Kapitel 59: Heroine Closeness to Lucan

Maris's return to the temple was a surprise for Lucan, though he knew it was because of her deep feelings for him. However, he wasn't quite prepared for the physical closeness she exhibited. Maris had latched onto him like a koala, her arms wrapped tightly around his torso.

"...So, that's what happened."

"Um... I don't understand at all."

Rina, the top adventurer with her striking short red hair, looked on in confusion. The sight of Maris clinging to Lucan's back was certainly unexpected.

"Lucan-sama, why is Maris clinging to you like that?"

"That's a good question… I'm not sure either, Rina."

Lucan shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable as he felt Maris's warm body pressed against his back. Her arms were snug around his waist, and he could sense the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took. The sensation was both comforting and slightly overwhelming.

"Maris, are you really okay with this? It seems a bit… intense."

"It's fine. I just needed to be close to Lucan-sama after being away for so long."

Maris's voice was muffled by the fabric of Lucan's robe, her breath warm against his skin. Her grip was firm yet tender, creating a continuous, intimate contact that made Lucan acutely aware of her presence. He could feel her body's warmth and the subtle pressure of her chest against his back, which was both distracting and confusing.

"Girls have their reasons… Please, just let it be. It's a small request from someone who's missed her guardian," Maris said softly.

Rina, observing the situation with growing unease, sighed. As a woman, she understood the depth of Maris's affection but couldn't help feeling discomfort at the sight of Maris clinging so closely to Lucan.

"I don't think I can get used to this. But if it makes Maris happy…"

"Thank you for understanding, Rina."

Maris's response was gentle, and Lucan could feel the slight tremor in her embrace as she adjusted her hold. Her touch was tender but unrelenting, and it created a sensation that was both soothing and disconcerting. The pressure of her body against him was making him increasingly aware of the physical intimacy between them.

Lucan, though feeling the warmth of Maris's embrace, was trying to navigate his feelings. He was aware of Maris's affection but wasn't prepared for a relationship at this time. He preferred to act dense until she graduated.

"Lucan-sama, maybe we should let Maris do what she wants? She might be missing you so much that she is doing this," Rina suggested.

Maris wasn't clinging to Lucan out of anxiety or loneliness; she was simply inhaling his scent, trying to reconnect with the comfort of his presence. Her clinginess was a way to replenish her "Lucan component" after their separation.

"Ah… Maris."

"I'm not letting go."

"You don't have to let go, but please listen."

"..."

"There were many challenges during your school life. You really did a great job."

Lucan spoke gently, trying to acknowledge her efforts.

"You did really well over these six months. Feel free to cling to me until you're satisfied."

"...Really?"

"Yes, really. Maris, you're as light as a feather, so it doesn't bother me at all."

In truth, what bothered him was not her weight but the constant, intimate contact. The sensation of her body pressed against his back, especially with her chest in close proximity, was making him increasingly uncomfortable and aroused, which was not something he was prepared for.

"Um… By the way, we promised a reward for graduating from the academy. It's still more than two years until graduation, but if you have a small request, I could advance it…"

"Really!?"

"Huh?"

"Will you really listen to my request?!"

"Uh, well… If it's something simple?"

Maris, with her arms still wrapped around him, looked up with bright eyes. "Actually, there's one thing… I was hoping we could take a bath together tonight."

"A bath? What are you—"

Lucan's protest was cut off by Maris's eager tone. "You promised you'd grant any request, didn't you?"

"I didn't mean—"

"And we'll share a bed afterward, won't we?"

"Wha—"

As Lucan tried to respond, Rina, noticing the escalating awkwardness, discreetly excused herself. She didn't want to be involved in what was becoming an increasingly uncomfortable situation.

"Goodbye, Lucan-sama. I'll leave you to it."

Left alone with Maris's intense gaze and firm embrace, Lucan felt a mix of resignation and bewilderment. Maris cheerfully skipped off to prepare for the evening, leaving Lucan to grapple with the unexpected turn of events. The warmth and closeness of Maris were affecting him more than he cared to admit. He knew he had to maintain composure, but the physical sensations from her embrace made him question how he would handle their bath together.

All of this because her power... I have to do something or else...