With the discovery of the Golden Mouse, Julia and her companions had completed their task in the town. The elusive creature, a symbol of good fortune, was now safely secured in a finely crafted wooden cage. The cage itself was lined with soft, woven cloth to ensure the mouse's comfort during the journey to the capital. The adventurers took great care, knowing the importance of their cargo.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the town, Julia stood by the carriage, preparing for departure. She wore her usual adventurer's gear: a fitted leather vest over a dark green tunic, belted at the waist to accentuate her figure. Her pants were practical, made of durable material, but they hugged her legs in a way that subtly hinted at her femininity. Her boots, though worn from travel, were polished and sturdy, reaching just below her knees. Around her ring finger, she wore a simple ring that Lucan gave her. Her white hair, usually tied back in a practical ponytail, was slightly tousled, giving her a rugged yet undeniably attractive appearance.
"Even though it was a short time, thanks for taking care of me," Julia said, her voice carrying a hint of her usual tsundere edge.
Lucan stood before her, dressed in his priestly robes, a stark contrast to the adventurers' attire. His expression was calm as always.
At the town's exit, Lucan bade farewell to Julia and her companions. The carriage, loaded with supplies and the precious Golden Mouse, stood ready to depart.
"It was good to see you, Julia. Stay well in the capital," Lucan said, his voice softer than usual.
"W-What's with the sudden sentimentality... It's a bit creepy, you know." Julia's face turned bright red at Lucan's words. The blush spread across her cheeks, giving her a flustered look that contrasted with her tough exterior.
Lucan's lips twitched into a small smile. "No, just joking... Oh, here's a lunchbox and some food for you and your friends, and also for the Golden Mouse. I prepared them, so take them with you."
Julia blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off by his unexpected kindness. She quickly recovered, though, and her usual bravado returned. "Oh, you're considerate. I'll accept it without hesitation."
Lucan handed her the neatly wrapped package. His fingers brushed hers briefly, and for a split second, Julia's tough façade seemed to falter. She took the package, her movements almost gentle as she placed it inside the carriage.
Having said what he needed to, Lucan raised his right hand in farewell. "Take care this time."
Julia paused, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary. "Yeah... See you again in a year. "With that, she turned abruptly and climbed into the carriage, her movements quick and deliberate as if trying to mask her embarrassment.
Hima and Olive, who were already seated inside, stuck their heads out the window and waved. Hima, with her usual playful smile, and Olive, with her characteristic silence, simply offered a nod.
"Goodbye, Priest," Hima called out, her voice tinged with its usual teasing tone.
"Yeah, see you again," Lucan responded.
As the carriage began to move and passed through the town gate, it gradually receded into the distance, eventually disappearing over the hill. Lucan watched until the carriage was no longer in sight, a faint sigh escaping his lips.
"Phew..."
"What's with the unusual sigh? Are you feeling lonely now?" Morbis, who had come to see them off as well, teased him with a grin.
"It's not that. I'm just thinking about being on my own again..." Lucan replied, though there was a hint of relief in his voice that Morbis didn't miss. Despite the calm façade he maintained, Lucan was glad that Julia had left without confessing her feelings. It was a selfish thought and he was selfish person. Whatever he did, he did because of his selfish nature.
If Julia had confessed then he had to reject her because he need make Maris, his first wife or girlfriend first before considering Julia as a potential second partner. Now will Julia agree to be his second partner?
This is something Lucan doesn't know but he knew that he needed to make Maris his first. So he couldn't risk starting a relationship with Julia while the White Fox, Maris's silent sentinel, watched over him.
Morbis eyed him curiously. "By the way, did Julia say anything to you?" he asked, his tone more serious now.
"Say what?"
"You know, about... marriage."
Lucan's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Marriage? Julia is getting married?!"
Morbis raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by Lucan's dense act. "Well, if she didn't say anything, then it's fine. Forget it."
"Even if you tell me to forget it..."
"No, seriously... That tsundere girl turned out to be more complicated than expected," Morbis muttered, more to himself than to Lucan.
Lucan watched his friend walk away, leaving behind those mysterious words. He turned towards his house, the quiet temple that now felt emptier than before.
"Looks like it'll be just me and the White Fox for a while..." Lucan thought as he walked back. Despite his usual control over his emotions, there was a faint, nagging sense of loneliness creeping in.
"I'm human; I need other humans," Lucan mused, his gaze falling on the White Fox, which lay on the ground, seemingly asleep.
--
"The girl is a coward, but I'm not. I'll complete my time at the academy and confess my feelings before someone else snatches the priest away. I must confess and not be like Julia," Maris told herself as she reflected on what happened today.
Seeing Julia, Maris learned that she has to confess her feelings to Lucan as soon as possible. She could prevent Lucan from having a girlfriend using her power, but she can't do it forever.
So, she'll complete her course at the academy, then confess to Lucan and start a happy married life.