Let's Train Heroine

Maris stepped through the grand doors of the temple, her heart still racing from her earlier encounter with Lucan. The air inside was cool, calming, and familiar, though it had been a long time since she had last visited.

As she made her way through the marble hallways, many of the temple attendants and visitors turned to greet her. Whispers of her presence spread quickly, and soon, several priests and priestesses approached, their eyes filled with admiration and respect.

"Saint Maris, welcome," one of the younger acolytes said, bowing deeply. "It has been too long since we last saw you."

Maris offered a soft smile, her heart easing slightly at their warm reception. Despite the turmoil in her chest, her face remained calm and serene, the practiced expression of a Saint who always showed grace in public. "It has been some time, hasn't it?" she replied gently. "I'm glad to be here again."

Several others greeted her as she walked, and she responded to each with the same soft smile, her voice kind and reassuring. Yet, deep inside, her emotions were still a storm. The kiss with Lucan, the way she had run away in embarrassment, the guilt she carried with her—she couldn't shake any of it.

After exchanging greetings, Maris continued on her path toward the heart of the temple, where the grand statue of the goddess stood. It was an awe-inspiring figure, carved from pure white marble, her expression one of serene wisdom.

As Maris approached the statue. The memory of the kiss with Lucan, and the things she had done after, clouded her thoughts.

However, she clear all those thoughts and knelt before the statue, she closed her eyes, clasping her hands together in prayer. The temple was silent.

She remembered that confessing to goddess could unload all burden.

But this wasn't a sin. She love Lucan and what she did was also normal, not sinful at all. However as Saint, what she did completely out of Saint's character. That's what made it shameful and she feel guilt.

"Great Goddess," she began, "I come before you today with a heart burdened by confusion and emotion. I... I don't know what to do." She swallowed, her hands trembling slightly. "Lucan-sama... I love him. I don't feel ashamed of that, and if anyone ask me, I won't hesitate to tell them.

However, what I did at room... In heat of moment... Is not like how saint should be. I think... I'm failed as Saint. I ask for your guidance, Great Goddess."

Maris remained silent after that, her mind and heart laid bare before the goddess. She waited, not for an answer—she had learned long ago that the goddess did not speak in words—but for the feeling of peace that always followed these confessions.

Slowly, as the moments passed, a sense of calm began to settle over her. The shame and guilt didn't disappear, but they no longer felt as heavy. She felt... lighter, as though some invisible burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

She opened her eyes and stared up at the statue of the goddess, her heart still aching but not as painfully. Maybe I'll be able to face Lucan now. Maybe I can speak to him without running away like a coward.

Standing up, Maris took a deep breath, her body and mind feeling somewhat more at ease. She turned to leave, but one of the temple attendants rushed toward her.

"Saint Maris, The Temple Elders have requested your presence."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Maris blinked in surprise. The Temple Elders? Why would they need to see her so suddenly? She had already informed them of the current situation regarding the Evil Magician. Still, she nodded calmly, pushing her lingering thoughts of Lucan aside for the moment. "Of course.

Lead the way."

The priestess guided her through the winding halls of the temple, leading her to the private chambers where the three elders of the temple often met.

As she stepped into the room, the three elders stood in their usual positions, their expressions grave. Maris bowed deeply in respect before straightening, her eyes scanning their faces. "Elders, you requested my presence?"

One of the elders, an elderly woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, spoke first. "Lady Maris, we have a matter of great concern. We seek your knowledge regarding Archpriest Kerum."

Maris felt a jolt of confusion. Archpriest Kerum? She had been searching for him for some time now, but there had been no trace of him. "I'm afraid I haven't found him," she said, shaking her head. "I've looked everywhere, but there's no sign of him. Either he is dead, or he's trapped in one of the small dimensions."

The second elder, a tall, thin man spoke next. "Archpriest Kerum is not dead. If he had passed, the lamb within the temple would have gone out, indicating his death."

Maris frowned slightly, feeling a bit of relief at the news but also confusion. "Then he must be in a small world. A dimension we haven't yet found."

The third elder, a portly man with a deep voice, leaned forward. "Can you find him, Lady Maris?"

Maris hesitated, thinking carefully. Searching for someone in the smaller dimensions was no easy task, and it could take weeks, possibly longer. But if the Archpriest was alive, they needed to bring him back. He might help them if Nyx came back.

"I can find him," she said after a moment. "But it will take time. Weeks, perhaps."

The elders exchanged glances, their faces still serious. The first elder nodded slowly. "Do what you must. Archpriest Kerum's return is of great importance. We trust you will succeed."

Maris nodded in return, "I will begin the search immediately," Maris said, bowing once more. "I won't let you down."

[In this world. Saint is symbol of pure. Having sex is not impure if it's done for breeding purpose but for satisfying lust, or doing anything else other than vaginal sex is impure. Which is why Maris felt guilt. I wanted to include this before but never got chance.]