BXBX NOVEL Chapter 93: Heroine Arrived at Grand Temple
Maris's miracles dispelled every obstacle with an almost casual ease, her gentle smile never wavering.
Lucan, sitting across from her in the carriage, observed her closely. Maris's presence was like a constant beacon of warmth, radiating an aura of calm and peace that seemed to affect everyone around her. Her miracles were becoming more frequent, almost second nature to her now.
"Maris, you've really outdone yourself this time," Lucan said.
Maris looked up, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "I'm just happy to help, Lucan-sama. It's what I'm here for."
The carriage jostled slightly as it continued along the path, the road now lined with flowers of every imaginable color. These flowers, a manifestation of Maris's power, did not wither as the seasons changed; they would remain vibrant, protecting travelers and warding off monsters indefinitely.
The sight was breathtaking, and Lucan couldn't help but be impressed by the impact Maris had on the world around her.
She is... It will be troublesome in future if her power continues grow this fast.
Lucan thought as they neared the outskirts of the royal capital, Maris leaned out of the window, her eyes scanning the horizon with anticipation. "The royal capital... Lucan-same you used to live here right?"
Lucan nodded, reminiscing. "Yes... After graduating from the academy, I moved to the border town. But I used to live here, in my family's mansion in the royal capital."
Maris turned her gaze back to Lucan, her expression thoughtful. "It must have been a big change for you, moving away from the capital."
"It was," Lucan admitted.
The carriage continued its journey towards the Grand Temple, a towering edifice that dominated the skyline of the royal capital. The plan was to drop off their luggage there before exploring the city. Maris had been eager to visit cafes, bookstores, and hidden spots she had discovered with friends, but those plans would have to wait.
It wouldn't be appropriate to carry their travel bags around the city.
They approached the gates of the Grand Temple. The temple Lucan had managed back in the border town was nothing compared to this. The white marble walls gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the massive doors were adorned with intricate carvings of saints and angels. It was a place of awe and reverence, a fitting destination for someone like Maris.
"Welcome back, Saintess Maris. And welcome, Priest Lucan," a deep, resonant voice greeted them as the carriage came to a stop.
Lucan stepped out first, helping Maris down from the carriage. They were met by a large group of people, including priests, Temple Knights, and at their forefront, Archpriest Kerum, the highest-ranking official of the temple. Over a hundred people had gathered to welcome them, all standing in front of the temple's grand entrance.
"Archpriest Kerum," Lucan said with a respectful bow. "Thank you for coming out to greet us. I assume you knew we were coming?"
Kerum nodded. "Yes, we received word of your arrival. It was hard to miss, what with the flowers blooming along the road."
Lucan looked up at the sky, noticing something wrapped in a white light hovering above them. It was a dark marionette with angelic wings, a being that Lucan recognized but knew was invisible to most.
"It seems the soldiers on the city walls noticed as well," Kerum continued, following Lucan's gaze.
"Ah, I see," Lucan replied, slightly embarrassed. "I apologize if we caused any disturbance."
"No disturbance at all," Kerum assured him, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "But the flowers... They will likely draw attention. People will talk."
"Flowers themselves are harmless, but I suppose it's the mystery of them that might cause concern," Lucan mused. "What happens if someone picks one with impure thought of Saint, for example?"
Kerum smiled, his expression thoughtful. "In truth, we do not know. Miracles are unpredictable in their consequences. It's best to leave them undisturbed."
With that, the conversation turned to practical matters. Kerum led them inside the Grand Temple, where the air was cool and fragrant with incense. The temple was even more impressive on the inside, with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows depicting scenes from the sacred texts, and long rows of pews leading up to a grand altar.
The floor was made of polished marble, and their footsteps echoed as they walked.
"I've arranged for your luggage to be delivered to the Royal Academy's staff dormitory," Kerum informed Lucan as they moved through the temple's vast halls. "But you are welcome to stay here for the night, Priest Lucan. The ceremony for your canonization is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, so you'll have some time to rest and prepare."
Lucan nodded in thanks. "I appreciate the hospitality. And I'll need the time to get ready."
Maris, who had been mostly silent, turned to Lucan with a bright smile. "Lucan-sama, I'll head to my room now to change. I'll see you later."
Lucan watched as she gracefully made her way down one of the side corridors, disappearing around a corner.
Meanwhile, while Maris was settling into her private quarters, Lucan was invited to meet with Archpriest Kerum in his office. The Grand Temple's administrative wing was a place of quiet authority, its corridors lined with ancient tomes and religious relics, each one telling stories of the saints and priests who had served before.
Lucan knew these halls well, having spent many hours here during his time as a student at the Royal Academy.
Kerum's office was large and imposing, filled with the scent of old leather and incense. Bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with thick volumes of sacred texts, historical records, and magical tomes. A grand desk, made of dark, polished wood, stood at one end, but it was the two high-backed chairs and a sofa near the fireplace that commanded the room.
A large window behind the desk let in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the room.