Let's Train Heroine

One week had passed since Lucan's teaching career began. Despite some initial challenges—like the jealousy and resentment from a few students and the constant speculation about his relationship with Maris—Lucan found his new role to be unexpectedly smooth. The hurdles were nothing he couldn't handle, and in fact, he had even managed to gain a small but loyal following among the students.

His popularity was especially strong among those he had once saved during his Mordecai's incident, and these students now eagerly attended his classes, looking up to him with admiration.

"Lucan-sama, let's have lunch."

Every day during lunch break, Maris would come to Lucan's classroom. Without fail, she carried a neatly wrapped bundle containing homemade bento boxes, specially prepared for them to eat together. Maris, with her extensive knowledge of theology, wasn't attending Lucan's classes, so this was her way of spending time with him during the busy day.

Lucan, far from being bothered by her daily visits, was actually quite pleased. The bento Maris brought not only saved him the trouble of preparing his own lunch but also filled the pleasant with beauty of Maris.

"Well then, let's eat together!" Maris said, her face lighting up with a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. Lucan couldn't help but smile back as they walked together to a small, secluded room in the back of the temple—a quiet place where they could enjoy their meals without interruptions.

Once inside, Maris unwrapped the bundle and opened the bento box, revealing its contents: perfectly cooked rice, a sweet omelet, fried chicken, and broccoli wrapped in ham—all of Lucan's favorite dishes.

Lucan's eyes widened slightly in pleasant surprise as he looked at the familiar dishes. "You really know how to spoil me, Maris," he remarked, sitting down across from her.

Maris giggled softly. "I just pay attention to what you like, Lucan-sama. I want you to enjoy your meals."

Lucan chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I often wonder how you manage to get white rice in this kingdom," he said, gesturing toward the fluffy, steaming grains.

This game is part of the western cultural sphere where bread is the staple food. Rice is such a rare commodity here that even the nobles hardly eat it.

Maris tilted her head slightly, a playful smile on her lips. "Well, who knows? Maybe fairies bring it," she replied, her tone teasing yet sincere. In truth, Maris wasn't entirely sure how she always found the rice in the kitchen, but she was glad that she could make Lucan happy with it.

Lucan chuckled again, "Fairies, huh? I suppose I shouldn't question a good thing." He reached for his fork, ready to dive into the meal. "Well, please help yourself," Maris said, placing some of the food on his plate with a gentle smile.

"…Thank you," Lucan replied, as he took his first bite. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain tender and fragrant. The omelet was just the right balance of sweet and savory, and the fried chicken had a rich soy sauce flavor that brought a comforting taste of home to Lucan's mouth. The seasoning was impeccable, just as he liked it.

"It's delicious. Just as good today," Lucan praised, savoring each bite.

"I'm glad you like it," Maris responded, her eyes shining with joy as she watched him eat. "Please eat plenty."

Despite having lunch together every day since Lucan started teaching, Maris never seemed to tire of watching him. She sat across from him, her eyes focused on his every movement, as if each bite he took brought her immense satisfaction.

"Maris, are you really enjoying yourself?" Lucan asked, glancing up at her between bites. He was genuinely curious. It seemed odd to him that someone could derive so much pleasure just from watching someone else eat.

"Yes, I am," Maris replied immediately, her voice full of sincerity. "I like watching you eat, Lucan-sama. I never get tired of it."

Lucan paused, pondering her words. "I see..." he murmured. It was an understandable sentiment, though still a bit strange. Reflecting on it, Lucan realized that he didn't dislike watching Maris eat either. However, he couldn't imagine himself enjoying it as much as she seemed to.

"It's been a week since you became a teacher, Lucan-sama," Maris said, "Is there anything troubling you?"

"No, not at all," Lucan replied, shaking his head. "Everyone is treating me well, and the students are diligent."

The teaching staff in the dorm were kind, offering him advice and guidance whenever he needed it. The students, for the most part, were earnest and respectful. Most of them were noble's children, and none had dared to challenge Lucan, who was recognized as a Holy Priest.

"That's good to hear," Maris said.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by a hesitant voice. "Excuse me! Is Lucan-sama here?"

Lucan turned his head towards the door, slightly surprised. "Please, come in," he called out, setting his utensils down.

The door opened slowly, and a group of three students—a second-year girl and two of her friends—entered the room. They seemed a bit nervous, their eyes darting between Lucan and Maris.

"Sorry to interrupt your meal, Lucan-sama," the girl said, bowing slightly. "We were hoping you could teach us to play the lyre today..."

Lucan smiled kindly at the students. "Of course, it's no problem. We've just finished eating."

Since arriving at the academy, Lucan had been asked to give lyre lessons more frequently. His skill with the instrument had caught the attention of several students, particularly those aspiring to become musicians.

"See? You even have musical talent," Maris said proudly.

Lucan gave a modest shrug, then turned back to the students. "I'll go now. Maris, please enjoy eating the rest of your meal."

Maris looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. "I've finished eating. It's fine," she said, smiling sweetly.

"Eh...!?" Lucan glanced at her bento box in surprise. It was empty. Just a moment ago, there had been food left, but now there was nothing. Maris was daintily wiping her mouth with a napkin. She was indeed a fast eater.

"I'll go too... It's okay with everyone, right?" Maris asked, turning to the girls with a friendly smile.

"Y-yes... of course," the second-year girl stammered, her eyes wide with awe and a touch of fear. The other two nodded quickly, their expressions mirroring their friend's.

"No, Please, Saint, join us as well..." one of the other girls quickly said.

Lucan noticed the fear of these girls and sighed.

"Well then, let's go," Lucan said, taking the lead as he stood up.

They made their way to the music room, where Lucan began his lyre lesson.