Chapter 89: Heroine Feel Pride and Happy
Taro\'s chest puffed out with pride, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of a job well done. "It\'s my pleasure! I\'m glad I could help with the Saint\'s temple!" His voice carried a robust energy that matched his newfound sense of purpose.
As the two continued to express their gratitude, Taro\'s demeanor became almost exuberant. "I\'m honored to have been entrusted with the Saint\'s temple, even if just temporarily! If you ever need me again, just let me know!"
Lucan smiled. "Thank you. I\'ll be sure to rely on you if that happens."
Just as the conversation seemed to be winding down, Taro\'s expression shifted, becoming slightly more serious. "Oh, by the way," he said, reaching into his robe. "A letter arrived from the Grand Temple in the royal capital during your absence."
He handed Lucan a finely sealed envelope, the wax emblem of the Grand Temple unmistakable. Lucan\'s eyes narrowed slightly as he took it.
"This is…" Lucan murmured, recognizing the name on the envelope. "It\'s from Archpriest Kerum."
The name carried a certain gravitas. Archpriest Kerum was a figure of immense power and influence within the ecclesiastical hierarchy, second only to the God\'s Avatar and, in many ways, more directly involved in the day-to-day governance of the temple\'s affairs.
Moreover, he was also strong, strong enough to kill Maris if he ever got serious about it.
As Lucan carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanned the elegant script, absorbing the words with growing intrigue.
"The content is… inviting me to the royal capital? To grant me the title of Holy Priest?"
The letter elaborated on the invitation, stating that the Grand Temple wished to officially recognize Lucan as a "Holy Priest" and was inviting him to the capital for the ceremony.
The title of Holy Priest was a prestigious honor, bestowed upon priests who had made significant contributions to the faith and the temple\'s mission.
"That\'s amazing, Lucan-sama!" Maris exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness for him. Her light blue eyes sparkled with admiration, the soft pink of her hair catching the fading sunlight.
"Oh, that\'s wonderful!" Taro echoed, his excitement palpable as he clapped Lucan on the back with a hearty thump.
Maris\'s heart swelled with joy, her thoughts swirling with the possibilities this new development presented. She had always believed in Lucan\'s potential, knowing that he was destined for greatness. The thought of him being recognized and honored by the Grand Temple filled her with pride. She was genuinely happy, not just for Lucan\'s achievement, but for what it meant for their future together.
As she looked at Lucan, her mind drifted to the many moments they had shared, the conversations, the laughter, and the unspoken bond that had grown between them. Maris had always admired Lucan\'s, but now, seeing him standing on the brink of such an important milestone, her admiration deepened into something more profound.
She couldn\'t help but imagine their future—Lucan rising through the ranks, his name revered by all, while she stood by his side, supporting him every step of the way. The thought warmed her heart, filling her with a sense of fulfillment she hadn\'t known she was missing. In future, once Lucan was top position of Temple, no one would say anything if she got together with Lucan.
While Maris and Taro were caught up in the excitement of the news, Lucan was also happy about it. This was the first step to reaching a higher status in his life, and one day he would stand at the top. As for what contributions he had made to receive this title, the most significant was guiding Maris, nurturing her innate gifts, and helping her grow into her role as the Saint.
He glanced at Maris, who was beaming with pride. Lucan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This title he had received was tied to her, to everything they had achieved together.
However, he had one concern: the Water Source he had been thinking about before the trip. It was something that could make him strong enough to not lose against any Kingdom-Class strong people. But if he went to the capital now, he wouldn\'t have time for the Water Source.
Well, forget it… Lucan thought, resigning himself. I\'m already a Kingdom-Class strong person. The Water Source can wait.
He nodded to himself, resolving to accept the honor. The Grand Temple\'s recognition was a significant step, and while he was there, he should also meet his siblings and mother.
"Well then," he said, breaking the silence that had settled around them, "I\'ll accept the invitation and head to the royal capital."
As he was about to fold the letter back into its envelope, something caught his eye. There was another piece of paper tucked inside, neatly folded and bearing a different seal.
"Huh, there\'s another letter inside?" he muttered, carefully pulling it out and unfolding it.
The paper was slightly thicker, with the emblem of the Royal Academy embossed at the top. As Lucan\'s eyes scanned the text, his brow furrowed in confusion and then slowly lifted in surprise.
"\'Appointment certificate. You are appointed as a temporary lecturer at the Royal Academy in the royal capital\'…?" he read aloud, the words hanging in the air between them.
Maris, who had been quietly observing Lucan\'s reaction, tilted her head slightly, her expression curious. "The Royal Academy..." Then a blooming smile appeared on her face. "Doesn\'t that mean we can be together?"
Lucan nodded.
"Yeaahhhh," Maris smiled as she hugged Lucan, "We can be together. I don\'t have to miss you."
Lucan hugged her back as he considered the reason behind this.
The suddenness of the appointment, combined with the invitation to be recognized as a Holy Priest, made Lucan wonder if there was more at play.
Taro, who had been silent, spoke up as Maris finished displaying her happiness.
"The Royal Academy… That\'s an incredible opportunity, Lucan-sama. To be invited as a lecturer… You must accept!"
Maris nodded in agreement. "Yes, please accept it. We can be together."
"Yes," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "I will accept both invitations."