One evening, Lucan found himself in the kitchen, preparing tea. He was just pouring hot water into the teapot when Julia walked in, looking slightly flustered.
"You're making tea?" she asked, her tone sharp as if she were accusing him of something.
Lucan glanced up, noting the tension in her posture but he didn't care. "Yes. Would you like some?" he asked calmly, gesturing to the teapot.
Julia crossed her arms, her eyes darting away from his. "I didn't ask for tea, but… I suppose I'll have some if you're offering," she muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation.
Lucan smiled faintly, recognizing her usual tsundere behavior. "Of course," he said, pouring her a cup and handing it to her.
Julia took the cup, her fingers brushing against his for a brief moment. She quickly pulled back, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. "T-Thanks," she mumbled, taking a sip to hide her embarrassment.
Lucan chuckled softly, watching her with warm eyes. "You're welcome."
For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them, and Julia found herself stealing glances at him from over the rim of her cup. She quickly looked away each time, annoyed at how calm and composed he remained.
"You know," she began, her voice softer now, "you don't have to be so… nice all the time. It's… annoying."
Lucan raised an eyebrow, amused by her words. "I'm just being myself, Julia."
She huffed, turning away to hide her smile. "Idiot."
Lucan smiled inwardly. This is good. As A Rank Adventure, your worth to keep around.
---
The next day, Lucan was in the garden, tending to the flowers that grew near the temple. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over everything.
Hima appeared out of nowhere, her presence announced by the soft jingle of her earrings. "Lucan," she called out, her voice carrying a playful tone.
Lucan looked up from his work, noticing the way the setting sun made her smile seem even brighter. "Hima. Did you need something?"
Hima walked over to him, bending down to examine the flowers he was tending to. "I was just thinking how nice it would be to spend some time with you. You're always so busy," she said, her fingers lightly brushing his arm.
Lucan felt a slight flutter in his chest but maintained his composure. "The flowers need care, just like anything else," he replied, his voice steady.
Hima pouted playfully, leaning in closer. "But what about me? Don't I need care too?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Lucan paused, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle smile. "Are you comparing yourself to flowers now, Hima?"
She giggled, giving him a sly wink. "Maybe. Aren't I as delicate and beautiful as one?"
Lucan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're certainly something, Hima," he said, standing up and brushing off his hands.
Hima pretended to pout, but there was a genuine warmth in her eyes. "You're too calm, Lucan. It makes teasing you so much more fun."
Lucan met her gaze, his expression softening. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She gave him one last playful nudge before walking away, her laughter lingering in the air. Lucan watched her go. Well, I got A Rank Magician too. Just have to work a bit.
--
Later that evening, Lucan was alone in the chapel, tidying up after the day's activities. The candlelight flickered softly, casting long shadows across the room.
Olive, the silent adventurer, appeared in the doorway, her presence quiet but noticeable. Lucan looked up, surprised to see her.
"Olive," he greeted her, his voice gentle. "Is there something you need?"
Olive didn't say anything at first. She simply walked over to him, her steps light and deliberate. She stood in front of him, her dark eyes meeting his, and for a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing.
Lucan felt a strange tension in the air, something unspoken but powerful. He waited patiently, sensing that Olive had something to convey.
Then, to his surprise, she reached out and placed a hand on his chest, her touch light and almost hesitant. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his as if trying to convey a message.
Lucan's heart skipped a beat, but he remained calm, his gaze steady. "Olive…?" he asked softly.
Olive's lips parted, and for the first time since they had met, she spoke a single word. "Safe."
Lucan blinked, taken aback by the simplicity and weight of the word. He nodded slowly, understanding what she meant. "Yes. You're safe here."
Olive gave a small nod, her hand lingering on his chest for a moment longer before she slowly pulled away. She turned and walked out of the chapel, leaving Lucan standing there, the echo of her voice still lingering in the quiet air.
What's going on with this girl?
Lucan understand Julia. From school days she love him but she is tsundare. Hima was playing around since it's her nature, with no love involved. However, Lucan can't understand what's going on Olive's mind, for now he understands that she loved being here.
--
Maris feel that what she thought was correct. Lucan might not like woman? Howeve he doesn't like men as well.
Maris could be sure of it because she lived with him for five years, and knew that Lucan nature with men was same as he have with woman.