The morning was peaceful as usual in the temple. The early light streamed through the tall windows, bathing the stone floor in a soft glow. Lucan was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast with his usual calm precision. The scent of freshly baked bread and herbal tea filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that matched the tranquility of the morning.
As he set the table, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Lucan looked up just in time to see Julia entering the kitchen, her expression a mixture of annoyance and something else she tried to hide. She paused at the doorway, as if debating whether to turn around and leave, but eventually, she sighed and walked in.
"Morning, Julia," Lucan greeted her with a warm smile, not missing a beat as he poured the tea into two cups.
"Morning," she replied curtly, her arms crossed as she leaned against the counter. She glanced at the table, noticing the neatly arranged breakfast. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble, you know."
"It's no trouble," Lucan replied calmly, placing the teapot in the center of the table. "Besides, it's nice to start the day with a good breakfast."
Julia huffed, though there was no real irritation behind it. She sat down at the table, eyeing the food with a mix of interest and stubbornness. "You always say that, but you don't have to cook for everyone all the time. We can fend for ourselves."
Lucan took a seat across from her, his expression unbothered. "I enjoy cooking. It's a good way to start the day."
Julia gave him a sidelong glance, her cheeks slightly tinged with pink. "You're too calm about everything. It's annoying."
Lucan smiled gently. "Would you prefer if I were more flustered?"
She hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "N-No! I just… don't get why you're always so… so…"
"So what?" Lucan asked, his tone inviting yet patient.
Julia looked away, her face turning a shade redder. "So infuriatingly calm," she muttered, more to herself than to him.
Lucan chuckled softly, pouring tea into her cup. "I'm just being myself, Julia."
She glanced at him, catching his smile, and quickly looked down at her plate. "Well, it's weird."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Lucan said, taking a sip of his tea. "I'd rather be calm than cause unnecessary worry."
Julia picked up a piece of bread, spreading some butter on it with more force than necessary. "You're way too relaxed, that's all I'm saying."
Lucan simply nodded, the small smile never leaving his face. They ate in silence for a few moments, the clinking of utensils the only sound in the room. Despite her earlier grumbling, Julia seemed to be enjoying the breakfast, though she'd never admit it.
After a while, Lucan spoke up again. "Do you have any plans for the day?"
Julia glanced up at him, her brow furrowed as if she was trying to figure out his angle. "Why do you ask?"
"I just thought we could go to the town together, if you'd like," Lucan suggested, his tone casual. "I need to pick up some supplies for the temple, and I thought you might want to join me."
Julia's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion creeping into her expression. "You're not trying to ask me out or anything, are you?"
Lucan blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. "No, nothing like that. Just a simple errand."
Her expression softened, though she still looked a bit flustered. "Oh. Well… I suppose I could go with you. Not because I want to, but because… well, it's not like I have anything better to do."
Lucan's smile widened slightly. "I'd appreciate the company."
"Whatever," she muttered, focusing on her breakfast again.
They finished eating in companionable silence, and once the dishes were cleared away, they set off for the town. The walk was pleasant, the morning air fresh and cool. As they strolled along the cobblestone streets, Julia found herself relaxing despite her best efforts to stay guarded.
The marketplace was bustling with activity, and Lucan navigated through the crowd with his usual calm demeanor. Julia followed closely, her eyes darting around as if expecting something to happen.
Lucan stopped at a stall selling herbs and spices, engaging the vendor in polite conversation as he selected what he needed. Julia stood nearby, her arms crossed as she pretended not to be interested in the vibrant displays.
"Do you need anything while we're here?" Lucan asked, turning to her after completing his purchase.
Julia shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "No, I'm good."
Lucan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Alright. Let's head to the general store next."
As they walked, Lucan noticed a small crowd gathered around a street performer playing a lively tune on a flute. Julia glanced over, her curiosity piqued despite herself.
"Do you want to stop and watch?" Lucan asked, noticing her interest.
Julia hesitated, then shook her head. "We don't have time for that."
Lucan didn't press her, though he did steer them closer to the performer as they passed. Julia found herself slowing down, her steps unconsciously matching the rhythm of the music. Before she knew it, they had stopped, standing at the edge of the crowd.
The performer finished the tune and bowed to the applause of the onlookers. Julia clapped along with everyone else, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her efforts to remain indifferent.
Lucan noticed the smile and couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest. "You liked that, didn't you?"
Julia quickly wiped the smile off her face, her cheeks reddening. "It was okay, I guess. Nothing special."
Lucan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You can admit it when you enjoy something, you know."
She shot him a glare, though there was no real heat behind it. "I wasn't that impressed."
"Of course," Lucan replied, his tone light. "Shall we continue?"
Julia nodded, eager to change the subject. As they continued their errand, she found herself glancing at him every now and then, trying to understand how he could be so composed all the time.
By the time they returned to the temple, the sun was beginning to dip in the sky. Lucan carried the supplies into the kitchen, while Julia lingered in the doorway, her arms crossed as she leaned against the frame.
"Thanks for helping me today," Lucan said as he set the bags down. "It made the errands much more enjoyable."
Julia shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flickering to the floor. "It's not like I did much."
"You did more than you think," Lucan replied, his tone warm. "I appreciate it."
Julia looked at him, her expression softening for a brief moment before she quickly masked it with her usual bravado. "Well, don't get used to it. I'm not your personal assistant or anything."
Lucan smiled, nodding in understanding. "I wouldn't dream of it."
She huffed, but there was a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Good. Just remember that."
As she turned to leave, Lucan called out to her, his voice gentle. "Julia."
She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "What?"
"Thank you," he said simply, his eyes meeting hers with quiet sincerity.
Julia stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, without another word, she turned and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Lucan alone with a smile on his face.
"Good, she seems to like it," Lucan was trying his best to make these woman love him while also acting that he didn't love them.
It's hard to do it but he got plenty of time. Morever, he didn't wanted to get into any relationship with them. If he did get into any relationship then Maris might give up on him.
---
Maris watched everything that happened today, and she was confused.
Then suddenly, she realized that Lucan could cook. At first, Lucan wanted to cook for her, but Maris felt bad and wanted to be useful, so she took on the job of cooking. Since then, she had been the one cooking for Lucan.
That's why she completely forgot that Lucan could cook. Suddenly, she wanted to try Lucan's cooking.
Well, that's good, but... it seems the priest is interested in Julia? I have to keep a closer eye and understand it.
Maris decided, also warning herself to be extra careful not to leave Lucan alone with any women for too long.