Lucan Ironfist, Maris's guardian and the new theology teacher at the academy. Prince Kai," he introduced himself, keeping his tone respectful.

Kai's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Lucan's name. "Priest Lucan Ironfist... no, now it's Holy Priest Lucan, isn't it? So you're the one who has been appointed as a teacher at the academy?" Kai's expression twisted with a mix of disbelief and frustration. It was clear that he wasn't pleased with this development.

"Yes, I am," Lucan confirmed.

Kai seemed to be struggling to contain his emotions. He clenched his fists at his sides, his gaze never leaving Lucan. "Tsk... I thought I could close the distance while there were no major rivals in the academy. I didn't expect you to show up here...!"

Lucan frowned, not entirely understanding Kai's words. "What are you talking about?"

Kai shook his head, his expression pained. "It's nothing, Holy Priest Lucan," he muttered.

Kai turned his attention to Maris, his expression softening slightly. "More importantly... Maris," he began, his tone more measured. "Even though you're family, you can't be seen holding hands with a man on campus. As the temple's saint and a noblewoman, it's unacceptable to hold the hand of a man on campus who is not your husband."

Maris's radiant smile faltered, her expression changing to one of discontent. She looked as if she were searching for a way to justify herself, but Kai's words were hard to argue against. Reluctantly, she released Lucan's hand and instead stayed close by his side, her demeanor subdued.

"…Understood," Maris said quietly. "I'll refrain from holding hands."

Kai nodded, but his expression remained stern. "…Please keep more distance. You're too close," he added, his voice firm.

Maris frowned but complied, taking a half-step away from Lucan. The distance was minimal, but it was clear that this was the closest she was willing to allow between them.

"Maris, you..." Kai began, his frustration evident, but Maris cut him off before he could continue.

"I must guide Lucan-sama to the temple as directed by the principal. May I take my leave?" she asked, her tone unusually stern, leaving no room for argument.

Kai hesitated for a moment before finally relenting. "If you keep an appropriate distance."

Maris turned back to Lucan, her cheerful smile returning as if the encounter with Kai had never happened. "Well then, Lucan-sama. Shall we go?" she asked, her voice bright and inviting once more.

"…Yes, let's go," Lucan replied with a nod.

He followed Maris as they continued down the corridor, leaving Kai behind.

As they walked, Lucan could still feel the intensity of Kai's gaze on his back.

Kai had did his research on Lucan and knew Maris and Lucan relationship is more than what normal family should have.

Kai consider Lucan as love rival.