The Holy Priest Recognition Ceremony ended, bringing a brief peace to Lucan.
Now recognized as a Holy Priest who oversees "education," Lucan was respected by the temple clergy, but this didn't dramatically change his life.
As a priest, he continued to pray for the people, heal the injured and sick with holy magic, and... receive donations.
Well, my divine magic has improved. It must be because I've started gathering faith from the people.
Sitting at the table, Lucan pondered while gazing out the window.
Divine magic, with few exceptions like the saintess, was an ability acquired later in life rather than something one was born with.
It could be learned through rigorous training in the temple, accumulating virtue and faith.
Having become a Holy Priest, Lucan now held a position that garnered reverence from the people around him.
This faith directed at him enhanced his divine magic abilities.
If one day, everyone began to respect and feel awe when talking about them, and have faith towards him, then Lucan could become power, powerdul enough to change everything in the world.
And that is Lucan goal. He wanted to be most important, and respected person in the world, gather faith and become most powerful and master of the world.
"Lucan-sama, I'm back."
Maris approached the table where Lucan was sitting.
Today, she wasn't wearing her usual saint's dress but a white shirt and a light blue flared skirt. She carried a tray with coffee in both hands.
They were in a café located in the capital city.
The café, was slightly off the main street but was known among those in the know for its delicious coffee.
Lucan and Mairs had come for tea together as they had previously promised.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
The coffee Maris brought was in a glass container, surprisingly with ice floating in it.
"Would you like some milk, Lucan-sama?"
"Yes, please."
"I'll add it for you."
Maris happily added milk to Lucan's coffee.
What could be making her so happy... She had been in a very good mood since earlier.
"The sweets here are also delicious. Did you know? There's a dessert that turns coffee into jelly."
"Oh, coffee jelly. I've heard of it, though I've never had it."
"This café's coffee is delicious, so their jelly is also tasty. Let's order it later."
"…Sure."
"Oh, how about some cookies? They have ones with chocolate chips."
"…"
Maris was very enthusiastic.
She had been in high spirits ever since they left the grand temple together.
"You seem to be in a good mood."
"I've always wanted to come here with you, Lucan-sama. That's why I'm so happy today!"
"Is that so… You say such nice things."
Cute. Very cute.
The beautiful girl in front of him shyly held her glass with both hands.
Lucan suddenly thought that becouse of him, Maris was completely different from in the game.
In the game, Maris Rainsa was an introverted, melancholic beauty.
This was due to being mistreated by her family in her childhood and receiving excessively strict education after being taken in by the temple.
A change in educational approach makes her such a different person... Though she's still a beauty.
Lucan took a sip of his coffee, letting the coolness of the ice surprise him.
"Did you notice how the flowers are blooming in the city lately?" Maris said, stirring her own drink. "It's like the entire capital decided to celebrate summer."
Lucan glanced out the window, observing the bustling streets and vibrant colors. "I did. The whole city feels alive. It's nice to see people enjoying themselves."
Maris nodded enthusiastically. "I heard there's a flower exhibition starting tomorrow at the Royal Gardens. They're showcasing rare blooms from all over the world."
Lucan smiled softly, enjoying the simplicity of the conversation. "That sounds interesting. Are you planning to go?"
"Actually, I was thinking… maybe we could go together?" Maris looked at him with hopeful eyes.
Lucan considered it for a moment. "I suppose I could make some time. It would be a nice change of pace."
Maris beamed, clearly delighted by his response. "Great! I'll bring a picnic basket too. It'll be like a small adventure."
Lucan chuckled. "A flower exhibition and a picnic—sounds like an adventure indeed."
They shared a comfortable silence, the noise of the café filling the space between them. Maris took another sip of her coffee before glancing up at Lucan.
"Lucan-sama, did you always want to become a priest?"
Lucan paused, thinking about her question. "Not always. It wasn't something I planned, but I didn't anything else to do so i choose it and now it suit me well."
Maris looked thoughtful. "Yes, I can't imagine you doing anything else. You seem so suited to it."
"It's funny you say that," Lucan replied with a small smile. "There was a time when I considered becoming a scholar instead. I was fascinated by ancient texts and the history of our world."
"A scholar?" Maris blinked in surprise. "I didn't know that about you. What changed your mind?"
Lucan leaned back in his chair, "Nothing, just felt being priest seem easy than being schooler."
Maris giggled,The conversation lingered on small topics, the two enjoying the peaceful moment. It wasn't until Maris brought up the topic of the approaching end of summer that they moved back to the matter at hand, discussing Lucan's upcoming responsibilities as a teacher.
"By the way… Lucan-sama. Summer vacation is almost over."
"Yes… It is."
"You're going to become a teacher, right? When are you moving into the staff dormitory?"
"I'm planning to move this weekend. There's already furniture provided, and I've sent my belongings, so all that's left is unpacking."
"I see… Can I visit you there?"
"No, you can't. It's a teacher's room, after all."
"Hmm…"
"No, you can't."
Maris pouted in dissatisfaction. However that's one thing Lucan can't do anything about it.
He can't do everything that Maris ask, he have to say no to some things to make her understand that not everything goes according to her. Otherwise she might get worse personality trait.