"Well then, I'll take my leave."
"Yes... thank you."
After leaving the headmaster's office, Lucan parted ways with the other teachers and began walking down the corridor of the academy with Maris.
Maris, on the other hand, seemed unusually cheerful. Her steps were light, almost as if she were skipping down the hallway with an excited energy that couldn't be contained. It was clear that something about Lucan's presence brought her a kind of joy that was hard to hide.
"Lucan-sama, this way! Please follow me! Let's go!" she urged, her voice full of enthusiasm.
"Uh, okay," Lucan replied, somewhat amused by her enthusiasm. "Maris... you don't have to hold my hand, you know? I can walk on my own."
Lucan offered her a wry smile, gently trying to pull his hand away. But Maris, with a radiant smile of her own, held his hand tightly, her grip firm.
3rd Bonus Chapter