After the end-of-term ceremony before summer vacation at the academy, Maris returned to the Great Temple in the royal capital.
A sister greeted Maris as she stepped down from the carriage.
"Welcome back, Lady Saint."
"I'm back. Where is His Eminence the Archpriest?"
"He is in his office, but..."
"Thank you!"
With a brief acknowledgment, Maris quickly headed to the Archpriest's office.
"Excuse me, it's Maris!"
She knocked, but before receiving a response, she opened the door. The Archpriest, Kerum, looked up from his paperwork with a stern expression.
"Lady Maris, that was unladylike."
"Never mind that! It's summer vacation! As promised, I'm going home!"
"Hmm..."
At Maris's declaration, the Archpriest's expression grew even more sour. Maris had been insisting for some time that she would return to the town during the long break. The Archpriest wanted her to stay at the Great Temple to continue her training and sacred duties during the summer.
"I've already completed the assigned tasks. You wouldn't go back on your word now, would you?"
Maris smiled but spoke in a tone that brooked no argument.
She had finished a month's worth of work in advance. In terms of sacred arts training, she had already reached an overwhelmingly high level unmatched by anyone in the temple. There was no further need for training. When the Archpriest added the condition of placing in the top ten in the final exams, she achieved second place in her grade while fulfilling her temple duties.
There was no longer any reason to stop her, though the Archpriest still hesitated.
If possible, I don't want Lady Maris to return to her hometown... Even for just one month, having the Saint leave the Great Temple is problematic.
Saint Maris had garnered much respect and was becoming a symbol of the Great Temple. Her leaving the capital could cause various issues. There might be villains aiming for the Saint, and it could damage the temple's credibility if they couldn't keep her.
And then there's that man, Priest Lucan Ironfist...
It was clear from Maris's behavior that she had strong feelings for Lucan. He had rescued and raised her until she was fifteen, so it was only natural, but her feelings were clearly more than familial.
Lady Maris should marry a noble or a prominent figure in the temple... Despite being the son of the Marquis Ironfist, we can't let her marry a countryside priest...
It wasn't just a political issue. A mere countryside priest couldn't provide the necessary support and protection for Saint Maris. Hence, the Archpriest had been suggesting potential suitors to separate Maris and Lucan amicably, but all attempts had failed, as if an unseen force was at work.
If Lady Maris wishes to be with Priest Lucan Ironfist, so be it. But... the problem is that Ironfist has neither ambition nor drive.
The Archpriest had once suggested bringing Lucan to the Great Temple in the capital and granting him a bishop's position in recognition of his achievements in raising and protecting the Saint. However, Lucan himself had firmly declined.
'I enjoy living in the countryside. I have no intention of leaving this town.'
If we can't bring Lucan to the capital, we'll have to find another suitable match for Lady Maris...
"Ah, Lady Maris, about that..."
"What is it?"
"If you return to town, there are various security concerns..."
The Archpriest tried to gently refuse her homecoming.
"Are you seriously considering going back on your promise now? I've fulfilled my duties and achieved excellent exam results as agreed, haven't I?"
As Maris smiled, a space behind her began to crack, and something monstrous appeared. An evil-looking marionette, its gaze unnervingly menacing, peered through the rift and glared at the Archpriest.
"There might be... some security concerns, so please be very careful on your journey."
"Yes! I'm off!"
"Yes... have a safe trip..."
With a strained smile, the Archpriest waved, and Maris cheerfully waved back as she left the room, leaving Kerum puzzled by the appearance of the malevolent marionette.
Why does Lady Maris have such an evil-looking marionette as a summon?