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For now he was normal but before... He to be careful or he might lose himself.

"Maris, I'm glad you're here," Lucan said softly, his tone gentle but controlled.

Before Maris could respond, the sound of footsteps approached the temple's entrance. Lucan turned, pulling open the door to reveal a group of knights standing there, their expressions a mix of concern and unease.

"Good evening, Father," the lead knight greeted, his voice respectful yet wary. "We've come in search of Saint Maris. She left the inn room without notice, and we were worried about her safety. We suspected she might come here."

Lucan glanced back at Maris, who was still standing close behind him, her presence a constant warmth against his back. He nodded to the knights, his expression calm and reassuring.

"She's here, safe and sound," Lucan replied. "You've done well to come all this way, but there's no need for concern. Please, come inside and rest."

The knights hesitated, their eyes flicking between Lucan and Maris, who was still hugging Lucan from behind, her arms wrapped around his waist. The lead knight seemed particularly uncomfortable, clearing his throat before speaking again.

"Father, if I may ask… how old are you?" the knight asked, his tone cautious.

Lucan raised an eyebrow at the question, but he answered without hesitation. "I'm twenty-three."

The knights exchanged glances, their expressions revealing their surprise. "And… Saint Maris is fifteen…"

Lucan nodded, understanding the implication. There was an eight-year difference between them, but he didn't see it as significant. However, the knights seemed to find the closeness between Lucan and Maris unsettling, especially given her status as a saint.

"Saint Maris," one of the knights ventured cautiously, "it's important to maintain a certain decorum, especially given your position. Perhaps… it would be best if you refrained from such… intimate displays."

Maris's eyes flickered with a brief flash of annoyance, though she quickly masked it with a sweet smile. She tightened her hold on Lucan, pressing her cheek against his back.

"It's fine," Maris said, her voice gentle but firm. "I can act however I wish. Isn't that right, Lucan-sama?"

Lucan, unaware of the tension in the air, simply nodded. "Of course, Maris. You've always been free to do as you please."

The knights, however, could see a faint glow in Maris's eyes—something that made them uneasy. They knew better than to challenge her authority, especially after witnessing her power firsthand.

The lead knight cleared his throat again, trying to maintain his composure. "We meant no disrespect, Saint Maris. We're only concerned for your safety and well-being."

Maris smiled at him, but her eyes held a warning. "There's no need to worry. I'm perfectly safe here."

Lucan, sensing the tension, tried to diffuse the situation by changing the subject. "Maris, I'm curious… why did you came here? Aren't your friends Invited you somewhere?"

Maris's expression softened as she looked up at him. "They did… but I declined their invitation. I wanted to see you, Lucan-sama. You're more important to me."

Lucan understood. He had intervened in Maris's life, changing the course of events from the original game storyline. In the game, Maris had no reason to return home because she had severed ties with her family. His actions had created a new path.

He realized that by staying here with him, Maris had missed out on events that could affect the future. However, there was still time—two weeks until the summer event. He could find a way to redirect the story and control the events.

As he pondered this, Maris noticed the thoughtful expression on his face and felt a pang of anxiety. "Lucan-sama… am I causing you trouble by being here?"

Lucan quickly shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "No, Maris. I'm happy that you're here. I was just thinking about how to best accommodate everyone."

Maris's smile returned, and she leaned into his touch, her worries melting away. "I'm glad… I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You could never be a burden, Maris," Lucan replied, his voice steady and kind.

The knights, feeling increasingly out of place, spoke up again. "Father, perhaps we should stay here at the temple to ensure Saint Maris's safety."

Before Lucan could respond, Maris's eyes flashed with a subtle, ominous light, though Lucan remained oblivious. The knights, however, saw it clearly, and a cold shiver ran down their spines.

Maris tightened her grip on Lucan, her voice deceptively sweet. "There's no need for that. I'm perfectly safe here with Lucan-sama. You've done your duty by finding me, and I appreciate it. But now, you should return to your post."

The knights exchanged uneasy glances, but they knew better than to argue with her. They quickly bowed and made their excuses, retreating from the temple and leaving Lucan and Maris alone once more.