Kerum, the highest-ranking official of the temple, was already seated on one of the chairs, his aged yet powerful presence filling the room. He was a tall man with a robust frame, his silver hair neatly combed back, and his robes were a deep, rich purple, embroidered with gold threads.
He had been a mentor to Lucan during his formative years at the academy, and their relationship had always been one of mutual respect, though it was often tinged with humor and familiarity in private settings.
Lucan entered the room and gave a slight nod before taking a seat on the sofa opposite Kerum. He leaned back comfortably, the stiffness he usually displayed in public noticeably absent. Here, in the privacy of Kerum's office, there was no need for formalities.
"It's good to see you again, old man," Lucan began, his tone casual.
Kerum chuckled, his deep voice resonating warmly. "And you as well, Lucan. Though I must say, it would be nice if you showed me the same respect in private as you do in public."
Lucan smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Sorry, but that's not happening. Besides, given my strength now, you should be glad I'm still playing the role of a lowly priest in public."
Kerum raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on his lips. "Indeed, your growth has been... unexpected. Just six years ago, you were a D-rank, and now you're nearly at the level of a Kingdom-Class. I must admit, I'm shocked."
Lucan shrugged, his expression one of mild amusement. "Soon, I'll leave even you behind and become the most powerful. It's only a matter of time."
"I don't doubt it," Kerum replied, his tone becoming more serious. "But knowing you, you'll probably continue to hide your true strength, as you always have."
"Who knows," Lucan said with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "But let's talk about Maris. How is she doing here?"
Kerum sighed, snapping his fingers. Instantly, a delicate porcelain teacup filled with steaming tea appeared on the table between them, the result of a minor spell. "Maris is... remarkable. The way her power continues to grow is astonishing, almost terrifying. It's as if she's becoming something more than human.
She would surpass me in 2 years."
Lucan accepted the cup, taking a sip of the fragrant tea. He knew Kerum was a master at sensing the magical auras of others, a skill that made it nearly impossible for anyone to hide their true strength from him. If he said Maris's power was growing rapidly, it was no exaggeration.
"That's... concerning," Lucan said after a moment of contemplation. He had always known Maris was special, but to hear that she might surpass even Kerum within two years was unsettling.
Kerum nodded, his expression grim. "She's a monster in the best sense of the word. Her powers are becoming stronger every day, and there's no sign of them slowing down. It's both a blessing and a potential problem."
Lucan frowned, leaning back into the sofa. "It's good that she's kind and benevolent. Having her in the temple is certainly beneficial for us... and for me, of course."
Kerum chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Indeed, for you, it's the best possible outcome. But on a more personal note, I'm genuinely happy for you, Lucan."
Lucan looked at him, slightly puzzled. "Happy?"
"Yes," Kerum said, his gaze softening. "When you first left the academy, I was concerned. You were content to live in that small border town, seemingly without ambition. I worried that Maris would choose to stay there with you, and I was already considering powerful candidates for her to marry. But now, seeing how far you've come, I'm relieved.
You've become the most suitable partner for her, and that brings me great comfort."
Lucan was silent for a moment, absorbing Kerum's words. He hadn't expected such a personal confession from the Archpriest, and it caught him off guard. "I didn't raise her with that intention," he finally said, his voice thoughtful. "But things happen, and feelings can't be controlled."
Kerum nodded in agreement. "It's for the best. Maris deserves someone who understands her, someone who can stand by her side in both strength and spirit. I thought you be weak and decided to live rural life but I was wrong."
The room fell silent for a few moments, the only sound being the soft crackle of the fireplace. Lucan took another sip of his tea, his mind racing with thoughts about the future. He had always known Maris was special, but to think that she could soon surpass even the greatest priest in the world was not good.
"However," Kerum continued, his tone becoming more serious, "there's something else we need to discuss. Since Saintess Maris started coming to the Grand Temple and offering prayers, the effects have been profound. The crop yield throughout the kingdom has increased by 70%, epidemics and natural disasters have been minor, and the damage from monsters has greatly decreased.
The entire kingdom is prospering in ways we never expected."
Lucan listened intently, his expression growing more concerned with each passing moment.
"It's incredible," Kerum admitted, "but also a cause for concern. The kingdom is becoming accustomed to this prosperity, reliant on the blessings Maris brings. But Maris is still human. She's not an eternal god. If something were to happen to her, or if she were to leave, the divine protection could be lost. The people who have grown used to this prosperity...
would they be able to return to their old lives? More importantly, can she control that much power?"
Lucan frowned, setting his teacup down. It was true, Maris have problem controlling her power. She can't control her power when she gets excited and she didn't got angry or sad so he doesn't know what would happen if she ever become angry or sad.
As for kingdom, then it was also a double-edged sword. The more the kingdom relied on her miracles, the more vulnerable they became to the possibility of losing them. However he didn't care about that much.
"It's a distant concern," Kerum said, trying to ease the tension. "We've warned the royal family and the prominent nobles. The Saintess's power is gradually spreading, not just within the kingdom but across the continent. As its influence broadens, the effects should stabilize. But we cannot afford to lose the Saintess. Her presence here is crucial."
Lucan nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Let her graduate and see what she has in her heart," he finally said. "But one thing I'm certain of—she will never leave the temple."
Kerum smiled, a look of relief crossing his features. "That's good to hear. It's a great comfort to know that the Saintess is in good hands."