While Maris was solidifying her position and gaining allies at the Great Temple and the academy, Lucan, in the remote town, looked at the ring.
Lucan was trying to understand pride. Only by understanding pride and becoming prideful could one truly master the Sunring.
Because of his teachings, Lucan knew that even if Maris ever loved a man, it wouldn't be the crown prince, and this ring only appeared if Maris had taken the crown prince's route.
However, she wouldn't, so this ring had no effect on the story. Lucan could use the ring however he wanted.
As he was contemplating the ring, someone opened the door.
"Hey, Lucan. Are you there?"
The chapel door creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped inside. It was Morbis, a friend from his school days.
Lucan, still seated, raised a hand in greeting.
"Hey, what brings you here?"
"Just playing guide. There's someone here who wants to see you."
"Who wants to see me?"
"It's me."
A woman with striking white hair peeked out from behind Morbis. It was an old friend from his school days.
"Is that... Julia?"
"Long time no see, Lucan."
Julia Moon, a daughter of the Moon family and Lucan's schoolmate, walked into the temple. Her hair, once a silvery platinum in their youth, had matured into a brilliant white that shimmered like moonlight. Her eyes, were deep, piercing blue, framed by long lashes. She had sharp, well-defined features that lent her an air of both elegance and fierceness.
She wore a fitted leather vest over a tunic of deep forest green, the fabric sturdy enough for combat yet light enough for agile movement. A pair of black, reinforced trousers tucked into high, weathered boots. Strapped to her back was a well-worn scabbard holding a sword with an intricate hilt, and a satchel hung at her side, filled with various adventuring tools.
Lucan stood up from the chapel's pew to greet her, a warm smile on his face. "What brings you to this rural town all of a sudden? Do you need something from me?"
Julia huffed, crossing her arms and looking away slightly. "I wouldn't come to this backwater just to see you! It's for work, work!"
Lucan chuckled softly. "Work... oh yeah, you're an adventurer."
Though Julia was a count's daughter, she had loved wielding a sword since her school days. Rather than marrying for political reasons after graduation, she became an adventurer to avoid being tied down by her family. She had essentially severed ties with the Moon family and was rumored to be traveling around.
"Still an adventurer?"
"Still? Of course!"
Julia crossed her arms again, her expression hardening, but there was a faint blush on her cheeks that she quickly turned away to hide. "I've just been promoted to A-rank. I'm a veteran adventurer now!"
In this world, there are monsters and adventurers who hunt them. Adventurers are ranked from E to A, with A being the highest rank. By the way, Rina was also an A-rank adventurer. Lucan learned this when he traveled with her to get the Sunring.
"That's impressive. You must be famous in the capital."
"Famous... I didn't expect to hear that from you," Julia muttered, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Hm? Did I do something?" Lucan asked, genuinely puzzled by her reaction.
Julia clicked her tongue, averting her gaze. "Lucan, you're quite famous in the capital yourself. They call you 'The Great Priest Who Raised Saint Maris.'"
"Oh?"
Lucan nodded. He had expected this; after all, the way he raised Maris was to be a perfect saint, and also flexible enough to get along with or handle any type of person.
As she grew more popular, as her teacher and father figure, he was bound to become famous.
"The capital is abuzz with talk about Saint Maris. Rejecting every major noble family's son's proposal, achieving the best academic performance, and being super powerful in magic arts, she is currently the most famous woman, and her beauty..." Julia's voice trailed off, her pout deepening as she glanced at Lucan, her irritation clear.
"You, who said you'd just live quietly off donations in the countryside, have made quite a name for yourself. I came to see that famous face of yours. Glad to see you still look as lazy as ever."
Lucan chuckled, catching the hint of warmth in her tone despite the teasing words. "I see... I understand..." Lucan nodded. It was expected, and he wanted this to happen. Only in this way would he gain respect from everyone in the world when Maris became the most powerful and influential person in the world.
"It's sad you didn't come to visit me, but for work. Anyway, let me know if there's any help I can offer," Lucan said, a small smile playing on his lips.
Julia huffed again, her cheeks flushing as she turned away. "I-I didn't ask for your help! Just... don't cause too much trouble while you're out here in the countryside. Not that I care or anything..."
Lucan's smile widened as he watched her, recognizing the familiar pattern in her behavior. "Of course, Julia. I'll be sure to behave."
"Oye, you need help from him if you forget," Morbis said, and Julia face turned red.